₦airaland Forum

Soludo to sack all market presidents ,Park leaders over touting in Anambra

Titus Maduako Eleweke


Anambra State Governor Prof Charles Soludo has stated that he will sack all Presidents of various market Unions in five local government areas of the State,if the activities of touts continue.

He also stated that he will sack all leadership of various motor parts in the Council Areas who harbour and connive with touts to harass, intimidate and rip off innocent traders will be affected.

The local government council are
Onitsha North and South, Oyi , Ogbaru and Idemili North.


Soludo disclosed this in Onitsha at the official launching of the , Anambra Ant- Tout Squad on Monday.

He took the decision following the activities of touts and miscreants in the markets, regretting how louts are intimidating and ripping off innocent traders that have come to do business in the area .


According to him, by the end of March next year when the tenure of the present market leaders would end they will not be renewed if activities of touts continue in those areas.

"Where are the market leaders ? Mr President where are your colleagues in the market ? "
"They are supposed to be here and infact that meeting should have been here but all the same you know that your tenure would end in March next year and come April 1st next year we are not going to renew your tenures because of what the touts are doing in the markets and some of you are using those touts to rip off innocent traders and members of the public and make money"

"I want to make it clear that if any tout is found in your markets we are not going to renew your tenures and all of you would be sacked"

"We have five local government areas where these touts operate which are Onitsha North and South, Oyi , Ogbaru and Idemili North and I had announced that those petty traders should not pay tax or any levy at all but the market leaders use the touts to obtain money from them"he stated.

Soludo however lamented that in the past people come from the North and other parts of the country to do business in Onitsha but due to the activities of the touts the economy of Onitsha and indeed Anambra state has been affected.

Speaking earlier ,the Commissioner for Homeland Matters Chief Chikodi Anarah warned all the touts in Anambra state to leave the state, stating that the state will not spare anyone found touting .
He also announced that the operations of the Anti- Tout Squad would be continuous until they leave the state.

According to him,anyone found without any lawful and visible means of livelihood in the parks would face the music.

Chairman Onitsha South local government area Mr Emeka Joseph Orji who spoke on the behalf of the five Council Chairman said that they are going to work with the squad to rid the area of touting.

Orji said that before now they have been battling with touts, stating that their efforts have started yielding results.

Abia NTTF to host First International Sports Business Conference


Ogbonnaya Ndukwe, Aba

Abia chairman of the Nigerian Table Tennis Association, Mr Dike Dimiri, has announced plans to host an International Sports Business Conference, in Aba, as a necessary step towards the attainment of globally acceptable standards in sports business management in Nigeria.

Dimiri, who is also the president of the newly established Aba Premier League Table Tennis tournament, said the conference, would bring sports business stakeholders together including sports equipment and kit manufacturers, broadcasters and financiers that provide funds for associated sports infrastructure.
He said the pioneer will discuss a range of topics relevant to the sports industry, like marketing, sponsorship, media coverage, branding, value chains benefits, sports technology, sports business/management and athlete development and remuneration are properly discussed and documented.
The Abia Table Tennis Association chairman, posited that "enthusiasm for sports was no longer enough to replace skills, when it comes to management and administration of the games proper," insisting that proper management was now the bedrock of every business including sports, stressing that today's sports industry is no longer a stand-alone affair.
"Today, the strong interconnection between sports, media and technology is evident for all to see. The actual playing of sports, requires technology to record, analyze and transmit it to viewers, using various media both digital and analog, across various devices - television, phones and computers and this is part of the justification for an international conference the kind of which we are planning for May 2024”
"This interconnection I have mentioned also requires skilled human capacity to drive it. All of these elements and stakeholders hardly operate individually, you have to deliberately bring all of them together under one roof to interact.
"The goal of the Aba International Sports Business conference is to do exactly this, bring these stakeholders together to build out the sports industry and help us do business easily in one place," he said.
Dimitri said his group was working with the State government to ensure its active participation in the project as a key player in sports business.
"The time frame being suggested for the conference," according to him, "will allow for all the required logistics and sensitization to be effectively executed, working actively with the Aba hospitality industry in readiness for local and international guests, casual visitors and other sports business game changers expected to attend."
The renowned sports business executive stressed that after the maiden edition of the conference, it is expected that it will become an annual event where every achievement will be reviewed and necessary adjustments discussed and applied to make the sports industry better.
Dimiri said that the organizers expect that the aftermath of the conference will push club owners across various sports to connect and grow with broadcasters, athletes, sports goods manufacturers, media generally and technology platform operators.
He said that they equally expect the conference to result in all the above mentioned stakeholders to hear and understand the government’s short and medium term plans which will enable them to plan their investments alongside the policies.
He ended by expressing the view that the synergy between the public and private sector participants in the sports industry will result in accelerated development of professional sports, growth for the Abia State economy and Nigeria generally.

CSOs disagree with Otti over proposed appointment of Mayors in Abia LGAs


Ogbonnaya Ndukwe, Aba


A coalition of Civil Society Groups in Abia State, (CCSGA), a rights group, has advised Governor Alex Otti, against the appointment of rich businessmen, as Mayors to head transition committed in the 17 council areas of the state.

The group, said there was need to thoroughly investigate the antecedents of such individuals being tipped for the positions and to verify their capabilities and honesty required from occupants of such exalted positions.
The Abia Governor had during an event at the Aba Sports Club, last week, disclosed that he would appoint billionaires as Mayors of the 17 local Government Areas of the state, to help his developmental plans.
In a statement made available to reporters, the group insisted that while not against wealthy people occupying political positions, there was need for a thorough integrity tests on the credibility of some of them whose names are being mentioned speculatively, to ensure that they fit into part of the Governor's "new Abia" policy thrust. statement signed by its chairman.

The statement, signed by the leader of the coalition, Johnson Uzor Emeh and the Secretary, Veronica Ijeoma Nwogu, said unconfirmed reports, had linked a certain billionaire being currently investigated for alleged certificate forgery in one of the higher institutions and some erstwhile officials of the immediate past administration, accused of corruption, as among those pencilled down for appointment as Mayors of the local government councils in Aba and other areas.


"CCSGA urged Gov Otti, to carefully select and appoint men of integrity, with no allegations of corruption, certificate forgery or lacking in public trust as transition committee chairmen.

"We have in 2022, petitioned the immediate past Abia state House of Assembly, which commenced investigation into the certificate forgery allegation but did not conclude it before the expiration of it's tenure." It stated.

The group further stated that it had also petitioned the current House of Assembly to investigate the matter.
“We, as stakeholders are partners in the new Abia project. It is in this premise that we deemed it necessary to write to you (Gov Otti), on this subject matter. Recently, there was a viral video where you emphasized that billionaires will be appointed as chairmen of local governments."
"Your Excellency, we brought this to your notice because we are aware of your earned integrity and image going by your antecedents. We will not like anything that will bring down your reputation and the new Abia under your watch.
"We struggled hard to ensure that the old order in Abia was chased away. The new Abia can’t thrive if we keep quiet when we notice some flash points of the old Abia.
"The rumours of appointment of these suspected persons are gaining ground. The rumours may be occasioned by your utterances eulogizing some of these billionaires who are under investigation for fake certificates and financial misappropriation in the last administration.
"We wish to reiterate that appointments as LGA chairmen, should be based on integrity, notable antecedents, sound morals, good administrative acumen, a certain level of education and the fear of God to change the status quo.
"Most of these billionaires have looted public funds, forged certificates and are involved in many nefarious activities known to the society. So, just being wealthy without a critical look at their source of wealth will bring Abia back to the old days.
"We use this medium to demand that any appointee with allegations of corruption and fake certificate should be thoroughly investigated. It will not be good if such matters are not swept under the carpet.
"Recall that everyone is celebrating Prof. Nnenna Oti, the Vice Chancellor of the FU" it added.

Anambra arrests 30 street hawkers,shuts 100 shops for environmental offences


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra State Government has arrested 30 street hawkers and shut over 100 shops for environmental offences .
The Managing Director of Operation Keep Clean and Healthy (Ocha Brigade) Mr Celestine Anere disclosed that they have arrested 30 people violating hawking and trading laws of the state and shut down almost 100 shops at the popular Eke Awka market.
Anere who led the operation yesterday evening said the state government will no longer tolerate street traders who blocked roads and shop owner who keep their environment dirty.
"We are here this evening to decongest streets and stop hawkers and traders from blocking access roads for motorists to ply on the roads. We are tired of begging them not to trade on the main roads " he said .
According to him,what they are doing is to arrest persons who hawks on the Streets and consificate their goods ,noting that they must set the streets free from blockage by traders .
He said that ,while clearing the street traders,they discovered that drainages were filled to brim and cause flooding during rain.
"The control of flooding in this place is simple,what we need is just to distill the drainage to allow water flow freely .
"Our intention is to distill the drainage from Eke Awka to Amawabia bypass both sides and Agu Awka . We know this task will not be easy but we must get it right because solution is here. The governor is serious about clean and healthy Anambra and it is the duty of Ocha Brigade to get it done " he said .
He also said that they are happy that the traders have started complying with the distilling order, noting that their shops would be opened immediately after evidence of serious commitment.
The MD also stated that those who built on drainage and water way are being compel to dismantle and allow water to flow freely.
"We close the shops because their shops were dirty,the distilling laws of Anambra State made it clear that you must keep your environment clean and clean gutters. Based on these laws ,we are compelling the shop owners to distill and keep their sorrounding clean. We will continue to close their shops untill they fully complied " he said .
Speaking to News men, during the operation, Chairman of St Mary Traders Association, Mr Obinna Umeh said they have problems in clearing the drainage in their area.
According to him, they have cleared the drainage three times within the years and immediately after clearing the drainage it will be filled again because of tunnel closure.
He said that there are closed tunnel in the area which need to be opened to allow water flow freely and he appealed to the governor to help open the tunnel.

