₦airaland Forum

Ex-Staff of EEDC Arrested for Bypassing,Tampering Meters for Customers in Anambra


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Former staff of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) in Onitsha Anambra State has been arrested for bypassing and tampering prepaid meters for EEDC customers.

The suspect identified as Lawrence Okeke is specialized in the replacement of original meter sensors with fake ones thereby bypassing the meters and making the energy company not record the actual consumption by customers.

The Head of Corporate Communications, EEDC, Mr. Emeka Ezeh who confirmed the development said it has negatively impacted on the revenue of the distribution company.

According to Ezeh following a report by a whistle blower, the Meter Monitoring Team of the company was deployed to some locations on a routine meter monitoring inspection and ilegal connection was discovered.
"At one of the customer’s premises visited at Bida Road, Onitsha, they discovered that the meter was bypassed, and the original meter sensor removed and replaced with the fake one.
While the team interrogated the customer who already admitted their findings, the customer gave out the identity and contact of the individual that performed the bypass as Lawrence Okeke, who happens to be an ex-staff of EEDC.
Immediately, Lawrence was tracked and arrested, and handed over to the Central Police Station, Onitsha, where he is currently assisting the Police in their investigation" he said .
Ezeh disclosed that Lawrence Okeke who hails from Adogba Village in Awgu Local Government Area, Enugu State, was disengaged from EEDC in December 2020 for gross misconduct.
According to him,the apprehension of the suspect by the team is a great breakthrough in the organization’s fight against meter bypass and energy theft.
He said that it is believed that by the time the investigation is concluded, a lot of atrocities already perpetrated by the likes of Lawrence in our network, would be unraveled.
Ezeh, however cautioned customers who engage in meter bypass to desist from such as the company has stepped up its prepaid meter monitoring activities and anyone caught would be made to face the music.
He also advised the customers against the activities of some ex-staff of EEDC who still parade the network as though they are still working for the company, while they are busy extorting unsuspecting customers and carrying out criminal and illegal activities that undermine the organization’s efforts in providing quality services to its esteemed customers.
“Customers should always be mindful of who they are engaging as staff of EEDC and be sure of their identity, as a lot of people out there carrying out illegalities, parading as staff of EEDC are not in its employ”, Ezeh warned.
While commending the whistle blower for giving the information that led to the arrest of Lawrence, Ezeh also urged customers to feel free to report any suspected case of meter bypass and energy theft through the company’s whistle blowing platforms (08146026678 or ethics@enugudisco.com) or other channels, assuring that their identities will be protected.

Keke Drivers beg Soludo to deploy more security operatives at Aroma junctions


Members of the Anambra State Keke Drivers Forum (AKDF) have appealed to the State Governor,Prof. Charles Soludo to deploy more operatives of the Ocha Brigade and Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG) to popular Aroma junctions and other parks across the state to enable them sustain their daily operations.
The Keke drivers who spoke to our reporter on Monday in Awka, Anambra State Capital said the call has become neccssaray given the constant threats and illegal activities of suspected secret cult groups and touts who extort money from them.
According to the operators,the presence of security men would help to reduce chaotic traffic situation and prevent constant harrassment by the bad boys.

They also denied the allegations that an Awka based Human Rights Activist, Comrade Osita Obi, collects money from them as part of his coordination of activities of the group and Convener of the forum.
The General Secretary of the forum, Mr. Uchenna Umeh said the body is a platform where all the members air their grievances and challenges in the field of operations.
He said,"I don't know the source who is alleging extortion , we do not have such complaints of extortion here (Aroma park) presently in this park. There is no one extorting anyone in this park. Before now, yes, but now we are talking, there is nothing like that happening"
"Before now what was obtainable was that when you enter the park you pay N200 for park fee and each time you load you pay N100 but that's not the situation now. Presently, we only pay N200."he said .
According to him,before now the Aroma junctions used to be very chaotic when it comes to Keke operations.
He said,before now Keke drivers were obstructing the traffic and people were everywhere causing commotion at the junction causing obstructions and nuisance
"We did our best by trying to bring relevant authority here but all our efforts proved abortive; we talked to the Managing Director of ARTMA, Mr. Konti, we arranged to have an interface with him so that he could bring his men to be stationed here permanently in order to stop those who are causing nuisance, nothing happened"

"We have also talked to the Ministry of Transport and MD ARTDA, none of them intervened until we went to Ocha Brigade MD, we pleaded with him and he intervened and that is why there is sanity at the junctions right now. As you can see there is no obstruction at the junctions and no nuisance because of the presence of men of Ocha Brigade and men of AVG."

"The truth is that the Keke Drivers here are enjoying their operations here. It's more seamless and there is orderliness as well. The reason why the AVG are here is for our own protection. When this park was secured for keke operators to use and manage it by themselves, we received various threats by those who have interest in extorting us. Before now they collect N300 park fee and N100 per loading" he stated.
According to him,the presence of AVG and Ocha Brigade is helping them to do their business seamlessly.
"We are asking the government to deploy more AVG and Ocha Brigade men here to maintain sanity and orderlyness at Aroma junctions" he said .
Another Keke driver,who spoke to us, comrade Amos Nweke said alot of cult boys and Touts are disturbing them and creating problems in their operations.
According to him,they want to be collecting their money by themselves and not by cultists or professional unionist who the governor had banned in the state.
He expressed gratitude to Managing Director of Ocha Brigade Mr Celestine Anere and AVG operatives for providing them security and maintaining sanity at Aroma junctions.
"With the presence of AVG and Ocha Brigade,we are having sanity and seamless operations and no obstructions now at Aroma junctions. We are begging the government to empower the Ocha Brigade and AVG more to permanenyly remain at Aroma and maintain peace and sanity. Aroma is the only place that habours the state three arm zone" he stated.
Responding on the allegations,that comrade Osita Obi extort money from them ,he said that those who make the allegations are the criminal elements who have been milking them all these years before Obi came in to rescue thrm.
Nweke said that Obi is an activist and he is the person who is even spending his money to entertain them during meetings.
" Obi is human rights activist,he hates injustice and cheating. When we were being treated like animals,he intervene and save us. Anything that happens to him ,we will not take it lightly,he is our savior" he said.
Also speaking,one Keke drivers at Ifite park, comrade, Aguiyi okoronkwoobiano said that some people who are playing opposition are the major problems they are having ,and urged the government to deploy more security men to stop the bad boys misbehaviours.
He commended the AVG and Ocha Brigade MD Mr Celestine Anere for providing security for them, noting that without them they would have left the state due to the activities of the bad boys.
He also refuted the allegations that comrade Osita Obi collects money from them.
According to him, comrade Osita Obi is not a Keke driver and the only things he does was to make them maintain sanity and obey traffic rules.
He said that Obi being an activist and a man who hates cheating decided to help them and to stop the cheating and injustice by some Touts in the state.

"Honestly,I am not aware of anytime , place or in any meeting where he asked for money or where the Keke drivers gave him money. He is even the person spending on us" he said .

The co-ordinator of Keke drivers forum , comrade Osita Obi said that at his age he cannot engage in Keke driving, noting that the only interest he has was to enthrone justice , fairness and equity.
He said that another interest he has was to see sanity and orderlyness in Aroma junctions because it is the three arm zone of the government of the state .
"Iam 63 years,I have paid my dues. Iam not interested in becoming a Keke driver. My interest is to stop extortion and harrassment from the cultists and Touts to these struggling men. They are coming to me because they trust and believe in me. Iam activist,I don't ride Keke. I don't own Keke and iam not member of Keke drivers and I have no interest in being one" he said.
He said that he had received several threats from some cult boys but he is not detered because he believe he is working for better Anambra.
"I brought the DPO of B division and DPO of central police station Awka to come to Aroma and clear the mess going on.
My interest is free traffic so that the cultists will not come here and continue to be killings people. It is an embarrassment to state and the government. I will do everything to sustain this development no matter the cost. I have sent the numbers of those cultists to government and appropriate authorities and if the government allow them to kill me,so be it,but Anambra must be good and habitable" he said

Uche Ogah kinsmen congratulate him at completion of leadership programme in Oxford University

The kinsmen of business magnet, Dr Uche Ogah have congratulated him for the successful completion of his Advance leadership programme in the Oxford University London, United kingdom .
The kinsmen who through a statement signed by the President General of his town Union ,Uturu Development Association of Nigeria UDAN, Dr Chidi Mba PhD and the Secretary General Mazi Titus Eleweke expressed profound gratitude for the completion of the programme in one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
The kinsmen also commended him for the love and commitment he has demostrated towards human and materials development in the town , Abia and Nigeria in general.
In the statement,they prayed to God to grant him long life in good health to enable him continue to contribute to the development of human and infrastructural development in the town and beyond.
The statement reads:
"On behalf of the entire good people of Uturu Accient Kingdom, we graciously congratulate our illustrious son and great motivator , Dr Sampson Uche Ogah on the successful completion of his leadership programme at the prestigious institution , Oxford University United kingdom.
The people of Uturu are proud of you,and wished that this will add more grease to the already enhance engine of your human and materials development ,and thereby transforming the town into a more liveble place.we are proud and happy.
We join the world to celebrate you on this noble step you have taken in the course of leapjumping your leadership inguinity to a greater height.

The entire Uturu people are seriously praying for your long life in good health, to continue in your drive to render selfless services to Uturu, Abia and Nigeria in general.
We love you and appreciate what you stand for"

GUU Chancellor commends South East Reps for wonderful representation

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The Founder of Gregory University Uturu Prof Gregory Ibe has commended members of the South East Caucus of the House of Representatives for being true ambassadors of the region.
Prof ibe who spoke on the overview of the performance of members of the caucus in their first legislative year, commended the legislators for sponsoring what he described as "uniquely special Bills that are critical to the aspirations of the people of South East.
According to him,those Bills is capable of addressing the negative consequences of many years of political exclusion and unjust marginalization.
Prof Ibe, who is a Chieftain of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Presidential Advisory Council, particularly, lauded the South East Caucus for championing the establishment of South East Development Commission, release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and creation of Etiti State, in order to bring the zone at par with other regions.
He said "As we mark the first year anniversary of the tenth National Assembly, I want to appreciate the South East Caucus of the House of Representatives for delivering a season of good representation to the zone. Let me particularly appreciate them for sponsoring uniquely special bills that are critical to the aspirations of our people as a means of addressing the negative consequences of many years of political exclusion and unjust marginalization."
Continuing, he said, "It is worthy to place on record that the gallant efforts of members of the Caucus led to the passage of the South East Development Commission bill, an initiative that will certainly propel faster transformation of our region.
"I also recognize and appreciate the laudable efforts of some honourable members of the caucus aimed at adopting a political solution in achieving the release of our brother Nnamdi Kanu.
"Finally, the icing on the cake is the recent motion sponsored by some members of the caucus for the creation of Etiti State. Being a project that the South East Delegation of the 2014 National Conference under the leadership of Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (Rtd.) championed, in my capacity as consultant to the delegation, I have, since 2014, passionately fought for the realization of Etiti State. I am glad that the vision we birthed is now being given legislative attention through the gallant efforts of some members of the caucus. Going forward, I want to appeal to all stakeholders within our region to support this move by joining forces with our Representatives in a bid to realize an additional equalizing state within the zone, that will be created by equitably annexing Local Government Councils from each of the present five states that constitute the South East and that is a central state called Etiti."
Prof Ibe therefore encouraged the caucus not to relent in their legislative duties and subsequent oversight functions, promising to partner them in achieving speedy development of the region"

Tricyclists protest to Anambra House of Assembly over extortion by touts, govt officials



