₦airaland Forum

Playtime Gets Boost: NASWA Playground Launched at Onitsha Army Barracks

Titus Maduako Eleweke

There was glamour and celebration at the Onitsha Army Barracks in Anambra State as the Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association (NASWA) officially unveiled a newly constructed playground designed to promote relaxation, recreation, and bonding among military children.

The unveiling ceremony, which took place at the Command Playground within the barracks, was performed by the Commanding Officer, 14 Field Engineer Regiment, Onitsha, Lieutenant Colonel Eric Kpamber.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by Patrick Akobo, Diocesan Merit Award (DMA) Public Affairs Analyst, to journalists in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

Speaking during the unveiling, Lieutenant Colonel Kpamber reflected nostalgically on his childhood days in the barracks, recalling that there were no purpose-built recreational facilities for children at the time.

He explained that this experience inspired his decision to go beyond routine duty by providing a befitting playground where children within the barracks could play safely and happily. He added that the facility would also benefit families, noting that mothers naturally prefer to remain close to their children during playtime.

According to the Commanding Officer, the playground is equipped with modern recreational facilities, including an elevated centre stage, a water fountain, a basketball court, a chess-playing area, and various children’s playground equipment catering to all age groups

Traffic Relief in Sight as Soludo Dualises 33, Nkisi, Nkwellele Roads

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has announced plans to commence the dualisation of the 33, Nkisi and Nkwellele roads as part of efforts to ease persistent traffic congestion in the affected areas.

In a trending video, Governor Soludo disclosed that residents and commuters around the 33 area of Onitsha are often trapped in traffic for as long as four to five hours daily, a situation he described as unacceptable and one that his administration is determined to bring to an end.

According to the governor, the proposed road projects form part of a broader infrastructure development agenda aimed at “unlocking” the 33 axis through an expanded and interconnected road network that will give rise to a new Onitsha.

“We are going to unlock 33 as part of our massive agenda to create a new Onitsha. People are held in traffic for over five hours every day, and that is going to stop,” Soludo stated.

He further explained that the state government will commence construction work in the area early next year to give residents a renewed sense of inclusion, improved mobility, and economic relief.

Governor Soludo also revealed that he personally inspected the roads and surrounding areas to assess the feasibility of the proposed dualisation and ensure proper planning before the commencement of construction.

“I went to those areas myself in preparation for the dualisation,” he added.

The road projects are expected to significantly reduce travel time, improve traffic flow, boost commercial activities, and enhance the overall urban outlook of Onitsha and its environs.

IPOB Lawyer Blasts Igbo Political Class for Abandoning Collective Igbo Cause

Renowned Nigerian human rights lawyer and lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has expressed deep concern over the persistent inability of Igbo political elites to speak with one voice on issues of strategic importance to the region.

Ejiofor, in his Weekend Musing titled “Igbo Self-Imposed Political Servitude: The Unburied Ghost of the Civil War and Why Our Political Trajectory Must Change,” lamented that decades after the Nigerian Civil War, Igbo political leadership remains fractured, timid, and largely incapable of articulating or defending the collective destiny of the Igbo nation.

He stated that his extensive research and observation reveal a troubling pattern,the chronic failure of Igbo elites to unite around common causes that would deliver tangible political, economic, and social benefits to the region.

According to him, the roots of this dysfunction can be traced directly to the aftermath of the civil war that ended in 1970, whose psychological and political scars, he argued, still weigh heavily on Ndi Igbo.

Ejiofor noted that it is exceedingly rare—almost miraculous—to witness Igbo political leaders rise in disciplined and principled unison to confront injustice or advance shared regional interests. Instead, he observed, what dominates the political landscape is a self-serving aristocracy fixated on “crumbs from the master’s table” appointments, contracts, advisory roles, and symbolic relevance mistakenly presented as political achievements.

He criticized what he described as a culture of transactional politics, where personal survival takes precedence over collective progress.

According to Ejiofor, many Igbo politicians have perfected the art of personal empire-building while presiding over a region plagued by mass unemployment, underutilized talent, collapsing infrastructure, and a generation of frustrated, disillusioned youths.

Ejiofor also called for the deliberate retirement of what he termed an “exhausted generation of political buccaneers”elites whose only ideology is self-preservation and whose only enduring legacy is the accumulation of wealth for generations unborn.

He argued that such leadership has failed not only politically but morally and historically.

The IPOB lawyer noted that what the Igbo nation urgently requires is not a recycling of the same political actors with new slogans, but a fundamentally new political template—one intentionally designed to produce young, cultured, ideologically grounded, and historically conscious leaders capable of redefining Igbo political engagement within Nigeria and beyond.

According to Ejiofor, Ndi Igbo need leaders who love their people more than their pockets; leaders who understand that a good name outlives money, that legacy outlives luxury, and that true leadership is rooted in sacrifice, courage, and service—not in auctioning principles for temporary gain.

The statement reads in full:

History is a stubborn archivist. It never forgets, even when a people desperately wish it would.
I have, over time, subjected the conduct of the Igbo political class to careful scrutiny: their instincts, their silences, their convenient outrage, their selective courage, and their tragic inability to speak with one voice on matters that directly affect the collective destiny of the Igbo nation. What emerges from this examination is neither accidental nor coincidental. It is patterned. It is consistent. And it is deeply revealing.
At the root of this pattern lies a truth many would rather whisper than confront: the Nigerian Civil War ended in 1970, but its stigma did not. The guns fell silent; the psychological chains did not.
Today, it is rare, almost miraculous, to witness Igbo political leaders rise in disciplined unison to defend a common Igbo cause that carries tangible benefits for the region. Instead, what we see is a political aristocracy eternally preoccupied with crumbs from the master’s table, crumbs dressed up as appointments, contracts, advisory roles, and fleeting relevance.
This is not always born out of deliberate malice. No. It is worse than that. It is the aftershock of defeat psychology, the internalisation of loss, the quiet erosion of esteem, the unspoken fear of collective assertion. The war may be history, but its stigma remains operational.
This explains why every itinerant demagogue, ethnic jingoist, or political charlatan can publicly diminish Igbo identity, insult Igbo sensibilities, and mock Igbo aspirations, only to later be welcomed in private dinners and backroom negotiations by Igbo elites themselves. We protest in public, negotiate in secret, and smile at those who spit on our collective dignity.
Contrast this with other regions of Nigeria. They quarrel internally, yes, but when it comes to collective interest, they close ranks. Their elites may fight, but never against their own strategic relevance. They understand power as a continuum, not a lottery.
The tragedy of the Igbo experience is this: it is on Igbo soil that an Igbo elite most enthusiastically becomes an instrument of external domination, so long as his personal comfort is guaranteed. Personal survival has replaced collective survival; individual advancement has eclipsed group destiny.
One must therefore ask, without sentimentality or political correctness; on what strategic calculation does a region so united in disunity, so fragmented in purpose, hope to produce a President of Nigeria? A people who cannot agree on a common agenda at home cannot command consensus abroad. Under the present trajectory, the prospect is not merely remote; it is illusory, perhaps for decades to come.
The uncomfortable truth is this: Igbos are not merely victims of political marginalisation; they are, to a significant extent, architects of their own predicament. Other regions did not impose this fragmentation on us. They simply exploited it, strategically, intelligently, and without apology.
This is why the urgent task before us is not rhetorical agitation but political house-cleaning.
It is time, long overdue, to retire this exhausted generation of political buccaneers and transactional elites whose only ideology is self-preservation and whose only legacy is accumulated wealth for generations unborn. They have mastered the art of personal empire-building while presiding over a region of unemployed, underutilised, and disillusioned youths.
What the Igbo nation needs is not recycled politicians with fresh slogans, but a new political template, one that deliberately produces young, cultured, ideologically grounded, and historically conscious leaders. Leaders who love their people more than their pockets. Leaders who understand that a good name outlives money, that legacy outlives luxury, and that leadership is sacrifice, not auction.
This is why I often smile, sometimes with pity, sometimes with irony, when I hear casual conversations about “Igbo presidency,” “our turn,” or “our right.” I ask myself: are we living in the same Nigeria? Are we observing the same political equations? Entitlement without internal cohesion is a fantasy; ambition without strategy is noise.
The first assignment of the new Igbo generation is not Abuja, it is home. We must first confront our internal contradictions, realign our priorities, debate honestly, and agree on what we truly want as a people before marching into the national arena waving banners of entitlement.
Yes, the civil war fundamentally altered Igbo psychology, our confidence, our posture, our collective assertiveness. The lingering inferiority complex, the fractured esteem, the politics of caution, these are the real enemies. Until they are exorcised, progress will remain cosmetic.
The day Igbo youths fully realise that the destiny of their race lies squarely in their own hands, and deliberately subordinate personal convenience to collective survival, that day political exploitation will end. That day, the old order will collapse, not by violence, but by irrelevance.
Today, the average Igbo youth is still dangerously susceptible to manipulation, ethnic baiting, emotional triggers, empty promises. But history is patient. A time will come when clarity replaces confusion, when discernment defeats deception.
Until then, the mission is clear: the peaceful but permanent retirement of these political profiteers through legitimate democratic means. They have outlived their usefulness. The future cannot be negotiated by those invested in the past.

Community Accuses Security Agencies of Land Invasion,Petitions IGP,Defence Minister



The Ogbe-Ozoma people of Okpanam, in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police and the Minister of Defence over what they describe as the unlawful deployment of police and military personnel to attack and invade their ancestral land.

In separate petitions signed by Barr Ifeanyi Ejiofor, lawyer to the community ,addressed to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, and the Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd.), titled:“Violent and Bloody Invasion of the Ancestral Land of Ogbe-Ozoma in Okpanam Community, Oshimili North LGA, Delta State, by Chief Chinedu Okeke (Alias ‘Ekwe-Ogidi’), Flagrantly Aided by Over Forty (40) Armed Policemen and Soldiers, and the Wanton Destruction of Properties Valued at Over One Billion Naira , Request for Urgent and Decisive Intervention of the Honourable Minister of Defence,”the community alleged persistent trespass, aggression, and unlawful interference with their land by Chief Chinedu Okeke (“Ekwe-Ogidi”), allegedly supported by collaborators, including some members of the Issele-Azagba community.

The petitioners stated that these repeated incursions compelled them to file two separate suits currently pending before competent courts in Delta State: Suit No. HCI/23/2021 at the High Court of Issele-Ukwu/Onicha-Ugbo Judicial Division, and Suit No. AKW/118/2025 at the High Court of Akwukwu-Igbo Judicial Division.

They noted that Chief Okeke and his company, Ekwe-Ogidi Integrated Resources Limited, are defendants in the latter suit and are duly represented by a senior counsel.

According to the petitions, on 11 December 2025, the presiding judge of the High Court of Akwukwu-Igbo, Hon. Justice K. O. Okpu, expressly warned all parties in open court to maintain peace and refrain from any acts capable of undermining the authority of the court.

