₦airaland Forum

Bureaucratic bottleneck: Abia State Civil servants' hostility to official correspondence



In the heart of Nigeria's southeastern region lies Abia State, a land of rich culture and untapped potential. However, amidst the vibrant spirit of this state, a pressing issue has persisted over the years, stifling development and impeding the vital communication between civil society organizations and government offices. The problem at hand is the bureaucratic bottleneck that has plagued the submission of letters to government ministries, departments, and agencies in Abia State.

This bureaucratic hindrance is not a recent phenomenon; it has endured through past administrations and continues to persist even under the leadership of an astute administrator and revered banker, Dr. Alex C. Otti. Dr. Otti, who undoubtedly understands the operational standards of the corporate world, especially when it comes to official correspondence, is, unfortunately, facing a challenge within his administration—the hostility of civil servants towards acknowledging the receipt of vital letters from civil rights organizations.

Numerous civil society organizations have encountered this frustrating bureaucratic bottleneck when attempting to communicate officially with government ministries and parastatals in Abia State. Recently, a poignant example of this issue emerged when the Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative penned a letter aimed at capacity building of civil servants and possibly could lead to attracting donor agencies. The letter, intended for the State Auditor General's office, was met with disbelief when the administrative officer refused to acknowledge its receipt. Astonishingly, the reason provided was an instruction allegedly given by the Governor, Dr. Alex C. Otti himself. This excuse, quite frankly, appears far-fetched and unbelievable coming from an administrative officer in a public office.

One must ask, how could a seasoned professional from the corporate world, like Dr. Alex C. Otti, give such an absurd instruction to impede the vital work of civil society organizations in Abia State? This incident raises questions not only about the efficiency of official communication but also about the transparency and accountability within the state's administrative machinery.

The consequences of this longstanding correspondence hindrance in Abia State have been dire. It has contributed significantly to the state's poor development and the absence of donor agencies. Donor agencies play a crucial role in supporting initiatives that can uplift communities and improve the lives of citizens. However, when letters that could facilitate aid and collaboration are met with skepticism and resistance, it creates a hostile environment that discourages facilitators of these agencies from engaging with the Abia State Government for a proper understanding of the help to render.

There is an urgent need for the current administration in Abia State, under the leadership of Dr. Alex C. Otti, to address this anomaly. It is imperative to refute the purported instruction given by the governor and put an end to the prevailing culture of not officially acknowledging the receipt of correspondence. Open and transparent communication between government offices and civil society organizations is essential for the growth and development of Abia State.

The bureaucratic bottleneck that has persisted for years must be dismantled, and a new era of collaboration, accountability, and development must dawn. Abia State has immense potential, and it is time to unlock it by fostering an environment where civil rights organizations can effectively communicate and collaborate with government entities, ultimately leading to progress and prosperity for all its citizens.

Written by:
*Okoye, Chuka Peter*
Executive Director - Cehraws
chukesto@gmail.com

EEDC announces total system collapse in Anambra , other eastern states


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Less than 24 hours, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) said it has fully restored power supply in Anambra state, it has announced a total system collapse in the South East region,including Anambra.
The Head, Corporate Communications, EEDC, Emeka Ezeh in a statement on Thursday made available to our correspondent in Awka, said there was a total system collapse which occurred at 12:40am, early hour of today.

According to him, the development has resulted into the loss of supply currently being experienced across the network.

"Due to this development, all our interface TCN stations are out of supply, and we are unable to provide service to our customers in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States.

We are on standby awaiting detailed information of the collapse and restoration of supply from the National Control Centre (NCC), Osogbo" he said

EEDC restores energy supply to parts of Anambra, apologises to customers





Titus Maduako Eleweke

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has fully restored power supply to its customers in parts of Anambra State that were affected by the recent power outage.

In a statement by the Head, of Corporate Communications, EEDC, Mr Emeka Ezeh the outage was caused by a fault at the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Station, Awada.

According to Eze, the full restoration of supply followed the successful transfer of the affected 33KV feeders to the newly commissioned 100MVA power transformer in TCN Station, Awada.

He said EEDC apologised to customers of the company who were affected by the unfortunate and unforeseen development.

Eze thanked the consumers for their patience and understanding while the power outage lasted.

He appealed to customers to appreciate the position and role of the distribution companies in the electricity supply industry, stating that, "once there is a disruption within the space of any member of the value chain, it impacts on the service delivery of the distribution companies to customers".

"In this case, the power transformer belonging to TCN which serves as the source of power to our 33KV feeders was faulty, and as a result, we lost supply and couldn't serve our customers," he stated

He further recounted the millions of Naira the company lost as revenue within the period of the incident.

It will be recalled that parts of Anambra State were without power supply for over a week due to the faulty TR11, 60MVA power transformer at the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Station, Awada.

Pay our members' N900.7m debts, IPMAN tells Soludo




Titus Maduako Eleweke


The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has appealed to Governor Charles Soludo to pay her members the sum of N900.7 million debt owed to about 70 contractors for the diesel supplied to the Anambra government in 2022.


IPMAN appealed in a letter to Soludo which was signed by Mr Chinedu Anyaso and Mr Emeka Iloafor, the chairman and Secretary of the association respectively and made available to journalists in Awka on Wednesday.


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


The association said the decision to intervene in the protracted transactions was reached at its Annual General Meeting held in Enugu on August 24.


It explained that the debts were for March and April 2022 being the period they got approval to supply and after the exit of the administration of Chief Willie Obiano they were directed to stop by the Soludo administration.


IPMAN appealed to Soludo to clear the outstanding debts which had been verified to enable the affected members who were already going out of business to remain afloat.


It notes that the marketers have had their trading capitals trapped with the government and that those who obtained bank loans were in a liquidity crisis because of their inability to pay.

The letter said "We IPMAN covering Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States write to appreciate the good works you are doing in Anambra and commend all your efforts in making the State a livable place.


"Sir, we want to bring to your notice that your department in charge of paying for diesel and services on the Anambra Street lights has refused to offset an outstanding debt owed to our members.


"The debt is to the tune of N900,664,805 accrued for March and April 2022.

"Mr. Governor, our members are dying because of these debts and the banks are chasing them around to settle the funds loaned to them to do this business.

"We attach the breakdown of the debts for your records Sir," it said.



Mr TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs whose office was overseeing the transaction said he had not seen the letter.
Nwabunwanne said he was aware of the transactions and plights of the contractors and the government would take the necessary action.

NGO initiate programme to take care of aged persons in Anambra



Maduako Igbokwe

A non-governmental organisation
First Best Domiciliary Home Care World, has initiated programme to take care of aged persons in Anambra state.
The programme is designed to take care of the aged people who are abandoned by their children in the state .

Speaking at the launch of the programme,a United States of America based clinical psychologist, Prof Kanayo Ofodile described old age as a death sentence in Nigeria.
According to him, many children had abandoned their aged parents without care and compassion in the country.

He said: "I reside in a civiized countries, U.S to be precise, and we see and learn how they care so much about old people. People who are vulnerable and cannot cater for themselves anymore.


"But it is a sad situation in our country. It looks like old age is a death sentence in our society. Children abandon their aged parents and relatives without care.

"Many aged persons are homeless, abandoned, lonely, unhealthy and unkempt, hence, the establishment of this organisation. There is the need to start prioritizing care for the elderly.

"We will be going round the state to pick up and cater for abandoned aged persons and our trained social officers will be going to give home care to those who crave for such services.

"We will be applying spirituality, clinical formulation and reasoning to improve the lives of the aged. Our society should not abandon the elderly, they are still very relevant."

Ofodile called for a re-orientation of the younger generation on the need to see the care of the elderly as an obligation.


In his speech, Mr Ikemefuna Nwafor, Chairman of the event, said that the programme was aimed at setting a template on what should happen to the aged segment of the population.


"It is sad that the aged in civilised countries aged gracefully and successfully while their counterparts in Nigeria are aging in abandonment and fraustration.

"Old age is a stage of life that we will all get to. It does not take a century to get there, it is just a matter of time. So, we need to plan and prepare to do better in taking care of the elderly in our society, "

‘First Domiciliary home care world’ as the name implies is the first of its kind in our clime
dedicated to the care of Geriatrics or the senile old in our society. I will freely refer to them here
as FIRST CARE. Available statistics shows that the geriatrics are increasingly without
adequate care where they exist and sometimes completely without care and attention in the
developing countries. The consequence is the unimaginable assault on the mental and physical
health of the aged, gross reduction in our life expectancy and young people that will be left
without parental care at their young adult age.
The developed countries like the United States of America, Canada and United Kingdom have
carefully documented the statistics as it affects the geriatrics. These demonstrates the importance
of taking care of the senile old in any decent society. The United States expects the 65+ to grow
from 16% in 2019 to 21.6% by 2040. The 85+ is projected to more than double from 6.6million in
2019 to14.4m by 2040 (increase of 118%) and that sets the alarm of preparing to cater for the
old and informs on the gains of previous efforts on the geriatrics. Nobody wants to die once cared
for but the desire to quickly exit is activated by the absence of adequate care. We must therefore
care for the old.
Conversation is gradually shifting from simply aging to successful aging in developed societies.
About 6.9% of the aged and 2.2% of the oldest are classified as aging successfully in any year in
the United States" he said.