According to him, government ought to open the tunnel, noting that it was only when the tunnel is open that their distilling can be effective.

Anambra Traders sports Competition Commence Across Anambra With Football

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra State Traders Sports Competition commenced on Wednesday across the eight venues in the State with football.


The competition was simultaneously kicked off by Patrick-Estate Onyedum, Chairman of Anambra State Sports Development Commission and Humphrey Anuna, President General of Anambra State Amalgamated Market Traders Association (ASMATA) in Awka and Onitsha respectively.

Onyedum kicked off the game between Odera Market and Arthur Eze Market Awka at All Saints Church field, Amaenyi, Awka and match ended 9-2 in favour Odera Market team

Onyedum commended the teams for their turning out and urged them to play in the spirit of sportsmanship.

In Onitsha, the President General expressed joy for the opportunity provided by the Gov. Chukwuma Soludo administration for them to display their talents in the area of sports.

Anuna said the ASMATA management team was fully involved in the competition and assured that welfare and security of teams were priorities.

"We hope that after this Competition, Anambra and Nigeria will have new players that will add value to our sports because traders are also talented' he said.

The match at Ikpeazu Stadium Onitsha, between Bida
Road Market Onitsha and God's Portion Plaza ended in 3-0 and three in favour of the Bida Market team after a walkover over their opponents.

At Rojenny Stadium ,Oba, Grain Seeds Market defeated Motorcycle Spare Parts Npkor by 3-2 while Old Mercedes Benz Nkpor and Electrical market Obosi had walkover wins over Amalgamated Bakery Materials and New Motor Spare Parts respectively.

Tagbo Akachukwu of Grain Seeds Market was the man of the day after all his team's three goals.

In Ogbaru Zone, Iron Dealers market football team beat Ogbaru Main Market by 8-7 after a goalless draw to emerge winners.

The two other games scheduled for Thursday between Ogba Efele vs Okoro Ichida and Ogbo Agbada vs United Petro-Chemical did not hold

The Anambra State Traders Sports Competition is featuring other events including Tennis, Table Tennis, Draft and Ncho

Court grants accelerated hearing for trial of Catholic priest over fraud,violence


Titus Maduako Eleweke

A Federal High Court sitting in Awka, the Anambra State capital, has granted three days accelerated hearing on a case between the Inspector General of Police and one Rev Father Ejike Nwankwo, over an alleged fraudulently act, threat to life and others.


One Mrs Nnenna Ezenwa, had reported to the Police that Rev. Father Ejike Nwankwo, had fraudulently deceived her into investing N26,986,000 in his company, a moribund Filling station and giving him cash of N4,250,000.

She reported that when the company was refurbished to standard, Rev. Fr. Nwamkwo, tried to edged her out, using hoodlums to attack her, thereby, inflicting injuries on her, and threatened to kill her.

In charge sheet made available sighted with case number FHC/Awka/31/21 between Inspector General of Police and Rev. Father Ejike Nwankwo, the accused priest was charged on five counts bordering on fraudulent activity, violence, assault, malicious damages and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.

The Court had some time in June 2023 when the case came up, on the request of the defendant, granted the request for out of court settlement and the defendant had before the court agreed to settle the matter out of court by offering to pay Mrs. Ezenwa the sum of N15,000,000.00.

Prosecutor of the case P.A Ogele told the court that the complainant would not accept the amount because of extra expense she has made in the course of prosecution of the case.
However,the Judge urged the defendant to add more to the sum to end the matter and appealed to the prosecutor to liaise with the complainant to accept any additional amount of money for out of court settlement, otherwise she has to come back to the country to prosecute her case.

However in a meeting in the office of one of complainants lawyers in Onitsha, the defendant allegedly agreed to pay the complainant the sum of N17, 000,000.00, a Jeep car and other things in the company that belongs to her.

When the parties reported back to court in July and the court urged the defendant to ensure that he keeps to his promised in the court that he will pay the agreed N17,000,000,00, relinquish the jeep car and other things that belong to the complainant.
The court gave them from July 19, 2023 to October 6th 2023 to settle but the defendant allegedly failed to pay.

When they returned to the court in September the parties made a fresh agreement to settle out of court and and the judge told them that if they were unable to settle, he will give three days accelerated hearing to the case.

When the case was called for hearing, and after the appearance of counsels, the prosecution counsel P.A. Ogele reported that parties were unable to settled out of court as directed by the honourable Court and that they are ready to go on with the trial.

However, Rev. Father Nwankwo, who instead of appearing in the court presented a letter through his lawyer dated 12th October 2023, citing that doctor had asked him to have a bed rest.

The presiding judge, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba wanted to know when he Rev. Fr. Nwankwo, became sick and when the letter was written, since it has the same date 12th October 2023 and it was submitted to the Court same day.

However, the counsel to Rev. Fr. Nwankwo C.K. Idenyi said “the letter was given to me this morning to be submit to the court so I do not have much information about it.”

However, the court frowned at Rev. Fr Nwankwo's continued absence in the court and cautioned him for the unacceptable behaviour.

The prosecution counsel, Ogele, made an oral application to court to allow the complaint Mrs. Nnenna Ezenwa, to testify before the court through Zoom meeting, since, she is not in the country, saying that Zoom trial will help the Court for the speedy trial of the case.

Counsel to the defendant C.K Idenye, however, opposed the trial through Zoom, but the court overruled him, noting that it has tried many cases through Zoom.

Granting the accelerated hearing Justice Dimgba therefore, fixed further hearing dates for the case on 24, 25 and 26th of October 2023, and urged all parties to be prepared for the trial.

Anambra arrests 30 street hawkers,shuts 100 shops for environmental offences


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra State Government has arrested 30 street hawkers and shut over 100 shops for environmental offences .

The Managing Director of Operation Keep Clean and Healthy (Ocha Brigade) Mr Celestine Anere disclosed that they have arrested 30 people violating hawking and trading laws of the state and shut down almost 100 shops at the popular Eke Awka market.

Anere who led the operation yesterday evening said the state government will no longer tolerate street traders who blocked roads and shop owner who keep their environment dirty.

"We are here this evening to decongest streets and stop hawkers and traders from blocking access roads for motorists to ply on the roads. We are tired of begging them not to trade on the main roads " he said .

According to him,what they are doing is to arrest persons who hawks on the Streets and consificate their goods ,noting that they must set the streets free from blockage by traders .

He said that ,while clearing the street traders,they discovered that drainages were filled to brim and cause flooding during rain.

"The control of flooding in this place is simple,what we need is just to distill the drainage to allow water flow freely .

"Our intention is to distill the drainage from Eke Awka to Amawabia bypass both sides and Agu Awka . We know this task will not be easy but we must get it right because solution is here. The governor is serious about clean and healthy Anambra and it is the duty of Ocha Brigade to get it done " he said .

He also said that they are happy that the traders have started complying with the distilling order, noting that their shops would be opened immediately after evidence of serious commitment.

The MD also stated that those who built on drainage and water way are being compel to dismantle and allow water to flow freely.

"We close the shops because their shops were dirty,the distilling laws of Anambra State made it clear that you must keep your environment clean and clean gutters. Based on these laws ,we are compelling the shop owners to distill and keep their sorrounding clean. We will continue to close their shops untill they fully complied " he said .

Speaking to News men, during the operation, Chairman of St Mary Traders Association, Mr Obinna Umeh said they have problems in clearing the drainage in their area.

According to him, they have cleared the drainage three times within the years and immediately after clearing the drainage it will be filled again because of tunnel closure.

He said that there are closed tunnel in the area which need to be opened to allow water flow freely and he appealed to the governor to help open the tunnel.
According to him, government ought to open the tunnel, noting that it was only when the tunnel is open that their distilling can be effective.

No idiots Can Remove Me from AiRS ,says Madubuko

Maduako Igbokwe

Executive Director Operations in the Anambra Internal Revenue Services AiRS Dr Christian Madubuko has described those calling for his removal as idiots.

He said they do not have no the powers to remove him,noting that only the governor that remove him.

Madubuko however denied any crisis in the Revenue House contending that he has no issues with the Chairman of the Revenue Services Dr Greg Ezeilo challenging those he called rumors mungers to come out in the open to state those that are having problems in the Revenue House.

He however confirmed that he was issued a query by the Chairman Greg Ezeilo but wondered why the said query was also leaked to the public.

"This is an internal matter and it shouldn't have been leaked to the public in the first place . I am not under any obligation to reply to the query but I am still studying the situation "

"You can as well go and ask the chairman why that query was issued in the first place and if I have anything wrong he can call me or approach me rather than going to issue a query,thereby making it public, that is not proper"

"I heard some people are making silly comments that Madubuko must go or he must be sacked and I am not surprised because in the Greek City we have three classes of people and we have the idiots, the tribes men and the citizens and those calling for my removal are idiots because they are after their personal gains and interests "

"They go about in the government house gossiping telling funny stories at the executive corridors about people and they are those that steal government revenue and people like us have been fighting those idiots and that is why they are after me but they will not have their way"

"Their interest is to pocket Anambra tax payers' money and they didn't like the faces of people like us and they must know that they didn't appoint me and do not have the powers to remove me .
"There is no crisis in the Revenue House and you know that after the former Chairman resigned, the governor appointed one of us as Acting Chairman and that is Dr Greg Ezeilo and he has our support for the growth of Anambra Revenue Services "

"It is important to note that those reports are being peddled by those idiots that want to reap where they did not sow and I want those people to come out and tell use what the problems are and is it between who and who " he said.