However, the community alleges that later that same day, in what they describe as a brazen display of impunity, Chief Okeke led a violent invasion of the disputed land.

They claim the operation was executed with the backing of over forty heavily armed policemen and soldiers, resulting in the destruction of structures valued at more than ₦1,000,000,000 (One Billion Naira).

In a separate statement titled
“Ogbe-Ozoma Community Petitions IGP and Minister of Defence Over Bloody, State-Aided Invasion of Their Ancestral Land by Chief Chinedu Okeke (Alias ‘Ekwe-Ogidi’)”,the community described the invasion as a violent, bloody, and state-aided assault, allegedly carried out with a truckload of security operatives.

The petition, signed by their solicitor, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Esq., KSC, said that the operation was carried out in flagrant violation of judicial orders and amounted to a “chilling orchestration of impunity.” The community stated that the invasion occurred on the same day Suit No. AKW/118/2025 was called for hearing, and immediately after the court’s warning to maintain peace.

They further allege that video evidence attached to the petition shows uniformed officers brandishing weapons, issuing tactical commands, and providing security cover as the properties were demolished.

The community described the incident as a reckless violation of the Inspector-General’s directives prohibiting police involvement in land disputes a gross abuse of state security apparatus for private purposes a contemptuous affront to judicial authority; and a dangerous precedent capable of provoking communal unrest.

They also expressed disbelief that such a large deployment of armed personnel could be mobilised for the private interests of one individual, especially at a time when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the withdrawal of police operatives from VIPs nationwide.

The Ogbe-Ozoma community is therefore calling for an immediate, full-scale investigation to identify all officers involved and determine the authority under which they acted,firm disciplinary and criminal sanctions against any police or military personnel found complicit;restoration of law and order on the disputed land; and adequate security protection for the community, which says it has deliberately refrained from reprisals to avoid a breach of peace.

Reaffirming their commitment to peace, civility, and due process, the community stated that they cannot remain helpless in the face of what they describe as “weaponised impunity carried out under the shield of state uniforms.”

They urged the Inspector-General of Police, the Minister of Defence, and all relevant authorities to act swiftly not only to protect lives and property but also to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system and restore public confidence in the nation’s security institutions.

Ekwunife at 55,A Testament to Doggedness, Purpose, Human-Centered Leadership



Titus Eleweke

In a political landscape often clouded by uncertainty and shifting loyalties, there are figures who rise not by accident, not by convenience, but by the sheer force of character, competence, and an unwavering commitment to serving humanity. Senator Uche Ekwunife (Iyom), marking her 55th birthday, stands firmly in that rare category.

She embodies the defining qualities of today’s empowered woman: visionary, unrelenting, compassionate, and purpose-driven.

At 55, Ekwunife’s journey remains a testament to what dogged determination can accomplish when anchored in the fear of God and fueled by a desire to uplift others. Her strength has never been loud; it has been consistent. Her impact has never been boisterous; it has been enduring. Like a seasoned pathfinder who knows the terrain too well to be distracted, she continues to chart new avenues for development, inclusion, and human progress.

For Senator Ekwunife, birthdays are not mere markers of age but milestones of purpose,moments to reflect on God’s grace, evaluate one’s journey, and rededicate oneself to service. Her political life has been shaped not by entitlement but by resilience, by a continual rise from challenges that would have weakened less determined souls.

She understands, perhaps more deeply than most, that leadership is not a competition for titles but a responsibility entrusted by God and affirmed by the people. Her gratitude to her husband Larry, her children, her family, friends, and supporters reflects the humility of a woman who knows that behind every strong public servant stands an even stronger network of believers.

Ekwunife’s politics has never been one of empty rhetoric. She has consistently advocated for policies rooted in equity, justice, and inclusion—values that define democratic societies and empower the forgotten. Her emphasis on human capital development, particularly for women and youth, underscores her belief that a nation grows only when its people grow.

And she does this with a rare blend of firmness and compassion—a leadership disposition that sees humanity first before power, people before politics, and progress before personal interest.

Doggedness, for Senator Ekwunife, is not aggression. It is focus—the stubborn refusal to be distracted from the pursuit of the common good. It is the courage to speak truth to power and the discipline to walk the talk.

Her resilience has become a template for young women who aspire to leadership in a society that often demands twice the effort for half the recognition. By simply living out her convictions, she widens the path for the next generation.

At a time when insecurity threatens the fabric of national unity, Senator Ekwunife again proves her commitment to collective wellbeing. Her call for heightened vigilance, responsible celebration during the Yuletide season, and stronger collaboration among federal, state, and local security agencies reflects a leader who does not merely occupy public space but thinks, cares, and acts for the people.

Her insistence on synergy, intelligence-sharing, and improved internal security structures is not only timely but necessary for national credibility and survival.

At 55, Senator Uche Ekwunife stands not at the end of a journey but at the height of her purpose. With renewed prayers for divine guidance, wisdom, health, and strength, she embraces the years ahead with courage and commitment. Her lifelong calling remains service—service that uplifts, empowers, and transforms.

Nigeria needs voices like hers—voices of reason, compassion, and unwavering conviction. And as she steps into another year of grace, one truth stands tall:

Senator Uche Ekwunife is not just marking a birthday; she is reaffirming a mission.
A mission of leadership.
A mission of empowerment.
A mission of nation-building.

May the years ahead amplify her impact and deepen her legacy.

Happy 55th Birthday, Senator Uche Ekwunife (Iyom), PhD, CON.



Titus Eleweke is an Anambra State based journalist

HONOURING A VISIONARY TRAILBLAZER — PROFESSOR GREGORY IKECHUKWU IBE AT 62

As the sun rises on 10th December 2025, it illuminates not only another year in the life of Professor Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe (ENYI ABIA), but a journey of profound impact, uncommon vision, and unwavering dedication to the service of God and humanity. Today, at 62, we celebrate a man whose life is intricately woven with purpose, compassion, scholarship, and transformational leadership.

For over six decades, Prof. Ibe has stood as a towering figure in the pursuit of knowledge, the upliftment of communities, and the liberation of the human mind. His passion for humanity especially the youth and the disadvantaged continues to shape futures, restore hope, and inspire countless men and women to rise above limitations.

A distinguished academic, erudite scholar, philanthropist, cultural ambassador, and nation-builder, Professor Ibe embodies the essence of service. His journey is a narrative of hard work, resilience, and deep intellectual conviction. Through the founding of Gregory University Uturu (GUU), he transformed an ambitious dream into a thriving academic haven,one dedicated to innovation, moral excellence, and the holistic development of future leaders.

In keeping with his lifelong commitment to education, he has extended scholarships to many empowering students from diverse backgrounds to access quality learning and pursue personal and professional greatness. His university stands not merely as an institution, but as a platform for critical inquiry, creativity, character formation, and destiny recovery.
Through his hands, many who once despaired have rediscovered hope and reclaimed their paths.

An ambassador of Igbo culture and a defender of human rights, Prof. Ibe’s leadership radiates humility, integrity, and deep love for society. His philanthropic footprints—quiet yet profound—reflect a heart dedicated to serving God through the service of humanity.

Today, Ndi Abia, Nigeria, and well-wishers across the world unite in admiration and gratitude. We in the insideoutnews celebrate not only the anniversary of his birth but the legacy of enlightenment, empowerment, and progress he continues to build. His life remains a beacon—guiding, inspiring, and opening new corridors of possibility for present and future generations.

As we honour this icon of hope and a pathfinder of rare distinction, we pray that God’s unfailing grace continues to enrich his life.
May divine favour, renewed strength, sound health, and limitless wisdom accompany him in the years ahead as he advances the mission he has so passionately embraced.

Happy 62nd Birthday, Professor Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe.
May this new chapter usher in greater accomplishments, deeper fulfilment, and boundless blessings.

We also in the insideoutnews join countless voices in praying that the Almighty God continue to bless and keep you. May this new year bring abundant success, overflowing joy, and all-round prosperity—Amen.

IPOB Lawyer Ejiofor Blasts Gruesome Church Killings in Anambra Community


Renowned Nigerian human-rights lawyer and Lead Counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has strongly condemned the attack and killings that occurred at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Isiokwe, Lilu, in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Last Sunday, unknown gunmen stormed the church premises during worship, killing two persons, injuring several others, and setting ablaze multiple vehicles and other property. What should have been a peaceful Sunday service was violently transformed into what witnesses described as a scene of terror and desecration.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, titled “MIDWEEK MOURNFUL MUSING: WHEN DARKNESS INVADED THE ALTAR , A BLOOD-CHILLING SACRILEGE IN ANAMBRA; A Most Heinous Desecration of God’s Sanctuary; The Nation Must Not Keep Silent,” Ejiofor condemned the incident in the strongest possible terms.

“I condemn this atrocious, barbaric, and godless act in the strongest language humanly possible. No explanation will ever suffice; no justification can ever be entertained. This act is purely evil,”he declared.

Ejiofor called on security agencies to expand their investigation, deploy all necessary intelligence tools, and ensure that the perpetrators are tracked down without delay.

He also urged the Anambra State Government to use every lawful mechanism available to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those behind the attack.

“Let this tragedy awaken the conscience of the State and the nation. Let it galvanize swift action. Let it reaffirm our collective resolve that places of worship must never become battlegrounds, and that those who desecrate holy altars must never know peace until they face the full weight of the law,”he said.

Describing the severity of the incident, Ejiofor stated that a place of worship is the last place where violence should ever occur.

“A church is a sanctuary, not a slaughterhouse,”he stressed.

He explained that the attackers, whom he described as “men whose souls appear fully surrendered to the devil,” violated the sanctity of the church by inflicting terror on innocent congregants.

“By the time the smoke cleared and the terrified cries faded, two innocent worshippers lay dead murdered in cold blood within the very house of God. Several others sustained grievous injuries and now battle for their lives in hospital beds. Vehicles worth millions of naira were set ablaze, reduced to twisted ruins of ash and metal,”he added.

Ejiofor reiterated that the incident represents not just an attack on individuals but an assault on the moral and spiritual foundation of the community, urging both government and citizens to resist allowing such acts of sacrilege to become normalized.

The statement reads in full:

There are few spaces on earth regarded with such reverence, solemnity, and spiritual sanctity as the Church of God. Among Christendom, the Church is not merely a physical structure; it is a universal sanctuary, a sacred refuge where the faithful gather to commune with their Creator, seek forgiveness, meditate upon the Eternal Word, and be strengthened by holy fellowship.
On Sundays especially, Christians approach the altar with renewed hope, trusting in the manifest presence and divine protection of the Almighty God. A place of worship is the last place where one expects the venomous stench of violence, bloodshed, or brutality. It is a sanctuary, not a slaughterhouse.
Yet, what was meant to be a routine Sunday worship at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Isiokwe, Lilu community, was violently transformed into a grotesque theatre of horror,
a desecration so abominable that words scarcely suffice to capture its gravity.