He said that the FIRST CARE will be introducing into our Domiciliary care experience trained and professional care
givers akin to what’s obtainable in the western world.
According to him, customized training will be top notch
with unmatched response time designed to minister to our local terrain.

He said the most common health conditions in the aged are noncommunicable diseases.

"FIRST CARE in partnership and relationship with approved and
accredited health institutions will offer unique attention that caters for health of the geriatrics
and the senile old.

Part of the uniqueness of FIRST CARE is the availability of Holiday and Relaxation hubs. Geriatrics
will be made to periodically spend fitness and relaxation time away from traditional habitat. FIRST
CARE will be available to do the movement. This, however, will be for a brief period before they
are returned to their traditional homes.
FIRST CARE will hopefully offer our people scattered across the globe the relaxed nerves (aware
that some people somewhere at home are taking care of their aged parents in the
traditional/natural home) to excel in their businesses and careers. With homes/centers fitted with
360’ solar powered cameras and programmed for real time viewing the conditions of the
geriatrics will offer joy to children and sponsors as they walk through their last bus stops of life
with gladness.
FIRST CARE is here, first care is primed to change the aging dynamics in our environment. The
ritual of multiple burials every weekend must be reduced, life expectancy of 57.75yrs (2023) must
increase and the Society must be happier" he stated.

Mr Ekene Mbah, Director, Care Services of the NGO N, said that over 80 per cent of the elderly in the society lack good domestic care and spend their old age through pains due to negligence and lack of caregivers.

Mbah said that the organisation would be saddled with a new approach of taking care to the homes of the aged to cater for their needs and improve their lives.

He urged the state government and well-meaning individuals to support the organisation in its mission.

"Owing to the nature of this care-giving services, we appeal for support in the areas ambulance for emergency and utility vehicles for movement of social officials across the state.

"We also need a mini bus for strolling with aged persons as part of their fun experiences and a piece of land to build a geriatric Home Centre for training of caregivers, for relaxation and home to homeless aged persons" he stated.

In his remarks, Igwe Emeka Ilouno of Ifitedunu, said that the elderly
needed care and company as
loneliness and depression killed them faster.

"This is a laudable project and we promise that our communities will work with you because we want our people to age gracefully, fulfilled and longer, " he said.

Solution Walk For Healthy Living Holds in Awka on Saturday Sept. 9

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The second edition of the monthly health walk popularly known as "Solution Walk For Healthy Living" comes up on Saturday September 9,2023.



Chairman of Anambra State Sports Development Commission Patrick-Estate Onyedum made this known
in a Statement in Awka,Anambra State .

According to Onyedum, Prof. Charles Soludo and his wife, Dr Nonye Soludo would lead the health walk scheduled to take place at the Awka Township Stadium.

The Commission Chairman said the "Solution Walk For Healthy Living" is practical commitment of Gov. Soludo towards promoting a healthy and active population.

He called on the residents of the state across all ages and walk of life to come out at the stadium on Saturday to participate in the walk.

Illegal detention:
Keke Drivers demand compensation from Anambra govt


Titus Maduako Eleweke


Anambra Keke Drivers Forum AKDF has demanded that one of its members whose Keke was detained for one week illegally must be compensated by the government.

One, Mr Everest Mboto, a Keke driver was arrested and detained for no just cause, after he had paid his monthly taxi and other obligations to the state government.
Mboto said that his Keke was arrested when men of Anambra State Road Traffic Agency ARTMA accosted him and demanded for bribe, when he declined they arrested him.

According to him, many of the Keke drivers who paid N500 were allowed to continue to work, even loading on the main roads.

He said "My Keke was detained for one week without just cause and Anambra state board of Internal Revenue would demand for the payment of the one week in which my sources of livelihood were denied me. The State Government is making the lives of the poorest of the poor in the state to live in mystery. The government is compounding the economic situation of the poorest of the poor in the state. If you pay your taxes, it will not be reflected in the government's app. Will I be punished for the government's ineptitude" .
Speaking on the matter, the Coordinator of
Anambra keke Drivers Forum (AKDF), Comrade Osita Obi said that the management of ARTMA will be held responsible for this irresponsible act.

According to him, ARTMA must pay for the one week Everest Mboto did not go to work as a result of the impoundment of his keke.

He stated that AKDF will no longer allow its members to be treated this way, saying that somebody must take responsibility for this obnoxious behaviour.
He, however, urged the Keke drivers to discharge their civic duties by paying their taxes when due and also to obey traffic rules in the state


Also speaking on the illegal detention of Keke by the state agents, one of the Keke operators
Ifeanyi Okereke non- punishment for erring government officials were responsible for the impunity of the tax enforcement team and other government agents in the state.

According to him, somebody must be held responsible for his action, regretting that in Anambra state Keke riders are treated as third-class citizens.

"Everybody wants to make money from the Keke drivers. The government is stretching on tax payments. It forces us to pay even when our Keke are in mechanics, we pay when we are admitted to the hospital without working. We are already on the ground and the government is just matching on us.

You can't hold someone's means of livelihood unjustly for one week and you don't pay for it. The government must be responsible because the riders met all their obligations to the government.
In most cases this is one of the reasons why the law enforcement agencies go Scot free for all these abuses of law" he said.

Soludo names Anambra International Convention Centre after Obiano

Titus Maduako Eleweke,

Anambra State International Convention Centre (ICC),Awka will be named after the immediate past governor of the state Chief Willie Obiano.

The governor of Anambra state Prof. Soludo gave the hint during the Anambra Investment Summit 2023 held at the centre Awka on Thursday.
The Anambra State investment summit had the theme " Laying The Foundation for a Prosperous Smart Mega City"

Soludo said , this is in recognition of his immense contribution to the development of the state.

According to Soludo, who commended the past governor for his vision to build the edifice said Obiano deserved the honour.

The governor said that though, he had not inform chief Obiano about his plans , noting that he deserve to be honoured by naming centre after him.

He said time has come to honour every Anambra leader who had made meaningful contributions to the development of the state.

"The International Conference centre ICC,Awka will be name after chief Willie Obiano for his vision. We will also find other institutions to name after other past governors like chief Emeka Ezeife, Dr Chris Nhige , Peter Obi.
We will also honour other Ndi Anambra people who had contributed immensely to the development of the state" he said.

He also stated that for those who have been making sacrifice, the state government will design awards to appreciate them.
According to him, in the recognition, they will considered on what the person has done to the development of the state , number of people in his/ her employment.

Prof Ibe celebrates Iwuanyanwu @ 81

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Presidential Advisory Council Prof Gregory Ibe has felicitated with the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu on his 81st birthday anniversary.

Speaking on the heels of the commemoration of the milestone attainment of the octogenarian era by Chief Iwuanyanwu, Prof Ibe appreciated God for granting the renowned politician, businessman and philanthropist sound health and a brilliant mind.

" I want to join men of goodwill across the globe in congratulating our renowned leader Chief Engr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Ahaejiagamba, on the historic commemoration of his 81st birthday"
"I want to particularly thank God for granting him good health mentally and bodily, even in this octogenarian period of his life, while praying that the same grace will be sufficiently available to take him to his nonagenarian era"he stated.
Chief Iwuanyanwu was born on 4 September 1942 and he is a renowned industrialist and Igbo leader of repute.

Soludo charged to probe his commissioner over crises in Anambra communities



Chuks Collins, Awka

In recent times, communal crises -Igweship and town union tussles were rocking various communities in Anambra State.

Some of these included, Ifite-Dunu, Nawfia, Abacha, Oba, Ojoto and many others.

The most notorious is the alleged persistent recognition of and public fraternity by some notable officials of the State government led by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, Mr Tony Collins Nwabunwanne with a court dethroned traditional ruler of Alor community in Idemili South Council of the State, Chief Mac-Anthony Elibe Okonkwo. This is currently rocking the peace and cohesion in the area.

Consequently, Gov Chukwuma Soludo has been called on to investigate and probe the Commissioner as he was accused of having a hand in most of these crises.