Anambra State Triycle Riders, under the umbrella of Anambra Keke Drivers Forum AKDF on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest against extortions by touts in collaboration with Goverment officials.
The protest which started at Ekeueme Junction and terminated at Anambra State House of Assembly had over 1000 triycle drivers.
Speaking at the State House of Assembly in the presence of Majority Leader of the house,Hon.Ikenna Ofodieme,one of the executives, Mr Ifeanyi Okafor, said some government officials in collaboration with touts are still extorting money from them despite governor Charles Soludo ban on the activities of louts in the state.
He told the majority leader that ,when Soludo assumed office,he banned all the activities of touts and union but regrettably today touting has not stopped.
He said that the governor promised them that immediately after payment of their levies of N15,000, they will not not pay any other money in the state.
According to him,the governor after some time graciously reduced the money to N8,000 due to the economic challenges.
"Soludo assured us that after paying the money that nobody will pay any other thing, apart from those loading in private parks.Unfortunately,those promises were not kept,not because the governor renaged rather those state actors who were given the authorities are compromising their jobs. The issue of touting are still going on,despite the governor banned three years ago. Some drivers pay over N1500 in Awka while places like Onitsha and others, pay about N3000 to these touts. We discovered that they are working in collaboration with some government officials to extort money from us.
Some time last year ,they came with Emblem,we resisted it, unrelenting,they came up with the renewal of driving lience. Drivers welfare which the governor objected as there is no union in the state.
Now ,they came up with security profiling at the cost of N2,500. Our data are already with the state government,when we did our enumeration two years ago for taxes. We also discovered that their interest is the money they want to make and not any security check and we are saying no to any payment outside what the governor told us" he stated.
According to him,they decided to protest to Anambra State House of Assembly to lay their Compliants to see how these people can leave them alone,noting that they are struggling to meet their family needs under the serious economic hardship.
Also speaking, another Keke driver Collins Ude said that the triycle drivers are not against the government but against the government officials collaborating with touts to extort money from them.
According to him,they have been captured by the Anambra state government through the state internal board of revenue with all their information, including their addresses,phone numbers, pictures and national identification numbers.
"This Security profiling is an indirect way of returning touts by what I saw. We are not against any body enforcing the collection but what we are saying is that the governor has given us the way to pay taxes and we are complying,we are not owing government and we make sure that every driver pay as at when due. We cannot accept the old touts to continue to be extorting money from us with the help of government appointees ,they should go and learnt something to be doing.
On papers renewal, we knew that every vehicle must be renewed at the expiration and we are doing that. We don't know when it has becomes the duty of anti touts to be renewing vehicle papers. We are not against the renewal of our papers but against the criminal elements using government name to extort us. We renew our papers with NN5,000 but today they said it is N12,500. The renewal of papers is not part of the job description of anti touts,they are supposed to be fighting touts and not the drivers. The governor had told us there is no room for professional unionist,they should stop parading themselves as executive of the Keke drivers. Governor said the leaders of Keke drivers must be Keke drivers,that is where we stand" he said.
The Secretary of Keke drivers Anambra state, Uchenna Umeh said that as it stands today there is no Keke union in the State and they are not taking order from any impostor.
According to him,any person or persons posing as leaders of Keke drivers is/are against the governor's policy and not acceptable to them.
He also stated that these people are coming out to enforce their illegal revenue collections because no action from the government officials in their several letters.
"The governor made it clear that nobody should pay a Koko to any government park, till today we are still paying. When we complain ,nobody listen to us. The action of these people are getting out hands,it is not that we did not know what to do. We respect our governor who is doing greatly well in the state ,he has put all the roads in order and we are happy and supporting him,those government officials should be careful not to tarnish the image of the working governor" he stated.
Responding to the Keke drivers' complaint,the Majority Leader of the House,Hon ikenna Ofodieme commended the Keke drivers and expressed shock and surprise as they spoke impeachable English ,as honourable members.
" Iam overwhelmed and shocked hearing from Keke drivers, speaking like honourable members, that simply means that any where you find yourself,no matter where you are,it is not by your making. It is just that there is need for you to be there to adjust for a moment. For you to be a Keke driver,that does not mean, you are nobody.For you to be driving Keke , that does not mean you don't have a home,for you to be a Keke driver,that does not mean,you don't know your rights. The things I saw here today from you is the best way of approaching issues. Police is here, DSS is here and members House of Assembly are here. Iam really pleased.
Anambra State House of Assembly does three things , namely, law making, representations and oversight functions. The complaints you made today is in right direction,we will look into critically for the good of Ndi Anambra.
Most of the people you said you have written and you have not written to Anambra State House of Assembly. I can tell you that I have received petitions from the other faction and I was mandated by the speaker to urgently look into the matter. I called the petitioner and he came with of his members and I told him there is no way he could get positive result with out all the Keke drivers in Anambra state. I told him that you cannot come here and discuss your personal matter. This is the first time iam meeting with comrade Osita Obi and in all the petitions he mentioned Osita Obi. I also asked him if the members he brought are Anambra or Awka members because he was unable to capture Awka in his discussion. He was only talking about Onitsha and other places and Awka was not captured there. I told him that the part of the problems brought him here was due to lack of equatable share of resources,that he eat alone" he said
On the capturing, he said that capturing is not about Keke but about crimes in the state.
According to him, people move from neighborhood to commit crime in Awka and the Keke are always accused because they used Keke.
He said the capturing should be inclusive so that any park should know who are their members and when strange comes in they will know.
Ofodieme said that time shall come when there will be good leadership in the Keke drivers and there will be what you call route, noting that it will help to detect those on dangerous missions.
"When you have a route, somebody outside the route will be asked questions" he said.
On the issue of paper renewal,he said it is not the responsibility of anti touts or the Police , noting that police can only arrest person with expired paper and asked him to go and renew.
According to him,today if any person renews his vehicle paper he will get alert that he has renewed and when to renew again.
On the Emblem,he said that the emblem is a Federal government matter and the union only used it to make money for themselves.
According to him,the Union will say they are using it to make money for the government while they are using it to make money for themselves.
He said they are aware of all these and actions are being taken to checkmate the activities in the state.
He appealed to the Keke drivers to make formal presentation through a letter and give names of those people and government agencies that are involved,as the house cannot treat any letter that is not specific.
Ofodieme said that all they have been saying here were "they " noting that they need to identify those people involved,if need be the police will prosecute them .
"Many people are complaining about the same thing, not only the Keke drivers,so long you have visited the house today be rest assured that that we will look into your case . I only want you to put your demands in writing and we are going to solve the problem,not only in Awka but the whole of Anambra state.
He commended comrade Osita Obi for leading group of people who conducted themselves orderly and purposefully, with belief that the house will solve their problems.
However,the Divisional Police Officer DPO incharge of 'B' Awka, Anambra State SP Emeka Obi commended the Keke drivers for keeping to sensitization campaign they launched last month by not blocking roads again.
He assured them of police protection so long there are doing the right things.
The coordinator of Keke drivers in Anambra state comrade Osita Obi said the purpose of the protest was to draw the attention of the house to extortion going on in the state,in the name of security profiling.
He said the Keke drivers said they cannot pay any money because they have been profiled by the state government, noting the essence of the current profiling was to extort money from the poor Keke drivers struggling to survive.
"Anything they want about from the Keke drivers they should go to the board of internal revenue or ministry of transport to get it.
Even,if they want to do security profiling on the Keke drivers they should meet them and not pouncing on the like a common criminals" he said .
Also another Keke driver,johnpaul Nnaegbule said that their major reason for security profiling was to extort money and nothing more.
According to him,those of them that have paid did not give any data information.
"These people don't have anything security in their minds order than collecting money from the Keke drivers. There is nothing like data collection,just give them the N2,500 ,they will just assign number to you and we are saying not to that criminal security profiling" he said

Aguata Anglican Diocesan Women commend Soludo's free education


Aguata Diocesan Women's Ministry has commended the Anambra state Governor Chukwuma Soludo for the free education policy of his administration.
The Diocesan president, Mrs Chinyere Ezeofor gave the commendation while presenting her address at the 19th Aguata Diocesan Women's conference holding at Saint Mary's Church Ogbunka in Orumba South Local Government Area.
She described the free education policy of Anambra State government as a step in a positive direction which according to her will give poor parents the opportunity to send their children to school for sound and quality education.
Mrs Ezeofor who is the President of the Conference extolled Governor Soludo for his massive investment in education sector, saying that the employment of more teachers for schools across the state, distribution of computers to teachers among others are geared towards improved teaching and learning.
She said that the one Youth two skills Initiative of the Soludo administration, erosion control, free antenatal care and free delivery in all the government hospitals are indications that Governor Chukwuma Soludo is committed to improving the living standards of Ndi Anambra and called for prayers and support to his administration to enable him continue to deliver on his mandate.

Mrs Ezeofor also commended the governor for the ongoing Construction of roads across the state as well as the pace of work on the Ekwulobia flyover which she noted will enhance vehicular movements and boost businesses.
She commended the wife of the Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo for using her non governmental organization, Healthy living with Nonye Soludo to reawaken the mindset of people especially Women and children on healthy lifestyle, calling for its sustenance.
The women president used the opportunity to call on the federal government to initiate more policies that would improve the living standards of the people
Declaring the conference opened, the Anglican Bishop of Aguata Diocese and Patron of the Women's Ministry, Right Reverend Samuel Ezeofor described the conference as one with multiple benefits.
He charged the participants to domesticate the knowledge they will ganer at the conference in all their Churches and communities to ensure a decent and God fearing society.
Speaking on the theme of the conference, "God's great task for the church; the great commandment", Bishop Ezeofor described the theme as apt and tasked the people to always obey the commandments of God in order to inherit His Kingdom.
Moving a motion to accept the Presidential address as a working document in the diocese, Barrister
Obiageli Erinne, described the address as apt, and well researched which will serve as a reference point, while Mrs Chizoba ChukwumaIke seconded the motion.
Some delegates, including the wife of the former Vice President of Nigeria, Mrs Ifeoma Ekwueme, Lady Uche Obi, among others expressed satisfaction with the theme of the conference, saying that it is a reminder to the faithful on the importance of God's commandment in the life of any Christian.
Over 20 Wives of Bishop's from sister Dioceses including the president of the Women's Ministry, Ecclesiastical province of the Niger and Awka Diocese Dr Chioma Ibezim attended the conference.

Insecurity,transportation cost responsible for food stuff hike - Traders



Traders in Onitsha commercial centre of Anambra State have blamed the high cost of food stuff in the country to insecurity and high cost of transportations.

The Traders made the revealations on Thursday during fact finding mission on the steady rise of food items in the market by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) at the Ose Okwudo market in Onitsha North local government council of the state.
The Chairman of Ose Okwudo Chief Ikechukwu Umuanozie represented by the Market Secretary Hon. Onyejikwe Cypril stated that if the issue of insecurity and cost of transportation are reduced, cost of food stuff in Nigeria would be reduced.

According to him,the government should adequately look into these issues for food items in the country to be affordable .
He said that farmers are no longer going to farms because of insecurity and the dealers too are being robbed often by the criminals while on transit.
"For us to have reduced cost of food stuff, the farmers must be allowed to go into farm land and farm. How can someone go into farm and he is killed or kidnap and you want others to go there? Many people are afriad of going to farm land for their safety. Apart from the farmers, traders get attacks on the roads and alot of us are afriad of travelling out to buy goods" he stated.
According to him,before now people use to get loan to farm,but today even if the the loans are given where can the person farm.
He said that before now,the cost of fueling vehicles were cheap but today it takes fortune to fuel vehicles and the transporters will charge higher and we have to add the cost to the goods.

"A litre of fuel is N850 today while a litre of gas is N1500. The lorry driver will put the cost in carrying our goods. Goods ordinarily,that cost N2 millions to convey to Onitsha is now about NN20 millions. Invariably,when fuel get higher,goods will be higher" he said .
Earlier,the Zonal coordinator of FCCPC, Mr Jude Obiora Akolam while addressing the market leaders on the mission to market said the federal government has sent them on fact finding mission to find out why cost of food items are on rise.
According to him,after the finding, the commission would advise government appropriately on how to check the menance of hike in food stuff.
He said the findings will assist the government to plan for the people,noting that without the finding out,it might be difficult to plan for populacy.

He called on the government to intervene on the issue of insecurity to enable farmers to farm and reduce the hardships in the land .

According to him,people are suffering and finding it extremely difficult to feed their families.
Mr Celestine Udealo, grain seller, who confirmed the chairman position said apart from that insecurity, cost of transportation , climate change is a serious problem.
He said before now, they paid N6000 at any produce check point but today they are paying N30,000 at a check point.
He said that they get their goods from Borno state, Taraba, Benue,kebbi states but today they hardly get good stuff because of the insecurity and cost of transportation.
He said that climate change has also caused problems because all the okro,Potatoes planted by those around Anambra riverrine areas could not survive because of climate change.

According to him,before now those food stuff take care and good needs of people before the harvest of yams.

Emmanuel Ndubisi beans seller,said that last year a bag of beans was N80,000 but today it is about N230,000 to N260,000 depending on the type.
He said that last year, a bag of groundnut was N90,000 but today it is sold at N185,000, and a bag of mazie was N45,000 last year but today is N100,000.

Also Anthony Mozo, a yam seller confirmed that insecurity and transportation as major reasons responsible for high cost of food stuff.
He also attributed the fuel subsidy as another major cause of rising cost of food stuff in the country.
According to him, the money they pay at produce check point has increased from less than N200000 to over a million.
He also disclosed that for a trailer to convey a trailer load yams from Benue state to Onitsha cost N25million against N2million last year.
While a potatoes sellers, Mrs Philomena Ikemaka described the high cost of food stuff as punishment to the poor masses.

According to her,before now a bag of potatoes was N8,000 but today it is N15,000 to N16,000.
She also stated that even those bringing the food items to the market are no longer coming often.
"Before now ,we normally get about five or six trucks and five vessels coming into the market every day and today,we hardly get one vehicle and one vessel in day" he said.

Human Rights activist raises alarm over threat to life,family by Amudo youths

Titus Maduako Eleweke

An Anambra State based Human Rights Activist, Comrade Osita Obi has raised the alarm over threat to his life and that of his family members by unknown person.
Obi who is the Convener of Recover Nigeria Project and coordinator of Anambra Keke Drivers Forum AKDF stated that an unknown person with a strange number, 07077660844 has been calling and threatening to kill him and his family members if he does not remove his hands from Aroma, and Eke Awka Keke Parks.
According to Obi,the strange caller claimed he was calling on behalf Amudo youths,Awka.
He said that he is worried by the threat given the serveral unresolved killings in Awka of recent.

The human rights crusader said that he had reported the matter to Director of Security Services DSS and the State Commissioner of Police for neccssaray actions.

He said that anything that happens to him,Amudo youths community in Awka should be held responsible.
According to comrade Obi ,he is only fighting for a just society and to see that human lives are secured.

He also noted that his purpose of coordinating Keke drivers in the state was to bring sanity and decency into the operation of Keke business in the state.
He also appealed to the state Governor Prof Charles Soludo to take serious action on the activities of these boys threatening and killing people in the state capital.
He said:"This number 07077660844 called me this evening and said he is calling on the behalf of Amudo youths. He said i should remove my hand in Aroma keke park eke Awka side. He warned that they know me, my wife and my two sons. I am worried about this threat giving the killings in Awka in recent time hence my report to you"

Ochanja market collapsed building, possibly caused by foundation--TC Chairman

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The Transition Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Council of Anambra State Chief Emeka Joseph Orji has attributed the possible cause for the CollapsedOchanja market building to foundation.
Orji made the statement while appearing before the Anambra State Probe Panel into the collapsed buildings in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The chairman had earlier submitted the building plan of the project , which is a storey building against the collapse built two storey building.
After the submission of the building plan,the chairman of the Panel Engr. Victor Meju asked him ,if he knew any possible reason that caused the building to collapse,he replied foundation.

According to him,the original plan for the building was one storey but two storey was erected.

He said the foundation for building was meant for a storey building,and possibly the foundation could not carry the weight of a two storey building.