Men whose souls appear to have been fully surrendered to the devil; men devoid of humanity, conscience, or fear of God, invaded the holy sanctuary and unleashed a rain of terror upon innocent worshippers gathered for prayers.

By the time the smoke cleared and the terrified cries faded, two innocent worshippers lay dead, murdered in cold blood within the very house of God. Several others sustained grievous injuries and now battle for their lives in hospital beds. Vehicles worth millions of naira were set ablaze, reduced to twisted ruins of ash and metal.

This is not just violence.
This is not merely criminality.
This is blasphemy against God and humanity.
A sacrilege of the highest order.
An unpardonable assault on our collective conscience.

WHERE IS OUR HUMANITY?
Once again, as so often happens, security agencies have begun what appears to be the usual slow-paced investigation and manhunt for the perpetrators. But we must ask ourselves:

What motivates human beings, if indeed they are human, to desecrate a holy sanctuary and spill innocent blood on the Lord’s Day?

Are these assailants truly of our land?
Are they sons of our soil?
Or are they deranged invaders, moral aliens whose hearts have long been darkened beyond recognition?

I, therefore, condemn this atrocious, barbaric, and godless act in the strongest terms human language can muster. No explanation will ever suffice. No justification can ever be entertained. This is pure evil.

I call on the security agencies to cast their dragnet wide, to intensify their investigation, to mobilize all necessary intelligence, and to ensure that no hiding place remains for these cowardly merchants of death.

I equally urge the Government of Anambra State to deploy every lawful mechanism of the State to unmask, apprehend, and prosecute these perpetrators.

Anambra has, in recent months, enjoyed relative peace.
This isolated eruption of wickedness must not be allowed to distort our trajectory.
The long arm of the law will, and must catch up with these criminals.

I join millions of Anglican faithful across Nigeria and beyond, in extending heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased worshippers, and to the Church of God in Lilu. No words can ever fill the void, but we stand with you in prayer, solidarity, and grief.

To those still in hospital, may the merciful God whose altar you sought that day grant you swift healing, restoration, and divine comfort.

“For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry… but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.”
— Psalm 34:15–16

May this eternal truth comfort the bereaved, strengthen the wounded, and assure the entire community that God Himself will expose, disgrace, and judge the wicked.

The blood of innocent worshippers cries out from the sanctuary floor. It demands justice. It demands accountability. It demands that we, as a people, refuse to normalize evil.

Let this tragedy awaken the conscience of the State and the nation. Let it galvanize swift action. Let it reaffirm our collective resolve that places of worship must never become battlegrounds, and that those who desecrate holy altars must never know peace until they face the full wrath of the law.

This is my solemn midweek reflection; an anguished reminder that evil thrives when good men remain silent.
We must not remain silent.
We must not look away.
Justice must prevail.

Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo Blames Anambra Attorney General for Crisis in Nawfia Town

The Traditional Ruler of Nawfia Community in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, His Royal Highness Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo, the Osufia II of Nawfia, has blamed the lingering crisis in the town on the Office of the Attorney General of Anambra State.

According to him, the Attorney General failed to provide the governor with proper legal advice on matters concerning Nawfia.

He also called on the people of the community to unite in order to appease the spirit of his late father, Igwe F. B. C. Nwankwo, the Osufia I of Nawfia, whom he said was unjustly murdered. He insisted that genuine peace would continue to elude the community until this spiritual and traditional obligation is fulfilled.

Igwe Nwankwo made the remarks while reacting to the killing of four youths at Afor Nawfia Market on Saturday by suspected cultists.

He argued that no community in history—whether in the Bible or anywhere else—has ever enjoyed peace after the killing of its king without proper appeasement and reconciliation.

“I know what to do. All I need is unity among my people so we can move Nawfia forward. The spirit of my father is haunting those who killed him, and until it is finally settled, peace will remain elusive,” he stated.

The monarch recalled that the wave of killings and unrest in Nawfia began in 2020 after former Governor Willie Obiano suspended and subsequently removed him from office “simply because he travelled to Abuja.”

He emphasized that he has been the legitimate traditional ruler of Nawfia for 25 years, since 2001. He explained that the court case was never about how he became Igwe but about the legality of his removal.

He noted that a competent court reinstated him in June 2022, yet some individuals who believe themselves “above the law” have continued to ignore the judgment.

According to him, the current turmoil in Nawfia stems from the involvement of individuals “without pedigree, background, or character” in the traditional and administrative affairs of the town.

“This is what happens when you bring people without pedigree or character to run a system. The incident could have been prevented if the system was functioning. This is not the first time—people were killed in September 2025, their eyes plucked out, their bodies dumped in Nawfia. We cannot keep quiet while the blood of our people is being shed,” he warned.

He maintained that the town is unstable and will remain so until the people of Nawfia unite behind him to address the spiritual burden surrounding his father’s death.

The Igwe again blamed the Office of the Attorney General of Anambra State for part of the lingering problem, alleging that the Attorney General refused to properly advise the governor on the legal status of the Nawfia traditional stool.

He reiterated that the court reinstated him in June 2022 but that some individuals continue to defy the ruling. According to him, efforts to meet the governor have been blocked by people who do not want the truth about Nawfia to reach the state government.

“With every sense of responsibility, I say that the trouble in Nawfia is caused by the Office of the Attorney General of Anambra State. I challenge anyone to dispute this—let them challenge me so I can open the entire can of worms. I have kept quiet for too long. They want me to reopen the case of my father’s assassination. Murder has no time limit,” he declared.

The monarch said he has had to seek protection from security agencies, including the DSS, because those fighting him are dragging him from one court to another, and he fears suffering the same fate as his father.

He maintained that the town loves him and that only a few individuals—many of whom he personally conferred with chieftaincy titles—are responsible for the ongoing unrest.

Igwe Nwankwo said he has officially notified both the police and the governor that no one else should parade himself as the traditional ruler of Nawfia, adding that the person currently doing so has no legal backing.

He stated that it is the responsibility of the Attorney General to properly advise the governor on the legal standing of the Nawfia traditional stool.

He described the conduct of some individuals in the town as “regressing from animistic tendencies to outright jungle behaviour.”

The traditional ruler also noted that he previously curtailed cult activity at Afor Nawfia Market—which he described as once being a den of cultism—although he acknowledged that crime cannot be completely eradicated from any society.

He reaffirmed that he has been Igwe since 29 December 2001, and that on 15 November 2002, the late Governor Mbadinauju issued him a certificate on the recommendation of Dr. Fred Nnamdi, then Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Matters.

“I saw the DSS report to the governor. It stated that 95% of Nawfia people are behind me. I also saw the report of the then Local Government Chairman, who was present when I was crowned. The issue before the court is not about my coronation but whether Obiano was right to suspend me and withdraw my certificate under Sections 10, 16, and 24 of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law,” he explained.

He said his father made enormous sacrifices for Nawfia, and that every family in the community benefitted from his contributions, yet he was repaid with murder.

He further stated that he never sought the throne but was chosen by the community, which documented its decision and asked him to return to Nigeria to assume the position.

According to him, for Nawfia to experience lasting peace, the community must unite to appease his father’s spirit because “no community kills its king and enjoys peace.”

Renowned Nigerian human-rights lawyer and lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has described the ambassadorial nomination of Mr. Reno Omokri as “the greatest disservice to the country.”

According to Ejiofor, Omokri’s nomination to an exalted diplomatic portfolio endangers not only the image of the President but also the collective dignity of the Nigerian people.

He made this assertion in a statement released on Monday titled:“MONDAY MUSING: THE DIPLOMATIC MISADVENTURE OF RENO OMOKRI — WHY THE SENATE MUST SAVE NIGERIA FROM A HISTORICAL ERROR-IN-PROGRESS.”

Ejiofor wrote that “the recent nomination of Mr. Reno Omokri as Ambassador-Designate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is one such bewildering episode— a moment that compels one to wonder whether someone within the corridors of power has mischievously substituted statesmanship with slapstick.”

He further warned that any Igbo senator who supports Omokri’s appointment should consider himself a traitor.

Ejiofor argued that it is Omokri’s “relentless, malignant crusade against the Igbo nation” that requires the most urgent scrutiny.

In his words, “In the long history of ethnic stereotyping in Nigeria, rarely has one man laboured so enthusiastically to malign an entire people as Reno Omokri.”

He said that at every opportunity, Omokri unleashed torrents of insults, mockery, and denigration upon Ndigbo, attaching to them labels too vulgar for civilized discourse.

Ejiofor stated that Omokri publicly championed the absurd narrative that Igbo people are insignificant contributors to Nigerian society, repeatedly portraying them as criminals, invaders, and economic parasites.

He continued:“He amplified toxic calls for Igbos to ‘leave Lagos,’ a city built, inhabited, and enriched by all Nigerians, including Ndigbo. His digital fingerprints remain all over this hateful and divisive propaganda; the archives of social media do not forget.”


The statement reads in full:

In the grand tapestry of Nigerian political theatre, one has become almost accustomed to periodic absurdities. Yet, every so often, a proposal emerges so profoundly unwise, so magnificently unserious, that it demands immediate intellectual quarantine. The recent nomination of Mr. Reno Omokri as Ambassador-Designate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is one such bewildering episode; a moment where one must wonder if someone within the corridors of power mischievously swapped statesmanship for slapstick.

It is, of course, customary for Presidents to rely on trusted advisers when composing their list of nominees. But whoever whispered Reno Omokri’s name into the presidential ear deserves a national reprimand, or at the very least, mandatory retirement into quiet contemplation. No wonder, name of a dead nominee has been uncovered amongst the list. However, to recommend this particular "gentleman" for an exalted diplomatic portfolio, is to imperil not merely the image of Mr President, but the collective dignity of the Nigerian people.

For years, Reno’s social media activities have been a masterclass in unrestrained vituperation. His digital tantrums, served daily across X, Facebook, Instagram, and his ever-expanding sermon-on-the-timeline broadcasts, have been so riotously reckless that many discerning observers have questioned whether his devices should come preinstalled with psychiatric safeguards.

Indeed, those who once innocently patronised his pages have quietly tiptoed away, citing mental fatigue and the unmistakable possibility that Reno may be nursing a peculiar species of psychological agitation.

Let us speak plainly: I will not venture into the unprintable names he flung at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his days of Twitter evangelism. If the Commander-in-Chief was truly troubled by defamatory thunderings, Daniel Bwala would be giving press statements from a safe distance, not from inside Aso Rock. Nigerians who possess memory longer than a goldfish still wonder what precise value Bwala imports into governance after years of performing verbal gymnastics against the very administration he now serenades.