He was also alleged to being key participant in their instigating, dating back to when he was Special Adviser to former Gov. Willie Obiano on Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs. Hence was working at variance with the progress of the State and against the public interest.

The immediate past President General of Alor People's Convention, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa while responding to a question from journalists on the tense atmosphere in the hitherto peaceful Alor community pointed out that Mac Anthony Okonkwo was formally dethroned vide an Anambra High court judgment of Feb 17, 2022. His motion for stay of execution was declined by the High Court, but surprisingly, he has continued to parade himself/passing off as, dressing as and presenting himself as a traditional ruler of Alor both in private and in public. He refused to heed to the subsisting court judgment that dethroned him and the State Attorney-General’s recent advice and legal opinion notwithstanding.

It would be recalled that Alor is the country home of the former governor of the State and immediate past Minister of Labour/Employment, Senator Chris Ngige.

This unwholesome situation, Igbonwa stated, "has elicited tension, confusion, agitations, and restiveness in the community, especially among the youths.

According to the February 17, 2022 court judgment, Okonkwo was ordered to desist thenceforth from parading or presenting himself as a traditional ruler.

It was on the strength of this court verdict and the absence of any other impediment that the community had in 2022 elected and enthroned HRM Igwe Collins Ebelechukwu Chukwumesili as Ezediohamma 111of Alor, Igbonwa added.

Instructively, he pointed out that, "Igwe Chukwumesili was chosen from Uruezeana village in Ifite Section, the rightful and appropriate area whose turn it was to present the new Igwe, as was copiously outlined in the operational Constitution of Alor and consistent with the judgment of the High Court."

Chief Mac-Anthony Okonkwo's surprising illegitimate and unfortunate emergence had remained tenuous and troubled because he hail from the last and youngest Umuokwu Village of Ifite Section of Alor. It was actually a journey to nowhere which had brought nothing apart from darkness, gloom and crises to Alor since he bulldozed his way and fouled the Chieftancy selection arena, when he knows that his Umuokwu village was not in reckoning as far as the Alor Igweship stool was concerned presently, until it gets to her turn in many generations to come.

When contacted, one of the old Ichies, Ichie Ifeanyi Obiazi (Ichie Idee 111 of Alor) bemoaned "the ugly situation Okonkwo had brought upon a once sure-footed progressive Alor community."

Referring our Correspondent to the verdict of court that removed him, Ichie Obiazi expressed shock that he was still clinging to his traditional rulership claim and illusion.

Throwing more light to the conundrum, Ichie Obiazi rhetorically asked, have you ever seen it anywhere in global history where anyone mounted the throne while his father is alive. Would he be breaking kola nut for and or in the presence of his own father, as the traditional ruler? That will be opprobrious.

Mac Anthony Okonkwo's father is very much alive and strong. It's even under his roof that his son, Mac-Anthony, is still living and carrying on as "Igwe" while the folly lasted.

In all these community crises, our investigations, it was disclosed that it's people of Nwabunwanne's ilk that provided the offensive manure that nourishes such festering malady all over the state.

However, apparently reacting to the legal counsel of the State's Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Okonkwo, through one Emeka Ikegwuogu as his spokesman, at a press conference in Awka at the weekend insisted that he "remains the authentic traditional ruler of Alor".

More so, in a letter to the immediate past President General of Alor community, dated August 22,2023, the State's Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice had cautioned Okonkwo to be guided by the court verdict in Suit HID/354/2019, save and until contrary is established. "In the interim, Mac-Anthony Chinedu Elibe Okonkwo is not the Igwe of Alor, and he must stop disturbing the peace of Alor community with his childish behaviour. No reasonable Alor man or woman pays Mac-Anthony any attention. For him, Alor Igweship stool is a business venture and he must not rule Alor people by force".

The State's law compass also pointed out that, "Having been satisfied that the judgment and orders delivered in the suit are the extant and subsisting orders of the court between the parties and on the same subject matter, save and until the contrary is established, Mr Mac Anthony Chinedu Okonkwo should not conduct or superintendent over the new yam festival scheduled on Saturday, August 5, 2023 in the purported capacity of traditional ruler of Alor town is unlawful and against the public peace of the town, therefore he is restrained from doing so to avoid total breakdown of law and order in the community."

It needs highlighting here that Alor community cannot in anyway be seen as inconsequential, having produced a State Governor, Senator, Ministers, incumbent Clerk of the Senate, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Judges, Magistrates, and top business moguls in different areas of discipline, members of the State Assembly and different top government appointees at the Federal and State levels.

Prof. Elo Onyeka, a respectable indigene of Alor, wondered why none of the distinguished well-read citizens was in the motley crowd of Okonkwo's praise singing press conference.

While blaming the crises in most Anambra communities on Nwabunwanne who was alleged to be sitting on most official letters concerning communities and Chieftancy issues, Chief Max Oruche from Ifite-Dunu accused Mr. Collins Nwabunwanne of being too young, inexperienced and immature for the office he occupies, and not sound on the general customs and tradition of most communities in the State and/or working against Gov. Soludo's vision for democracy to thrive in Anambra communities.

Nwabunwanne in reaction to the leadership/rulership crises ravaging the State, especially as he was accused of instigating some blamed those who never liked his rising profile. But vowed to overcome all their antics and come out without blemish.

Records revealed that while trying to paper the heavily cracked walls of the traditional rulership/community leadership mess he allegedly actively participated in during the immediate past administration of Chief Willie Obiano, -Nwabunwanne was visibly attacking Soludo's efforts and the hope for reelection later 2024, as he is creating enemies for Gov. Soludo.

This should be a wake up call for the governor to x-ray Nwabunwanne's activities and some other officials who have become heavy baggage to the administration.

EEDC blames power outage in south east on NLC strike

Titus Eleweke, Awka

Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has stated that the current loss of power supply being experienced in parts of its network in South East is due to the industrial action embarked by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).
EEDC, Head, Corporate Communications, Emeka Eze on Wednesday said the strike action led to the shutdown of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Stations, feeding its Injection Substations.



According to him, the development affected supply to customers of EEDC under Ogui, Abakpa, Umuahia, Owerri, New Owerri, Orlu, and Mbaise districts, feeding from the affected TCN Stations.

“We shall continue to monitor events and provide timely updates as it affects our operations and service to our customers”.

“We are mindful of the inconveniences this situation has caused our esteemed customers and plead for their understanding” he stated.

Anambra APC Chairman denies embezzling Onitsha South LGA's funds


Titus Maduako Eleweke


Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Anambra State chapter Chief Basil Ejidike, has denied the reports that he embezzled Onitsha South Local Government Area funds, during his tenure as the Council Chairman between 2003-2006.

Daily Trust had gathered that the present Transition Committee Chairman of Onitsha South local government council , Hon. Emeka Orji accused Chief Ejidike, of stolen undisclosed millions of Naira being revenue accruing to the Council through National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Motor Park, Bridgehead, Onitsha, during his tenure.

Recalled that the motor park in question was being managed by Onitsha-based businessman, Chief Ngozi Okpagu, Managing Director, J.N.Okpagu and Sons Ltd. before trouble broke out between him and the current Onitsha South Council Chairman.

Emeka Orji had alleged that Ejidike refused to remitte revenue-accruable to the Council which is constitutionally empowered to manage parks within its jurisdiction.

It was further gathered that at the heat of the controversy, the APC Chairman was fingered by the current transaction chairman of having signed a fraudulent agreement with Chief Okpagu over remittance of revenue due to the Council.

According to Orji, the funds paid by Chief Okpagu as revenue to the State through the Local Government was diverted by the APC Chairman, Basil Ejidike, to his private pocket.

According to him, Chief Okpagu had an agreement with the Council over the remittance of revenue from NIWA Park to the local government, but regretted that such funds never got to Council coffers.

"Chief Ejidike, in his reaction debunked the allegation levelled against him, on Wednesday while briefing Journalists.
According to him, the report was ‘false, cook by his enemies to tarnished his political reputation he has built for over decades.

" I am very much surprised that Hon. Emeka Orji, will go to that extent without informing me as best of friends. We do eat and drink together. I am surprised.

"Let me say it, non of these allegations level against me is true. I am innocent of the allegations.

"It is on record, according to Decree No 13 of 1997 establishing NIWA, that for any known water channel declare by the Federal Government in any state of the federation, there will be a measurement of 100 metres from the water bank in both sides, and that is what is called "The right of way to NIWA authority" and they use that to service the water ways. So it has no interference by the State or local government authorities.

"In the case of the controversial land in which Chief Okpagu, is operating a motor park situated within the jurisdiction of NIWA in Onitsha, concerned the federal government and have nothing to do with Onitsha South Local Government Authority or Anambra State Government at large. In otherwise , that 100 metres land in question in Onitsha, belongs to NIWA exclusively to the federal government of Nigeria.