Anambra community declares war on criminals

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Members of Obosi Community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State have declared war against criminals.

The community is made up of five major villages , Mmakwu, Ugamuma, Uruowulu, Umuota and Ire .

Obosi has been a hotbed for crime and criminal activities, especially drug and cult related activities.

The community has witnessed several killings, including the gruesome murder of a former President General of the community.

The Central Executive Council of the community, the Obosi Development Union (ODU) on Wednesday embarked on a one day awareness campaign to express readiness to secure their land.

The leadership which consisted of members of the community and their vigilante march round the community telling the residents to abstain from crime or face the consequences.

They warned criminal elements to amend their ways or leave the town for their own safety

President General of the community, Barr Chimezie Obi who addressed member of the community stated that the motive behind the campaign was as a result numerous crimes and many other atrocities that have dented the image of the community, and its people.

According to him, this challenge led to integration of Obosi Development Union Central Committee Executives, Branch President and their secretaries, central security unit and also the village branches of the union to decide on the right step to be taken to put a perpetual end to the ugly trend of crimes completely.


“Though many of the culprit are foreigners who claimed to come from Obosi, but we are issuing a final warning to the individuals responsible to pack their loads and leave the community.

“We have the political will to work, and need support in terms of vehicles and other security gadgets and equipments. We need more Police presence, more man power and more recruitment of vigilante operatives,” he added.

He said the primary purpose of the exercise was to secure the Obosi land, before venturing into the Urban part of Obosi and called on Governor Soludo and other well meaning Obosi citizens both home and abroad to partner with the Union in the fight to secure their hometown for the betterment of all.

Transition committee chairman of Idemili North local government area, Hon. ChuksBrown Ezeoba expressed his support for their actions.
He commended the community for doing the right to do the needful and ensure a safe and secured Obosi.

85 Anambra Markets commence Traders Sports Competition Tomorrow

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra State Traders Sports Competition will kick off across the seven market zones in Anambra on Wednesday.

The information was contained in a statement jointly signed by
Chairman, Anambra State Sports Development Commission
Patrick-Estate Onyedum and President General, Amalgamated Market Traders Association,Chief Humphrey Anuna.
According to the statement the competition will feature Football, Tennis, Table Tennis, Draft and it is a great improvement over previous editions which used to be only football.

It added that the traders Sports Competition will give traders in Anambra markets the opportunity to showcase their sports skills on the field of play as well as improve their physical, and psychological well being.

"The traders will be playing to win a whopping Ten million naira (N10,000,000:00) with a lot of other attractive prizes which are up for grabs.

At last count, about 85 markets have indicated interest to take part in the competition and the draws for fixtures have been done.

Winners of the football event will go home with Three million naira (3,000,000:00), Two Million naira (2,000,000) and One million naira (1,000,000:00) as first, second and third prizes.

Winners in Table Tennis, Tennis, Draft and Ncho events will get a reward of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000:00), Three Hundred Thousand Naira(N300,000:00 and Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N200,000:00) respectively.

Our brothers and sisters in the market will not be playing for leisure this time, they have the opportunity to play to entertain themselves and also smile home with good prize money.

We are going to have football champions and high kings of Draught.

There will also be raffle draws where traders, lovers of sports and the entire ndi Anambra will win different prizes including Plasma Television, Fridges, Generators, watching Machines, Bicycles, Motorcycles, Tricycles and shuttles bus.

The tickets will be on sale in the various markets and public places during the competition " it stated

It also urged Anambra to come out enmass to support the traders at each venues.

"The venues are Awka Township Stadium, Awka, Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium, Onitsha, Godwin Achebe Stadium, Fegge, Rojenny Stadium, Oba, Ekwulobia Township Stadium, Ekwulobia, Otuocha Stadium, Aguleri"


The competition will start with Zonal eliminations on Wednesday October 18 where the various market zones will determine their respective champions who will in turn represent them at the state finals.

The state finalists will thereafter compete for places in the semi finals where the gold, silver and bronze winners will emerge.

The competition is expected to end on Sunday Nov. 26 with final draws for the raffle tickets in an elaborate closing Ceremony" it stated.



The sports and traders loving Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo is expected to lead the draws and perform the symbolic handover of prizes to winners at the event as the chief Guest of Honour.

Ndi Anambra, let us once again demonstrate our love for sports and our heritage which is business by supporting this initiative.

Onitsha South LGA Battles NIWA, Julius Berger to Recover N5,299 Billions



Titus Maduako Eleweke

Onitsha South Local Government Area of Anambra State has stated that the duo of National Inland Water Ways Authority NIWA and the Julius Berger Construction Company PLC are owing the council N5,299 Billion tax arrears.

The Council said that it had approached the Revenue Court in Onitsha which has already delivered judgement in favor of the Council compelling Julius Berger to pay the sum of N99 million owed to it .



Similarly the Council said it has concluded arrangements to recover the sum of N5,2 Billion owed by NIWA through every legal means possible.



Secretary to the local government area, Paul Onuachalla stated this in a statement on Monday made available to our reporter in Awka , the State capital.

According to him, NIWA is indebted to the local government area to the tune of N5.2 billion which is the amount of revenue it illegally collected since 1999 to date.

He stated that the Julius Berger is owing about N99.9million being judgment debt to the council for years of unpaid taxes.

The council secretary lamented that Julius Berger has been ripping off on the revenue of the council for years.

Onuachalla pointed out that the activities of staff of the trio of Julius Berger Construction Company Plc, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and one Chief Ngozi Okpagu, who runs a motor park which he allegedly claimed to have acquired from NIWA, have "threatened the staff of the LGA and a Court bailiff who were directed by Court to do their lawful duties of serving the trio a court process.

He urged the Nigeria Army, a body that has well defined roles in the Constitution of protecting the territorial integrity of the country not to allow itself to be used as an instrument of recklessness and rascality by those meddlesome Interlopers.

He described as shocking the level of disregard to the laws of the land by not just private individuals but also corporate bodies and organizations that ought to have been well informed about the workings of he law and government.

According to Onuachalla, it is on record that Julius Berger Plc has been owing the Onitsha South local government are arrears of levies due to the council for at least four (4) years now.

He also stated that in view of this fact, the council had sent demand notice to them in September 2022, and further reminders for them to pay up.

"This is against the of the fact that we have sufficient evidence of service of demand notices before now yet the entity failed to heed to our notice."

"Consequently, the council was compelled to approach the Court and obtained debt judgment against Julius Berger Plc. The execution of the judgment was due on 25th of August 2023 and the High Court Onitsha division was led by the bailiff in company of staff of Onitsha South Local Govt Council."

"The Chief Security officer at the premises of Julius Berger Plc resisted the baliff and refused to allow him perform his duty and he consequently invited the Nigeria Army and on their arrival the army and chief security officer were shown copies of judgment under execution but they bluntly resisted alleging, there was non service of demand notice," Onuachalla said.

He said the army contended that they have order from Abuja to stop the execution of Onitsha High Court judgment and no particular reason was given to that effect.

According as law abiding citizens of Nigeria, the duo of the bailiff and staff of Onitsha South local government area managed to carry out their lawful duties but with a threat to their lives."

"On the said day while executing the judgment of the Onitsha High Court, both the bailiff and the staff of the Council area were beaten blue black an ultimately tear gassed."

"Against all odds and at the risk of their lives, the bailiff and our local government staff eventually managed to seal off two machines but unable to move them out of the premises because personnel of the Nigeria Army allegedly threatened to kill them as ordered by Abuja, except themselves and Julius Berger staff."

Onuachalla explained further that it is not only Julius Berger Plc that has been found neck deep in act of recklessness in alleged land Grabbing and abuse of payment of revenue, their co traveller, the Nigeria Breweries Plc were found to be also involved in the entire mess.

He stated that the brewery company is also involved in encroachment into public space of Onitsha South local government area with a breach of building line by about ten meters.

The council therefore warned all owners of illegal structures, land grabbers and criminal speculators that their days are numbered as the council would ensure that the laws of the land reigns supreme as nobody is above the law."

The council commended the state governor Prof. Charles Soludo for his doggedness and resoluteness in restoring purposeful and populist local government administration in Anambra state.

Over 2 millions die globally every year due to consumption of much Salt, Says Soludo

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The Wife of Anambra state governor Dr Mrs Nonye Soludo has stated that more than two million people die annually due to over consumption of salt across the world.

Mrs Soludo stated this while flagging off the Walk For Life programme organized by the Ultimate Business Women and Farmers Association of Nigeria (UBWFAN) in Awka Anambra state.
She advised all ages to reduce their rate of salt consumption during meals.
Soludo also appealed to members of the Association to take a clue from this report and regulate the intake of sodium based foods.

According to her,the report is contained in research carried out by the World Health Organization (WHO), and stressed the need to reduce the high level of mortality rate in the country occasioned much intake of salt.