The chairman also revealed that his council was sidelined in the building of the market despite it was domicile in his local government.
He said he conceptualised the project but during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding MoU, the Executive chairman of Anambra State Urban Regeneration Council AURC Micheal Okonkwo and chairman of Anambra State Investments Promotion and Protection (ANSIPPA) Mike Okoye pushed him out of the project.
According to him,they told him that he should not be part of the project and he stayed away from it till it collapsed.

"Iam the TC chairman of the council and I should be involve in the project within my council. After they sidelined me ,I had to stop my involvement in the project" he said .
On whether he know that he is the chairman of the council and he should supervise the market project under him, he replied that some people from Awka hijacked the project from him.

On what was actually the cause of the collapse ,he said the building was meant for a storey but two storey building was built.
He however revealed that some people from Awka have been interfering in the affairs of the council and there is need for clearer definition of roles of the council in markets and parks in the state.
Confirming,the chairman position,the secretary of the council, Mr Paul Onuachalla said that there are much interference from those in Awka to running of the Council.
He pleaded with panel to find space in their recommendations to spell out in clear term the roles of council in commercial, markets, public buildings construction regulations as per 1999 constitution as amended. Chairman invited the Council Secretary to submit memorandum in this regard on or before 16th July 2024.

Earlier, the chairman of the Oanel,Engr Victor Meju had lambasted the Journalists who covered the first sitting accusing them of creating another chairman of the panel.
The journalists had reported that the DMGS Collapsed five Storey centenary building had no approval plan and one of the engineers that handled the project had not renewed his practicing licences for 25 years.
He was not happy with the report and said that ,the job of the journalists would have been to announce the commencement of the panel and not go into the details report.
He threatened to walk out the journalists out of the panel if not he knew one of them as senior journalist.
He further likened the senior journalist to Soludo Facebook TV,who he said did a better Job.

Anambra Police,ACTDA move against road blockage at Aroma- Awka


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra State Police Command in partnership with Awka Capital Territory Development Authority ACTDA has intensified the sensitization campaign against blocking of roads at Aroma-Awka.

The Divisional Police Officer, Central Police Station CPS Awka, Mr Vena Leelea who led the campaign on Tuesday warned the triycle and bus drivers against the blockage of roads at Aroma and other places in the state.

According to him,the governor is not happy with the activities of the drivers and has directed the sensitization campaign before enforcement.

He said that Aroma is the three arm zone of the state and must be kept neat and decent, noting that anything short of sanity will attract sanction.

"We are talking to you now at your various parks to do the right thing before it becomes a fight between the drivers and Police.

We want to have a decent and serene environment in Awka as the state capital.

This is a three arm zone of the state and it habours all the three arms of the government,the Executive, House of Assembly and the Judiciary, even the Federal and State Secretraits.

Infact Awka is a transit city to many states in the country. We want sanity and we want you to help us to maintain the sanity the state deserved.

Now we are begging you to do the right and no body should blame us when we start enforcement. Let us now do the right things and move the state forward" he said .

The Managing Director of ACTDA, Ossy Onuku represented by the Deputy Commander, Sir Ukachukwu Okonkwo ,said that the agency is committed to maintaining sanity and decency in the state capital.


According to him,the agency discovered that most of the drivers who block roads are the bad boys who are not even genuine drivers.

He said " from today,we will be having special enforcement sqaud to be stationed at Aroma all round to man the activities of harwkers , beggars and those drivers creating problems in the City"

He said the core mandate of the agency was to maintain clean Awka and that is why they are ensuring that there is sanity and decency.


The ACTDA MD said that , that they knew those drivers who block roads and they are moving against them to ensure sanity in the state capital.

"We are going to expand our work ,we are now going to work into late hours . We will go after the traders on the roads and under Bridges ,those drivers blocking roads and even the beggars.

This is three arm zone of the state,we cannot tolerate this madness any more" he warned

A Human Rights activities and co-ordinator of Keke drivers in Anambra State Comrade Osita Obi commended the police and ACTDA for taking up the challenges of securing the state capital for good.

According to him, Aroma-Awka is a peculiar place that needs special attention , noting that all arms of the state government are located around Aroma.

He said that Aroma need to be properly guarded to be orderly and denent.
He however said that those creating problems at Aroma are not the drivers but group of cultists in the Awka.

He called on the police to take Special note of these boys who are bent on creating problems around Aroma.

Obi said that these boys don't go into park but prefer to load on the roads therefore obstructing traffic and free movement.

He pleaded with the DPO to take Special note of these menace and mobilize his men adequately to tackle them.

"We don't want anybody dead,we want Awka to be clean decent and calm. I got a report this morning that these boys came to park to force the drivers to pay money.

Pius Awoke, Chinonso Onyibe DSS detention, IPOB lawyer clatifies issues

The lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra Sir Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor has made clarifications on Barr. Pius Awoke and Emmanuel Chinonso Onyibe continuous detention at the Department State Service DSS.
Ejiofor in a statement on Monday made available to our correspondent said Awoke and his co-travellers were victims of the state security agents' cruelty, specifically by the lawless State Security Service.
According to him,over thirty of Bar. Awoke's companions still remain in detained at the Wawa military detention facility, without any valid charges.

He said they were apprehended in Lokoja, Kogi State, while returning to Ebonyi State after attending a court hearing on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s resumed trial on July 26, 2021, describing the action as the height of gross violation of human rights.
"It is important to clarify that Bar. Awoke and his co-travellers are victims of the state security agents' cruelty, specifically by the lawless State Security Service (SSS). These innocent Nigerians were apprehended in Lokoja, Kogi State, while returning to Ebonyi State after attending a court hearing on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s resumed trial on July 26, 2021. Their only "offence" according to the overzealous security agents, was their decision to travel from Ebonyi to witness this significant proceeding.
If the NBA leadership endorses the SSS' ludicrous defence related to logistical issues, then keen watchers will safely conclude that they are complicit in the crimes against humanity perpetrated by the SSS. Additionally, it is crucial to highlight that over thirty of Bar. Awoke's companions remain detained at the Wawa military detention facility, without any valid charges. This is the height of gross violation of human rights.
Furthermore, we must address the NBA President's stance on the logistical constraints in securing justice for these innocent Nigerians as they conspicuously alluded to.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, coram; Hon. Justice M.O. Olajuwon, had in a Ruling delivered pursuant to our application, discharged Emmanuel Chinonso Onyibe on July 13, 2023, after the SSS failed to bring forward the evidence in proof of the baseless and frivolous one count charge filed against him. Emmanuel Chinonso Onyibe was the second individual released alongside Bar. Awoke, almost a year after he was discharged by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Despite our numerous letters to the Director General of the State Security Service and the Attorney General of the Federation, requesting compliance with the court order, both the SSS and AGF ignored these appeals.
Attached for public reference is a certified copy of the relevant proceedings.
The narrative presented by the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association requires a thorough reassessment.
The Nigerian Bar Association has also not addressed the numerous petitions I have submitted concerning personal attacks by state agents and the illegal abduction of my wards from my home in Oraifite. These individuals remain in illegal detention at the same Wawa military detention facility, with no visible attention so far given by the NBA leadership.
While the NBA’s acclaimed intervention in the release of Bar. Awoke and Emmanuel Chinonso Onyibe is nonetheless acknowledged as a good step in the right direction, it is evident that significant human rights violations against the citizens by the Nigerian security agencies still persist.
The plight of those still detained without charges, the unaddressed petitions regarding personal attacks, and the ongoing illegal detentions, demand urgent and more robust action from the NBA. It is imperative that the NBA intensifies its efforts to safeguard the rights of citizens and holds state security agencies accountable for their actions and/or inactions. The fight for justice and human dignity must remain paramount, and the NBA's leadership must rise to this challenge with unwavering commitment, in defence of its motto which is "Promoting the Rule of Law".

Stop playing politics with
ABSU Staff Salary, welfare-ASUU
tells Otti

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Even when the Abians believed there is a restored hope in the state ,the government under the leadership of Dr Alex Otti is still treating the only state university with high level of levity and thoughtlessness.
Most of the people working with Abia State government today are products of Abia State University Uturu ABSU,yet they are treating the intellectual engine room of state with ulmost disrespect and dishonour.
Regrettably, Ndi Abia thought that with the assumption of Otti into the helm of affairs in the state ,he would pritiotize on human capital development and give attention to the university for greater productive,but the difference is the case.
Following Otti's failure to accord serious attention to Abia State University Uturu ABSU ,the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, ABSU Chapter has urged governor to stop playing politics with salary, health and welfare of staff of the insitution.
In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of ASUU- ABSU Dr. Chidi S. Mbah and Dr. Victor U. Obisike respectively, the intellectuals warned the government officials to refrain from politicizing the issue of salary payments in ABSU as people's health, families' needs and other critical issues like workers productivity are dependent on it.
ASUU- ABSU stated that since the government acknowledged the financial hardships faced by the university staff, it should take immediate action to ensure that all outstanding salaries, including the arrears, are paid promptly and in full.
The university academics seek transparency and accountability from the government in handling the salary issue and a swift resolution to alleviate the financial distress faced by the staff of ABSU.
The statement reads:
"Following the recent statement from the government of Abia State that all Abia State University (ABSU) staff have received their April and May salaries, we, the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, ABSU Chapter wishes to clarify and state the actual situation regarding salary payments in the University.
Contrary to government's announcement and news circulating in the social media, the reality is starkly different. It is only a handful of staff who have their salary accounts with commercial banks that have received their April salary and fewer have received their May salary. Very alarming are instances where the few staff who received their May salary did not receive their April salary in the same bank.
Painfully, some of the staff who received either April or May salary had unexplained deductions ranging between eight ( to Fifty Three (53) Thousand Naira made on the paid one month salary at source.
Moreover, NONE of the majority of the staff whose salaries account are domiciled with the ABSU Microfinance bank and teaching staff of Abia State University Teaching Hospital have received any payments for either April or May and this has caused significant financial strain, panic and uncertainty among the staff.
With this staggered payment system, the Unions in the university cannot ascertain the status of their Check off dues which is usually deducted at the source of payment.
Furthermore, it is important to highlight that our 11months outstanding salary arrears, remain unpaid. Despite repeated assurances, not a single month of these arrears has been settled.
We urge the government officials to refrain from politicizing the issue of salary payments in ABSU as people's health, families' needs and other critical issues like workers productivity are dependent on it.
It is imperative that the government acknowledges the financial hardships faced by the university staff and takes immediate action to ensure that all outstanding salaries, including the arrears, are paid promptly and in full.
We seek transparency and accountability from the government in handling this matter and hope for a swift resolution to alleviate the financial distress faced by the staff of ABSU.
We want to use this opportunity to appeal to our dear Governor and Visitor to our University, His Excellency, Dr Alex Chioma Oti, OFR who means well for the only state owned University, and has left a standing instruction to pay all workers of the state government not later than 28th of every month, to quickly look into this issue by calling the attention of the concerned officials, so as not to truncate his good intentions for the state workforce"

Human Rights Activist, Obi commends ARTMA for decongesting Traffic at Aroma


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Human Rights activist and the Convener of Recover Nigeria Project Comrade Osita Obi has commended the Anambra State Road Traffic and Manegment Agency ARTMA for decogesting road traffic at Aroma junctions.
Obi who spoke to our reporter on the ongoing decongestion exercise at Aroma junctions said the development was a very laudable development that must be sustain.
According to him,those transporters and drivers loading at the Aroma junctions ought not to be there in the first place.
"Star Sunny Motors and others loading at the Aroma junctions should leave the place to give the area the decency it deserves. Iam happy that ARTMA is clearing the place , honestly,it is a positive development for the state. I hope they will continue to sustain their presence there" he said.
He said the entire Aroma should be decent and orderly because that is the three arm zone of the state.
"I want to appreciate the people that started the decongestion of this place,the Managing Director of Ocha Brigade, Mr Celestine Anere and Divisional Police Officer DPO incharge of 'B' division in Awka, Mr Emeka Obi. These people are wonderful and great men . They have demostrated decency and commitment in their operations. Iam happy now that ARTMA is towing their footsteps of Ocha Brigade and DPO 'B' division. I prayed that ARTMA will remain there to sustain the operation" he said.

Recalled that the Ocha Brigade and DPO B division had recently commenced sensitization campaign against the blockage of roads at Aroma.
According to them, Aroma is three arm zone of the that should remain decent and orderly at all times.
Today ,those vehicles loading at Aroma have been moved to a place near ABS and the traffic at Aroma is now free.

Human Rights Activist, Obi commends ARTMA for decongesting Traffic at Aroma


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Human Rights activist and the Convener of Recover Nigeria Project Comrade Osita Obi has commended the Anambra State Road Traffic and Manegment Agency ARTMA for decogesting road traffic at Aroma junctions.
Obi who spoke to our reporter on the ongoing decongestion exercise at Aroma junctions said the development was a very laudable development that must be sustain.
According to him,those transporters and drivers loading at the Aroma junctions ought not to be there in the first place.
"Star Sunny Motors and others loading at the Aroma junctions should leave the place to give the area the decency it deserves. Iam happy that ARTMA is clearing the place , honestly,it is a positive development for the state. I hope they will continue to sustain their presence there" he said.
He said the entire Aroma should be decent and orderly because that is the three arm zone of the state.
"I want to appreciate the people that started the decongestion of this place,the Managing Director of Ocha Brigade, Mr Celestine Anere and Divisional Police Officer DPO incharge of 'B' division in Awka, Mr Emeka Obi. These people are wonderful and great men . They have demostrated decency and commitment in their operations. Iam happy now that ARTMA is towing their footsteps of Ocha Brigade and DPO 'B' division. I prayed that ARTMA will remain there to sustain the operation" he said.