However, it is Reno’s relentless, malignant crusade against the Igbo nation that deserves the strongest spotlight. In the long history of ethnic stereotyping in Nigeria, rarely has one man laboured so enthusiastically to malign a whole people. At every opportunity, Reno unleashed a torrent of insults, mockery, and denigration upon Ndigbo, assigning them labels too vulgar for refined company.

He publicly championed the absurd narrative that Igbo people are unworthy contributors to Nigerian society, routinely painting them as criminals, invaders, and economic parasites. He amplified toxic calls for Igbos to “leave Lagos”, a city built, inhabited, and enriched by all Nigerians including Ndigbo. His digital fingerprints remain all over this hateful and divisive propaganda; the archives of social media do not forget.

And now, this same man seeks to sit in diplomatic chambers bearing the Nigerian flag?

Before the Senate proceeds to screening, it must ask Reno how he intends to reconcile the contemptuous bile he poured upon the very institution, leadership, and ethnic nationalities he now aspires to represent. How will he explain the loud, choreographed protests he orchestrated in the United States and the United Kingdom against President Tinubu, complete with placards, chants, and laptops live-streaming Nigeria’s “failings” to the world?

How does a man who gleefully de-marketed his own country now solemnly pledge to defend that same country’s global image?

This, dear distinguished senators, is not a paradox, it is a political insult.

For the avoidance of doubt: Reno Omokri cannot be entrusted with any diplomatic office in a country whose citizens he has serially abused, particularly the Igbo nation, a foundational pillar of Nigeria’s political, cultural, commercial, and intellectual fabric.

And let it be stated with clarity that history will not be kind to any senator of Igbo extraction who raises a hand, whether in carelessness or cowardice, to confirm Reno’s appointment. If the Presidency chooses to overlook Reno’s unforgivable malfeasance, Ndigbo will not be so indulgent. The memory of a slight against a people is often longer than the tenure of the government that enabled it.

It is, therefore, in the enlightened interest of the Senate, and indeed, the Republic, to reject Reno Omokri’s nomination outright. Let him, if the Presidency so desires, be appointed as yet another presidential spokesperson. He is eminently qualified for that role, given his flair for noise and notoriety.
But as for diplomacy,
A man who has diminished, ridiculed, and insulted a major component of the Nigerian federation cannot represent Nigeria with credibility.

The Senate must correct this historical error before it matures into a national embarrassment.

Defence Minister:IPOB Lawyer Lauds Tinubu’s Gen. Musa Nomination

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Renowned Nigerian human-rights lawyer and Lead Counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for nominating General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.), former Chief of Defence Staff, as the new Minister of Defence.

Ejiofor made the commendation in a statement released on Wednesday titled:
“Midweek Musing,The Resurrection of Strategic Sanity: The Nomination of General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.) — A Perfect Square Peg for a Square Hole, and a Long-Awaited Balm for a Bleeding Nation.”

He praised General Musa as a man who “stands out like a lighthouse in a raging storm,” adding that his nomination signals a decisive shift toward restoring national security and stability.

Ejiofor further expressed optimism about what he described as the “formidable alignment” between the retired Chief of Defence Staff and Mr. Adeola Ajayi, the newly appointed Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS). With both men at the helm of security affairs, he said, long-suffering Nigerians “may finally exhale,” as “the days of marauders, jihadists, and terror entrepreneurs are numbered.”

According to Ejiofor:“At a time when many Nigerians have grown accustomed to wincing at federal appointments, the nomination of General Musa stands out as the most sensible decision the Federal Government has made in recent memory. The public’s jubilant reaction on the streets and across social media speaks volumes. Nigerians recognize a competent man when they see one.”

Recalling Musa’s tenure as Chief of Defence Staff, Ejiofor noted that he zealously coordinated military operations that “dislodged, degraded, and dismantled some of the most entrenched terrorist networks on the African continent.

” Under Musa’s command, he emphasized, ISWAP, Boko Haram, and the hydra-headed banditry cartels “felt the true weight of a Nigerian state finally determined to survive.”

Ejiofor added that General Musa’s appointment represents a rare moment of strategic clarity and a long-overdue step toward securing a nation that has endured years of violent extremism and unchecked criminality.





The statement reads in full:

In an era where national decisions often oscillate between the bewildering and the utterly incomprehensible, the nomination, and the widely expected inevitable appointment, of General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.), erstwhile Chief of Defence Staff, as Minister of Defence stands out like a lighthouse in a raging storm.
To the discerning mind, this single act reads almost like an institutional apology for the earlier premature retirement of a man whose monumental achievements in military leadership remain too glaring to be waved away by bureaucratic caprice.

Political analysts and those who possess the rare gift of reading between governmental lines remain acutely aware of the extraordinary feats General Musa accomplished during his stewardship of Nigeria’s military defence architecture. He was not a man of noise, he was a man of results.
As Chief of Defence Staff, he zealously led coordinated operations that dislodged, degraded, and dismantled some of the most entrenched terrorist networks on the continent. Under his command, ISWAP, Boko Haram, and the hydra-headed banditry cartels felt the true weight of a Nigerian state finally determined to survive.

Yes, scattered pockets of insecurity lingered, predictably so in a nation still grappling with internal sabotage and unpatriotic fifth columnists, but Musa maintained an extraordinary grip on the architecture of national defence. His leadership drastically reduced casualty figures, curtailed internal leaks, and neutralised enemies of the state who operated both in the bush and, disturbingly, within the corridors of power.
Not many Nigerians know that General Musa is a devoted Anglican, a faith I proudly share as a Knight of Saint Christopher. His spiritual discipline reflects in his public conduct: incorruptible, unassuming, and unfailingly civil.

He is admired across ethnic, religious, and social boundaries. Rising to the pinnacle of his career without scandal is no mean feat in today’s Nigeria. His professionalism, focus, and results-driven approach remain models for the institution he once led.
THE CONSEQUENCE OF LOSING A SHIELD: WHEN A RETIRED GENERAL’S ABSENCE BECAME A SIGNAL FOR CHAOS
Barely had General Musa taken a breath in retirement when hell’s gates seemed to swing open. Terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers, those same marauders he had hounded into irrelevance, suddenly found renewed confidence, as if celebrating the exit of the one man who kept them perpetually on the run.
The resurgence of kidnappings, mass killings, abductions, and rural invasions is not a coincidence; it is a troubling reminder that internal saboteurs still operate dangerously close to the seat of power. Their press statements, security summits, and public condemnations remain nothing more than theatrics designed to pacify a traumatised population while shielding the enablers of terror within government circles.
It is against this backdrop that the loud, reckless audacity of the likes of Sheikh Gumi continues to insult the nation’s collective sensibilities. His unrestrained fraternisation with bandits, his boastful proclamations, and his unsolicited “policy recommendations” to the Federal Government boldly assert his delusion of being above the law. But I can assure him, and his ilk, that a new sheriff is indeed returning to town, and this sheriff understands both the terrain and the enemy.
With the formidable alignment of Rtd. CDS General Musa and DG Ajayi, the long-suffering citizens of this country may finally exhale. The days of marauders, jihadists, and terror entrepreneurs are numbered.
At a time when many Nigerians have grown accustomed to wincing at federal appointments, the nomination of General Musa stands out as the most sensible decision the Federal Government has made in recent memory. The public’s jubilant reaction, both on the streets and across social media, speaks volumes. Nigerians recognise a competent man when they see one.
And yet, one cannot help but raise an eyebrow: are these the same decision-makers who also nominated Reno Omokri for an ambassadorial posting? The irony is almost poetic. Ambassadors are meant to be image-makers for the nation. Pray, what image shall Reno project? His chronic ethnic bigotry? His divisive rhetoric? His incessant vilification of the Igbo? His shameless denigration of entire tribes as “criminals” and “hungry people”?
One wonders what foreign dignitaries will be treated to under his watch: a lecture on why Peter Obi comes from the “most neglected tribe in Nigeria”? Or a diplomatic briefing on why millions of Igbo people do not deserve national respect?
If the Senate still retains an iota of institutional independence, Omokri’s nomination deserves nothing short of outright rejection.
At this critical juncture in our national life, when bloodshed has become a grim backdrop to daily existence and hope appears increasingly fragile, the anticipated appointment of General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.) offers a rare moment of collective optimism.
The nation watches.
The nation expects.
The nation prays.

And indeed, the nation deserves a man of Musa’s pedigree, courage, and unimpeachable integrity

Ajayi’s DSS Leadership Lauded as IPOB Lawyer Seeks Redress for Wrongful Detainees



Renowned Nigerian human-rights lawyer and Lead Counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has commended the appointment of Mr. Adeola Ajayi as Director-General of the State Security Service (DSS).
He also urged him to revisit the numerous cases of human-rights violations, particularly the unlawful detention of innocent citizens from the South-East, which were perpetrated under previous DSS leadership.

Ejiofor made the appeal in a statement titled:“WEEKEND MUSING: A RARE GLIMPSE OF INSTITUTIONAL CONTRITION – THE DSS, A NEW SHERIFF, AND THE AUDACITY OF REDEMPTION: When State Power Momentarily Remembered Its Humanity.”

According to him, the announcement of Ajayi’s appointment by the Tinubu administration was widely regarded by discerning Nigerians as “the long-awaited placement of a round peg in a round hole.”
Ejiofor noted that Ajayi’s antecedents marked by competence, discipline, and a humane disposition made his emergence a welcome development.

He recalled that he had previously dedicated an entire column appealing to Ajayi to revisit the catalogue of human-rights abuses and arbitrary detentions of innocent South-Easterners carried out by the DSS before he took charge.

Ejiofor described it as “astonishing” that an institution of government, long associated with impunity and heavy-handedness, would voluntarily depart from entrenched patterns of abuse.
According to him, the rare gesture of a security agency recognizing wrongful detentions and offering redress is more commonly seen in mature democracies where human dignity is truly foundational.

Yet, he said, in an unprecedented turn, the new DSS DG has chosen a different path.

Since Ajayi assumed office, Ejiofor observed, the transformation within the DSS has been “palpable.”

He credited the new DG with recalibrating the institution from a fear-driven, coercive force into a professional, service-focused intelligence agency committed to minimizing human-rights infractions,reducing judicial embarrassments,fostering disciplined inter-agency cooperation, and enforcing strict anti-corruption standards.

However, Ejiofor noted that nothing prepared the nation for Ajayi’s recent historic action.

A few days earlier, Ajayi had for the first time in Nigeria’s democratic history publicly compensated citizens, including several of Igbo extraction, who had been wrongfully detained by the previous DSS leadership.

He further revealed that a task force was already reviewing similar cases with determination to free all innocent people still held in detention.

Ejiofor described the gesture as an act of courage, magnanimity, and institutional repentance, rekindling a fragile yet growing sense of hope that government institutions can sometimes rise above entrenched patterns of abuse.