"The matter has been there before I was made Onitsha South Council Chairman between 2003-2006 respectively" he stated.

Ejidike urged Hon Orji to retract his actionn for sake of peace and , called on the general public to disregard the information.

In his reaction, Chief Ngozi Okpagu, the Managing Director of J.N.Okpagu and Sons Ltd, absolved the State APC Chairman of the allegations, saying that he has never for once paid any revenue accrued to Onitsha South to Ejidike, when he was the Chairman of the Council Area.

He noted that the controversial land was allocated to him by the federal government and not Onitsha council area as being speculated.

According to him, he dealt directly with the federal government and not the state.

He said the matter is currently in the Court between himself and Hon. Emeka Orji.

Okpagu, however, accused Orji of extorting him of 7.5 million naira in a hostile manner.

Why power power outage in Awka, Anambra -- EEDC

Titus Maduako Eleweke


The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has stated that the power outage currently being experienced in Awka, Anambra State was due to the loss of supply from its source of power at TCN Station, Onitsha, at about 6:53pm, on Wednesday.


According to a statement by the EEDC Head, Corporate Communications, Emeka Eze , the power outage was a result of this development, hence all feeders under EEDC Awka district are out of power supply.

He said that the TCN engineers are already patrolling the lines to ascertain the cause of power outage.

"We therefore apologise to our esteemed customers in Awka and appeal for their patience and understanding as we are on standby, hoping that issue is resolved and power restored within the shortest time possible" he said .

Fact checking becoming key to practice of journalism, Don tells practitioners

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Former Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka,Anambra state Prof Stella Okunna has disclosed that fact checking of stories has become critical component to the practice of journalism in the country.

According to her, any person who writes without Bleep checking his stories has no business in the profession.

Prof. Okunna who was a former Head of Department, Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University stated this on Wednesday at Ikenga online training workshop for investigative journalists in South East in Awka, Anambra state.

The theme of the training was titled, "Ikenga Media and Cultural Awareness Initiative( IMCAI) Training for Journalists on reporting in a treacherous and incurred environment".
The one day training was supported by MacArthur Foundation and facilitated by Wole Soyinka Investigative Journalism.

She said that fact checking of stories has become important with the way things are going in Nigeria.

According to her,people can no longer create news without first fact checkng their stories, noting that any person without first fact checking his stories has no business being in the business of journalism.

" Every journalist must fact check his stories before publishing. Don't take anything for granted and if you can not fact-check your stories , look for another thing to do. Fact checking has become very critical and important ingredient in the practice of journalism" she said .

Speaking on ethical issues: what kind of news is news, the Coordinator, Ikenga Media & Cultural Awareness Initiative, Dr Chido Onumah and his colleague, Mr Uzor Maxim Uzoatu, described investigative journalism as hallmark of societal development.

They argued that upholding the ethics of journalism profession was needed to excel in the industry.

Earlier, the Editor-in-Chief of Ikenga online, Mr Uche Ugboajah, who explained that the medium established in 2022 was positioned to give voice to the South East.

He added that the training was part of their plans to build the capacity of journalists in the zone, thereby help in promoting good governance, gender equality, inclusion of people living with disabilities, among others.

Protesters against Isuanaicha's monarch are disgruntled elements, says commissioner


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra state Commissioner for Homeland Affairs, Hon. Chikaodli Anara has described those who protested against the issuance of certificate to duly elected traditional ruler of Isuanaicha Community, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State HRH, Igwe (Barr.) Mkpuorah Ngini as disgruntled elements.

The Commissioner who spoke through one of his media aides comrade Nweke Nweke on Friday said HRH, Igwe (Barr.) Mkpuorah Ngini was duly elected by the members of the community and government issued him with certificate of recognition.
Anara said that the present administration of the state governor, Prof. Charles Soludo has done so much by ensuring the peaceful installation of a duly elected traditional ruler and President General (PG) of the community respectively aimed at restoring peace to the area after 16 years of absence of a monarch.
He attributed the activities of unknown Gunmen and other illegal armed men to some influential personalities who are allegedly on government wanted list over their involvement in a murder case.
According to Anara ,the recent protest by hired women in the area by some disgruntled elements was not only laughable but also a bluff and scheme meant to tarnish his image .

He said, "Ordinarily, we would have allowed the nonsense issue to die its natural death as it is a known fact that the claim of those who went to the venue of the Isuanaocha Women August Meeting held on Monday, the 21st of August 2023, forced the women to converge the following day (Tuesday) for the protest or pay 5,000 fine, did so to shelve their image from the murder charge they are facing".

"I am here to dust the claim of the known troublemakers from Isuanaicha Community, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State who are determined to smear the image of the Commissioner for Homeland Affairs, Hon. Chikaodli Anara through the by-forced protest, they held on Tuesday the 22nd day of August, 2023.

Some disgruntled elements from the Isuanocha community have been trying to portray that the community is boiling, and therefore forced some law-abiding citizens of the area to go into a protest after duly elected traditional ruler, HRH, Igwe (Barr.) Mkpuorah Ngini had been issued with a certificate of recognition by the State Government recently" .

According to him, information had it that the protesters were allegedly led by one Mr. Fredrick Egwunwa who claims to be the Caretaker President of the town , who publicly accused the Hon. Commissioner for Homeland Affairs, Chief Chikodi Anarah of allegedly imposing the monarch on Isuanaocha people.
"The claim is not only laughable but totally depicts the highest disorder but we have it on good authority that there is nothing like a caretaker committee in Isuanaocha as there is a substantive President General, in the person of Chief Paul Okoye."

"However, government officials have since described the ill-organized protest as a bluff, contending that the election of the Traditional Ruler of Isuanocha, which was the brain behind the crisis was led to rest after the conduct of the election that produced the present traditional ruler."

"The election was however witnessed by both the Council Chairman of Awka North, government representatives, and security agencies and it is known free, fair, and credible. Those protesting are those that have continued to make the area ungovernable."


"Let me make it known that Chief Chiokodli Anara is not from the Isuanocha community and he doesn't even have the power(s) or the authority to choose or decide who becomes the Igwe of his Amaunke Community let alone Isuanaicha, though it is a neighboring town to his town."

"The only issue here is that when Hon. Chikodili Anara was the Special Adviser to the former governor on security matters, he made it clear that some people in Isuanaocha town have murder charges against them and they should be made to face the law."

"It is the same people who coaxed the villagers to go on protest or face sanctions and they carried out the pretest under duress and that is why they are the disgruntled elements,they stand out to smear the name of the Hon. Commissioner."

"By the virtue of the Commissioner for Homeland Affairs, position is that if an election is to be held in any community, including markets' unions and such people require security, it is the responsibility of the Hon. Commissioner to provide such people with security, aimed at making such election, a-hitch-free one, that was exactly what he did during the election of the traditional ruler of Isuanaocha held recently but the ungrateful elements in Isuanoacha are paying the Hon. Commissioner with name calling."he said

Recall that one of the prominent son in the community was fingered for allegedly having used some thugs and murdered the late Angus Okoye in cold blood and they are facing murder charges and they are held in Amawbia prison.
Hon. Commissioner for Homeland Affairs has insisted that the law should catch up with the lawbreakers, those accused in the heinous crime have conspired to seek Governor Charles Soludo's sympathy through attacking Hon. Chikodili Anara as a way to escape the crime they allegedly committed.
"Out of the stupidity of the partners-in-crime in Isuanaocha, some innocent people from the community have been in Amawbia prison for more than a year now and those people fueling the crisis in the community are behind that."

"If you go to Isuanocha today, you will notice that those behind the crisis in Isuanaicha have hired unknown gunmen and they are terrorizing innocent people in the community destroying people's homes and they thought the best way to keep the Hon. Commissioner for Homeland Affairs away in restoring peace was to tag him with a name he never deserved."

"Buttressing my claim, the current President General of the Community is not in town because anyone who opposes the cabal is arrested and charged with murder."

"In trying to achieve their selfish aims, those who came to the protest were forced to do so if not they would be dealt with violently. They also went to where the women were doing their August meeting and disrupted their meeting.

It is amazing that the immediate sacked president general of Isuaaocha, one Tony Onyeagolu that has been working around the clock to foist his brother, Festus Onyeagolu as the traditional ruler of Isuanaocha, having known that his ambition was dead on arrival, decided to castigate the Hon. Commissioner by saying that he has taken over their land, a claim that does not hold water" he said.

He called on those behind the problem in the community and their cohorts to come forward and prove where Hon. Chikodili Anara has even a plot of land in Isuanaocha.