She noted that while salt is an important ingredient for food, consuming it more than the recommended leads to serious health problems.

Speaking earlier, the Guest Speaker at the occasion,the Commissioner for Agriculture Dr Forster Ihejiofor noted that there are need for three to ten minutes regular exercise everyday to help prolong lives and eradicate diseases that normally occur when one doesn't exercise regularly

Ihejiofor also observed that since there is life in the blood, there is need to clean the blood stream through regular exercise and healthy dieting.

Also speaking the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu represented by the State Treasurer of the council, Comrade Ogemdi Ozoemenam appreciated the organisation for keying into regular exercise and eating healthy food.

He noted that, the programme was inline with NUJ's vision for healthy journalists so that men of the Pen Profession can stay healthy in doing their job of holding the Government accountable and responsible to the people as contained in section 22 of the 1999 Constitution.

National President of the association, Mrs. Nkiru Nwagbo applauded the Governor’s wife for leading a campaign of change in trying to make healthy living a household norm in the State.

"The Walk for Life project of our organization is one out of many programmes of UBWFAN aimed at lending support to the women who are in business as well as those in farming. This time, we are concerned not only about their physical well being but their mental strength. We believe that a healthy body transmits stability to the mind and the result is predictably, success in every aspect of life. This explains why we consider physical exercise a critical step towards the empowerment of women, including the vulnerable ones among us . It is our hope that our members will leave here, not only physically ready to cope with the challenges of life but psychologically and mentally equipped to run the race of life with renewed energy and vigour"

"This year's programme with the theme, "EAT WELL AND LIVE LONG" was picked as a quick response to those who are still in doubt as regards the critical role good feeding and exercise play in the overall well-being of women" she said.

NBL encroachment into public land stalling development in Anambra--Council



Titus Maduako Eleweke

Onitsha South Local Government Council of Anambra state has urged the Nigerian Brewery to obey the state and council building line laws to allow proper development in the area.

According to the Council's Secretary Mr. Paul Onuachalla, on Saturday, the Nigerian Brewery encroachment into the public land and space in area is one of the major problems to governor Charles Soludo's plan on making the State's business hub a livable City.

He said that due to the activities of Nigerian Brewery on encroachment and illegal possession of public land in the council, the ongoing construction works in Onitsha South local government area are being stalled.

Onuachalla said that the encroachment had stopped the council for further development of the commercial city as space meant for roads have been taken by Nigerian Brewery .

"We had a meeting with the company on the subject matter and their own commission report showed that they encroached between 3.5 meters in addition to the violation of Onitsha south building line by at least 10 metres. We just want the Nigeria Brewery to obey the building line laws of the council and to allow us carry on with ongoing construction works in the city ," he said.

According to him, the legal efforts by the council to remedy the situation was being stopped by the company who chose to lobby those in Awka just to buy time.

He also stated that when the council decided to go for strict compliance with the laws ,the company rushed to court and obtained an Exparte Order restraining Onitsha south local government and any other from reclaiming public land.

Onuachalla lamented that the blanket order of the court has adversely affected the ongoing construction works on Port Harcourt road,Fegge Onitsha and the people are suffering.

The council secretary said that the council must live up to its statuary responsibility to the people and act responsibly for public interest.

"The matter is currently being challenged by the Onitsha south local government area and the matter has reached advance stage and so far ,the council has been able to establish the facts that there were grave evidences of encroachment into the property of the government and in due time, actions would be taken in that regard" he stated .
He reiterated that all public property illegally collected by organisations and individuals in the area must be reclaimed by the council.

CEO of Best Brain Contest sets to conduct exams for De Imperial Philanthropic Family scholarships





Best Brain Contest CEO Frank Igbojindu gears up for Scholarship Exams after De Imperial Philanthropic Family Contracted him for the job.

On September 29, 2023, De Imperial Philanthropic Family awarded a prestigious contract to Best Brain Contest, represented by CEO Frank Igbojindu.

The contract involves organizing exclusive scholarship exams for Junior Secondary School 1 (J.S.1) students across the South Eastern region in Nigeria.

Under this contract, Best Brain Contest is set to conduct scholarship examinations for Public Secondary School Students in the Five States that make up the South East of Nigeria.

It mandated to conduct exams and select 250 beneficiaries (50 from each state in the South East). These students will be selected to benefit from De Imperial Philanthropic Family scholarship scheme.
The exams will be held in the state capitals of Awka (Anambra), Enugu (Enugu State), Abakaliki (Ebonyi), Umuahia (Abia), and Owerri (Imo).

Best Brain Contest, a reputable educational organization known for its integrity and successful execution of various educational programs, emerged victorious after a rigorous contract selection process. The competition for the contract was fierce, with several educational facilitators vying for the opportunity. Best Brain Contest diligently pursued this contract since January submitting a compelling proposal that ultimately secured their success.

Expressing his gratitude, Frank Igbojindu, the CEO of Best Brain Contest, emphasized the organization's unwavering commitment to excellence.

"We have embraced this responsibility wholeheartedly and are devoted to delivering exceptional results. Our primary focus is to deliver De Imperial Philanthropic Family message of transforming the educational landscape for underprivileged students, ensuring a brighter future for them."he stated

The eagerly anticipated scholarship examinations are scheduled to take place in November 2023. This marks the beginning of a transformative educational journey for the 250 fortunate students in the South East.

For further details about the scholarship examination, interested individuals can contact Frank Igbojindu with
0703 055 5581 or visit the official website at www.bestbraincontest.com to register.

Anambra recruits, retrains over 300 touts for Revenue Collection

Titus Maduako Eleweke


Anambra state government has recruited and trained over 300 youths for revenue collection and compliance enforcement.


This was made known on Saturday by the Project Manager, of
the state Revenue Cooperate Agents Bigly Oil and Gas ltd Mr Chukwuma Nwabuikwu Micheal in Awka Anambra state.

According to him,against the reports in some quarters that the Anambra state government has been using touts as Revenue Agents to intimidated and molest motorists ,over 300 youths have been trained and engaged to collect revenue from motorists in the area.
He said Bigly Oil and Gas Ltd is charged with the responsibility of collecting revenue for the government, noting that the use of touts and miscreants to enforce revenue collection in the state has become a thing of the past .

Nwabuikwu said the essence of the government engaging his services was to collect revenue technologically.

He said that it has transformed and engaged over 300 touts popularly called Agberos into gainful employment in Anambra State.

"We he over 300 Anambra youths trained and engaged for the purposes of collecting revenue,we have collected their details such as passport, and NIN numbers even to their towns and Community levels and passed it to the office of the Special Adviser to the governor on Security Matters "

"Before then when we commenced operations in the state on September 26th this year we organized a three week training for them to function ," he said.

Nwabuikwu however dismissed an allegation that his officers and staff have been molesting and intimidating Innocent motorists after being on drugs.



"We have banned them from the use of drugs of any kind as well as drinks while working for us and not even cigarettes and any of them found wanting would face the full wrath of the law"

"So anyone accusing us of using touts that are on hard drugs is making a mistake and misleading the public and thus should be dismissed as we are corporate body that discharges our functions with civility"

"We are working in partnership with the Anambra Internal Revenue Services AIRS and the state government to close all revenue leakages and increase the revenue profile of the state government " he said.
According to him, the company went into partnership with Anambra State internal Revenue Services (AiRS) to collect statewide haulage tax on behalf of the State government in September 2023 and in less than one month has transformed touts and touting activities as regards revenue collection in the state.

According to him, more touts are in line to be deployed thereby reducing the rate of touts and touting activities and bringing professionalism in the practice of revenue collection in the state.
"The upstream is the tax we collect from trucks passing through the state, and the downstream is the one we collect at the market sites of the state.

"Our mandate is to optimize haulage tax collection through the use of technology in line with the governor's policy to eliminating illegal collection through use of electronic collection system.

"In line with our mandate we have set out to digitalize our process. Since we have been given this authority since September 1, 2023. We hit the ground running. We have been in partnership with the AiRS and have put together mechanisms to collect the revenue through the best civic way of branding and dishing out messages.

"The governor did not plan to throw the touts back into the streets, but what he want to do is to bring back agbero population, and put them back into the working system by rehabilitating, reintegrating them as well as provide them with gainful employment.

"People that are called agbero are Anambra and Igbo youths, who are now gainfully employed by Anambra State government, kitted and mandated to collect revenue from Anambra State government.

"The recruitment process was very thorough. We collected their details, passports, NIN, and other details even to their (Umunna) kindred level and passed them on to the office of the special adviser to the governor on security matters. They were thoroughly vetted and screened before we sent them back to the streets.

Today, they are completely kitted and wearing their ID cards. Before our operation finally took off on the 6th of September, 2023, after we took about 3 weeks to prepare an induction workshop in collaboration with AiRS in Awka.

"After the induction, we have over 300 Anambra Youths employed in the haulage tax collection and they started operation on the 26th September, 2023."he stated.

Revenue Generation: How Madubuko is Working Against Anambra
 
In reality desperation is a good motivator, which should be harnessed for positive ends. But when it gets overboard, it sure leaves sour and destructive taste. This is exactly what most Ndi Anambra are deducing since the ugly incident of some youths who were being hounded and paraded as criminals for working legitimately for a company owned by a legitimate revenue collector went viral online.
The development clearly leaves everyone wondering why all involved cannot put their hands on the deck in order to move our state forward.