Recalled that the Ocha Brigade and DPO B division had recently commenced sensitization campaign against the blockage of roads at Aroma.
According to them, Aroma is three arm zone of the that should remain decent and orderly at all times.
Today ,those vehicles loading at Aroma have been moved to a place near ABS and the traffic at Aroma is now free.

Anambra Police embark on sensitization campaign against blocking of roads


The Divisional Police Officer DPO incharge of 'B' Awka, Anambra State SP Emeka Obi on Wednesday led his men on sensitization campaign against triycle riders and shuttle bus drivers blocking the three arm zone roads in the state capital.

The DPO at the campaign told the drivers that police would take decisive action against those loading their vehicles on the roads after the excercise.

Obi who frowned at the habits of some drivers blocking major roads gave serious warning, especially against those blocking the roads leading to Federal , State Secretariat, State House of Assembly and Federal and State High courts.
According to him,the police is carrying out the sensitization in various parks to warn the operators before embarking on arrest and prosecutions.
"We are carrying out this crusade against some miscreant behaviours of triycle riders and bus drivers around Aroma and Dr Alex Ekeueme junctions. For some time now, we are hearing about some people constituting nusiance by loading passengers on the roads leading to these important places like federal and state secretrait . This is three arm zone of the state . This junctions lead to Anambra State House of Assembly, Federal and State High Court and we are not happy about the activities of these drivers. We are saying that this must stop. The drivers must do their works orderly and stop constituting nusiance and danger to other road users. This place is the third arm zone of the state ,there must be sanity and decency here" he said .
According to him,if any person found violating the traffic rules henceforth,the police will have no option than to arrest and prosecute him in the court.
The DPO assured the operators of police protection so long they are law abiding.
He also promised to provide police surveillance to ensure that no criminal disturb them and their business.
In the spirit of the campaign,the DPO released all those earlier arrested for commiting traffic offences and they were released without any cost.
He however urged them to go and sin no more.
Speaking at the sensitization campaign, Comrade Osita Obi, the Convener of Recover Nigeria Project, applauded the DPO for the wonderful work he is doing to checkmate the accesses of the drivers, stressing that the initiative was to create sanity in the state capital.
According to him,the sensitization campaign was to discourage Keke and bus drivers against blocking Aroma road junctions.
"If anybody comes here in the morning and evening ,every place is usually blocked by the Keke and shuttle bus drivers. We are saying this is unacceptable. This neighborhood harbours all the government offices in state both the federal and the state governments. This is third arm zone of the state,there is need for decency and orderliness here " he said .
He said from now any person caught violating the traffic rules, blocking roads would be dealt with according to the law.
"We are here to sensitize the drivers to avoid blocking roads,so that when the police begin to arrest them they should not complian. We are saying no to disordernlynes .
Keke now have parks at Aroma and they should make use of their park. Though,some people don't want to use park but this is time they must begin to use them because it cannot be business as usual" he said
He disclosed that police and Ocha Brigade are working in partnership to ensure that these people blocking roads are brought to books.
"My prayer is that this place should be kept clear and we need some police presence 24 to secure the lives of citizens. We need sanity in this Aroma" he said.
He also disclosed that the major people who violate the rules are those from Ifite-Awka, regretting that they armed themselves with dangerous weapons,thereby intimidating others.
He promised to work with Police towards ensuring sanity in Anambra State roads, especially at the Aroma which is the third arm zone of the state.
Also speaking at the campaign,a prominent son and Chief of ifite-comnunity Ozo Dr Chukwuoduagha Akamadozie said that any person from Ifite driving Keke that violate the government directive should be arrested and prosecuted.
"Any person from Ifite driving Keke and creating problems to the public should be arrested and prosecuted. No body from Ifite should disobey governor's orders.
Any person from Ifite loading on the roads should be dealt with mercilessly.
If they obey the law and the police arrest any, I will release the person I will even reach to the governor for his release,but if you disobey the law and police arrest you or you starting fighting the police on the wrong point , you will go to jail " he said .

A Keke rider at Aroma junction, ifeanyi Uju, pleaded with the DPO to provide them with constant police men because the riders from Ifite are the people causing the blockage.
"We need taskforce made of police and Ocha Brigade to maintain orderlyness here. Immediately the police and Ocha Brigade leave,they will disobey the rules and orders,thereby creating confusion. The problem we have here are those operating from Ifite axis. These Ifite boys are playing opposition" he said

Anambra Keke drivers plead Ocha Brigade to remain at Ifite-Aroma junction



Members of Anambra State Keke Drivers Forum AKDF have appealed to the State Government to sustain the presence of Ocha Brigade at the Ifite -Aroma park inorder to discourage the blocking of roads.
The members of the group also commended the Managing Director of Ocha Brigade Mr Celestine Anere for prompt response to their demands of decongestion the roads by some miscreants in the name of Keke drivers.
They prayed that the continuous presence of the Ocha Brigsde will help in giving Aroma the statue of third arm zone of the state.
According to the group, ifite-Aroma junction is the heart of the state capital, and the state most do every thing to maintain sanity among the operators of Keke in the state.
Speaking to our correspondent,the coordinator of Keke drivers in Anambra State Comrade Osita Obi commended the MD of Ocha Brigsde for his magnanimity in responding to the challenges of the drivers by sending his men to clear the area of the nusiance being csused by some characters parading themselves as Keke drivers.
According to him,the Anere has demostrated strong capacity by clearing the roads for traffic to move freely without hindrance.
He appealed to Anerer to sustain the tempo by retaining his men at Aroma junction to stem off the tide of road blockage.
Obi said that most of the people blocking the roads are cultists who have built themselves into untouchable in the state.
"We want to specially thank the MD of Ocha Brigade Anere for his wonderful response to the need of keeping Anambra State clean and safe. There have been much lawlessness created by some cultists in the area. They block road at Aroma junction,which is the third arm zone of the state. We also appealed to governor Charles Soludo to give the necessary assistance to the brigade to enable them sustain its presence at the junction.
The third arm zone has the governor lodge under construction, Anambra State House of Assembly,the judiciary complex where the chief judge of the state goes to work every day, federal government Secretariat and also state government Secretariat and others. This is the state third arm zone and most be kept safe and clean.
For the Keke drivers to deface the place is wrong and unacceptable.
The cult boys in in ifite said it would be possible for us to have garage but with the help of Ocha Brigade,we are having one. We are happy with the MD of Ocha Bridge and his personnels" he said .
According to him,the group is aware that the presence of many Ocha Brigade personnel is affecting the operation of the agency,and they pleaded that it should continue for humanity sake" he stated.
He said that he is happy that the Keke drivers are being organised with the help of Ocha Brigade and promised that they would be law abiding.
Osita also appealed for the state government's intervention to checkmate the activities of cultists who disturb the smooth operation of the drivers, especially now there is anti cult law in place.
He said the Keke drivers are professional drivers and they don't want to be infliterated with touts.
One of the organizers of the park, Mr Aguiyi okoronkwo who spoke with our reporter said that they are happy being in a save private park now.
According to him,they were worried by the blockage of the road by some of their members.
He commended the MD of Ocha Brigade Celestine Anere for coming to their help, pleading with the brigade not to leave them because the miscreants will devour them.
According to him,if the Ocha Brigade leaves, the problem of road blockage will resurface.
He also commended the state Governor Prof Charles Soludo for discovery the person of Anere who is bent on giving the state the best.
According to him, Anere had been wonderful in providing them with the needed protection to work.
Another of the drivers, Evaristus Mboto said they were tired of the confussion being created by road blockage and decided to find a place to have as a park.
"The Keke drivers congestion of road was embarrassing to some of them as the congestion caused alot of traffic. We discussed with Comrade Osita Obi ,he asked us to talk to MD of Ocha Brigade and when we talked with him, he obliged our demands and today he has provided us with safe home for operations" he said .
According to him,for the past two weeks they started operations in private park serveral drivers who violated the rules have been arrested and nobody is loading by the road side.
He pleaded with the MD to continue to provide his personnels to guide and protect them and also to stop the indidcriminate loading on the road.
He called on state government to fish out the bad boys blocking road and creating traffic in the state, noting that the bad boys are the people creating negative image for Keke drivers.
He assured that immediately,they stabilize the park they will elect officers to manage themselves.
He also pleaded with the government to sustain the presence of Ocha Brigade at Aroma junction so that they can have peace and free flow of traffic.
Another Keke drivers Augustine Okonkwo said he is grateful to the Ocha Brigade MD for providing them with personnels to safeguide them.
He also begged the Ocha Brigade MD not to leave them to their fate because the bad boys will destroy them.
According to him,before now they thought that if they entred the park,they may not have passengers, grateful enough passengers are graciously coming in to board.
He said that they are happy that roads are no longer being blocked by the drivers and plesded with MD Ocha Brigade not withdraw his personnels.
He pleaded with the government to empower the Ocha Brigade the more to remain its operations at Aroma junction.
Also Godwin Chigozie ,a Keke driver said they are happy being in a private park, operating according to law and order regulating Keke business.

"Iam happy being inside here ,if Ocha Brigade is not here ,we will be having alot of problems. We thanked Ocha Brigade MD for his love for the Keke Drivers,we want him to retain his personnels with us " he said .

Correspondents' Chapel threatens to boycott Soludo's government activities

Titus Maduako Eleweke
Correspondents' Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ Anambra State Chapter has threatened to boycott all government activities,if it fails to review the relations with the Union.
The Chapel in a statement signed by the Chairman Chief Chuks Ilozue and Lady Tochukwu Ifejika said that since governor Charles Soludo assumed office he has not deemed it fit to recognize the chapel.
According to the statement:
Having reviewed our relationship with the governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo (CFR) and those of his media team, including the Commissioner for Information, Sir Paul Nwosu and the Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Christian Aburime, for over two years, despite several correspondences.
We therefore wish to observe as follows that:
1. There is a serious lacuna in the relationship between the chapel and government occasioned by nonchalant attitude of the governor, his government and his media team towards Correspondents' Chapel.
2. It baffles us that our governor can stay for two years without meeting members of the Correspondents' Chapel to intimate Anambra people of his programmes and activities.
3. Chapel members are bewildered that we are not being carried along in the coverage of government activities, rather we are fed with press releases/statements.
DEMANDS:
1. We therefore demand a review of this relationship, to enable us to hold government accountable as required by extant laws.
2. We state that if the current state of this relationship persists, we shall deem it that the governor, his government and his media team do not need our relationship, and therefore we shall be left with no other option than to act accordingly"

IPOB warns Biafrans against
purported secret referendum

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has disassociatedIPOB warns Biafrans against
purported secret referendum,Alleges Criminal Intentions

Titus Eleweke,Awka

Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has disassociated itself from purported secret referendum by faceless criminals parading themselves as freedom fighters.
In a statement issued by IPOB Media and Publicity Secretary Comrade Emma Powerful,the secret referendum is championed by faceless criminals behind the kidnappings,car snatching syndicate in Alaigbo and their double agent buffoon in Finland.
According to him, IPOB ably led by the great and resolute leader Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu is the only movement leading the call for the referendum for Biafrans in Nigeria.
He said referendums are not conducted in the secret like the criminals are currently doing.

"Referendum, according to the United Nation, is a direct vote by the electorate on a political issue such as Biafra Self- Determination. If Biafrans are to hold a referendum, IPOB leadership will announce it publicly via radio Biafra and in all Biafrans' social media handles. Even the Nigerian and international media agencies will announce such an epic event, also. The Biafra Referendum date and the criteria will be announced, scheduled, and organized within the framework of UN laws and African Charter. A referendum is an open and transparent political process that will involve the observation and supervision of the international community. It's not an kindred "Umunna" night meeting like some idiots are conducting by themselves in the name of Biafra Referendum. If the idiots visit any family in the night to vote for the referendum, Biafrans should ignore them. Biafrans should avoid giving their personal information to the criminal led criminal agents to avoid "had I known."
IPOB led by Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu is the one calling for Biafra Referendum. Should there be any referendum for Biafrans, the same IPOB will inform our people, not a criminal gang that earlier blackmailed IPOB for our stand on using political processes such as referendum for the restoration of Biafra. We thought that the criminal and his autobandits said they don't believe the political process? What happened to the war ships, fighter jets, and their Liberation Army?" itself from purported secret referendum by faceless criminals parading themselves as freedom fighters.
In a statement issued by IPOB Media and Publicity Secretary Comrade Emma Powerful,the secret referendum is championed by faceless criminals behind the kidnappings,car snatching syndicate in Alaigbo and their double agent buffoon in Finland.
According to him, IPOB ably led by the great and resolute leader Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu is the only movement leading the call for the referendum for Biafrans in Nigeria.
He said referendums are not conducted in the secret like the criminals are currently doing.

Referendum, according to the United Nation, is a direct vote by the electorate on a political issue such as Biafra Self- Determination. If Biafrans are to hold a referendum, IPOB leadership will announce it publicly via radio Biafra and in all Biafrans' social media handles. Even the Nigerian and international media agencies will announce such an epic event, also. The Biafra Referendum date and the criteria will be announced, scheduled, and organized within the framework of UN laws and African Charter. A referendum is an open and transparent political process that will involve the observation and supervision of the international community. It's not an Umunna night meeting like some idiots are conducting by themselves in the name of Biafra Referendum. If the idiots visit any family in the night to vote for the referendum, Biafrans should ignore them. Biafrans should avoid giving their personal information to the criminal led criminal agents to avoid "had I known."
IPOB led by Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu is the one calling for Biafra Referendum. Should there be any referendum for Biafrans, the same IPOB will inform our people, not a criminal gang that earlier blackmailed IPOB for our stand on using political processes such as referendum for the restoration of Biafra. We thought that the criminal and his autobandits said they don't believe the political process? What happened to the war ships, fighter jets, and their Liberation Army?