"They should make themselves available and face the murder charge hanging on their neck instead of portraying in bad light the man who has sacrificed his life for the good people of the state" he said .

ALPADA petitions President Tinubu over revocation of operating licenses of micro Finance Banks by CBN


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Aba landed property owners, Aba Landlords Protection and Development Association ALPADA has strongly appealed to president Bola Ahmed Tinubu to revisit the issue of the revocation of the operating licenses of no fewer than 179 micro Finance Banks by the Central Bank Of Nigeria CBN.

In a petition letter signed by the qautet of Chief Leo Ike Nnodu Okoye, Chief Leonard Onyemesiri, Comrade Benson Imo and Sir B.I Okoro made available to our reporter, ALPA DA said the revocation order as contained in two separate federal government official gazettes numbers 93 and 94 in May 2023,have negatively impacted both on the lives of the promoters and staff of the affected Banks,as well as the economy of the country.

ALPADA in the petition addressed to the presidency, lamented that the decision of the country's apex bank in liquidating the affected Banks has led to the loss of about 4000 and several thousands of direct and indirect jobs respectively.

This according to them, is in addition to the untold hardships which rural dwellers who form the bulk of the primary beneficiaries and clientele of the operations of the suspended microfinance institutions have been subjected to.

" The situation has seriously affected the rural dwellers who rely on these microfinance banks for their economic activities especially in those areas that the commercial banks can not cover.. Most of their savings are equally trapped in these microfinance banks. Most of the microfinance banks in the country are off shoots of the Community banks which are easily accessible to the rural dwellers. It is in the light of the hardships being experienced by the poor rural dwellers and the general negative effects of the revocation order that we are appealing for its suspension" APALDA stated.

The petition also faulted most of the reasons adduced by the CBN for the revocation order,noting that while some of the microfinance institutions may have experienced some operational difficulties, most of them nevertheless, despite the prevailing challenging economic ,social and political situations in the country in the last few years still strived to meet their primary responsibilities.

" About three years ago , these microfinance institutions were directed to raise their minimum share capital from N250,000 to N50million the CBN.

It is also a known fact by all that in the last three years the whole world not just Nigeria witnessed some challenges ranging from the Covid-19 pandemic, insecurities, and global economic meltdown" it stated.

However , the group said despite all the challenges the affected micro microfinance institutions still not only met the recapitalization policy , but most of their obligations.

"Most of the reasons given by the CBN for the revocation ,such as insolvency, failure to render returns, inactivity and failure to render most of their mandatory services for over six months are not factual.

Even in the face of the serious challenges posed by the currency redesign , the affected micro microfinance banks still remained viable and responsive to their primary responsibilities" APALDA stated

The group blamed the travails of the affected financial institutions mainly on the corrupt and tainted disposition of the CBN leadership under the now suspended Godwin Emefiele, noting that reversing the revocation order would go a long way in fast tracking the economic recovery efforts of the present regime.

ALPADA petitions President Tinubu over revocation of operating licenses of micro Finance Banks by CBN


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Aba landed property owners, Aba Landlords Protection and Development Association ALPADA has strongly appealed to president Bola Ahmed Tinubu to revisit the issue of the revocation of the operating licenses of no fewer than 179 micro Finance Banks by the Central Bank Of Nigeria CBN.

In a petition letter signed by the qautet of Chief Leo Ike Nnodu Okoye, Chief Leonard Onyemesiri, Comrade Benson Imo and Sir B.I Okoro made available to our reporter, ALPA DA said the revocation order as contained in two separate federal government official gazettes numbers 93 and 94 in May 2023,have negatively impacted both on the lives of the promoters and staff of the affected Banks,as well as the economy of the country.

ALPADA in the petition addressed to the presidency, lamented that the decision of the country's apex bank in liquidating the affected Banks has led to the loss of about 4000 and several thousands of direct and indirect jobs respectively.

This according to them, is in addition to the untold hardships which rural dwellers who form the bulk of the primary beneficiaries and clientele of the operations of the suspended microfinance institutions have been subjected to.

" The situation has seriously affected the rural dwellers who rely on these microfinance banks for their economic activities especially in those areas that the commercial banks can not cover.. Most of their savings are equally trapped in these microfinance banks. Most of the microfinance banks in the country are off shoots of the Community banks which are easily accessible to the rural dwellers. It is in the light of the hardships being experienced by the poor rural dwellers and the general negative effects of the revocation order that we are appealing for its suspension" APALDA stated.

The petition also faulted most of the reasons adduced by the CBN for the revocation order,noting that while some of the microfinance institutions may have experienced some operational difficulties, most of them nevertheless, despite the prevailing challenging economic ,social and political situations in the country in the last few years still strived to meet their primary responsibilities.

" About three years ago , these microfinance institutions were directed to raise their minimum share capital from N250,000 to N50million the CBN.

It is also a known fact by all that in the last three years the whole world not just Nigeria witnessed some challenges ranging from the Covid-19 pandemic, insecurities, and global economic meltdown" it stated.

However , the group said despite all the challenges the affected micro microfinance institutions still not only met the recapitalization policy , but most of their obligations.

"Most of the reasons given by the CBN for the revocation ,such as insolvency, failure to render returns, inactivity and failure to render most of their mandatory services for over six months are not factual.

Even in the face of the serious challenges posed by the currency redesign , the affected micro microfinance banks still remained viable and responsive to their primary responsibilities" APALDA stated

The group blamed the travails of the affected financial institutions mainly on the corrupt and tainted disposition of the CBN leadership under the now suspended Godwin Emefiele, noting that reversing the revocation order would go a long way in fast tracking the economic recovery efforts of the present regime.

Unizik denies female students protest over sexual harassment


Titus Maduako Eleweke

The Management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Anambra State has denied the social media reports that some female students of the institution staged a protest over allegedly sexual harassment by lecturers.

In a statement issued by the
Special Adviser to the Vice Chancellor of the institution Prof Charles Esimone on Public Relations and Special Duties, Dr Emmanuel Ojukwu on Friday, the students of the university never protested over any sexual harassment.
He,however, said that there is an ongoing investigation concerning alleged sexual harassment by some lecturers in the university.

According to him, the Vice Chancellor immediately removed the affected lecturers from their official positions and issued those affected strong warning letters in the affected departments.

He said, unfortunately, the students who alleged sexual harassment were not forthcoming to testify before the investigation panel.

He said , the Vice Chancellor additionally summoned the affected departments to a meeting where he expressed the university's displeasure and warned lecturers and staff to desist from all actions that would bring the name of the university to disrepute.

According to him, the VC said that the university management would severely punish any erring staff especially those who are molesting or sexually harassing students.

He said the Vice Chancellor has made a dedicated telephone number available to enable students report all forms of harassment by staff especially sexual harassment.

The VC , he said had assured students of the renewed determination of the university to protect them and treat all forms of allegations of sexual harassment with the seriousness it deserves and confidentially.

EEDC urges customers not to pay for meters upgrade

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has warned customers against falling prey to fraudsters on the planned upgrading of STS prepaid meters on its network.

In a statement by EEDC ,Head, Corporate Communications Emeka Eze on Thursday made available to Daily Trust in Awka Anambra state , he said the upgrade will be free of charge, and at no cost to customers.

According to Ezeh, the warning became necessary because of information received by the company about activities of some unscrupulous elements who are extorting unsuspecting customers in the name of upgrading their meters.

He said that customers should not fall prey to these elements, as no customer will be charged a kobo to have his or her meter upgraded.

“The process of upgrade will be simply by punching into the meter the Key Change Tokens (KCT), which will be provided to the customers alongside the credit token, when they go to recharge their meters.”

What we just did, as a matter of responsibility was to notify our customers of this exercise and appeal to them to ensure that their prepaid meters are upgraded before 24th November 2024" he said.

It will be recalled that earlier in the month, EEDC notified its customers that by 24th November 2024, all Standard Transfer Specification (STS) prepaid meters will cease to accept credit tokens, unless they are upgraded.

Eze said the exercise which will be affecting all STS compliant prepaid meters across the globe.

He said ,Customers of EEDC are advised to ensure that their meters are upgraded before the set date of 24th November 2024, as Meters not upgraded before the date will no longer accept new tokens, but they will still be working till the credit already loaded in it is used up.

" It is important to note that credit tokens purchased and not loaded onto the meters before the upgrade will become invalid after the upgrade" he stated.

EEDC appeals to its customers to remain calm, as adequate communication will be made on the process and modalities for the upgrade, reiterating that the upgrade is free of charge and at no cost to customers.