He contrasted Ajayi’s approach sharply with that of his predecessor, whose tenure he said was “marred by rampant abductions, enforced disappearances, illegal detentions, and widespread violations, particularly against innocent Igbo youths, men, and women.”
Many victims, he added, were arrested at night, transported to facilities such as Wawa Barracks in Niger State, and denied access to lawyers or family members—some since 2019.

“These citizens became victims not of law, but of dangerous and reckless labelling,” he said.

Ejiofor appealed once again—“like the proverbial Oliver Twist”—for Ajayi to extend his reformist zeal to these forgotten detainees.
He expressed confidence that a thorough review would justify their immediate release, and insisted that any individual against whom a prima facie case exists should be promptly charged to court so that justice can take its proper course.

Nigeria, he said, will continue to applaud and support rare public servants like Ajayi, who demonstrate the courage to break with destructive institutional traditions.

He also emphasized that citizens must play their part in promoting national peace, safety, and security.

“With this unprecedented step,” Ejiofor concluded, “the DSS under Mr. Ajayi has not merely reformed an institution; it has momentarily reminded Nigeria of what good governance ought to look like.”he added.

Kanu:IPOB Lawyer Ejiofor Slams Theatrics,Urges Genuine Political Intervention

The Lead Counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has called for a high-level, coordinated political and legal intervention in the case of detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, insisting that performative public commentary can no longer substitute for strategic action.

In a statement titled “Monday Musing: When Strategy Must Replace Showmanship , The Immediate Blueprint for Securing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s Release,” Ejiofor argued that the time has come for Igbo political heavyweights and globally respected legal minds to collaborate in a unified and disciplined effort.

According to him, such an intervention must supersede what he described as a growing “cacophony of well-intentioned but strategically hollow commentary.”

Ejiofor, a renowned Nigerian human rights lawyer, stressed that only individuals of unimpeachable integrity, political relevance, and substantial influence can meaningfully intervene in the matter far more effectively than “dramatic press releases, emotional outbursts, or roadside gallantry masquerading as strategy.”

He emphasized that the proposed intervention team must include eminent Igbo personalities, notably:sitting and former South-East state executives,federal cabinet members of Igbo extraction, and respected national figures whose names command influence across Nigeria’s political and institutional landscape.

According to him, once this political vanguard is constituted, the next crucial step is the formation of a formidable legal consortium a team of distinguished legal luminaries with international standing to take charge of the complex legal architecture ahead, especially the sensitive appellate processes.

Ejiofor insisted that political engagement must precede any legal filing, arguing that the political front must receive “the fastest, most focused, and undivided attention” before an appeal is entered at the Court of Appeal.

He further stated that before any legal document is drafted or filed, the joint political–legal taskforce should visit Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in the Correctional Centre to align strategies and ensure that interventions are coordinated, coherent, and informed.

Ejiofor warned strongly against the dangers of a premature or uncoordinated appeal, stating that any such move undertaken without political groundwork, without internal alignment, and without strategic calibration would be “dead on arrival,” vulnerable to prejudice, technical traps, and procedural pitfalls.



The statement reads in full:

In seasons such as this, when emotions swell beyond measure, when misinformation becomes the cheapest currency in circulation, and when every self-anointed “stakeholder” gallops into the public square to spew unguarded proclamations, one is compelled, indeed summoned by conscience, to draw a sharp distinction between sober strategy and theatrical showmanship. I am particularly propelled by the rising swell of concern and heartfelt outcry from well-meaning people and friends across the globe.

This morning, therefore, I rise to the solemn duty of speaking truth once more, not wrapped in hyperbole, nor dipped in sentimentality, but firmly anchored in reason, prudence, institutional memory, and lived professional experience. I choose to go public so that my cherished brothers and sisters clamouring for my return may be properly guided.

Given the labyrinthine complexity of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s legal odyssey, and the delicate interplay of law, politics, diplomacy, and public sentiment surrounding it, it is my considered, honest, and unwavering view that a structured, high-calibre intervention must now override the current cacophony of well-intentioned but strategically hollow commentary.

A CALL FOR SERIOUS-MINDED INTERVENTION

It has become imperative, indeed unavoidable, that Igbo political heavyweights and legal minds of enviable global repute immediately swing into coordinated action; an intervention where influence speaks far louder than dramatic press releases, emotional outbursts, or roadside gallantry masquerading as “strategy.”

To lead this elite intervention must be Igbo political figures of unimpeachable integrity and honesty, working in consultation with the appropriate leadership. For compelling reasons, I shall refrain from mentioning their names here.

This group must incorporate eminent Igbo personalities drawn from the South-East-state executives, federal cabinet members of Igbo extraction, and respected national figures whose names command gravitas, influence, and consequence across Nigeria’s political landscape.

THE LEGAL ARCHITECTURE
Once this political vanguard is unveiled, the next indispensable step is the constitution of a formidable team of legal luminaries, individuals of exceptional international distinction, who will assume full command of the legal architecture, particularly the highly sensitive appellate processes before us.

This is not the hour for amateur improvisation.
This is not the season for courtroom theatrics.
This moment demands master craftsmen of the law.

THE FIRST MANDATORY STEP: A VISIT TO MAZI NNAMDI KANU

Before a single legal document is drafted, filed, or even contemplated, this combined political–legal taskforce must visit Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in the Correctional Centre.

This visit is crucial for:

a. securing his explicit mandate;
b. aligning on a unified and coherent strategy;
c. calibrating expectations; and
d. ensuring that every participant is reading from the same script, both in conduct, action and in commitment.

With this mandate firmly in hand, the team must immediately commence structured, discreet, and purposeful engagement with the Federal Government, aimed squarely at securing a pragmatic and politically plausible resolution.

Let no one be deceived: this political pathway must receive the fastest, most focused, and wholly undivided attention before any appeal is filed at the Court of Appeal.

A WORD OF WARNING
Any appeal rushed to court at this moment, without groundwork, without political alignment, without strategic coordination, will arrive, tragically, dead on arrival, smothered under prejudice, technical pitfalls, and procedural quicksand.

This is not pessimism.
It is realism.
It is truth, spoken without adornment and fortified by experience.

It must be reiterated, firmly yet respectfully, that all forms of online hostility, emotional eruptions, and counterproductive declarations must cease forthwith. We must not, in our understandable frustration, unwittingly sabotage the very outcome we seek.

A CAUTION AGAINST OPPORTUNISM

I am not oblivious to the predictable wave of opportunism already rising, individuals who will seize this moment merely to harvest political relevance through loud public proclamations.
Ironically, many among them contributed, directly or indirectly, to the anti-clockwise rotation of events we are now forced to confront.

This strategic process must unfold with minimal publicity. This is a delicate hour, not a season for dramatic updates, sensational headlines, or premature triumphalism.

Success is often conceived in confidential rooms, not in the noisy amphitheatre of social-media theatrics

Ejiofor Rips Into ‘Amateur Showmen’ Sabotaging Nnamdi Kanu’s Legal Battle


The lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Nigerian renowned human-rights lawyer, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has sharply criticised the lawyers that lastly handled Nnamdi Kanu’s case, accusing them of reducing a sensitive, high-profile legal battle to social-media spectacle.

In a statement issued on Saturday and titled “Nnamdi Kanu’s Avoidable Ordeal: How Amateur Legal Showmen Led a High-Profile Case into a Judicial Ambush—When Justice Became a Performance: The Tragic Consequence of Turning Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial into Content,” Ejiofor condemned what he described as the “Instagram-driven theatrics” of certain lawyers who prioritise online popularity over strategic legal work.

According to him, a case of such international significance “is not a circus ring,” and once these “bloated, delusional entertainers-in-wigs” inserted themselves into the process, the proceedings degenerated into “a grotesque parody of legal representation.”

Ejiofor recalled that during the period his legal team handled the matter from 2015 until December 2023, and later under the leadership of Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, beginning in 2022 they were on the verge of securing another major relief for Kanu. This progress followed the Court of Appeal’s 2022 judgment, which discharged and acquitted the IPOB leader.

He stated that sustained pressure, strategic diplomacy, and airtight legal manoeuvring had positioned the legal team for yet another breakthrough. However, according to him, sensitive details of this progress were “perhaps innocently” disclosed by Kanu to individuals he described as “clueless clowns.”

Rather than support a strategy they did not comprehend, Ejiofor alleges that these individuals hijacked the information and used it to destabilise the legal process, ultimately forcing a disruptive change in the legal team’s structure.

He noted that, as a result, his team withdrew from the case“gloriously, and with our integrity intact.”




The statement reads full:

"I had genuinely intended, out of sheer exhaustion and out of respect for the sensitivity of this moment, to refrain from revisiting this saga. But the avalanche of calls, messages, and trembling voices from our people has made silence no longer an option.

I am therefore compelled to offer sober introspection, especially as someone who successfully steered this very case for nearly a decade, securing landmark victories, unassailable legal milestones, and enduring a long trail of threats, assassination attempts, and brushes with death. Through all of this, Grace remained my only constant protection.

However, after Thursday’s spectacle, correcting the wild conjectures, poorly manufactured narratives, and brazen misinformation now circulating like a digital epidemic has become absolutely necessary.

THE FIRST REVELATION THEY WON’T TELL YOU

During the period our team handled this matter, from 2015 to December 2023, up until Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, assumed leadership of the legal team in 2022; we were on the threshold of securing yet another major relief for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, particularly after the Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted him in 2022. Sustained pressure, strategic diplomacy, and airtight legal maneuvering had placed us on the verge of another monumental breakthrough.

Regrettably, certain sensitive details of this progress were, perhaps innocently, disclosed by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to some of these clueless clowns. Rather than support a strategy they barely understood, they seized the information as an opportunity to derail the entire process and treacherously orchestrated a change in the status quo. Consequently, we exited the team, gloriously, and with our integrity intact.

Let us speak plainly:
A high-profile, internationally sensitive criminal trial is not a circus ring.
But once these bloated, delusional entertainers-in-wigs inserted themselves into the process, everything degenerated into a grotesque parody of legal representation.

Instead of crafting legal strategy, they crafted Instagram stories.
Instead of mastering case law, they mastered camera angles.
At every court session, their priority wasn’t research or preparation, it was posing, filming, updating, grandstanding, and “going viral.”

Meanwhile, the accused man’s fate hung by a thread.

THE MOST TRAGIC PART OF IT ALL

Even after the court explicitly warned that self-representation in a complex constitutional and criminal matter was dangerous, these “consultants” encouraged it, clapping like paid spectators in a village arena.

And so the unthinkable happened:
1. A trial that could have been paused, or avoided ab initio, had the proper methodology and engagement been applied.
2. A conviction that could have been prevented.
3. An outcome that was entirely avoidable, yet allowed to proceed under the guidance of legal lightweights intoxicated by social-media relevance.