For starters, everyone understands that one of the most serious issues affecting most states in Nigeria, including Anambra, is revenue generation, which is why it is a thing of joy that the state has been structured in a vibrant way by Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his men, to harness the gains of the state in terms of IGR.
In doing so, a few credible IGR Partners have been selected and authorised by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the AIRS, Greg Ezeilo, after being urged to identify their revenue hubs, from where government would be expecting incomes from. It is pertinent to note that the dreams of the state in terms of health, education and even security will generously rely on these incomes trickling in. That is why it is befuddling to think that some of the participants are busy tackling the other partners in the project in order to run them out of business, instead of keeping their eyes on the goals of the Prof Soludo-led government.
It is disheartening to say the least that the team, employed and mobilized by Bigly Oil and Gas Services, which is one of the most reliable partners approved by the state government through the mandate of the governor and the helmsman at AIRS is being witch hunted with all manners of powers, just to portray them as illegal. People say, sometimes when a dog is penciled for killing, the conspirators give it a bad name. That is essentially what is going on at the moment.

In the past couple of days, all manners of ugly assault have been directed at Bigly and his men, from intimidation with Ocha Brigade Boys, to physical arrest with the Police and lately and sadly, being paraded like common criminals with a video of them being made and posted on the internet.
This is a sad thing and the governor must urgently look into it to forestall breakdown of law and order. The government can always refer to those who have competence and are authorised to do the job rather than the rat race, orchestrated by Christian Madubuko, which is undermining the gains of Soludo’s government.   

Barr Cyprian Emeka Igbokwe(Jp)
Writes from Nnewi

EEDC takes electrical safety awareness to schools


Titus Maduako Eleweke

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC), in keeping with its customer education and safety awareness initiative, today visited Government Secondary School, Enugu.

The visit is in continuation of its activities for this year’s Customer Service Week (CSW).

During the visit, the students and their teachers were educated on the electricity value chain, the dynamics of electricity distribution, and their role as customers in ensuring that the sector is sustainable.

The Head, Customer Service, EEDC, Mrs. Ijeoma Ogudebe, who led the team on the visit said that their choice of targeting schools is basically to catch the students at their early formative stage and consciously instill in them important information that they need to know about electricity and its usage.

She affirmed that most of the challenges being experienced in the electricity sector today can be attributed to ignorance and lack of knowledge.

The Head, Health Safety & Environment, EEDC, Dr. Francis Iwu took time to educate the students on the hazards associated with usage of electricity and the necessary precautions to be taken to remain safe while using it.

Some of them include not using electricity appliances with wet hands, not carrying out recreational activities under electricity power line, developing the culture of not using ring boilers, but rather use electric kettle which has an inbuilt thermostat.

Iwu also implored the students to inform their parents on the need to use qualified and competent electricians in carrying out electrical works in their homes and also ensure that the right and standard materials are used in wiring their homes, to avoid electrical fire accidents.

The students were excited with the awareness, and this was obvious in the way and manner they paid attention, took notes, and asked brilliant questions on areas of concern.

The Principal of the School, Barr. Ijeoma Onuigbo appreciated the EEDC team for the visit and requested a repeat.

“We would like to have you again as this knowledge sharing opportunity needs to be regular and consistent,” she requested.

She acknowledged that with the engagement, they have enriched their wealth of knowledge in electricity, its usage, and the precautionary measures to be taken to stay safe, alive, and well.

EEDC staff urged to raise to newer level of quality service to customers


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Staff of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) have been urged to deliver effective and quality service to customers.


They were also charged to raise their benchmark to newer levels and work as a team to deliver efficient and quality service to customers, as that is the only way customer affection can be achieved.

This charge was made by the Managing Director/CEO, EEDC, Mr. Praveen Chorghade, while flagging off this year’s Customer Service Week (CSW), at the company’s corporate head office, in Enugu on Tuesday.

The charges was contained in a statement issued by Head, Corporate Communications, EEDC Emeka Ezeh on Thursday.

CSW is a global event celebrated annually by service-oriented organizations. It provides staff with an opportunity to celebrate their customers. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Team Service.”

In his opening remarks, Mr. Chorghade emphasized the importance of teamwork in every organization and the need for staff of the company to work together to deliver effective and quality service to customers.

“As we celebrate this year’s Customer Service Week, let us raise our benchmark to newer levels and support each other to make it happen,” Chorghade stressed.

In his remarks, the Deputy Managing Director, Dr. Ernest Mupwaya urged every member of staff to see themselves as customer service representatives and to always be willing to attend to customers in distress, without seeing the responsibility as that of the Customer Service Officers.

“We are all responsible to our customers, and our continued existence is dependent on how well we are able to serve them.”

“We can only exist if we are able to achieve a revenue strength that is sustainable because if cease to exist, our service to the customers will not be achievable, Mupwaya admonished.

The Head, Customer Service, Mrs. Ijeoma Ogudebe encouraged her colleagues to drive the theme of this year’s event, because without working as a team, there is no way the organization can effectively delight her customers.

“All our efforts are geared towards the customer, because they are the reason we are in operation”, Ogudebe emphasized.

Highlights of the event include cutting of the Customer Service Week cake, breakfast with customers, outreach to select schools and customers. Some customers who visited the office were given a special treat.

EEDC staff urged to raise to newer level of quality service to customers


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Staff of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) have been urged to deliver effective and quality service to customers.


They were also charged to raise their benchmark to newer levels and work as a team to deliver efficient and quality service to customers, as that is the only way customer affection can be achieved.

This charge was made by the Managing Director/CEO, EEDC, Mr. Praveen Chorghade, while flagging off this year’s Customer Service Week (CSW), at the company’s corporate head office, in Enugu on Tuesday.

The charges was contained in a statement issued by Head, Corporate Communications, EEDC Emeka Ezeh on Thursday.

CSW is a global event celebrated annually by service-oriented organizations. It provides staff with an opportunity to celebrate their customers. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Team Service.”

In his opening remarks, Mr. Chorghade emphasized the importance of teamwork in every organization and the need for staff of the company to work together to deliver effective and quality service to customers.

“As we celebrate this year’s Customer Service Week, let us raise our benchmark to newer levels and support each other to make it happen,” Chorghade stressed.

In his remarks, the Deputy Managing Director, Dr. Ernest Mupwaya urged every member of staff to see themselves as customer service representatives and to always be willing to attend to customers in distress, without seeing the responsibility as that of the Customer Service Officers.

“We are all responsible to our customers, and our continued existence is dependent on how well we are able to serve them.”

“We can only exist if we are able to achieve a revenue strength that is sustainable because if cease to exist, our service to the customers will not be achievable, Mupwaya admonished.

The Head, Customer Service, Mrs. Ijeoma Ogudebe encouraged her colleagues to drive the theme of this year’s event, because without working as a team, there is no way the organization can effectively delight her customers.

“All our efforts are geared towards the customer, because they are the reason we are in operation”, Ogudebe emphasized.

Highlights of the event include cutting of the Customer Service Week cake, breakfast with customers, outreach to select schools and customers. Some customers who visited the office were given a special treat.

Court adjourns hearing,remands 2 suspects over kidnapping of LP governorship candidate in Anambra

Titus Maduako Eleweke

An Anambra state High Court sitting in Nnewi, presided over by His Lordship, Justice C.N. Mbonu-Nwenyi, has remanded two suspects over the kidnapping of Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2021 Anambra governorship election, Obiorah Agbasimalo.
The trial is adjourned for further hearing on Friday, October 27, 2023.


The suspects are Jude Chukwudi Odimegwu and Nwokolo Chukwudi Maxwell.



The suspects are standing trial for the alleged kidnapping of the Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2021 Anambra governorship election, Obiorah Agbasimalo.

Agbasimalo, was kidnapped on September 18, 2021 at Lilu community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, while returning from a campaign rally and has not been found till date.

The adjournment in Suit No. HIH/15C/22, followed the absence of Thompson Ogueriwù Esq., counsel to Nwokolo Chukwudi Maxwell, the second defendant.

Adjourning the matter to October 27, 2023 for definite hearing, Justice Mbonu-Nwenyi warned that she would not tolerate further undue delay in the prosecution of the matter, noting that so far, it is the defence and not the court that has been delaying the case.

However, when the case was called up, both the prosecuting state counsel, Charity Madukaife Esq., an Assistant Director of Prosecution and China Gift Esq., counsel to the first defendant, Jude Chukwudi Odimegwu were present in court, except Ogueriwu who was conspicuously absent in the court.

At the onset, the Department of State Services, DSS had in Charge No. MAW/506/2022, arraigned the accused persons before a Magistrate court sitting in Awka, the state capital on a two-count charge of conspiracy and kidnapping and consequently, the court remanded them in the prison custody without taking their plea.

According to the charge read by the DSS in court, the accused persons had on September 18, 2021 at Lilu in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State, attacked and caused disappearance of of the victim Obiorah Agbasimalo, Labour Party, governorship candidate in the 2021 governorship elections whose whereabouts is still yet unknown at present.

The offences, the prosecution stated, were contrary to Sections 495 (1) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 36, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Anambra state of Nigeria, 1991 and 315 (2) (a) (b) (c) of the Criminal Code (Amended) Law of Anambra state of Nigeria, 2009.

While remanding them in the prison custody, the court also ordered the police to transfer the case file to the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP for legal advice.

On receiving the case file, the DPP, in turn, came up with the same two-count charge of conspiracy and kidnapping.