The statement reads:
"The attention of the global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by the great and resolute leader Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu has been drawn to the purported secret referendum by faceless criminals behind the kidnappings and car snatching syndicate in Alaigbo and their double agent buffoon in Finland.
For public records, there is nothing like BIAFRA Referendum at this moment. Do not fall into the Nigeria Government's traps.
IPOB is the only movement leading the call for the referendum for Biafrans in Nigeria. Referendums are not conducted in the secret like the criminals are currently doing. These infiltrator criminals and their nincompoop leader called Criminal buffoon in Finland want to reduce Biafra's struggle to an entertainment show. Biafrans must ignore the ignoramus with all his antics to make the people believe that he is doing something after IPOB leadership has crippled his channels of scamming Biafrans.
Referendum, according to the United Nation, is a direct vote by the electorate on a political issue such as Biafra Self- Determination. If Biafrans are to hold a referendum, IPOB leadership will announce it publicly via radio Biafra and in all Biafrans' social media handles. Even the Nigerian and international media agencies will announce such an epic event, also. The Biafra Referendum date and the criteria will be announced, scheduled, and organized within the framework of UN laws and African Charter. A referendum is an open and transparent political process that will involve the observation and supervision of the international community. It's not an Umunna night meeting like some idiots are conducting by themselves in the name of Biafra Referendum. If the idiots visit any family in the night to vote for the referendum, Biafrans should ignore them. Biafrans should avoid giving their personal information to the criminal led criminal agents to avoid "had I known."
IPOB led by Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu is the one calling for Biafra Referendum. Should there be any referendum for Biafrans, the same IPOB will inform our people, not a criminal gang that earlier blackmailed IPOB for our stand on using political processes such as referendum for the restoration of Biafra. We thought that the criminal and his autobandits said they don't believe the political process? What happened to the war ships, fighter jets, and their Liberation Army?
Why did they deceive their idiotic followers with the fun fare he called Finland self- referendum? Why are they still hiding in the cover of the night deceiving innocent Biafrans in villages with the same political solution they blackmailed IPOB for? Biafrans don't give out your personal information to those who will give the same information to the DSS for your possible abduction.
We gathered that the agent provocateurs sent messages to some Traditional Rulers and Town Union Presidents to gather their people for a Biafra referendum. Please do not listen or gather anywhere for any referendum. These infiltrators are working for the Nigeria government to repeat the Asaba massacre of 1969 during the genocidal war against Ndigbo. This purported referendum news in Biafra Land is the handiwork of criminals and infiltrators to harm our people. Therefore, everyone must be careful. This could be planned by the Nigeria government and her compromised security agencies to assemble our people for slaughter.
This is a warning from IPOB. Do not gather anywhere for any purported referendum. There's nothing like BIAFRA referendum for now. If you reject this warning and fall into the hands of the notorious bloody Nigerian Security Forces in the name of their fraudulent BIAFRA referendum, do not say you were not warned"

Associating my name with sand mining height of denigration, says Igwe Nanka


The traditional Ruler of Nanka in Orumba North Local government area of Anambra State, Igwe Godwin Ezeilo
has described the allegation of his involvement and that of President General of Nanka in illegal sand mining as height of denigration and insensitivity to his throne and the people of his kingdom.

Igwe Ezeilo made the statement on Friday shortly after appearing before the Anambra State House Committee on Public Petition to answer questions on his involvement in illegal sand mining.
Some people from Amakor village in Nanka had petitioned the Anambra State House of Assembly alleging that the monarch and PG of the community are involved in sand mining against governor Soludo directive.

The Monarch said it is very sad and painful that some people could concort such an allegation and put his name and that of the PG of the community.
"Some people just levelled allegation against me and our PG of excavating sand against the governor's orders of banning sand mining. It is too bad and we cannot continue to take it. The so called mining site has no road to carry out sand. No motor can go there . Their allegation is defametory to my character and my throne. How can I be mining sand,what kind of insult is that ?
ABS has gone there and did a story that there is no sand mining taking place at the place yet they went ahead to make the false allegation against me" he said .
He stated that the truth is that the village is using the allegation of sand mining as a precosor to getting the Traditional Prime Minister 'Onuwu' Nanka.
According to him, Nanka has a constitution which it operates and it specifically states the condition for the emergency of Onowu which is not invested in him.
He said that,they cannot be looking for Onowu and mandate it on the Igwe to do it for them, noting that it is only the town union constitution that can give the Onowu position to anybody.

Obu Nanka said that Onowu Nanka issue is being handled by the cabinet members and not Igwe, stating that igwe is just an observer in the selection of Onowu.

" Iam not among those eligible to vote during the selection of Onowu. Even one of their persons contested with the present Onowu and he stepped down for him" he said .
The vice president of Ohaneze World-wide Chief Damian Ogene Okeke said he came to the venue of the petition because they mentioned sand mining .
According to him,no functional motor can ply the road to the site,adding that no tipper no matter how strong can ply the road.
"At my level and my position I have attended in life,if the Igwe is mining sand ,I will personally report him to the governor. There are a lot of things i cannot do,include lying, no matter the situation. He is our traditional ruler,he is Igwe Nanka and not of any village. The entire Nanka communities voted for him to be Igwe,he was not appointed, so we most be careful how we treat him" he stated.
On the said Nanka constitution, they are faulting ,he said he kicked against it during amendment but the majority said it was what they wanted therefore it become our law.

"The constitution they are faulting now,I was one of minority opinion that objected to it but the majority of the community adopted it as a working documents and since it is a popular opinion,so shall it be .I will defend it anywhere , everywhere and any day. It will be wrong for me to disrespect the Constitution because the community did not follow my opinion.
The minority will have their say but the majority will always have their ways.
Any person who said it is not good can only set for the amendment and not asking for the discountence of the constitution because it did not specifically address his needs. As for me, as far as the constitution is fully operational ,I accepted it . As a leader,I don't think I know it all , whatever the community said is what I will do" he said.

Also speaking,the president General of Nanka Patriotic Union Reverend Canon John Ezeike commended the people of Nanka for gathering at State House of Assembly complex for the wonderful solidarity.
According to him,the good people of Nanka are not happy with the false allegation against their PG and traditional ruler, noting that Nanka is peaceful only that few disgruntled elements are sowing seeds of discord.
He called on those who feel aggrieved for whatever reason to calm down,and approach dialogue to solve whatever are their problems.
According to him,there is no community that does not have problem but there are needs to sit down and resolve them amicably .
On the issue of sand mining in Nanka,he described that allegation as false,unfounded and untrue, stating that no such mining exist in the town.
The PG said that immediately after governor Charles Soludo stopped sand mining,the community set up a committe to monitor activities of sand mining, and committe has been working till date.
On the constitution and Onowu,he said Nanka community acted on the interpretation of their constitution which is their grandnorm in the selection of Onowu Nanka.
According to him,if any person is not happy with the interpretation,he should approach court and stop not making false allegation against the Igwe and the PG.

" If you are not comfortable with the Constitution,you push for amendment or go to court for interpretation and stop messing up the community" he said

The former commissioner for Health in Anambra State and current Chief Medical Director MD of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Teaching Hospital Awka, Dr Joe Akabuike who came in solidarity with Igwe and PG said Nanka is a peaceful community, regretting that few individuals are destroying the community for no just reason.

According to him,nobody love what is happening in Nanka and appealed to the agrieved persons to apply dialogue towards resolving whatever are their grievances.
The women leader of Nanka community, Mrs Okafor Chinyere in her emotion laden statement said she was disturbed and pained by what is happening in Nanka today.
"How can someone be dragging our traditional ruler. A traditional ruler elected by the entire town made up of seven villages. Obu Nanka is our traditional ruler,few individuals are dragging him here and there because of issue he knows nothing about. Because of the same issue of sand mining,the leadership of women have been dragged to Amakor village . When we went there,the road is not motorable and they wondered how any motor could go there to carry sand. We the women,we want peace in Nanka. All these men destroying Nanka, their wives are still with us and loyal to me" she said.

Chief Emmanuel Obuekunie
said the village in question Amakor is his village and they generally accepted to be merged with other village called Umudala.
According to him,they signed and agreed on that , noting that after that, they went for the election of Prime Minister which he personally witnessed.
"During the election day of Onowu, Igwe Godwin Ezeilo ran bells more than five times asking if any person was against the elections and no body objected.
Amakor and Umudala merged together for one sharing formula in Nanka.
At the election day our brother from Amakor High Chief Tony Ezeokafor and High Chief Kofi Obijiofor of Umudala came out and later Tony Ezeokafor stepped down for Obijiofor. One of us suggested that despite the stepping down,we most allow elections to go on to know those who did not want Obijiofor to be Onowu but every body lined up for him.
All the carbinet chiefs including my village Amakor lined up for Obijiofor. The election was peaceful and after, we celebrated the emergency of new Onowu of Nanka.
After some days, some few lawyers said they did not agree on what was done in the traditional ways. They are not members of the carbinet and they have no rights to question and discuss what is done in Igwe in council because they are not members. We are over 2000 people in Amakor only about few people that are creating the problem. They wrote a letter and pulled themselves out of Nanka community and majority of us who want to forge ahead still remain in Nanka.
They alleged that our Igwe is mining sand and that is not true. The village is my village,there is nothing like sand mining there , infact no motor can ply the road.
We in Amakor of the Nanka went ahead and registered our village Union with CAC and we are paying our dues and others to Nanka Igwe and the PG. Those making noise are break away faction with less than 20 persons" he said
The lawyer to the petitioners, Emmanuel Ilo who described himself as an indegene and Stakeholders in Amakor Village of Njikoka said they are fighting against injustice in the Nanka.
According to him, Amakor union operates under the auspices of Amakor Njikoka Development Union and not Nanka Patriotic Union.
"It is just like the way we have Nanka Patriotic Union,which we were members before we have issue. The summary of today petition has to do with injustice against us by Nanka Patriotic Union. It has to do with the Prime Minister "Onowu" Nanka. Nanka has seven villages and it share rights and privileges in order of seniority. Igwe had come from 1,2 and 3 villages. If the Igwe is from 1st village the second Village will take Onowu. But this time it came from the 3rd Village and it is our turn as the fourth village to produce Onowu. They brought in one constitution that we are merged with other village but Onowu has no merger in the Constitution. The constitution is silent on the Onowu. Merger come to play only on Igweship. The Constitution says Onowu shall come from next Village not next structure. We believe it is our right to produce the Onowu by the seven villages that make up Nanka.

He however admitted that they have pulled out of Nanka and the Village is factionalised.
He also accused the Nanka leadership of sponsoring an Amakor man to disorganise them and stop the village from getting what rightly belong to them. .

Associating my name with sand mining height of denigration, says Igwe Nanka


The traditional Ruler of Nanka in Orumba North Local government area of Anambra State, Igwe Godwin Ezeilo
has described the allegation of his involvement and that of President General of Nanka in illegal sand mining as height of denigration and insensitivity to his throne and the people of his kingdom.

Igwe Ezeilo made the statement on Friday shortly after appearing before the Anambra State House Committee on Public Petition to answer questions on his involvement in illegal sand mining.
Some people from Amakor village in Nanka had petitioned the Anambra State House of Assembly alleging that the monarch and PG of the community are involved in sand mining against governor Soludo directive.

The Monarch said it is very sad and painful that some people could concort such an allegation and put his name and that of the PG of the community.
"Some people just levelled allegation against me and our PG of excavating sand against the governor's orders of banning sand mining. It is too bad and we cannot continue to take it. The so called mining site has no road to carry out sand. No motor can go there . Their allegation is defametory to my character and my throne. How can I be mining sand,what kind of insult is that ?
ABS has gone there and did a story that there is no sand mining taking place at the place yet they went ahead to make the false allegation against me" he said .
He stated that the truth is that the village is using the allegation of sand mining as a precosor to getting the Traditional Prime Minister 'Onuwu' Nanka.
According to him, Nanka has a constitution which it operates and it specifically states the condition for the emergency of Onowu which is not invested in him.
He said that,they cannot be looking for Onowu and mandate it on the Igwe to do it for them, noting that it is only the town union constitution that can give the Onowu position to anybody.

Obu Nanka said that Onowu Nanka issue is being handled by the cabinet members and not Igwe, stating that igwe is just an observer in the selection of Onowu.

" Iam not among those eligible to vote during the selection of Onowu. Even one of their persons contested with the present Onowu and he stepped down for him" he said .
The vice president of Ohaneze World-wide Chief Damian Ogene Okeke said he came to the venue of the petition because they mentioned sand mining .
According to him,no functional motor can ply the road to the site,adding that no tipper no matter how strong can ply the road.
"At my level and my position I have attended in life,if the Igwe is mining sand ,I will personally report him to the governor. There are a lot of things i cannot do,include lying, no matter the situation. He is our traditional ruler,he is Igwe Nanka and not of any village. The entire Nanka communities voted for him to be Igwe,he was not appointed, so we most be careful how we treat him" he stated.
On the said Nanka constitution, they are faulting ,he said he kicked against it during amendment but the majority said it was what they wanted therefore it become our law.

"The constitution they are faulting now,I was one of minority opinion that objected to it but the majority of the community adopted it as a working documents and since it is a popular opinion,so shall it be .I will defend it anywhere , everywhere and any day. It will be wrong for me to disrespect the Constitution because the community did not follow my opinion.
The minority will have their say but the majority will always have their ways.
Any person who said it is not good can only set for the amendment and not asking for the discountence of the constitution because it did not specifically address his needs. As for me, as far as the constitution is fully operational ,I accepted it . As a leader,I don't think I know it all , whatever the community said is what I will do" he said.