They railroaded him, knowingly or unknowingly, into the savage pit of a full criminal trial, fully aware that other lawful avenues existed.

Even while the trial was ongoing, they busied themselves with dishing out falsehoods, half-truths, and misleading “updates” to an unsuspecting public.

Every lie told outside the courtroom became a landmine inside the courtroom.
Every exaggerated “update” became a contradiction the prosecution gleefully documented.
Every camera stunt became a professional embarrassment.

And now, instead of remorse, they have resumed their post-trial routine:
fresh videos, fresh lies, fresh false hopes, desperate for clicks.

The tragedy continues because the vulnerable still believe them.

THE GREATEST PUZZLE OF ALL

How did foremost legal minds, globally respected Senior Advocates of Nigeria such as Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, Chief Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, and other erudite members of the Inner Bar; men fully versed in the anatomy of high-wire criminal litigation, become disengaged at the most critical moment of the trial, only for mediocre adventurers to hijack a matter of international significance and reduce it to a TikTok legal carnival?

Who replaces world-class physicians with herbal storytellers during brain surgery?
Who replaces strategic diplomacy with reckless grandstanding?
Who replaces law with theatrics?

Only a system already preparing for disaster.

WHERE WE GO FROM HERE
For any meaningful rescue effort by globally respected legal experts, the first task must be to clean up the monumental damage inflicted by these self-advertising jesters. A comprehensive review of methodology, effective engagement, and drastically reduced publicity must precede any intervention. Only then can a coherent, sophisticated legal and political strategy be fashioned.

This is not the time for comedy.
Not the time for inflated egos.
And certainly not the time for social-media theatrics.

It is time for soberness.
Time for competence.
Time for real advocacy.

EnoughIsEnough

Ogah Gifts ₦10m to Clifford Varsity, Offers Automatic Jobs to Accounting Grads

Titus Eleweke

The founder of Master Energy Group and former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uchechukwu Samson Ogah, has donated ₦10 million to Clifford University, Ihie, Abia State.

In addition to the financial contribution, Dr. Ogah announced a transformative employment initiative noting that every Accounting graduate of Clifford University will enjoy automatic employment in his business establishments after completing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Dr. Ogah made the donation during the institution’s Eminent Personality Lecture Series, held on Wednesday.

His announcement drew thunderous applause from the packed auditorium, as students and stakeholders reacted to what many described as a life-changing intervention.

Describing his gesture as an investment in Nigeria’s future, Dr. Ogah emphasized that education remains the strongest foundation for development, empowerment, and nation-building.

He urged the private sector to go beyond rhetoric by funding universities and creating direct pathways from the classroom to the workplace, ensuring that brilliant graduates are not left stranded in the job market.

The university authorities hailed the donation and employment guarantee as a “transformative milestone” in the institution’s history,one that aligns perfectly with Clifford University’s mission to produce highly skilled and readily employable graduates.

Many participants, especially students, said the event felt like more than a lecture; it was a turning point that demonstrated how visionary philanthropy, strategic partnerships, and faith-based education can converge to give hope, dignity, and real opportunities to the next generation.

This unprecedented pledge by Dr. Uche Ogah not only reinforces his reputation as a visionary philanthropist and nation-builder, but also provides a concrete example of how Nigeria’s private sector can meaningfully address youth unemployment through targeted investments in education and skills development.

As Clifford University enters a new era of opportunity for its Accounting graduates, stakeholders will be watching to see whether this bold donation-plus-employment model can be replicated across other institutions,turning lectures into lifelines and campus dreams into tangible careers.

Human-Rights Lawyer Ejiofor Alleges Insider Plot Behind Gen. Uba Ambush

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Renowned Nigerian human rights lawyer and Lead Counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has questioned how Brigadier General M. Uba could have been ambushed and killed by bandits without internal collaboration from within the security system.

Ejiofor, in a statement released on Wednesday titled “Midweek Musing: Unending Mourning — ISWAP Strikes Again and Nigeria Is Left Counting Its Wounds,” asked how an entire military detachment led by a Brigadier General could “walk straight into an ambush” without insider involvement.

According to him, Uba’s death should be “the final tragedy that forces the nation to confront its uncomfortable truth.”

He described the killing as “the last straw in a long history of sabotage, state failure, and strategic complacency.”

Ejiofor lamented that Nigeria, once a country with far fewer recorded ambushes, is now grappling with the abduction of 25 innocent schoolchildren while the nation “barely blinked.”

Instead of engaging in urgent national conversations, he said, Nigerians are distracted by “political theatrics shouting, chest-beating, and attempted arson while families in Borno, Yobe, Katsina, and Taraba silently pray for miracles.”

For over a decade, he noted, security experts have consistently warned that Nigeria’s greatest threat is not only the armed groups operating from remote forests but also the saboteurs embedded within the system,individuals who wear the uniform yet undermine the very institution they swore to protect. “The monsters do not always come with fangs; sometimes they come with ranks,” he said.

The human rights lawyer described as alarming the boldness with which armed bandits now operate, extorting “protection fees” from helpless citizens in a country that prides itself on having one of the largest armed forces in Africa. For such impunity to persist, he argued, “someone is withholding the truth, and Nigerians deserve to know that truth.”

Ejiofor stressed that until insider saboteurs are identified, prosecuted, and permanently removed from the security architecture, Nigeria’s fight against insurgency will remain “a painful cycle of avoidable heartbreaks.”

The statement reads in full:


MIDWEEK MUSING

UNENDING MOURNING:

ISWAP STRIKES AGAIN — AND NIGERIA IS LEFT COUNTING ITS WOUNDS

The Last Straw in a Long History of Sabotage, State Failure, and Strategic Complacency

Nigerians received the heartbreaking news of the death of Brigadier General M. Uba with a shock so overwhelming that even the strongest words feel embarrassingly inadequate. What many watched from those distressing clips was not just a tragic loss, but a bold display by enemies of the state, celebrating what they believe to be a “victory.” A victory as delusional as it is fleeting, because history has never recorded evil as an empire with a long life span.

Yet, in the middle of our collective grief, an old and uncomfortable truth quietly resurfaced:

For over a decade, experts have warned that the greatest threat to Nigeria’s security architecture is not only the hostile groups in the forests, but the saboteurs within the system, those individuals who wear the uniform but undermine the very institution they swore to protect. Monsters do not always come with fangs; sometimes they come with ranks.

And so, we must ask the question that refuses to go away:

How does a full military detachment, led by a Brigadier General, walk straight into an ambush, without insider collaboration?
How?

We have heard these warnings before, from commanders who held the line in Sambisa, from soldiers who defended this nation with their sweat and scars, from officers who survived missions that defied logic. They all said the same thing: internal sabotage has cost Nigeria some of its most painful military casualties.

So, what really happened here?
How did we descend to a point where a General, a symbol of our military pride and institutional memory, could be lost in such circumstances? This is not the kind of incident that deserves a hurried explanation. It demands a thorough, honest, and uncompromising internal investigation.

Even more disturbing is the national reaction, or, more accurately, the stunning lack of it.

While a General was taken down, the nation’s political temperature was boiling over a visibly choreographed spectacle at Wadata House, where loyalists nearly turned party property into barbecue, under the ever-patient watch of security personnel who, ironically, might have been more useful in the Northeast where actual battles are being fought. Apparently, protecting party chairs and plastic tables now ranks higher on the national priority list than protecting Nigerian lives. Who would have thought?

A friend recently reminded me of a contrast that is still difficult to ignore:
Under the tenure of retired CDS General Christopher Musa, major military casualties, especially involving senior officers, dramatically reduced. Coincidence? Competence? Organisational discipline? Effective intelligence management? Whichever it was, it was working.

Yet today, the same Nigeria that once recorded fewer ambushes is reeling from the abduction of 25 innocent schoolchildren, and somehow, the nation barely blinked. Instead, our national conversations are being hijacked by political theatrics, complete with shouting, chest-beating, and attempted arson, while families in Borno, Yobe, Katsina, and Taraba are silently praying for miracles.
Something is not aligning.
Someone is withholding the truth.
And Nigerians deserve answers.

Why this strange quietness?
Why this renewed audacity from violent elements?
Why this sudden resurgence of high-profile military casualties?

Today, armed bandits move about with startling boldness, negotiating so-called “protection fees” from hopeless citizens, in a country that proudly maintains one of the largest armed forces in Africa.

And what did the Senate do?
A one-minute silence.

For what, exactly?
To honour the departed?
Or to mourn a nation that has somehow forgotten the things it should truly be outraged about?

At some point, Nigeria must stop pretending.

The death of Brigadier General M. Uba must be the final tragedy that pushes this nation into confronting its uncomfortable truth:

Until saboteurs within are unmasked, prosecuted, and permanently removed, the war against insurgency will remain a painful cycle of avoidable heartbreaks.

May this tragedy awaken a country that has slept too long.
May it remind us that our collective safety is not a favour, it is a constitutional duty owed by those entrusted with power.

PDP Finally Boots Wike, Others: Ejiofor Cheers, Wonders Why It Took So Long

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Renowned Nigerian human rights lawyer and lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has commended the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for expelling the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and others from the party.

In his weekly commentary, MONDAY MUSING: THE LONG-AWAITED SLEDGEHAMMER — PDP, NYESOM WIKE, AND THE ANATOMY OF A MANUFACTURED LANDMINE, Ejiofor questioned why it took the party so long to expel “Wike and his enthusiastic co-travellers political tourists whose commitment to the PDP is as authentic as a fake passport.”

According to him, these individuals, “with calculated precision, planted landmines within the PDP’s leadership structure each one designed to explode at strategic intervals, keeping the party in perpetual crisis, unable to rise, unable to unify, unable to function.”

Ejiofor described what he called the “Wike-and-Co. blueprint” as a deliberate effort to weaken the PDP to the point where it could no longer challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) “even in a local ward election.”

He argued that the tragedy of Nigeria’s political environment is not merely the ruling party’s habitual intolerance for dissenting voices but the availability of “willing saboteurs within the opposition itself,individuals embedded in the very institution constitutionally required to checkmate the government.

Every democracy, he noted, requires a “vibrant, intellectually grounded, fearless opposition,” stressing that the opposition is “the brake system of democracy,the force that compels accountability, interrogates state actions, refines public policy, and draws the moral red lines that prevent governance from slipping into tyranny.”

How is this possible,” Ejiofor asked, “when those entrusted with defending the sanctity of the opposition become co-authors of its destruction?”

Addressing those still advocating “amicable settlement,” “reconciliation,” or “alternative dispute resolution” within the PDP, Ejiofor declared that the reality is unambiguous: “You cannot reconcile with a man whose life ambition is to burn down the house while pretending to fix the roof.”