In the charge prepared by N.J. Nwankwo Esq., the DPP alleged that while armed with guns and other offensive weapons, the accused persons kidnapped Obiorah Agbasimalo against his will and thereafter demanded for a ransom of N1million, N5million and another N1million totalling N7million from his family for his release.

Court adjourns hearing,remands 2 suspects over kidnapping of LP governorship candidate in Anambra

Titus Maduako Eleweke

An Anambra state High Court sitting in Nnewi, presided over by His Lordship, Justice C.N. Mbonu-Nwenyi, has remanded two suspects over the kidnapping of Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2021 Anambra governorship election, Obiorah Agbasimalo.
The trial is adjourned for further hearing on Friday, October 27, 2023.


The suspects are Jude Chukwudi Odimegwu and Nwokolo Chukwudi Maxwell.



The suspects are standing trial for the alleged kidnapping of the Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2021 Anambra governorship election, Obiorah Agbasimalo.

Agbasimalo, was kidnapped on September 18, 2021 at Lilu community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, while returning from a campaign rally and has not been found till date.

The adjournment in Suit No. HIH/15C/22, followed the absence of Thompson Ogueriwù Esq., counsel to Nwokolo Chukwudi Maxwell, the second defendant.

Adjourning the matter to October 27, 2023 for definite hearing, Justice Mbonu-Nwenyi warned that she would not tolerate further undue delay in the prosecution of the matter, noting that so far, it is the defence and not the court that has been delaying the case.

However, when the case was called up, both the prosecuting state counsel, Charity Madukaife Esq., an Assistant Director of Prosecution and China Gift Esq., counsel to the first defendant, Jude Chukwudi Odimegwu were present in court, except Ogueriwu who was conspicuously absent in the court.

At the onset, the Department of State Services, DSS had in Charge No. MAW/506/2022, arraigned the accused persons before a Magistrate court sitting in Awka, the state capital on a two-count charge of conspiracy and kidnapping and consequently, the court remanded them in the prison custody without taking their plea.

According to the charge read by the DSS in court, the accused persons had on September 18, 2021 at Lilu in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State, attacked and caused disappearance of of the victim Obiorah Agbasimalo, Labour Party, governorship candidate in the 2021 governorship elections whose whereabouts is still yet unknown at present.

The offences, the prosecution stated, were contrary to Sections 495 (1) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 36, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Anambra state of Nigeria, 1991 and 315 (2) (a) (b) (c) of the Criminal Code (Amended) Law of Anambra state of Nigeria, 2009.

While remanding them in the prison custody, the court also ordered the police to transfer the case file to the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP for legal advice.

On receiving the case file, the DPP, in turn, came up with the same two-count charge of conspiracy and kidnapping.

In the charge prepared by N.J. Nwankwo Esq., the DPP alleged that while armed with guns and other offensive weapons, the accused persons kidnapped Obiorah Agbasimalo against his will and thereafter demanded for a ransom of N1million, N5million and another N1million totalling N7million from his family for his release.

PG praises Soludo for renaming Anambra Airport after Chinua Achebe


Titus Maduako Eleweke


President-General Umueri General Assembly, Anambra-East Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chief Johnn Chukwudi Metchie has praised Governor Charles Soludo for renaming Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport Umueri after the late renowned literary giant Prof. Chinua Achebe.

Metchie who spoke with journalists in Umueri on Monday said that the immortalization of Chinua Achebe by Soludo was a laudable and worthwhile decision.
He described Achebe as legend from Anambra state who have left indelible footprints in the sands of time.

According to him, Achebe should not be forgotten instead he should be remembered for his immense contributions to human development.

" Our governor is visionary. He is very meticulous with decision making and as a matter of public policy, he ensures that every decision taken by his administration is in tandem with the wishes and aspirations of the citizenry. " he said

According to the community leader, late Prof. Chinua Achebe was not just an ambassador of the Igbo nation but also distinguished son of the state who attained global recognition with his literary works.

He said one of Chinua Achebe's works ' Things Fall Apart " have been translated into many different local and international languages all over the world, noting that the renaming of Anambra airport after him was a well deserved honour.

Metchie who stated that the renowned novelist was a native of Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state and died at the age of 82, stated that a prophet is not celebrated amongst his people which was why he extolled the governor's decision in renaming Anambra airport after the late sage.

The community leader therefore described Chinua Achebe as a Nigerian novelist, poet, and critic who gave the African literature an identity and a voice and also reconstructed and refined the identity of the people in his literary works.

He said Achebe was not a president or governor or military but great personality.

He stated that the late literary giant rejected Nigeria’s national honours twice in protest against what he perceived as injustice to his home state Anambra.
He therefore re-echoed his profound gratitude to Governor Soludo for finding the late literary oracle, Professor Chinua Achebe worthy of such an honour and announcing same at an auspicious occasion as the 63rd Independence Anniversary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Prof Ibe commemorates Nigerians at 63
anniversary

Titus Maduako Eleweke


Member Presidential Advisory Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Prof Gregory Ibe has
commemorated with Nigeria on her 63 independent anniversary.

Ibe in a statement issued by his media aide Rev. Sleek Ogwo extended his warmest wishes to each and every Nigerian.
The statement reads in parts
"As we come together to commemorate Nigeria's 63rd independence anniversary I extend my warmest wishes to each and every one of you.

This momentous occasion reminds us of the remarkable journey our great nation has traveled since gaining independence in 1960. It is a time to reflect on our shared history, the progress we've made, and the challenges we continue to face. Let us renew our commitment to unity, peace, and progress as we work tirelessly to build a better Nigeria for all.

Let us remember that our diversity is our strength, and together, we can overcome any obstacle that stands in our path towards a brighter and more prosperous future. Coming at a time our nation is experiencing excruciating economic challenges, let me encourage all Nigerian Christians and Muslims to be steadfast in prayers of intercession soliciting for divine intervention to our problems, while joining hands in the spirit of unity and cooperation, working towards a Nigeria that embodies the ideals of justice, equality, and prosperity for all.

Finally, I want to specially felicitate my brothers and sisters from Abia, God's Own State, who have through the ingenuity of innovation, industry and enterprise continued to commit their blood, sweat and tears to the growth and advancement of our dear state in particular and Nigeria as a whole. As long as God remains the Lord over our state, I want to assure you that your labours for the good of our land will not be in vain.
Happy Independence Nigeria!
Yours in unity and progress",

Prof Ibe commends organisers of South East Economic Summit,Igbo Celebration

Titus Maduako Eleweke


Member of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Presidential Advisory Council Prof Gregory Ibe has commended those organising South East Economic Summit and Igbo Day Celebration for their wonderful initiative.


He described the summit as strategic and symbolic noting that the hosting of South East Economic Summit and Igbo Day Celebration simultaneously in the two cities of Owerri and Enugu was remarkable.

Prof Ibe made this known in a statement by his man Rev.Sleek Ogwo on Saturday
in Umuahia Abia state.

Supporting the appropriateness of hosting the two events simultaneously, Prof Ibe commended Governors of the five South Eastern states for creating a common platform to harness the immense economic potentials of the region and the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo for sustaining the annual Igbo Day cultural fiesta.

" I want to particularly commend the spirit of unity exhibited by our Governors who, in spite of being members of four different political parties, decided to come together in Owerri under the common platform of South East Economic and Security Summit for the purpose of promoting the commercial viability of our people in keeping with the Igbo ethos of Onyeaghalanwanneya" he said .

Praying for sustenance of the gains of the summit, Prof Ibe advocated the patriotic revival of the 'Akuruo ulo" spirit and the unique communal self help initiative of the Igbo man, which according to him inspired the establishment of many industries within the South East in the past.

He said that he was particularly motivated by the examples set by such leaders as Dr Michael Okpara and Chief Mbakwe to bring back home such establishments as Gregory University Uturu, Skills FM Okigwe and GUU Teaching Hospital Ezinnachi.
Turning to the 2023 edition of Igbo Day Celebration, Prof Ibe praised the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and members of the 2023 Igbo Day Planning Committee for the choice of 'Igbo Kunie' as theme for the event. According to him, the theme has the prospect of reawakening the traditional enterprising spirit of the Igbo man.
Stressing that the Igbo Day Celebration has the potential of promoting and projecting the rich heritage of Ndigbo, he enjoined leaders of the apex socio cultural organization to leverage the annual fiesta in fostering and strengthening the unity of the region.
According to Prof Ibe, " I want to specially appreciate our able President General Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and members of the Planning Committee for the choice of a timely, stimulating and thought provoking theme 'Igbo kunie', which has the prospect of reawakening the traditional enterprising spirit of the Igbo man. Having served as planning committee chairman of Igbo Day Celebration on two occasions, I know the inert potentials of the annual festival and therefore will like to encourage our leaders to leverage the colourful gathering in promoting and projecting the rich cultural heritage of our people while also deploying the platform to foster and strengthen unity within the region".
In conclusion, the statement advocated the duplication of similar economic, political and socio-cultural events within the South East in order to stimulate speedy development of the region.

We'll be ruthless with kidnappers, cultists in Anambra, CP Adeoye warns




Titus Maduako Eleweke

Anambra Police ,Commissioner of Police CP Aderemi Adeoye has warned politicians and other rich men in the state not beg him for the release of any criminal caught in the act.

He said that the command will be ruthless with criminals , especially, kidnappers and cultists ravaging the State.