Also speaking,the president General of Nanka Patriotic Union Reverend Canon John Ezeike commended the people of Nanka for gathering at State House of Assembly complex for the wonderful solidarity.
According to him,the good people of Nanka are not happy with the false allegation against their PG and traditional ruler, noting that Nanka is peaceful only that few disgruntled elements are sowing seeds of discord.
He called on those who feel aggrieved for whatever reason to calm down,and approach dialogue to solve whatever are their problems.
According to him,there is no community that does not have problem but there are needs to sit down and resolve them amicably .
On the issue of sand mining in Nanka,he described that allegation as false,unfounded and untrue, stating that no such mining exist in the town.
The PG said that immediately after governor Charles Soludo stopped sand mining,the community set up a committe to monitor activities of sand mining, and committe has been working till date.
On the constitution and Onowu,he said Nanka community acted on the interpretation of their constitution which is their grandnorm in the selection of Onowu Nanka.
According to him,if any person is not happy with the interpretation,he should approach court and stop not making false allegation against the Igwe and the PG.

" If you are not comfortable with the Constitution,you push for amendment or go to court for interpretation and stop messing up the community" he said

The former commissioner for Health in Anambra State and current Chief Medical Director MD of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Teaching Hospital Awka, Dr Joe Akabuike who came in solidarity with Igwe and PG said Nanka is a peaceful community, regretting that few individuals are destroying the community for no just reason.

According to him,nobody love what is happening in Nanka and appealed to the agrieved persons to apply dialogue towards resolving whatever are their grievances.
The women leader of Nanka community, Mrs Okafor Chinyere in her emotion laden statement said she was disturbed and pained by what is happening in Nanka today.
"How can someone be dragging our traditional ruler. A traditional ruler elected by the entire town made up of seven villages. Obu Nanka is our traditional ruler,few individuals are dragging him here and there because of issue he knows nothing about. Because of the same issue of sand mining,the leadership of women have been dragged to Amakor village . When we went there,the road is not motorable and they wondered how any motor could go there to carry sand. We the women,we want peace in Nanka. All these men destroying Nanka, their wives are still with us and loyal to me" she said.

Chief Emmanuel Obuekunie
said the village in question Amakor is his village and they generally accepted to be merged with other village called Umudala.
According to him,they signed and agreed on that , noting that after that, they went for the election of Prime Minister which he personally witnessed.
"During the election day of Onowu, Igwe Godwin Ezeilo ran bells more than five times asking if any person was against the elections and no body objected.
Amakor and Umudala merged together for one sharing formula in Nanka.
At the election day our brother from Amakor High Chief Tony Ezeokafor and High Chief Kofi Obijiofor of Umudala came out and later Tony Ezeokafor stepped down for Obijiofor. One of us suggested that despite the stepping down,we most allow elections to go on to know those who did not want Obijiofor to be Onowu but every body lined up for him.
All the carbinet chiefs including my village Amakor lined up for Obijiofor. The election was peaceful and after, we celebrated the emergency of new Onowu of Nanka.
After some days, some few lawyers said they did not agree on what was done in the traditional ways. They are not members of the carbinet and they have no rights to question and discuss what is done in Igwe in council because they are not members. We are over 2000 people in Amakor only about few people that are creating the problem. They wrote a letter and pulled themselves out of Nanka community and majority of us who want to forge ahead still remain in Nanka.
They alleged that our Igwe is mining sand and that is not true. The village is my village,there is nothing like sand mining there , infact no motor can ply the road.
We in Amakor of the Nanka went ahead and registered our village Union with CAC and we are paying our dues and others to Nanka Igwe and the PG. Those making noise are break away faction with less than 20 persons" he said
The lawyer to the petitioners, Emmanuel Ilo who described himself as an indegene and Stakeholders in Amakor Village of Njikoka said they are fighting against injustice in the Nanka.
According to him, Amakor union operates under the auspices of Amakor Njikoka Development Union and not Nanka Patriotic Union.
"It is just like the way we have Nanka Patriotic Union,which we were members before we have issue. The summary of today petition has to do with injustice against us by Nanka Patriotic Union. It has to do with the Prime Minister "Onowu" Nanka. Nanka has seven villages and it share rights and privileges in order of seniority. Igwe had come from 1,2 and 3 villages. If the Igwe is from 1st village the second Village will take Onowu. But this time it came from the 3rd Village and it is our turn as the fourth village to produce Onowu. They brought in one constitution that we are merged with other village but Onowu has no merger in the Constitution. The constitution is silent on the Onowu. Merger come to play only on Igweship. The Constitution says Onowu shall come from next Village not next structure. We believe it is our right to produce the Onowu by the seven villages that make up Nanka.

He however admitted that they have pulled out of Nanka and the Village is factionalised.
He also accused the Nanka leadership of sponsoring an Amakor man to disorganise them and stop the village from getting what rightly belong to them. .

Fundamental Human Rights:
Court commenes procediings in IPOB's Head of Directorate case in Imo


A Federal High Court sitting in Owerri Imo State has commenced proceedings in a Fundamental Human Rights Enforcement Suit filed by Mazi Chika Edoziem .
Mazi Chika Edoziem- the Head of Directorate of State of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had in a suit number FHC/OW/FHR/29/2024 dragged the Chief of Defence Staff and Minister of Defence to court challenging his unlawful and illegal declaration as a “wanted person".
In a statement issued by the lead counsel to IPOB, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor , His Lordship has granted their application to effect the service of the originating processes filed in the suit, on the Minister of Defence and Chief of Defence Staff, through their Legal Unit in Abuja.
The statement reads:
"The Federal High Court of Nigeria sitting in Owerri, today being the 6th Day of June, 2024, commenced proceedings in a Fundamental Rights Enforcement Suit filed by Mazi Chika Edoziem- the Head of Directorate of State of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the Chief of Defence Staff and Minister of Defence, to challenge his unlawful and illegal declaration as a “wanted person".
His Lordship today granted our application to effect the service of the originating processes filed in the suit, on the Minister of Defence and Chief of Defence Staff, through their Legal Unit in Abuja.
BRIEF FACTS
1. Recall that on the 22nd March, 2024, the Defence Headquarters, without any lawful justification whatsoever, published the name of Mazi Chika Edoziem, and consequently described, declared and treated him as a “terrorist”, “insurgent”, “kidnapper”, “violent criminal” and “wanted person”. His photograph was further published as an "insurgent and violent criminal operating in the South East”. This was contained in the Defence Headquarters' First Edition 2024 publication.
2. It is to be noted that Mazi Chika Edoziem was never at any time given any invitation or accused of committing any offence by the Nigeria Defence Headquarters, to warrant being treated in such an unlawful and unconstitutional manner.
3. In view of the foregoing, we instituted an action on behalf of Mazi Chika Edoziem, before the Federal High Court Owerri, Imo State, for the enforcement of his fundamental human rights, extantly guaranteed under chapter 4 of the Constitution, which said rights were grossly violated by the Defence Headquarters by their unlawful declaration.
The matter has been adjourned to a later date, for the hearing of the substantive application.
We shall continue to keep Ezigbo Umuchineke updated of every development in this case, but be assured that justice will be served in the end.
We thank the most High ChukwuOkike Abiama for safe flight back to Abuja.
We shall continue to admonish Ezigbo Umuchineke to always remain focused, vigilant, and trust absolutely in the power of Almighty ChukwuOkike for His unlimited ability to do justice to all manner of Men.
Be assured that the land of Biafra shall definitely expose and deal decisively with the evil monsters and soulless beings, who are today , kidnapping, killing, maiming , raping , desecrating and devouring our land, they shall have no escape route because their cup is filled already. It is only a matter of time, they shall account for their evil deeds.
Thank you and God bless you all,
Even as we continue to Move!"

3 flee Onitsha South Over Allegations Of Diverting 1,300 ASWAMA Buckets

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The allegations of the diversion of 1,300 sanitary buckets meant for the Anambra State Waste Management Agency ASWAMA has created tension in Onitsha South local government area of Anambra State.
Some people had been paddling information that the former Chairman of Onitsha South local government area Chief Emeka Joseph Orji diverted those buckets meant for the residents.
Our Reporter gathered that those who paddled the information had flee the town after discovering that they collected N7millions to discredit the former chairman of the council.
It was also gathered that among the fleeing persons include a staff of Onitsha South local government council,who is still under investigation by the police.
The contractor handling the project said the three persons who made allegation were paid the sum of N7 millions by a politican fighting to replace Orji as Transition Committee Chairman.
According to the contractor, when they lost their bid as stakeholders of the All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA in the area to stop the re - nomination of Orji as one of the mandatory three aspirants for the job,they decided to make wild allegation against him .
However, Onitsha South Media , said those buckets were not diverted but were kept for safety on the mandate of the Contractor Menezes Int Ltd headed by the Managing Director and CEO of the firm Chief Sir Edwin Ukaora.
The contractor, Ukora in a statement confirming the safe keeping of the buckets said:
"The attention of Menezes Int ltd has been drawn to a video and report alleging that the former Chairman of Onitsha South local government area Chief Emeka Joseph Orji stocked Anambra state government sanitation buckets at his private residence in Onitsha"
"Against this backdrop, the management of Menezes Int Ltd wishes to state as follows"
"That the said allegations are not only false but unfounded as the property in question belongs to the Company"
"That the true position is that Menezes Int Ltd was contracted to supply sanitation buckets to the Anambra state government'
"By the time Anambra Waste Management Agency ASWAMA gave the contract to procure and distribute those sanitation buckets the firm had serious challenges of where to keep those buckets totaling 300 as first batch of the supply and later 1,000 buckets"
" Menezes had no option but to search for space, and it is on record that the company approached warehouses in Onitsha, and they charged her high cost of storage, which the company found too expensive to pay"
" On a second thought, Menezes Int Ltd approached the then Chairmen of Onitsha North and South local government areas, and they accepted to allow the firm to store those buckets under their custody.
"Onitsha North local government area had enough space to store some of the buckets while Onitsha South had no such space hence the Chairman Chief Emeka Joseph Orji offered his residence in Onitsha for the company to store those buckets at no cost at all'
"Consequent upon the above the Board and Management of Menezes Int ltd wish to state categorically that the said buckets is owned by the company and was not diverted by the former Chairman of Onitsha South local government area Chief Emeka Joseph Orji"
"That those buckets still bear the name of the company that supplied them, which is Menezes Int Ltd "
"The management sees those spurious allegations as a calculated attempt by some bunch of paid agents and rabble rousers to dent the image and reputation of Chief Emeka Joseph Orji.
"Meanwhile three suspects are said to be on the run following the intensed investigation over the matter and financial transactions have also been uncovered to the tune of N7 million allegedly paid to the blackmailers to pull Chief Emeka Joseph Orji down politically".
"The Management would make public the three suspects, which includes a staff of Onitsha South local government area who has been facing police interrogation over several allegations of obtaining under false pretenses and arson on public and private properties"
"The Management of Menezes Int Ltd wish to urge the general public to discountenance those reports as they misleading smacks of campaign of calumny targeted at the former Chairman of Onitsha South local government area" .

Anambra community gives UNN's Professor 7-day ultimatum to retract allegations

Chuks Collins,
Awka


The Isiagu Community in Awka South Council of Anambra State has issued a 7-day ultimatum to one Prof Patrick Emeka Nwabueze,Messy land deal: Anambra community gives UNN's Professor 7-day ultimatum to retract allegations

Chuks Collins,
Awka


The Isiagu Community in Awka South Council of Anambra State has issued a 7-day ultimatum to one Prof Patrick Emeka Nwabueze, a retired professor of Theatre/Film Studies University of Nigeria Nsukka UNN, a seven day ultimatum to apologise and retract his comments that present the community in bad light

Prof Patrick Emeka Nwabueze, a
native of Awka, the Anambra state capital had recently caused a media publication which cast the community and its leadership in bad light as fraudsters and land grabbers.

Addressing selected journalists yesterday at the Isiagu Community's central square "Ogbo Obodobo" called at the instance of the Isiagu Community Union in conjunction with her Lands Committee headed by Hon Sunday Ozumba; and the President General, Hon Udochukwu Nnebedum stated that the community leadership knows nothing about the land question as it is never their business.

Describing the issue "as purely a private land transaction between Prof Nwabueze and the Nwandelekwe Nwosi Family (the Christian Nwosu, aka Ozonnia)that went smoothly for years until one unnamed and faceless and speculator got involved.

The transaction according to a report by the land arbitration committee's chairman, Chief Sunday Ozumba and his Secretary Barrister Sir Ben Nwankwo, was between Prof Nwabueze and the Nwandelekwe family.

Barrister Ben Nwankwo who is also the palace Legal Adviser/Secretary stated that the said land was located and bounded by other parcels of lands belonging to other families including Nweke Ube/Anagor and Ekwunife families lands.

That the now troubled transaction done and perfected more than three years ago in 2020, was without any perceived or reported rancour. And the community was never informed or brought into the picture, until this misunderstanding broke out.

Incidentally, the Land Committee according to Ozumba only comes into any land transaction in the community from the perspective of authentication of ownership, or on boundary disputes, especially where any of the parties involved is not a native of Isiagu.

Ozumba, just like the secretary of his Committee (Barrister Ben Nwankwo) emphasized that it was a copious provision of the committee's Terms of Reference. He pointed out that the Land Committee knows nothing about any of the money being mentioned in this particular instance because the community does not handle or deal on money issues at all.

"My committee, just like in the present instance is often oblivious of the transactions or the details therein, if the parties remain aloof or sidestep us.

"It's only when they run into rough weather that they approach the Land Committee" Ozumba added.

The PG equally pointed out the severe and urgent need for Prof Nwabueze and his lieutenants to immediately remedy the scandalous wild accusations against his ever peaceful community with a well articulated retraction statement and apology within seven days. Else, his community would be left with no choice than to seek immediate legal redress.

Nnebedum expressed the shocking embarrassment the offensive publication has put the community's sons and daughters globally especially their monarch, HRH Igwe Augustine Nwankwo. He said the smear effect of the unwarranted malicious and misleading allegations were unimaginable.

According to the him, neither the monarch nor any palace chief or himself as the PG ever dabbles into land transactions in the community.