The statement reads:

MONDAY MUSING:THE LONG-AWAITED SLEDGEHAMMER:PDP, NYESOM WIKE, AND THE ANATOMY OF A MANUFACTURED LANDMINE

For the avoidance of doubt, I am ordinarily not in the habit of dabbling into the internal wranglings of political parties. In the human rights community, we generally allow politicians the freedom to mismanage their internal affairs without our unsolicited intervention. However, there comes a time when silence becomes an accessory to mischief, and the theatre currently unfolding within the PDP demands a few clear, unvarnished words.

It is now public knowledge that the expulsion of Nyesom Wike and other serial contrarians, has finally been effected by the PDP. To many observers, particularly those whose political memories extend beyond last weekend, this decision is not only overdue, but embarrassingly belated. One wonders whether the PDP leadership had been under some mystical injunction preventing them from wielding a sledgehammer that has been resting idly on the table since 2023 after his unsuccessful attempt to cling the party’s Presidential ticket.

We were taught in our earliest civic lessons, those undiluted, pre-distorted teachings, that democracy is government of the people, by the people, and for the people. In its truest sense, this means the governed are not a decorative audience but active participants in political decision-making.

But this cherished arrangement collapses when the opposition is infiltrated, compromised, and systematically hollowed out from within. The tragedy of Nigeria’s political ecosystem is not only the habitual intolerance of the ruling party toward dissenting voices, it is also the availability of willing saboteurs inside the very opposition that is constitutionally required to checkmate the government.

Let us be factual and historical: every democratic system requires a vibrant, intellectually grounded, fearless opposition. Opposition is the brake system of democracy. It forces accountability. It interrogates state actions. It compels policy refinement. And when necessary, it draws a moral red line to prevent governance from dissolving into tyranny.

But how is this possible when those entrusted with defending the sanctity of the opposition become co-authors of its destruction?

Enter the FCT Minister and his enthusiastic co-travellers, political tourists whose commitment to PDP is as authentic as a fake passport. With calculated precision, they planted landmines within the PDP leadership structure, each one designed to explode at strategic intervals, ensuring the party remains in perpetual crisis, unable to rise, unable to unify, unable to function. The blueprint is simple: weaken the PDP to the point where it cannot challenge the APC even in a local ward election.

If this script feels familiar, it is because it has been executed with almost military discipline.

To those who are still sermonizing about “amicable settlement,” “reconciliation,” or “alternative dispute resolution” within the PDP, the reality is painfully clear: you cannot reconcile with a man whose life ambition is to burn down the house while pretending to fix the roof. The crisis will not end, not now, and not in another eight years of President Tinubu’s tenure. Some wounds are not meant to heal; they were inflicted to ensure permanent disablement.

Let us speak plainly:
The actors involved never had the interest of the PDP at heart. Their loyalty begins and ends with their personal political oxygen. The only reason some of them still remain in the Federal Cabinet is not because of competence or value addition, they simply possess a rare talent for political gymnastics that entertains those in power.

The Party had one job many years ago:
Apply the sledgehammer.
Decisively.
Boldly.
Early.

But as is typical in Nigerian politics, the can was kicked down the road, until the road itself began to disappear.

Still, it is better late than never.

The expulsion is not a conclusion. It is merely the first honest step PDP has taken in years to reclaim its dignity, restructure its internal sanity, and send a clear message that political deviance under the guise of party loyalty will no longer be accommodated.

History will record this moment not as an act of vengeance, but as an overdue correction of an existential injustice

Clean-Up Goes Tough:Anambra Begins Arrest, Prosecution of Environmental Offenders



Titus Maduako Eleweke

The Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (Ocha Brigade) has announced that it will, beginning next week, commence the arrest and prosecution of individuals who engage in street trading and those who urinate in public places, particularly in Onitsha.

The Managing Director of Ocha Brigade, Comrade Celestine Anere, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing in his office, stressing the agency’s renewed commitment to keeping Anambra State clean and healthy.

Anere expressed dissatisfaction with the rate at which some residents still engage in public urination and defecation, especially along the streets of Onitsha. He stated that the Brigade would no longer tolerate such acts, particularly around the Head Bridge and the Upper Iweka axis, where public toilets have already been constructed.

According to him, he would not entertain calls from anyone pleading on behalf of offenders arrested for public urination or defecation.

“It is an offence to urinate or defecate in an open place. If we catch you, we will take you straight to court, and you will pay whatever fine the court imposes. I will not listen to pleas, regardless of anyone’s status. Both Ocha Brigade and Ndi Anambra must work together to keep the state clean and healthy. We will go on radio and television in the next five days to inform the public before full enforcement begins,” he said.

Anere further explained that the agency would clamp down on individuals who jump into gutters or dispose of human waste and refuse inside drains, actions which he described as serious environmental and health hazards.

“We will not tolerate such acts anymore. People must learn to obey environmental laws,” he added.

He also revealed that Ocha Brigade would intensify enforcement against street trading in Eke Awka, Onitsha, and other locations across the state, noting that the law empowers the Brigade to arrest street traders and charge them to court. He lamented that the agency had previously been too lenient, which is why compliance among residents has remained low.

The MD stated that the Brigade would work closely with the police to ensure effective arrests and prosecutions.

“For us to achieve a clean and healthy Anambra, everyone must pay attention to their surroundings and keep them clean. A healthy environment is only possible when we maintain proper sanitation,” he said.

He added that the agency would take strict action against those who dump waste into gutters, especially during the rainy season.

Anere disclosed that the Brigade would monitor various local government areas to ensure that contractors assigned to evacuate waste do so promptly.

“It is part of our mandate to ensure that those responsible for waste evacuation do their job immediately and properly. When they evacuate waste, they must ensure the area is left clean and not littered with debris. We will also require all Keke drivers, bus drivers, and tipper operators to stop throwing trash out of their vehicles. We will enforce the rule that every vehicle must have a waste container. Tipper drivers must ensure their loads—such as sand and other materials—are properly covered while moving anywhere in the state.”he said.

He stressed that Ocha Brigade would begin full enforcement of all environmental laws in the state.

“It will not be easy for us, and it will not be easy for offenders. But what we are saying is simple: everyone should obey the environmental laws. If residents comply, we won’t need to enforce; but if they disobey, we will enforce strictly. We want all Anambra residents to adhere to the laws completely because we are now coming out in full force.”he said.

Anere also referenced an executive order issued by the governor banning sand mining in Ekwulobia, Ogbu, Oko, Nnaka, and Amaokpala. He advised tipper drivers and sand miners to obtain approval from the relevant authorities before mining at any location.

“Any site without a valid permit will be shut down by Ocha Brigade. Enough is enough. We cannot continue to build new roads only for them to be destroyed by unauthorized mining activities within months. We urge tipper associations to educate their members so they do not fall victim to our enforcement,” he warned.

He stated that the Brigade would also be firm in enforcing the desilting of drainage channels across the state due to the health risks posed by blocked culverts.

“We will double our efforts. We have discovered that many culverts are blocked, and we will ensure they are reopened to allow the free flow of water.” he added.

He appealed to residents to assist Ocha Brigade by reporting individuals who channel wastewater improperly or engage in other activities that degrade the environment.

“We cannot be everywhere. If you report such issues, we will take the appropriate action,” he assured.

According to him, Ocha Brigade is determined to fully carry out its core mandate and will do so with respect and professionalism.

He encouraged Ndi Anambra to support the ongoing campaign for a clean and healthy state.

He noted that the agency has the manpower required for full enforcement, having recently recruited an additional 200 personnel to strengthen operations.

Court Adjourns N3bn Rights Suit:Journalists Lock Horns with CJ,Police Till Jan27



The Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, has adjourned hearing in a fundamental human rights enforcement suit filed by three investigative journalists against the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Justice Ekaette Obot, the Commissioner of Police, and other senior police officers, over alleged unlawful arrest and detention.

The case, numbered FHC/UY/FHR/74/25, was stalled after defence counsel failed to regularize their court processes as earlier directed by the court.

The applicants Dennis Udoma (Daily Monitor Newspapers), Tony Nyong (Eagle Online), and Iniobong Ekponta (Leadership Newspapers) all members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, alleged that they were unlawfully arrested by police operatives on March 28, 2025, on the orders of Justice Obot, while investigating alleged scandals and irregularities within the State Judiciary.

They were reportedly harassed, intimidated, and detained by operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, led by CSP Kokoete Ebong, who allegedly acted under the instructions of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, and the Nigeria Police Force.

In their applications filed on July 18, 2025, the journalists are seeking ₦3 billion in exemplary damages ₦1.5 billion against the Chief Judge and ₦0.5 billion each against the Police and its officers, jointly and severally.

They are also asking the court to compel the respondents to issue written apologies to be published in at least two national newspapers, such as ThisDay, The Guardian, or The Punch.

During Thursday’s proceedings, counsel to the applicants, Barr. Fidel Albert, expressed frustration over the respondents’ failure to comply with the court’s filing timelines.

“This is a fundamental human rights matter; it ought to progress speedily. Unfortunately, the respondents do not seem anxious to have this case heard on its merits,” he stated.

Albert recalled that at the previous sitting on October 15, 2025, the respondents had undertaken to file applications to regularize their processes but failed to do so before the new date.

“The 1st Defendant’s counsel filed since September but withheld service on us until just a few days ago,” al “the Police also failed to serve us any process until the eve of today’s sitting.” he said.

He further noted that although counsel had earlier entered appearance for all four Police respondents, only two, the Commissioner of Police and the Nigeria Police Force were represented in court, leaving the SWAT officers unrepresented and without any filed processes.

Albert consequently applied for costs over the repeated adjournments. However, the presiding judge, Hon. Justice M. A. Onyetenu, ruled that the issue of costs would be determined at the conclusion of the matter.

The court subsequently adjourned the case to January 27, 2026, for hearing.

Mrs. Soludo: Girls Can End Menstrual Pain—No Men Needed

Titus Maduako Eleweke


The First Lady of Anambra State, Dr. (Mrs.) Nonye Soludo, has cautioned young girls against the false belief that sleeping with men can stop menstrual pain.

Mrs. Soludo gave the warning during the National Launch of the “Flow With Confidence” Initiative of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu held on Wednesday in Awka.

The event also featured the donation of over 10,000 disposable sanitary pads to schoolgirls in Anambra State, courtesy of Nigeria’s First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Soludo who is also the founder of the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative described painful menstruation as a normal biological experience, urging girls not to be deceived by harmful myths.

“There is a wrong belief out there that when a girl experiences painful menstruation, she needs to sleep with a man to stop the pain. That is false, dangerous, and misleading,” “Menstrual pain is natural, and no one should be deceived into making decisions that could destroy her future.” she said.

Mrs. Soludo further announced the launch of a Healthy Living Pad Bank Portal, designed to provide schoolgirls with continuous access to menstrual health information and sanitary pads.

“We have developed a digital portal where young girls can register to receive menstrual health tips and access sanitary pads. I encourage you all to log in, engage with the platform, and give us feedback,” she added.