Adeoye made the disclosure on Friday at the police headquarters,Amawabia, Awka during a meeting with Anambra state transporters forum.

"Any highly placed person intervening for me to set a criminal free should have a second thought.
If you are involve in crime please, change now and be a better person, when there are time.
The police will protect you so long you are doing the right thing, but we will be ruthless if found you in crime" he said .


He also declared war on Kidnappers and Cultists in the state , following the allegations that transporters aid cultists and kidnappers to perpetrate crime.

He also set up security monitoring team to tackle all manner of brigandage in the area.

The CP urged all the Keke and bus operators in the state to register with the command for easy identification.
Adeoye described the Transporters as important sector of the economy stressing that their roles in crime fighting is critical.

"I wish to advise you all to be law abiding and report cases of kidnapping and cultism to the nearest Police station and even if they use your vehicle to kidnap or attack somebody just rush and make entry so that you would not be seen as an accomplice to the crime "

"The essence of this meeting is for us to work together and all those vehicles that are not registered should be registered with the state government and the Transport Forum so that we can easily identify the vehicle used for crime and we shall work to rid Anambra state of crime and criminality" he said.

He urged the transporters to go about their normal business, noting that the police will protect them.


"Nobody is not above the law. Just be law abiding don't constitute harm to any of your fellow human being , if any body forget his property in your Keke or bus return the property. If you witnesses any crime report to the nearest police.

We will do everything to ensure your security. I have learnt that there are different groups but work in unity for for peace " he stated.

Also speaking the Coordinator of Anambra Keke Operators Forum Comerade Osita Obi expressed gratitude to the Police Commissioner for creating the platform for security operatives to interface with the transporters saying that the resolutions reached at the meeting would be far reaching and result oriented at the end of the day.

"This is the first time a meeting of this nature is holding in Anambra state and we commend the hard working Police Commissioner for such an initiative and we as transporters will work hand in glove in the area of check mating all forms of brigandage in the state"

"We shall also work on our fellow transporters and identity those that are not genuine and ensure that they do not soil the image of transporters in the state" he said.

Anambra mulls passing law against illegal revenue collectors, touts

Maduako Igbokwe

Barely 24 hours some Hoodlums were arrested in Okpoko Ogbaru local government area and Onitsha North and South local government areas, the Anambra state government plans to enact a law against illegal revenue collectors.

The law when passed will attract at least two years imprisonment or option of N500,000 for offender.

Combined team of Operation Clean And Healthy Anambra state OCHA Brigade and Anambra Vigilante Group AVG stormed the major flash points of touting and criminality and apprehended some culprits on Tuesday.
The Managing Director of Operation Clean And Healthy Anambra state OCHA Brigade Mr Celestine Anere gave the hint at his office in Awka on Wednesday.

According to him, the essence of the new law is to check mate the activities of touts and ensure that revenue of the state do not get into private pockets.

"We are indeed worried about the activities of these Revenue Thieves who have been ripping off the state and have been harassing and intimidating Innocent members of the public and we as a body,we have put in place measures to check mate them"

"As you can see the enforcements that we have been carrying out is yelling results and this is made manifest in the arrests carried out so far "

"But the Anambra state government has sent a Bill to the State House of Assembly for its passage and when the Bill is passed into law the punishment for offenders would be one or two years imprisonment or option of a fine of N500,000.00 "

"The essence of that Bill is to send the touts out of the streets for a long time and I can assure you that give us one month the number of touts would reduce drastically in Anambra state "he said .

Anere said that the law is not to witch hunt anybody but to bring sanity in the state and increase the Revenue profile of the state.

He advised the youths who are involved in touting to take advantage of the programme of Governor Charles Soludo on One Youth, Two Skills to get themselves gainfully employed and be responsible instead of taking to crimes.

He also noted that the set of staff of the Ocha Brigade they currently have, had been trained to be polite and act responsibility in the discharge of their duties.

According to him, they will continue to undertake periodic training on how to serve the public.

He also expressed his determination wipe touting and other criminals in the state, stating that the raid will be continued

Wonderful

Anambra mulls passing law against illegal revenue collectors, touts

Maduako Igbokwe

Barely 24 hours some Hoodlums were arrested in Okpoko Ogbaru local government area and Onitsha North and South local government areas, the Anambra state government plans to enact a law against illegal revenue collectors.

The law when passed will attract at least two years imprisonment or option of N500,000 for offender.

Combined team of Operation Clean And Healthy Anambra state OCHA Brigade and Anambra Vigilante Group AVG stormed the major flash points of touting and criminality and apprehended some culprits on Tuesday.
The Managing Director of Operation Clean And Healthy Anambra state OCHA Brigade Mr Celestine Anere gave the hint at his office in Awka on Wednesday.

According to him, the essence of the new law is to check mate the activities of touts and ensure that revenue of the state do not get into private pockets.

"We are indeed worried about the activities of these Revenue Thieves who have been ripping off the state and have been harassing and intimidating Innocent members of the public and we as a body,we have put in place measures to check mate them"

"As you can see the enforcements that we have been carrying out is yelling results and this is made manifest in the arrests carried out so far "

"But the Anambra state government has sent a Bill to the State House of Assembly for its passage and when the Bill is passed into law the punishment for offenders would be one or two years imprisonment or option of a fine of N500,000.00 "

"The essence of that Bill is to send the touts out of the streets for a long time and I can assure you that give us one month the number of touts would reduce drastically in Anambra state "he said .

Anere said that the law is not to witch hunt anybody but to bring sanity in the state and increase the Revenue profile of the state.

He advised the youths who are involved in touting to take advantage of the programme of Governor Charles Soludo on One Youth, Two Skills to get themselves gainfully employed and be responsible instead of taking to crimes.

He also noted that the set of staff of the Ocha Brigade they currently have, had been trained to be polite and act responsibility in the discharge of their duties.

According to him, they will continue to undertake periodic training on how to serve the public.

He also expressed his determination wipe touting and other criminals in the state, stating that the raid will be continued

Zenith should refund our money - Idoko Chigozie Collins

The group Managing Director, Peterfan Nnelinc Global Ltd, Mr. Idoko Chigozie Collins has accused the Zenith Bank, New Market Road branch, Onitsha Anambra State of tempering their account, already claimed frozen account by a Court of law.
Idoko Chigozie who spoke with Nweke Nweke in Onitsha,speaks on the challenges the company is passing through in the running of their company.
Please,enjoy the interview

Question: Is our pleasure to meet you, Sir

Answer:
Thank you for coming to hear from us. I am Mr. Idoko Chigozie Collins, the Group Managing Director of Peterfan Nnelinc Global Ltd. I am representing the company in this interview. But before we go further, it is good I make it known that I also have my private account under the initial Chido & Sons Mulitlinks Co. Nig with the same Zenith Bank.

Question: We learned that Peterfan Nnelinc Global Ltd recently took Zenith Bank to Court for tampering with the account of your company. What is the institution now?

Answer :
Yes, you are right, we took a business loan from Zenith Bank for business transactions within the period in review but on the 7th or 9th of December 2021, we discovered that the bank had breached the agreement we reached by interfering with our account illegally. We never breached any part of the agreement. At a time, huge sums of money entered into the account through our customers who paid us for the clearing of their goods as we are a clearing and forwarding agent. Immediately the bank saw the amount, they placed our account on debit even though we were up-to-date in our agreement.

Question:
Did your company approach the bank to ascertain what might have caused their action?

Answer: We met them for clarification on what prompted their action, the bank refused to provide us with the Court order they used to freeze our account. We became perturbed that even though we did not breach any loan condition(s) granted to us by Zenith Bank, the bank went behind us and placed our account on debit when they noticed that a huge amount of money entered into the said account.

It was then we called on the attention of our account officer, one Obinna, aimed at ascertaining what might have gone wrong. The said Obinna did not provide a satisfactory answer as we were still battling for solutions to the issue, our customers who paid money into our said account for the clearing of their goods that were on our neck. This compelled us to sue the bank. The matter came for hearing under Suit No. I/MISC.292/2021, PETERFAN NNENLIC GLOBAL LTD & ANOR. V. ZENITH BANK PLC & 4 ORS. God being on our side, we got a favorable judgment and the Court ordered Zenith Bank to pay us One Hundred Million Naira (100,000,000.00) only as damages.

Question;

Did the bank pay the money according to the Court's order?

Answer:
The bank refused to pay, rather it went for an appeal to challenge the decision of the Court of Competent Jurisdiction . When we informed the same Court of the development, the court further ordered that we should file a new application for the payment of the damages, after we filed, the Bank went for an appeal to stop the Court from ruling in her earlier judgment.

Question:

What was the relationship between your company and the bank like when the loan was granted?

Answer:
When it gave us the loan, we were partnering as clients and customers, fortunately, we have money in the said account, to our chagrin, the bank at the end of every month used to delve into the company's account it claimed was frozen, and collected both interest and capital. It was then we questioned the rationale behind the bank's interference with the acclaimed frozen bank account.

Question:

While the matter was ongoing in the Court, did So Zenith Bank stop tampering with your company's account?


Answer:

Even while we were in the Court, the bank was illegally collecting amount that dropped into our account. This made us not be transacting business during that December season and remember, our aim of taking the loan was for us to use the loan during the Christmas season and that was the ground we took Zenith Bank to court and we won them.