For enquiries and further clarification, customers are to call: 084 700 100, SMS/Whatsapp: 0815 082 6060 or 0815 082 6061, or send email to: customerservice@enugudisco.com

Jubilations as "Skills 87.7 FM" commences full broadcasting services in Okigwe

Titus Maduako Eleweke

It was a moment of joy and celebrations in Okigwe, Imo state as the founder and proprietor of Gregory University Uturu, Prof Gregory Ibe opened first radio station "Skills 87.7 FM" in the town.

The broadcast station is expected to serve the five states in south east geopolitical zone and it has fully commenced operations.

Inaugurating the "Skills 87.7 FM", Okigwe, National Broadcasting Commission, NBC urged the Management of station to always conform to the laid down rules and regulations as outlined by the commission.

The commission also appreciated the efforts of Prof Gregory Ibe for adding value to lives of the people through quality broadcasting that will educate and entertain the residents.

The Zonal Director, NBC, Enugu, Mrs. Ijeoma Obodo who gave the charge on Wednesday during the commissioning of Skills FM, 87.7, FM Okigwe , noted that the charge became necessary especially now the station has commenced full broadcasting services.

According to her, the Radio Station should impact positively on its community of operation for proper development and education.
She also urged them not to be hostile to other Radio Stations that would be coming up in the area in the nearest future and called on communities around to patronize the new station.

In an address by the Founder and Proprietor, Gregory University, Uturu, Prof. Gregory Ibe, represented by The DVC Academics, Prof. Uwaoma Uche, he said the Radio Station was not just a collection of transmitters and equipment, but a platform for connection, collaboration and empowerment.

According to him, the station has come to improve the lives of the people by announcing them to limelight and the world.

He stated that information is key as it has the potentials to shape communities, maintaining that Skills 87.7 FM will serve as a vehicle to bridge and ensure interconnectedness in its community of operation as well as ensure that the rich cultural heritage inherent in Okigwe was announced to the world.

Earlier in his welcome address, The Vice Chancellor, Gregory University, Prof. Augustine Uwakwe, represented by The DVC administration, Prof. Evaristus Anyaehie, said the birth of Skills FM 87.7, is in tandem with the corporate mission of Gregory University Uturu embedded in the motor " Knowledge for Tomorrow".

He hinted that the brain behind the choice of Okigwe as the location of the Radio Station was to complement the philanthropic gestures of the Founder, Prof. Gregory Ibe.

According to him, this is one of Prof Ibe own way of substantially contributing to the development of the third largest city in Imo State.
He expressed optimism that Skills 87.7 FM, would indeed add value to humanity.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Imo State Chapter, Ifeanyi Nwanguma, charged the management of the station to engage seasoned Journalists to guard against quackery in the profession, pledging that Imo NUJ would partner the new Radio Station in its future engagements.

On his part, The Chairman, All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA, in Abia State, Chief Sunday Onukwubiri, appreciated Prof. Gregory Ibe, for attracting development to Okigwe Community and beyond.
He described him as a worthy son of Igboland who has embarked on community development over the years, calling for patronage from the entire Okigwe and beyond.

Recall that as the first indigenous Radio Station in the area, Skills 87.7 FM, had started test transmission in the past couple of months announcing its presence in Okigwe and other communities and some neighbouring States.

Nwoye remains President-General of Ifitedunu till December 30,2023, says Soludo

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Governor of Anambra State Prof Charles Soludo has stated Chief Uchenna Nwoye remains the duly elected and recognised President General of Ifitedunu Community in Dunukofia Local Government Area until the expiration of his tenure on December e 30the 2023.

,

The Anambra state Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs Mr TonyCollins Nwabunwanne said this in Awka on Wednesday while stating the position of the government on the Ifitedunu Town Union leadership crisis.

Recall that Nwoye had been under attack including physical assault on July 22 by a few people in the community who wanted to sack him through unconstitutional means.


According to Nwabunwanne the position of Governor Charles Soludo was that Nwoye who was elected on December 30, 2019 should serve out his tenure, as the allegations against him were found to be frivolousand false.




He said part of the allegations against him was that he killed an indigene of the community on July 16, 2021, an accusation he was arrested and detained for falsely.

He said a court of competent jurisdiction had declared his arrest and detention illegal and ordered perpetual injunction against further arrest because investigation and evidence showed he was in Abuja on the day of the alleged shooting.

"It was for these reasons that Mr Governor reinstated Chief Uchenna Nwoye and directed that he should serve out his tenure which will expire on December 30, 2023.

"It will interest you to know that the President General emerged from an election conducted by prominent sons of Ifitedunu including Mr Ben Akabueze, the former Director General of Budget Office and Rev.Obiora (SAN).

"These people trying to create this non existent crisis not only opposed the President General's election but vowed to make the Community ungovernable for him despite the fact that he emerged through a valid election with overwhelming votes of Ifitedunu people," he said.

Nwabunwanne called on all parties to respect the order of court, decision of the governor and peace a chance

Anambra family demands to see their kidnapped Son alive


Titus Maduako Igbokwe


It's no longer news that Onyeka Nnakwue was kidnapped when he visited the filling station of Ndubuisi Morah, aka Future King at Awkuzu junction while eating indomie with Future King, but the news now is that the family wants to see their son alive without further delay.

The traditional ruler of Achalla HRH Igwe Ositadimma Nwokedi
and entire Achalla community are concerned and awaiting the release of their son, so said the spokesperson of the Late Rev Tim Nnakwue family, Mr Onyibor Nnakwue.

Achalla community met weekend and were worried their son could go missing in such circumstances after visiting a friend and frowned at the cock an bull stories surrounding his allegedly kidnap.

It would be recalled that in a spine-chilling saga that reads like a crime thriller, a tale of friendship gone awry has emerged from the depths of a petition lodged with the Anambra State Police Headquarters. The saga revolves around the tragic destiny of Mr. Onyeka Nnakwue, whose decision to eat a jollof Indomie meal with a supposed friend led to a heart-wrenching sequence of events.

In the petition, filed by Hon. Barr. S.O Chukwukelu & Co., solicitors to the late Rev. Tim Nnakwue of Achalla, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State obtained by our correspondent from sources familiar with Police Headquarters Awka, a dark conspiracy is unraveled, painting a shocking picture of betrayal, kidnapping, and a chilling murder plot that echoes with intrigue.

According to the petition, the first scene of the drama featured on 29th day of June, 2023, when the victim, Mr. Nnakwue got a phone call from his friend, Mr. Ndubuisi Muorah (alias "Future King", from Akpu village Ukpo, Dunukofia local government area inviting him to come over to his office and enjoy a deliciously-prepared indomie with him; little did he know that the invitation would mark the beginning of a nightmarish odyssey for him.

It was gathered that, Mr. Nnakwue, who was on his way home to Achalla with electrical appliances for a local Church upgrade after receiving the call, diverted to the location, the Future King Petrol Station along Igbariam Road in Awkuzu, where the seemingly innocent jollof Indomie feast was to unfold.

However, as the evening sun dipped below the horizon, the savory meal turned out to become merely a façade for a far more sinister scheme, as some heavily-armed men stormed the venue shortly and started shooting sporadically, during which they also kidnapped Mr. Nnakwue and vamoosed with him, alongside Mr. Ndubuisi Muorah, Future King.

The petition, which identifies the caller Mr. Ndubuisi Muorah, Future King as the 1st suspect, and Mr. Nonso Muorah, his brother who claimed to have paid N15 Million ransom in Bitcoin on behalf of first suspect as the 2nd suspect, partly read: “...being influenced by the 1st suspect's call, the unsuspecting victim Mr. Onyeka Nnakwue suspended his original itinerary and diverted to the aforementioned Petrol station of the 1st suspect Mr. Ndubuisi Muorah (a.k.a Future King) for enjoyment of the noodle delicacy with his supposed friend Future King only to fall a victim of circumstances in the hands of sponsored kidnappers cum assassinators who instantaneously pretended to kidnap him with the 1st suspect his friend and vamoosed to unknown destination and nobody heard of him again since then till the time of writing of this petition.


And surprisingly, since the incident nobody has called any member of Nnakwue family for any ransom on behalf of Onyeka Nnakwue aside Nonso Morah who asked for a support for the ransom demanded on his brother and nothing else was heard before Ndubuisi Morah was released without his friend, Onyeka Nnakwue.

“...the funniest aspect of the whole childish stage-managed kidnap claim is that it was not only that the link between the purported kidnappers and our client was the 2nd suspect but that it was only through the 1st suspect that the 2nd suspect claimed he used to communicate to the kidnappers who claimed they demanded two hundred Million Naira (N200,000,000.00) ransom on behalf of his brother and asked for support from our client’s family for the victim Mr. Onyeka Nnakwue to be released.