Nnebedum also revealed that their investigation, as collaborated by Christian Nwosu (Ozonnia) who is the spokesperson for the land owners has so refunded above three million Naira to Prof Nwabueze, long before he launched media attack on the leaders of the community who have nothing to do with the land transaction. They lamented on why Nwabueze prompted his media team to scandalize the leadership of Isiagu community without any justification.

More so that it was indeed suspicious that neither Prof Nwabueze nor any of his spokespersons bothered to acknowledge refund of the above three million Naira already openly as he did with other details of the transaction. Again, that they have worked out schedule to complete the refund of his remaining balance of Four million Naira(N4m) between May 17,2024 and August 17, 2024.

Again, the land owners as well as their agents were arrested and detained. While some are reported to still being withheld by the police.

Prof Nwabueze, Ozonnia stated was instrumental to the delay in his refund process as the University of Nigeria's ex- professor initially refused to take back his money. That he(Nwabueze) had insisted on being provided an alternative location since the initial site was now found to be slightly encumbered.

Ozonnia revealed also that he urged Prof Nwabueze to exercise a little more patience to enable his family provide him new site, but he appeared confused until now.

When a call was put across to Prof Nwabueze on why he went on to accuse and tarnish the image of those who had no hand in the transaction or his predicament thereto, in his media publications. He put the blame on his ex-students who came to his aid when they learnt of his predicament. a retired professor of Theatre/Film Studies University of Nigeria Nsukka UNN, a seven day ultimatum to apologise and retract his comments that present the community in bad light

Prof Patrick Emeka Nwabueze, a
native of Awka, the Anambra state capital had recently caused a media publication which cast the community and its leadership in bad light as fraudsters and land grabbers.

Addressing selected journalists yesterday at the Isiagu Community's central square "Ogbo Obodobo" called at the instance of the Isiagu Community Union in conjunction with her Lands Committee headed by Hon Sunday Ozumba; and the President General, Hon Udochukwu Nnebedum stated that the community leadership knows nothing about the land question as it is never their business.

Describing the issue "as purely a private land transaction between Prof Nwabueze and the Nwandelekwe Nwosi Family (the Christian Nwosu, aka Ozonnia)that went smoothly for years until one unnamed and faceless and speculator got involved.

The transaction according to a report by the land arbitration committee's chairman, Chief Sunday Ozumba and his Secretary Barrister Sir Ben Nwankwo, was between Prof Nwabueze and the Nwandelekwe family.

Barrister Ben Nwankwo who is also the palace Legal Adviser/Secretary stated that the said land was located and bounded by other parcels of lands belonging to other families including Nweke Ube/Anagor and Ekwunife families lands.

That the now troubled transaction done and perfected more than three years ago in 2020, was without any perceived or reported rancour. And the community was never informed or brought into the picture, until this misunderstanding broke out.

Incidentally, the Land Committee according to Ozumba only comes into any land transaction in the community from the perspective of authentication of ownership, or on boundary disputes, especially where any of the parties involved is not a native of Isiagu.

Ozumba, just like the secretary of his Committee (Barrister Ben Nwankwo) emphasized that it was a copious provision of the committee's Terms of Reference. He pointed out that the Land Committee knows nothing about any of the money being mentioned in this particular instance because the community does not handle or deal on money issues at all.

"My committee, just like in the present instance is often oblivious of the transactions or the details therein, if the parties remain aloof or sidestep us.

"It's only when they run into rough weather that they approach the Land Committee" Ozumba added.

The PG equally pointed out the severe and urgent need for Prof Nwabueze and his lieutenants to immediately remedy the scandalous wild accusations against his ever peaceful community with a well articulated retraction statement and apology within seven days. Else, his community would be left with no choice than to seek immediate legal redress.

Nnebedum expressed the shocking embarrassment the offensive publication has put the community's sons and daughters globally especially their monarch, HRH Igwe Augustine Nwankwo. He said the smear effect of the unwarranted malicious and misleading allegations were unimaginable.

According to the him, neither the monarch nor any palace chief or himself as the PG ever dabbles into land transactions in the community.

Nnebedum also revealed that their investigation, as collaborated by Christian Nwosu (Ozonnia) who is the spokesperson for the land owners has so refunded above three million Naira to Prof Nwabueze, long before he launched media attack on the leaders of the community who have nothing to do with the land transaction. They lamented on why Nwabueze prompted his media team to scandalize the leadership of Isiagu community without any justification.

More so that it was indeed suspicious that neither Prof Nwabueze nor any of his spokespersons bothered to acknowledge refund of the above three million Naira already openly as he did with other details of the transaction. Again, that they have worked out schedule to complete the refund of his remaining balance of Four million Naira(N4m) between May 17,2024 and August 17, 2024.

Again, the land owners as well as their agents were arrested and detained. While some are reported to still being withheld by the police.

Prof Nwabueze, Ozonnia stated was instrumental to the delay in his refund process as the University of Nigeria's ex- professor initially refused to take back his money. That he(Nwabueze) had insisted on being provided an alternative location since the initial site was now found to be slightly encumbered.

Ozonnia revealed also that he urged Prof Nwabueze to exercise a little more patience to enable his family provide him new site, but he appeared confused until now.

When a call was put across to Prof Nwabueze on why he went on to accuse and tarnish the image of those who had no hand in the transaction or his predicament thereto, in his media publications. He put the blame on his ex-students who came to his aid when they learnt of his predicament.

Gruesome murder of Soldiers in Abia desecration of Biafran's holyland- Ejiofor

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The lead counsel to detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Mr Ifeanyi Ejiofor has condemned the killings of Soldiers in Aba, Abia' State by the criminal elements.
In a statement,he personally issued, Ejiofor said the gruesome murder of some Soldiers on 30th May was a desecration of holy land on the holy day of Biafrans.
According to Ejiofor,the killings was unaccepted by the entire Biafrans and should be condemned in its entirety.
He appealed for all hands to be on deck to ensure that those responsible for this heinous attack are bought to book and no innocent person is harmed.
The lead counsel said IPOB is not responsible for the killings rather the criminals claiming to be freedom fighters ,who also have publicly taken responsibility for this heinous crime.
According to Ejiofor,whatever motive behind the actions of the evil souls that perpetuated this evil act, has no justification under any circumstance and stands.
Ejiofor's statement reads:
"I roundly condemn in unmistaken terms, the unprovoked attack on military personnel at a checkpoint in Aba, Abia State on the 30th day of May 2024.
While we pray for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in this dastardly act, carefully perpetuated by the real enemies of Biafra and Biafrans, I urge for all hands to be on deck to ensure that those responsible for this heinous attack are fished out.
IPOB has maintained its peaceful stance in their self determination quest for a Sovereign State of Biafra, and have at all times, distanced itself from the activities of the criminals claiming to be freedom fighters, who have publicly taken responsibility for this heinous crime.
Unfortunately, the victims of the envisaged reprisal attacks and/or arrests from the soldiers, would be innocent citizens who know absolutely nothing about the incident.
While we encourage a thorough investigation of this heinous crime, we shall at the same time urge the Soldiers and other security agents to exercise the greatest restraint and operate within the acceptable Rules of professional engagement, to avoid punishing the innocent for an offence they know nothing about.
Furthermore, it is unreasonable to attribute the commission of this dastardly act to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), whom I am its Lead Counsel, even before any investigation has been conducted. IPOB has maintained its peaceful stance in their self determination quest for a Sovereign State of Biafra, and have at all times, distanced itself from the activities of the criminals claiming to be freedom fighters, who have publicly taken responsibility for this heinous crime.
Whatever evil motive behind the actions of the evil souls that perpetuated this evil act, has no justification under any circumstance and stands totally condemned.
The long arms of the law must surely catch up with those responsible for this heinous crime"

Deputy Governor snubs Abia students at Unizik's convocation

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The deputy governor of Abia State Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu on Friday snubbed Abia students who had wanted to greet him at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka.

The students who went to greet their deputy Governor after he had represented the governor Dr Alex Otti at the 18th convocation ceremony of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Anambra State expressed bitterness over his action.

The students who had went to greet their deputy Governor with their banners with Abia students inscriptions felt disappointed by Ikechukwu's attitude towards them.

Mr Godwin Okeke said that he was disappointed about the manner the deputy Governor treated them at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University convocation.
"Honestly,even if he had a tight schedule,he ought to have greeted us or wave to us than snubbing us. He treated us as animals. It is unbelievable that a deputy Governor who was once a student could treat us this way" he said .
Also Miss Ngozi Ude,said it was sad and unbelievable, noting that she will never try such again in her life.
" I don't know if anything is wrong,if students want to see their governor or deputy in function outside the state. It is sad and highly regrettable" she said.

Abuja Federal High Court admits
42 Biafrans to bail on Biafrans day


Titus Maduako Eleweke

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja presided over by his Lordship Justice J.K. Omotosho had on Thursday admitted 42 Biafrans to bail.
According to the
lead lawyer to Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor the suspects were arrested in Anambra state and brought to Abuja for trial.

He said his Lordship, in his well considered Ruling delivered admitted all these innocent people to bail on the day of celebration of fallen heroes of Biafrans.

He said that the bail will be perfected next week and the innocent Biafrans will reunite with their families.
Ejiofor said that they shall take adequate steps to ensure that the terms of the bail granted by the court are met as swiftly as possible so that these innocent men and women, can rejoin their families as soon as possible.
"Today, the 30th day of May, 2024, as we commemorate the death of our fallen heroes and heroines who died during the three years pogrom on Biafran soil, a Federal High of Nigeria sitting in Abuja per Hon. Justice J.K. Omotosho, delivered its ruling on the bail applications we filed and moved on behalf of 42 innocent Biafrans made up of Igbo youths, young women, mothers and fathers, who were arrested in Anambra in December 2023, and subsequently bundled to Abuja by overzealous Nigerian security agents.
His Lordship, in his well considered Ruling delivered moments ago, admitted all these innocent Biafrans to bail.
"Pertinent to reiterate that these innocent Biafrans were arrested in Anambra State by overzealous Nigerian security agents, whilst they were going about their respective legitimate businesses, and subsequently brought to Abuja and charged before the court in Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/8/2024, on a three count frivolous and unfounded charge of terrorism, on account of their alleged membership of IPOB.
We shall take steps to ensure that the terms of the bail granted by the court are met as swiftly as possible so that these innocent men and women, can rejoin their families as soon as possible.
We are also hopeful that all innocent Biafrans who are being held in various detention facilities across the country, will regain their freedom soonest.
May God continue to bless all Ezigbo UmuChineke,
Even as we continue to move!"

Nnamdi Kanu lawyer urges S/E governors to dedicate May 30 as public holiday


Titus Maduako Eleweke

The lead counsel to the detained leader of Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor (KSC) has urged the South Easterner Governors to dedicate May 30th as a public holiday.
Sir Ejiofor in a statement, he personally issued on Thursday said the public holiday should serve as a mark of respect and honour for Biafran fallen heroes.
According to him,it is not asking too much to remember and commemorate Biafran heroes and heroines by declaring this date a public holiday across Biafraland.
He said it is worth noting that long before 2019, the entire South West states had set aside June 12 as a public holiday to commemorate the anniversary of the annulled 1993 Presidential election, adjudged to have been won by the late MKO Abiola. Heaven did not fall when the South West.
The statement reads:"May 30th is set aside as a special day to remember and reflect on the death of over five million Biafrans who were genocidally massacred during the three-year Biafra-Nigeria war, which lasted from July 6, 1967 to January 15, 1970.
This day is dedicated to honoring our fallen heroes and heroines, not only to remember the cause for which they were brutally killed but also to reflect on how their deaths have impacted the lives of Biafrans, the lessons learned, and the resolutions made since then.
It is a time of introspection, a moment to consider the position of Biafrans in modern-day Nigeria and their relevance in the broader national context. Unfortunately, the issues that ultimately led to the Biafran war are still present within the policies and decisions of the government.
Further, we must remember the massacre of over six thousand men, mainly residents of Asaba, who were gruesomely killed at Obosowe Asaba in present-day Delta State between October 4 and 7, 1967. Nigeria is under a moral obligation to acknowledge this tragedy, as it was not the making of Asaba. The massacre, where Nigerian troops summoned unarmed and innocent Asaba residents, rounded them up, and killed them in cold blood remains fresh in our minds.
It is important to note that no matter how long history is hidden, it will always reveal itself on true platforms. Unfortunately, the story of post-war reconstruction, reintegration, and reconciliation has remained a ruse. These three Rs must go hand in hand for a full healing process, but the reverse has been the case.
I use this moment of sober reflection to call on all South East Governors to dedicate May 30th as a public holiday, as a mark of respect and honour for Biafran fallen heroes. It is not asking too much to remember and commemorate Biafran heroes and heroines by declaring this date a public holiday across Biafraland. It is worth noting that long before 2019, the entire South West states had set aside June 12 as a public holiday to commemorate the anniversary of the annulled 1993 Presidential election, adjudged to have been won by the late MKO Abiola. Heaven did not fall when the South West Governors made this declaration in unison. Rather, the Federal Government was later compelled by the strong resolve of these leaders to consequently declare June 12th, a national public holiday starting from 2019 to date.
Only the truth can set us free from the bondage of war and propaganda. I also wish to use this solemn opportunity to call on the government, particularly the Federal Government, to unconditionally release genuine Biafran agitators who are being held in various detention facilities. This gesture will go a long way in assuaging the ill-feelings of the gravely marginalized Biafrans and will help restore a sense of reintegration in the Nigerian project, pending a United Nations-organized and supervised referendum to determine the ultimate fate of Biafrans.
As we continue to pray for the repose of our fallen heroes and heroines massacred during the civil war and subsequently, may we remember the cause for which they died. They did not die for the cause of relentless perpetration of heinous crimes, not for the cause of kidnapping, not for the cause of rampant rape of their descendants, not for the cause of killing our innocent brothers and sisters by those who have sold their souls to evil. It is not in our character, culture, and tradition to kill our own. Onye nwere nti ya nuru! Ozo emezina!!!
May the souls of our departed fallen heroes and heroines continue to rest in the bosom of the Almighty Chukwuokike Abiama. Iseee, Iseeee, Iseeee!!!"