Before the bank frozen our account, there was a business we did, they gave us loans and the loan is known as a ten loan, and money used to drop every month, both interest and capital when it frozen our account, having denied us access to our account, fortunately, we have money in the account. The bank collects any amount that drops into our account. It was then that I asked them the rationale behind collecting money from a frozen bank account.

Question:

As a layman, do you think anybody (including banks) has the right to pull out money from Court frozen bank account?

Answer:

To the best of my knowledge, in a frozen account, no money goes out, it is only by mistake that money can come into such an account. We kept quiet, by His grace, we secured a judgment against Zenith Bank. But before the judgment was made, the bank had drained our account with it.


Question:

Having noticed that ,what action did your company take?


Answer:

When the bank came back to us for the loan, we told them plain that it hanged and killed the business the loan was meant for during the December period. We made it to understand that it
kept collecting money that dropped into the account till the money finished even before we got the Court judgment and other money that dropped after we got the judgment, we told it that it killed the business, and hung the business in December period, having prevented us from doing any business in the season. We made the bank to understand that it gave us the loan for business but they deliberately frozen our account and we cried to no avail.

(Cut in) did your company later pay the loan?

Instead of allowing us to do our business, the bank was more concerned with collecting it own in our account it claimed to have been frozen. We told the bank that we didn't see money to pay the loan, instead of it coming for us to discuss all that happened before we got the Court judgment, it was targeting the next level to deal with us. Having seen that money no longer drops in our account, the bank started calling us and we asked them why calling us now, by the time you people were collecting money in our account claimed to be frozen, did you people remember to call us? We made it known to the bank that we were the ones calling, begging for it to open our account and the bank claimed the account was frozen by the Court.

Question:
You said your company got a favorable judgment against Zenith Blank in the Court of law, did it obey the Court order ?

Answer:

No, they did not, instead, they continued in their shabby actions till we got the favorable judgment and the Court quashed the issue in our favor. Before then, the loan had expired and we did not pay back the loan as there was no money in the limited liability bank account. It was then we told them that they'd destroyed the business, and we demanded them to come and pay us the amount awarded to us in the Court so that we could forage ahead in our business, they ignored our submission, and we continued.

Question:
What stage is the matter between your company and the Zenith Bank?

Answer:
We are still in the matter, there is another enterprise account, (not limited liability) under the initial of Chido & Sons Multilinks Co. Nig, been managed by me, (Mr. Idoko Chigozie Collins) as a personal account. A few days ago, I noticed that Zenith Bank had gone into my account and removed money from it, I kept quiet. This happened because one of our customers mistakenly dropped money into my enterprise account. Zenith Bank on noticing this, pulled out the money, it is Eleven Million, Seven Hundred Thousand Naira(11,700,000) only.
The bank pulled the money and deposited it in the limited liability account, according to their claim.
The person who mistakenly paid in the money went to court, and demanded a refund of the money he mistakenly paid into my enterprise account, Zenith Bank said we owed their bank. The lawyer who went to court on behalf of the owner of the money, at a time, insulted me and I told him that my enterprise account is not owing the bank. As if pulling out the money was not enough for them, the bank went further to place the enterprise account into debit with Ten Million, Six Hundred and Ninety Thousand, Two hundred and Sixty-three Naira Ninety-Six Kobo (10, 690.263 96) in the account. After pulling the said sum, the bank placed minus in the same account, meaning we are still in debit with their bank.

Question:

What action did you take, having noticed this development?

Answer:

When I noticed this, I called my accounting officer, one Obinna and he said there was nothing wrong with my account. When I opened their app, I noticed that over N10M was pulled out of the said account, having discovered what they did, he started sending me a voice message, claiming that there was a Court order, there was a motion, there was no recovery and I asked him, which Court's order or motion. I asked our accounting officer to prove the bank's claim(s) through a letter or even electronic evidence of debt demand. I let the accounting officer know that Ten Million, Six Hundred and Ninety Thousand, Two hundred and Sixty-three Naira Ninety-Six Kobo (10, 690.263 96) and Eleven Million, Seven Hundred Thousand Naira(11,700,000) are still with the bank and they now took someone's money he mistakenly paid into my private account.

Question:

To the best of your knowledge, where is all this money?

Answer:

I don't know where they kept the money since I am aware that neither my company nor myself is in debt with Zenith Bank. By my calculation, Zenith Bank has over Twenty Million Naira belonging to me and our company and I am sounding it clear, my company and I are not debited to Zenith Bank. The bank is to pay us damages as pronounced in the Court, the matter is still hanging in the Appeal court. It hung the matter in Appeal and abounded it there and ran away.

Question:

What next action do you hope to take to address the problem?

Answer:

We are waiting for the bank to right the wrongs it committed against our company but should the bank fail to do the needful, we will be left with no other option than to approach the Court for a fresh case against Zenith Bank for having dealt with my account and our company's account. By the time our legal team decides on the next action to take, I am going to inform the media after we are done with the bank, it is going to serve as a deterrent to other bank staff who find it happy to tamper with customers 'accounts. Thanks for giving us an audience.

Massive clampdown as Anambra Govt arrest hoodlums, street arrested in Onitsha, environ


Titus Maduako Eleweke

Combined team of Operation Clean And Healthy Anambra ( OCHA ) Brigandage on Tuesday arrested 14 persons in Okpoko, Ogbaru local government area and Onitsha Commercial town for illegal revenues collections from Keke and bus drivers.

Among those arrested were nine street traders blocking the major roads with their goods at River Niger Bridge Head and Owerri road Onitsha against the order of the Anambra state government.

Gov Charles Soludo had banned the activities of fake Revenue Agents directing commercial buses and tricycles Operators to pay directly into the banks.
Soludo also stated that street trading in the state is not acceptable to government as it has contributed to the blocking of drains thereby causing traffic grid lock in the major cities of the state

Before the arrival of the enforcement team at Ifeanyichukwu street Okpoko ,it was gathered that three Keke tricycles had their wind screens smashed by the touts and money forcefully taken from them .

It was also learnt that the arrest of fake revenue agents was made possible through a distress call from Keke Operators who were victims of the fake Revenue Agents.

A victim said that "These people collect between N500.00 and N1,000.00 from us the Keke Operators while they collect between N3,000.00 and N5,000.00 from minibus and bigger trucks and if you refuse to pay they would smash the wind screen of your vehicle"

However,during the raid, there were attempt by some touts to attack the enforcers team with bottles but was repelled by the team and ultimately arrested some in the process.

According to the Anambra North Senatorial District Commander of Ocha Brigade,Mr Daniel Martins the essence of the enforcement was to restore sanity and protect the traders from being harm by the unlikely incident along those roads and streets.

"Our challenge is that they will still come back again and they have shops inside the markets but they will abandon their shops and come to the streets to trade and this is against our terms of reference when we were established" he said.


Mr Ifeanyi Ezeani who is the Enforcement officer for Ogbaru local government area noted that the fake Revenue Agents would be handed over to the Police for prosecution.

"These boys have been ripping off innocent motorists and Keke Operators and this is the end of the road for them because they would be taken to the Police and ultimately charged to Court " he said.

Give Umuahia a capital city status,
Ogudike urges Otti





Titus Maduako Eleweke

President of Abia State Indigenes Forum state, Comrade Damian Ogudike has appealed to the governor of Abia state Dr. Alex Otti to rebrand the state for greater development.

Comrade Ogudike who spoke to journalists shortly after being conferred with an Award of Excellence Service to Humanity in Onitsha on Sunday,by the Abia Ministers Forum, Anambra state (AMFA) said that governor Otti was doing well, but needed to prioritise on developing Umuahia by giving it the capital city status.

He advised the governor to carry all the stakeholders along as nobody can run government alone , noting that governance is a tedious task.

"I will advised the governor to bring every body in the state together. He needs to be collective in the approach towards developing the state for the good of the people. He is doing well in Aba,before now Aba was a dirty place but today he has cleaned up Aba. He is marvellously doing well in Aba. He has constructed many roads within some months in Aba. Though, he is doing well in Aba,may be he needed to generate more revenues to run the government. He should not only concentrate n Aba alone. He need to really develop Umuahia and make the capital city, a capital city,not just a glorified local government headquarters. Regrettably, Abia state is still operating from rented building, which ought not to be. He has to make serious efforts to build Abia state owned government House. Let him not behave like the past governments in the state who operated in the state without vision for 24 years. He has to prioritise on giving Abia State a befitting state House" he said.

According to him,they are happy with the works the governor is doing in Abia State and promised that they will work with governor to build a better Abia State.

He said that because of their determination to have a better Abia state,they were involved into politics and prayers.

"We have been working since 2019 to position Abia State as one of the best state in the country, through prayers and involvement in politicking and by the special grace of God all our efforts are bearing fruits. We are happy now that we have a change of government in Abia State.Even though, the governor is not doing what we want. We have reached out to him to have chat with Abia ministers and we knew we have our ideas on how to move Abia forward" he said.

On the issue of bringing Abians together in Anambra State, he stated that they have been meeting and mobilising Ndi Abia for political consciousness but the security situation was a serious challenge.

"We had been meeting regularly every three months until we had COVID- 19. With the insecurity in the zone, we decided to be having our meeting online. The security situation has not allowed us to advance our course, to reach out to our people in the state. Before now ,we have been reaching to most Abia state town unions in Anambra state until the challenges came up.

The chairman of Abia Ministers Forum Anambra Atate Bishop Innocent Chidi had been reaching out to various town unions and he was also bringing us together until the unfortunate development" he said .