“...what raised more suspicion over the whole story is that the 2nd suspect Mr. Nonso Muorah equally claimed that during their captivity in the hands of the kidnappers that he used to write text messages to the captors who upon the receipt of the messages would call him for discussion on the ransom to be paid to them for the release of their victims.

“...to contradict the claim of the suspects more, the 1st suspect who claimed that he was kidnapped with our client’s brother and through whom the 2nd suspect Mr. Nonso claimed he used to communicate their captors during negotiation for the ransom to be paid suddenly resurfaced on or about the 15th day of July, 2023 and claimed that he paid the captors the sum of Fifteen Million Naira (N15,000,000.00) in Bitcoin ransom for him to be released. Now, upon being asked of the whereabout of his friend Mr. Onyeka Nnakwue, he denied knowledge of his whereabouts, yet he provided the ATM card, car key and house keys of the victim Mr. Onyeka Nnakwue to our client to go and carry the victim’s car that is packed in his Petrol station.

“...that again at this stage, when the 1st suspect was asked how he was in possession of the above mentioned victim’s belongings, he informed our client that it was the captors that handed them over to him.

“...Sir, may it interest you also to know that the same 1st suspect who claimed to have been kidnapped with the victim Mr. Onyeka Nnakwue was seen by somebody who pleaded anonymity for now during these period he claimed he was in the camp or den of the captors. Wonders shall never end!”

It was however, alleged that the kidnap victim, Mr. Nnakwue had reportedly been murdered by his abductors; even as the legal aides called on the security agencies in the State to ensure that a thorough and discreet investigation is carried out on the matter.

“...Presently sir, the information reaching our client from the grapevine is that they have killed our client’s brother Mr. Onyeka Nnakwue for reasons best known to them, hence he has been kept incommunicado since 29th day of June, 2023 up to the time of writing this petition.

“...May we in the light of the above instructions of our client, call upon you to hasten up and do everything possible to arrest the situation by ensuring that a thorough and discreet investigation is carried out on this complaint and the culprits brought to book for the interest of justice...,” the petition concluded.

The petitioner asked the Commissioner of Police Anambra State, Director, Department of State Services , DSS and the Governor of Anambra state, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo to intervene and resolve the mystery behind this unfriendly kidnap of a friend in his best friend's abode even in his invitation. The petition noted that Mr Ndubuisi Morah ,Future King and missing Onyeka Nnakwue were tight and intimate friends.


The petitioner wondered why the kidnappers never contacted Onyeka Nnakwue's family for any ransom, yet released his friend who was kidnapped iwith him in his office.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer , PPRO, Anthony Ikenga said he was unaware of the petition, but asked our correspondent to forward the petition to him, even as he reassured the police under CP Aderemi Adeoye is committed to a safer Anambra State.

Anambra Sports Chief Congratulates New Minister Ewan-Enoh

Titus Maduako Eleweke


Patrick-Estate Onyedum, Chairman of Anambra Sports Development Commission has projected better days for Nigerian sports sector under president Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.

Onyedum said in Awka on Tuesday, while congratulating Sen. John Ewan-Enoh on his swearing in as the new minister of Sports Development.

He urged Ewan-Enoh to continue the sports industry policy of the previous minister to enhance the economic empowerment potentials of the sector and make it the leading youth development sector in Nigeria.

Onyedum, an athlete turned administrator said Ewan-Enoh should pay special attention to grassroots sports development and not pursue immediate glory which often led to respiration.

He assured that Anambra was willing to partner his ministry and promised to enable him succeed in the interest of teeming Nigerian youths.

"On behalf of the governor of Anambra state, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, I want to congratulate the newly sworn in ministers and in a specially way, Sen. John Ewan-Enoh, the new minister of sports.

"I believe in his capacity to impact positively on Nigeria's sports sector, and I want to assure him that as a State, Anambra is ready to work with him.

" I encourage him to grow the sports by continuing the policy of his predecessor which seeks to run the sector as an industry. He should also give priority to grassroots sports development, " he said.

Onyedum said the minister should hit the ground running by ensuring that the National Youth Games billed for Asaba, Delta State turned out the best in the history of the competition.

NHFSS complementing Police, Army, others to fight bandits, terrorists in Nigeria-- Commandant General





Titus maduako Eleweke

Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) has stated that it has complementary role to help the Police, Army and other security agencies in the fight against bandits, terrorists, kidnappers and other crimes and criminalities in the country.

Commandant General of the NHFSS Amb. Dr. Joshua Wale Osatimehi, stated this in Onitsha Anambra state business hub during a working visit to the zonal officers of the organisation in the state.
The zone comprises all the five states in the Southeast.
He said NHFSS is doing a lot to stamp out criminalities in the country by gathering and sharing intelligence with the various security agencies in the country.
According to him, apart from intelligence gathering, officers and men of the service are also involved in flushing out criminals, either working alone or collaborating with Police and others, especially crimes within and around bushes and forests.

Osatimehi who paid homage to some royal fathers in the state, in company of the Deputy Commander General in charge of Technical Services, Ambassador John Metchie and other top officers of NHFSS, noted that hunters have proven their gallantry and bravery in the war against criminal elements and have rescued kidnap victims as well as recovered stolen items kept in the forest by miscreants.

According to Osatimehi, they were in Anambra state to synergise with constituted authorities and to intimate them with their modus operandi of hunters in Nigeria.

He said the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service have been in existence over the years working in collaboration with constituted authorities across the country to flush out crimes and criminalities in the forest as stipulated in the bill establishing the outfit.

The Commandant General also disclosed that the bill establishing the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service has received the blessings and endorsements of the National Assembly and it is now awaiting for presidential assent.

He said that they were in the zone to further educate officers and men of the organisation on the need to be disciplined and more professional in their mode of operations.

According to the NHFSS boss, hunters are the real owners of the forest and not criminal gangs.

He however announced that hunters have recorded series of tremendous success across Nigeria just as he appealed for logistic supports like operational vehicles and motorcycles to chase criminals out in the forests.

Another very pertinent issue the NHFSS helmsman raised was the legal framework of the organization, noticing that if the NHFSS Bill is endorsed by Mr. President, it would boost their morale and also afford them more leverage to work with other constituted authorities.

He therefore reiterated that the Bill establishing the organization is seeking enactment of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service under the Federal Government.

That the bill has scaled through the first, second and third readings in the National Assembly and according to him, the bill has been transmitted to Mr. President; that before long the legal framework for the organization would be intact.

Meanwhile the traditional ruler of Umuoba-Anam community in Anambra-East council area of the state, His Royal Highness Igwe George Ekwealor, who was one of the royal fathers visited, eulogised the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service, recalling that hunters were veritable security apparatus in the preliterate era.

Ekwealor urged officers and men of the NHFSS across the country not to relent in recovering the forest from criminals.

He also appealed to state, federal and local councils, public spirited individuals and corporate organisations to support the hunters in their quest to reclaim the forest from unknown gunmen, kidnappers, armed robbers and other social misfits.

In his remarks, Amb John Metchie hailed the gallantry of the hunters, saying that they have helped tremendously to improve and enhance local security and vigilance.

Metchie however maintained that rather than sabotage the efforts of the hunters, it is important that Nigerian hunters be supported with working tools and other relevant materials to enable them compliment the efforts of other security agencies.

Other officers that accompanied the Commander General on the visits include Deputy Commandant General (Admin) Barr. Lawrence Okonkwo, Deputy Commandant General (Training and Development), the Southeast Zonal Coordinator, State Commanders of the five southeast states as well as other senior officers of the organisation during the visit.

Good

Prof Gregory Ibe unstoppable genius

Ugochukwu Asiegbu

The intelligence of Prof Gregory Ibe in itself is a blessing to Abia, and his immense contributions to the development of rural communities have been on the lips of people till date. And, lately, he has injected life into the ancient city of Okigwe, thereby re-writing the history of the place. Evidently, he is a man with a rare vision, and posterity will be kind to him, for he has influenced lives positively, and has created jobs for Abians and non-Abians alike. This is commendable, in fact! Interestingly, he is not, by any stretch of the imagination, a proud man, and he doesn't trumpet his achievements, but humanity will always speak well of him.

Today, the world has heard of Prof Gregory Ibe, because of his life-changing works. The United Nations and other international bodies have mind-blowing testimonies about this man, whose leadership traits, uncommon as the case may be, have differentiated him from others in the political circle. He is one of the geniuses Nigeria has produced in the recent time, believe you me. And because Prof Ibe has continued to swim in the ocean of transparency, the low and mighty are eager to have him around them.