Awka security summit:Ozo title holders to de-title members involve in bailing cultist


Titus Maduako Eleweke


The Ozo title holders in Awka Anambra State have passed a decree that any Ozo title holder who bail a cultist or make call to set him free shall be be ex-communicated, and, de-titled as Ozo.
Ozo title holders who are the custodian of culture made the prounncement at a security summit convened by the member representing Awka 1 constituency at the Anambra state House of Assembly, Hon. Nigeria-Henry Mbachu on Wednesday.

The secretary of the Ozo title holders in Awka Ozo Ndu Nwakalor who spoke on behalf of Ndi Ozo stated that they have decreed henceforth that any of their members who facilitated bail from security custody for any criminal suspects would be ex-communicated, and, de-titled as Ozo.
According to him,this is part of the solution to solving the Cultism and cult killings in the town.

Recalled that cult activities have resulted in the killing of over 34 youths among rival cults groups just within the month of April this year.

These killings have forced forced residents to leave in fears of being killed.

In his opening speech at the summit, the convener, Hon. Henry Mbachu decried the falling moral values amongst the youth, failure of parents, and, elders to inculcate moral values in their children.

According to him,he convened the security summit for the stakeholders to identify the cause of the unfortunate development and proffer solutions to the menace.
However,elders and other leaders of Awka blamed politicians who arm youth in pursuit of their political interests .

The Stakeholders attributed the falling moral values, and, growing unemployment as the major factors responsible for the current increasing wave of insecurity, especially killings and kidnapping for ransome pavading the area.

Presidential general of Awka Women town union, Mrs Ogechukwu Ekwuozor, a lawyer urged various security agencies in the state to prioritise security of the capital city.

She bemoaned the falling of moral values, and, urged mothers to take up the challenge of monitoring the behaviour of their children, and, stop shielding them when they indulge in criminalities.

A Labour Party, LP, aspirant in the coming 2025 governorship election in the state, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo urged the state government to prioritise security stating that provision of employment opportunities for the youth was critical for fighting insecurity.
The senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Chief Victor Umeh, and, the member representing Awka-South and Awka-North federal constituency, Prof. Lilian Orogbu who made their contributions at the summit via zoom urged the elders, and, other community leaders to rein in the youth emphasising that security was critical for the investors, and, democracy dividends they are attracting to impact on the area.

2027: Ex-PDP Lawmaker Cautions Stakeholders Against Going Into Merger

Titus Maduako Eleweke

A former Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon.George Okoye has cautioned the party's stakeholders against the party going into merger arrangement ahead of the 2027 general election.

He rather stated that the party current political misfortune is lack of credible leadership, and called on the stakeholders to enthrone a leadership that would work for the interest of the party, and, not those who rather pursue selfish ambition.

Hon Okoye who was a presidential aspirant under the All Progressive Grand Alliance ,APGA, in 2003 general election who spoke with newsmen in Awka, Anambra State on Monday said that PDP is the foundation of democratic practice in Nigeria.

He insisted that PDP is the only opposition party in Nigeria and advised that it must not be allowed to fizzle out because of inordinate ambitions of some of the stakeholders.

He said that the party leadership should sit down and restructure the party for better Nigeria rather than jumping into the "so-call new mega party".

"The leadership of the party is complacent; they are just rigmaroling, looking for direction. A mega party cannot work in Nigeria today, the only thing the PDP needs now is to resolve its leadership challenges, the former Anambra state legislator said.

He cautioned that the country must not misconstrue a credible opposition to criticising the ruling government even when it is doing well.

He said : "If the government does the right thing commend it, and, criticise it when it does the wrong thing.
We have a president today in Nigeria, and, I don't think (President)Bola Ahmed Tinubu is bad. I am impressed by his performance so far, but, PDP can provide a better alternative.

"The problem with PDP is lack of credible leadership, and, once there is a credible leadership every other thing will fall in place.
PDP must democratise the process of who become its leaders. Why can't the leadership emerge through a normal process that is acceptable to all?
The PDP should work on its internal democracy and come out with a credible leadership" he advised.

Anambra lady unveils Hecharena Foundation to cater for needy

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra born Lady of Charity, Osinigwe Ezenwanyi Vera Ikokwu, has inaugurated Heavenly Elderly Charity Arena Foundation known as Hecharena Foundation in Enugu, to cater for the Elderly, the indigent and vulnerable members of Nigerian communities.
Speaking during the inauguration of the Foundation, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities in Enugu, on Sunday, the Founder, Lady Osinigwe Ezenwanyi Vera Ikokwu, said the initiative was borne out of her personal appreciation of the importance of charity which came as a result of her Christian-socialist family background.
Ikokwu stated that the Foundation constituted a Board of Trustees selected to play vital roles for the purpose of carrying out effectively the objective of the Foundation towards promoting enhanced health and welfare sustainability of the needy.
She said the organisation is profound in offering comprehensive and heartfelt care to the elderly individuals in vulnerable communities in Nigeria and dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where the elderly ones feel valued,
understood and supported during their times of vulnerability in health, emotions and otherwise.
"My personal appreciation of the importance of charity comes from the Christian-socialist
family background that shaped me, and for the ever-green love and care towards my parents late Maurice and Maria in blessed memory. As a result of passion and hard work, Heavenly Elderly Charity Arena Foundation was founded on the belief that every person
who deserves Charity should be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion especially
during their times of need.
"This occasion is indeed momentous and marks the beginning of a new chapter and as we stand on the threshold of this noble endeavour, I am reminded of the profound impact that
acts of kindness and care can have on the lives of individuals facing challenges and adversity.
"It is with great pleasure and humility that I stand before you today to inaugurate Heavenly Elderly Charity Arena Foundation. This moment signifies the culmination of our collective
efforts to establish an organisation dedicated to providing care and compassion. HECHARENA Foundation is a non-profit organisation established in 2024. It is legally recognised and founded by my humble self as the President."She said.
According to her, the foundation is established with deep-rooted commitment to providing support and solace to elderly individuals in need and indigent persons, also serving as a "beacon of hope for individuals facing health challenges, emotional distress or social isolation, hospital bill matters and educational needs amongst pupils and students".
She assured of a holistic approach to care giving that encompasses physical, emotional, and social wellbeing, which offers companionship, providing assistance with daily tasks or coordinating medical care.
She said the foundation is made up of a team of dedicated and committed people to ensuring that each kindly individual receives the support and attention they deserve.
"Today, as we unveil HECHARENA Foundation, we are guided by deep sense of purpose and commitment to serving others with kindness, empathy, and respect. At the heart of our organisation is a team of compassionate individuals who have come together with a shared vision of making a positive difference in the lives of those facing challenges.
"We understand that caring for others is a privilege and a responsibility, and we embrace this role with compassion and dedication. Our Organisation is
in partnership with private and government health centers, hospitals, nutrition institution and
legal firms in Nigeria. We humbly wish to bring to bear all core values of the Foundation.
"It is on record that the high death rate of elderly individuals and vulnerable persons is tailoring over 50 per cent. Research has it that most elderly individuals in vulnerable communities are abandoned, neglected and uncared for.
"However, to curb this shortcoming and to reduce the death rate of the elderly individuals which arouse as a result of lack of care and health
services. The Organisation is profound to offer comprehensive and heartfelt care services to
elderly individuals in vulnerable communities in Nigeria. We are dedicated to creating a
nurturing environment where they feel valued, understood and supported.
"The wellbeing of your elderly ones is safe in our hands while you go about your daily activities and work. We choose to make significant impact in the lives of those we serve. Through our commitment to excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement, we will touch the hearts of countless families, save lives, bringing comfort, relief and hope.
"Our vision for the future is one of a community where care is abundant. Compassion is freely given and support is readily available to all. Together, we strive to create a network of care and support that extends a helping hand to
those who may feel alone or forgotten.
"As we embark on this journey of care giving and compassion, let us remember that our actions have the power to bring light into lives of others. Let us embrace each other to offer solace, understanding to those in need, knowing that our efforts have the potential to create a ripple effect of kindness and hope. Together, we shall make a difference and create a world
where kindness and empathy reign supreme," Ikokwu added.
In giving a HECHARENA vote of thanks to the esteemed guests at the event, a Trustee and Executive Director of the Foundation, Prince Victor Uba Udeh-Ubaka, expressed deep gratitude to all and prayed to God Almighty for the realisation of the sustainable goals of the Hecharena Foundation.

Expert frowns at low reporting of lung cancer in Nigeria, Sub-Saharan Africa

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Lung cancer which is one of the terminal diseases in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa is highly unreported and lacking in awareness creation.
To this end, many people are suffering from lung cancer and they hardly know because of a lack of awareness and proper diagnosis.

This is the position of a medical expert, Prof. Kelechi Okonta who is a consultant Cardiothoracic surgeon, and public health expert at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, Nigeria.

He disclosed this while delivering a lecture titled " Epidemiological Molecular Characteristics and Challenges with the Management of Lung Cancer: An Inquisitive Look at Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa at the Princess Margaret Cancer centre, Prosserman Centre for Health Research, Mount Sinai Hospital at the University of Toronto University, Canada.
He was the first African to be invited and given such privilege by the institution to deliver a ecture on lung cancer. Thus clearly identifying Prof Okonta's expertise in the area of Lung cancer research in the world.
The lecture was monitored in Awka Anambra state Nigeria by our Reporter via Zoom.
His Host, Prof Geoffrey Liu in his opening statement stated how Prof Okonta was selected all the way from Pretoria, South Africa following his extensive publications in the area of lung cancer. He further stated that he was looking forward to collaborating with Prof Okonta and their Institution in the area of lung cancer.
Prof Okonta said poor reportage of lung cancer in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa poses a serious challenge to the health system of the region.
He said that lung cancer in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa is being underreported because of poor and lack of data and inaccurate recording in the system.
Okonta said that the lack of a lung cancer registry in Nigeria poses a big problem in creating lung cancer awareness in the country.
According to Prof Okonta, who also is the Head of, the Department of Surgery University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Choba Rivers State Lung cancer risk is higher in Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected populations than in general populations and it is most common in non -acquired immunodeficiency syndrome deficiency malignancy and poor diagnostic facilities.
He also stated that lung cancer has a consistent association with cigarette smoking but noted that most of the patients with lung cancer in our environment are non-smokers giving credence to the fact that other carcinogens possible from the inhalation of petroleum products may beimplicated.
According to him, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds present in tobacco and Petroleum products cause lung cancer.
"Various chemical products in refineries can cause cancer following prolonged exposure to some of the emitted carcinogens.
He further said that increased Refinery activities, urban dwellers' pollution, and occupational and environmental activities increase the risk of lung cancer in Nigeria and sub-Sahara Africa.
The challenges of lung cancer in Nigeria,
Prof Okonta identified the challenges as follows:

Gross resource limitations, poor general awareness of the enormity of the disease burden, and the currently available resources for diagnosis and care.

The deregulation poorly addressed the issue and negative impact of cigarette smoking and the lack of a centrally coordinated structure population base lung cancer registry with full proof database.
Lack of centrally coordinated, well-designed actionable, and evidence-based national lung cancer control plan. Persistently cumbersome referral system within the overall national Health care system.

Lack of of clear national lung cancer screening strategy or program and lack of locally relevant policies guidelines, treatment algorithms, and care pathways especially for early disease detection, and uncommon implementation of MDT to provide comprehensive care.


Solution :

He said that "the country needs to solve the problem of underdiagnosis, and the problem of health care funding'.

Addressing the lack of expertise, circular migration of skilled physicians should be encouraged. Address the technological gap and challenges in practices.

There should be an emphasis on skills development in diagnostics.

He also called for a minimally invasive method of obtaining a biopsy of lung cancer and subjecting the sample to molecular testing to identify targetable drive mutation and create lung cancer website awareness information and collations of data. Newer target therapies, as well as advance in the genetic blueprint, collaboration - exchange knowledge and peer review collaboration in research, should be encouraged"

He finally described the burden of lung cancer in Nigeria as huge and grossly underreported, and its huge gap of unmet needs in sub-Sahara Africa.

He also advocated for the use of molecular profiling in the management of patients to improve their survival.
According to him,the ultimate aim of this meeting and exchange is to build a collaboration with the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Toronto in the area of lung cancer research and treatment starting from Nigeria and Subsaharan African.

Bridge Head Housing Estate members appeal for reappointment of Orji



Titus Maduako Eleweke

Members of Bridge Head Housing Estate Community Onitsha have appealed to the governor of State Prof Charles Soludo to reappoint Chief Emeka Joseph Orji as the chairman Onitsha South Local Government Council.

In a statement issued by the President General Hon. Afam Udeogalanya and Secretary ,Comrade Ihezuru Okonkwo stated the Orji has really done well as Onitsha south local council chairman.

The statement said their appeal for the reappointment Emeka Joseph Orji was for the continuity of his good work in the council.

"On behalf of the executive members and the entire Bridge Head Housing Estate
Community, we hereby use this medium to felicitate with you for deeming it fit
to commence the appointment of Local Government Transition Committee
members in the state.
Indeed, the value of a functional local government in a state cannot be
overemphasized. More importantly is the appointment of credible characters
at the helm to make lasting impact.
We humbly endorse Chief Emeka Joseph Orji to be kindly considered and re-
appointed the Chairman transition Committee for Onitsha South local
Government area. He is tested and trusted and our relationship with him over
the years towards grassroot development attests to his competence and credibility.
For purposes of continuity, we implore Your Excellency to use his good offices
in this regard and make the right appointment for the people"