Already, his tireless efforts have led to the development of Uturu, his country home and building a university there is another way of bringing home his wealth (aku ruo ulo) and giving others the opportunity of acquiring knowledge in a serene environment. In truth, a rural community like Uturu wouldn't have been known internationally, if Gregory University, Uturu wasn't built there. Now, the University has created jobs, and has produced brilliant graduates, and that, in clear terms, has ascertained the impactful academic works of their lecturers. Just recently, the University Management had notified the public of the final accreditation of her College of Medicine, an achievement that connotes excellence. Prof Greg Ibe should be applauded by all and sundry for having the interest of his people at heart.

Come to think of it, have you ever heard that Okigwe has remained under-developed, despite being an ancient city? At a time when investors have refused to register their presence in Okigwe, Prof Ibe has made a bold step that birthed Skills FM in Okigwe. The jinx on development in Okigwe, obviously, has been broken by Prof Greg Ibe, who has an eye for excellence, with peculiar ideas on how to develop rural areas, plunged into obscurity of some kind.

Apart from adding another feather to his cap, Prof Ibe, again, has created jobs for Easterners, even when job creation has become a difficult task for the State and Federal Governments. Being a man that maintains standard and cherishes professionalism in all his doings, he has employed notable On Air Personalities (OAPs) to manage the station, Stanley Nduagu (Village Square) being one of them. This week Wednesday will be a great day, as the Executive Governor of Imo state, Senator Hope Uzodinma will be unveiling Skills FM in Okigwe, in the presence of other distinguished personalities.
When one mentions the name of Prof Gregory Ibe, what comes to mind is excellence and, in all fairness, he has done well for Abians. And being a member of the Presidential Advisory Committee of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Prof Gregory Ibe has always championed the course of the Igbo in this space. Apparently, when one thinks he has seen the best of Prof Gregory ory Ibe, the genius comes up with surprises, making giant strides in different areas of human endeavours.

Simply put, he is a rare gem, with a rare vision.

Ugochukwu Asiegbu,
Social Crusader

Anambra Lawmaker provides constituency free Wi-fi for e-business

Titus Maduako Eleweke


Lawmaker representing Awka South 1 Constituency in Anambra State House of Assembly, Mr Henry Mbachu, has provided free Wi-fi to youths in his constituency in collaboration with Airtel Nigeria to enhance their digital capacities.

While providing Wi-fi at the weekend, he said the digital skills have the capacity to keep young people busy and reduce crime among them.

According to him, digital skills provide opportunities for the youths to eke a decent living.

Recalled that, shortly after the inauguration of the Anambra State House of Assembly in June, Mbachu took up a part-time appointment with the state's ministry of education to teach physics at Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka.

Addressing the beneficiaries, represented by their village heads in Awka and Okpuno as well as the representatives of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Paul University in his constituency in Awka, the Anambra State capital, Mbachu said modern world belonged to the internet.


He said the Wi-Fi project was part of the revolutions he would bring in the area to make a difference.

Decrying the growing incidents of crime in the area, the lawmaker said with youth engagement in the internet for
electronic business(e-business) and sundry useful digital activities, crime rates would reduce.

He noted that the welfare of the people, particularly that of the youth and the widows should not be a sole responsibility of government, stating the need for partnership with the private sectors to provide services for the people.

He said he had bankrolled Wi-fi services for the people of Awka and Okpuno for a period of one year for a start, subject to renewal.

He said specifically, the free Wi-fi would be installed at Unizik and Paul University communities,10 Secondary Schools and the 44 village squares in the constituency.

The Lawmaker assured the people area of more human development projects and good governance, describing the two elements as the hallmark of his political party- the Labour Party(LP), while appealing to the beneficiaries to make good use of the Wi-fi.

In his speech, the Airtel representative on the occasion, Mr Jerry Ani, while urging the youth to do genuine businesses with the Wi-fi, announced that Airtel would launch its 5-G network in Awka next month to boost services.

Dr Nelson Omenugha, a special adviser to the state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, on youth matters, in his speech, said Mbachu's initiative.was in line with Soludo's agenda of making Anambra a digital state.

Expressing appreciation on behalf of the beneficiaries,Chairman of Umunuoke village Awka, Innocent Anagor, urged the lawmaker to keep doing the good work, quipping, "You started with a good plan and the good plan will lead you to a good goal- you will be reelected."

Anambra Town Unions petition Ag IGP to investigate attack on her member


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra State Association of Town Unions ASATU has petitioned the Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun to investigate the attack on one of her member, Mr Uchenna Nwoye by hoodlums.

According to the President General of the Anambra Association of Town Unions ASATU Bar Titus Akpudo on Friday, he said some people in the community organised miscreants to attack President General of Ifitedunu town Mr Uchenna Nwoye for no just cause.

He said they have written to the Ag IGP as police is the only body empowered by law to handle such matters.
"We expect the police to conclude their work and do the needful" he said

He said the assault on Nwoye needs to be investigated and the culprit be punished for their actions .


Akpudo said that the President General of Ifitedunu town Mr Uchenna Nwoye was assaulted by a fraction of the community in his office last month with intentions to harm or kill him.
He said that after the attack they staged a protest to the governor's Office to register their grievances.

" It is easy for us to cause havoc in the community, but because our governor Charles Soludo is good, we decided not create problem in the community.
We have also reported to the speaker, Anambra state House of Assembly to mandate the police to investigate the case and if some people were culpable they should be punished ,but if otherwise, they should be allowed to go home freely" he said .

According to him, if there is any reason to discipline the PG ,there are laid down procedures to do that.
He said that it is wrong to beat up a community leader in a market square , noting that Ifitedunu PG is their members,and they must protect him from any danger.

"It is very easy to assemble 50 youths across the 179 communities in Anambra state to storm Ifitedunu and protest the assault on one of our members and we had already considered it but for the intervention of Gov Charles Soludo we stepped down action,because we believes in the rule of law"

"The governor asked us to remain calm as he would follow the due process of the law to handle the matter and we have strong respect for him"

"However we have petitioned the Inspector General of Police to do the needful and investigate the matter and bring the culprits to book because we have lost five of our members to hired killers and we do not want another incident" he said.

The state Commissioner for local government and Chieftaincy matters Collins Nwabunwanne, following the development said
government cannot be intimidated by some few individuals who have chosen to take the laws into their hands.
He said that the government is following due process in handling the crisis in the community.
According to Nwabunwanne,
"Government cannot be intimidated by some few individuals in Ifitedunu town because they claim to have money and we have followed the law as it is and no one can change the President General of Ifitedunu town in a lawlessness and unconstitutional manner under our watch"

Nwabunwanne noted that the constitution of Ifitedunu town union made it clear that the removal of an officer of the town union must follow the laid down stipulated rules .

According to him,anyone parading himself as the President General of Ifitedunu town is doing that at his own peril and should be mindful of the grave consequences of what he is doing in the eyes of the law.

"One person cannot lord it over the town and impose a President General when there is a sitting President General of Ifitedunu town "
"Government hereby urge the general public to discountenance those reports of a new President General of Ifitedunu town and those fanning the embers of crisis in Ifitedunu should be mindful of the fact that no one is above the law " he said.

Prof. Gregory Ibe launches first radio station in Okigwe


Titus Maduako Eleweke

The Founder and Proprietor of Gregory University Uturu, Abia state, Prof Gregory Ibe will on 23 August 2023 launch Skills FM in Okigwe ,limo state.

The Skills FM is the first radio station to be sited in the ancient town of Okigwe in Imo State.


The broadcast station is expected to serve all the states in south east geopolitical region of Nigeria.

It is expected that the Executive Governor of Imo State Senator Hope Uzodinma in the presence of many distinguished personalities will commission the broadcast station in Okigwe to the service of humanity and God.

According to a statement issued by media aide to Prof Gregory Ibe
Rev. Sleek Ogwo, the radio station is part of Prof Ibe's avowed commitment to human and material service to the development of the country and the world.
According to the statement, the radio station is currently testing the strength of her signals on the frequency of 87.7 in the FM band.

It stated that the station parades many notable On Air Personalities (OAPs) who are poised to entertain, enlighten and educate the large demography of her listening public in Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu and Anambra States.
The statement reads,
"We are pleased to announce the planned commissioning of our commercial radio station, aptly named Skills FM, by the Executive Governor of Imo State Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma, in the company of many other distinguished personalities, on Wednesday 23 August 2023".
Licensed to Prof Gregory Ibe, Founder and Proprietor of Gregory University Uturu, Skills FM is currently testing the strength of her signals on the frequency of 87.7 in the FM band. With the promise of "Adding Value" to her numerous listeners, the station parades many notable On Air Personalities (OAPs) who are poised to entertain, enlighten and educate the large demography of her listening public in Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu and Anambra States.
The statement therefore invites the general public to attend the epoch making event".