The Anambra First Lady also unveiled a new phase of the Nonye Soludo Healthy Living Initiative, which will facilitate interactions with young girls across the state.

“We will be distributing sanitary packs to every participant, along with some financial support,” she noted.

Mrs. Soludo recalled that she had previously launched pad banks in 300 schools across Anambra to ensure a steady supply of sanitary pads for students.

Meanwhile, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by Mrs. Soludo, donated 10,000 disposable sanitary pads to schoolgirls in Anambra as part of her efforts to promote menstrual dignity and boost girls’ confidence during their monthly periods.

Anambra is one of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory benefiting from the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), under which a total of 370,000 customised sanitary pads worth ₦2.55 billion were procured and distributed nationwide. Each state received 10,000 packs with a one-year supply.

In her address, the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Tinubu, emphasized that menstrual health should never hinder girls’ education.

“This intervention is designed to tackle the challenges girls face during their periods, which often cause absenteeism or school dropouts. It is unacceptable that the girl-child, especially in rural communities, still faces such barriers,” “At RHI, we believe no girl should ever have to choose between her dignity and her education. This programme is a step towards ensuring that.”she said.

She called on local government chairmen to take ownership of the initiative and ensure that the sanitary pads reach the intended beneficiaries. Tinubu also urged schoolgirls to use the pads responsibly, remain confident, and not allow menstrual stigma to affect their educational pursuits.

Earlier in the event, Dr. Tonia Mbagwu, HIV/AIDS Programme Coordinator at the Anambra State Ministry of Health, educated the students on menstrual hygiene.

“Menstruation is a natural part of growing up. Maintaining good hygiene keeps you healthy and confident,” “Change your sanitary pad every four to six hours, wash your hands before and after changing, clean your private area with water and mild soap, and dispose of used pads properly—in a bin, not the toilet.”

“Menstruation is not a disease or a curse. Don’t feel shy or ashamed. Care for yourself and support your friends.”she advised.

Also speaking, Prof. Nkechi Ikediugwu, Chairman of the Post Primary Schools Service Commission (PPSSC), expressed gratitude to the President’s and Governors’ wives for their continued commitment to the health and well-being of the girl-child.

On behalf of the beneficiaries, Ifeyinwa Ezeoke of Our Lady’s School, Nnobi, thanked Senator Tinubu and Mrs. Soludo for their support.

“With these pads, we can stay confident and focused on our education without worry,” she said.

Disgraceful: Lawyer Ejiofor Rips Into Wike Over Public Outburst at Soldier



Renowned Nigerian human rights lawyer and lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has strongly condemned the recent public altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a 24-year-old military officer.

Ejiofor described the incident, which occurred in Abuja on Tuesday, as not only unfortunate but also deeply disgraceful and painful to witness.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and titled:MIDWEEK MUSING:WHEN THE CUSTODIANS OF DECORUM TURN CLOWNS, SOCIETY LOSES ITS MORAL MIRRORNYESOM WIKE’S SHOW OF SHAME: A NATIONAL DISGRACE Ejiofor lamented that the confrontation between Wike and the young officer reflected not just institutional failure but also “the moral emptiness of those entrusted with leadership.”

“What Nigerians saw,” “was not the majesty of authority, but the vulgarity of power — a man entrusted with administering the nation’s capital descending into arrogance, condescension, and aggression.”Ejiofor said.

He described the incident as painful to watch, noting that Wike, “intoxicated by power,” resorted to insults against a uniformed officer who, by contrast, displayed “restraint, decorum, and discipline.”

Ejiofor praised the young military officer for maintaining composure throughout the encounter, choosing professionalism over provocation and dignity over derangement.

“That young officer became a silent teacher of moral instruction,” “exposing the thinness of Wike’s pretensions to leadership. His calmness shamed the chaos before him; his discipline illuminated the Minister’s darkness.” Ejiofor said.

Ejiofor’s statement has since sparked wide public discussion, with many Nigerians echoing his sentiments about the need for humility, respect, and accountability among public officials.


Statement reads:
There comes a time in the life of a nation when its people must pause to examine not just institutional failures, but the moral emptiness of those who lead them.

What happened yesterday in the Federal Capital Territory, the disgraceful public altercation between the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and a 24-year-old military personnel, was not merely unfortunate. It was a painful reflection of the depth of moral decay and leadership bankruptcy afflicting our political system.

Nigerians saw not the majesty of authority but the vulgarity of power. A man entrusted with the administration of the nation’s capital descended into arrogance, condescension, and aggression. It was painful to watch, a public official, intoxicated by power, hurling insults at a uniformed officer who, by contrast, embodied restraint, decorum, and discipline.

To the credit of that gallant officer, he maintained composure throughout, choosing professionalism over provocation, dignity over derangement. In that moment, he became a silent teacher of moral instruction, exposing the thinness of Wike’s pretensions to leadership. His calmness shamed the chaos before him; his discipline illuminated the Minister’s darkness.

Yet, what is most tragic is not the behaviour of one man but what it represents. Wike is not an anomaly; he is a symptom of a nation that has separated power from principle and leadership from character.

Nigeria has become a society where position is mistaken for capacity and authority confused with wisdom. Insolence in leadership and vulgarity in public discourse have become normalized. In a saner clime, a minister who behaves like a street urchin would not only resign but be ostracized from public life. His membership of a revered body such as the Body of Benchers, the guardian of the legal profession’s integrity, would have been immediately suspended.

That Wike still retains such honours despite repeated misconduct indicts our collective conscience. It questions the seriousness of our institutions and the sincerity of those entrusted with preserving their sanctity.

The Body of Benchers does not only reward learning but demands character as a sacred standard. It is this moral filter that distinguishes the noble profession of law from others. When a member publicly exhibits arrogance, vulgarity, and abuse of power, the very vices the institution exists to check, then we must ask: What does the Body of Benchers now stand for? Has membership become a title for the politically connected, or does it still symbolize moral and intellectual discipline?

Leadership is not noise or muscle; it is the disciplined exercise of power with humility. True leadership respects the dignity of others, inspires confidence, not fear; respect, not resentment.

What we witnessed in Wike was not leadership; it was theatre, a show of shame, an exhibition of insecurity disguised as bravado. When a leader must shout to assert control or humiliate others to feel relevant, he exposes his inner emptiness and loss of moral authority.

We cannot ignore the implications for the younger generation. In a society where officials speak the language of the gutter and behave like thugs in designer suits, what moral lessons are we offering our youth? How do we tell them that character matters when those at the top lack home training?

We lament that our youths are drawn to internet fraud and drug abuse. But what moral reference do they have when adults in power model corruption, vulgarity, and impunity?

The time has come for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Wike’s appointing authority, to draw a moral line. Silence in the face of such misconduct is complicity. If the President truly believes in restoring dignity to governance, this is the moment to act, to remind his appointees that office is a privilege that demands civility and restraint.

Similarly, the Body of Benchers must defend the integrity of its name. It must not allow political favouritism to erode its moral standard. The nation watches to see if it will have the courage to hold one of its own accountable for conduct unbecoming of a learned gentleman.

This is a moment for introspection, not only about Wike’s behaviour but about the culture of impunity that allows such men to thrive. We must re-establish character as the true measure of leadership, not noise, wealth, or influence.

If we continue to reward insolence and overlook misconduct, we will raise a generation of rulers without restraint, men who mistake brutality for strength, arrogance for confidence, and vulgarity for candour.

Wike’s shameful outburst may yet serve a purpose, if it awakens us to the urgent need for moral renewal in public life.

By his conduct, he has dishonoured the office he holds, embarrassed his profession, and ridiculed the nation before the watching world.

He was uncouth, unprofessional, and utterly disgraceful, a stark reminder that character, not power, remains the only legitimate foundation for authority.

Remember: the world is watching!
President Trump is watching!!
Nigerians are taking records!!!
Posterity is hastening judgment!!!

If character were the yardstick, half of Nigeria’s rulers would be unemployable.

Human Rights Lawyer Ejiofor Congratulates Soludo, Says Victory Well-Deserved

Renowned Nigerian human rights lawyer, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has described Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s victory in Saturday’s governorship election as a coronation by the people of Anambra State, reaffirming their confidence in his leadership.

Ejiofor, an Anambra-born but Abuja-based lawyer, stated that Soludo’s victory was well-deserved, given his strong grassroots connections and people-oriented programmes, which have endeared him to the people of Anambra State.

He noted that Governor Soludo’s re-election is not merely a personal achievement but a collective triumph for Ndi Anambra,a renewed mandate for consolidation, continuity, and accelerated transformation.

According to Ejiofor, the victory affirms that leadership founded on intellect, courage, and integrity still resonates deeply with the people.

He urged Governor Soludo to remain magnanimous in victory, emphasizing that the season of campaign rhetoric is over and that governance, in its purest form, must now take centre stage.

Ejiofor further advised the Governor to see himself as the leader of all,both those who supported him and those who did not.

He added that the spirit of inclusiveness, tolerance, and visionary governance should continue to define his administration.

According to him, the victory should rekindle Soludo’s avowed commitment to transform Anambra State into the true “Dubai of Africa,” as he has consistently envisioned.

He stressed that the people have renewed their faith in him, and the challenge ahead is to translate that faith into greater prosperity, unity, and sustainable development for the state.

Ejiofor stated:“I most heartily extend my warmest congratulations to His Excellency, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, on his resounding and well-deserved re-election as the Executive Governor of Anambra State in the just-concluded gubernatorial election.

This victory, though emphatic and overwhelming, came as no surprise to discerning observers of Anambra’s political landscape. It was a triumph long foretold—a success I had publicly predicted days before the poll. All empirical indicators and political permutations pointed unmistakably to the fact that Governor Soludo was, in truth, in a contest against himself.

While many may have speculated otherwise, the handwriting on the wall was crystal clear: his broad-based acceptance across the length and breadth of Anambra State, his grassroots engagement, and the visible imprints of his developmental strides spoke louder than any campaign slogan. Indeed, among all the contestants, none possessed the political capital, performance record, or people’s trust strong enough to alter the tide. What transpired at the polls was not merely an election—it was, in every sense, a coronation by the people of Anambra State, reaffirming their confidence in a visionary leader.

Governor Soludo’s re-election is, therefore, not only a personal victory but a collective triumph for Ndi Anambra—a renewed mandate for consolidation, continuity, and accelerated transformation. It affirms that leadership founded on intellect, courage, and integrity still resonates deeply with our people.

As he embarks on this second mandate, I urge His Excellency to remain magnanimous in victory. The season of campaign rhetoric is over; governance, in its purest form, must now take centre stage. The Governor must see himself as the leader of all—those who supported him and those who did not. The spirit of inclusiveness, tolerance, and visionary governance should continue to define his stewardship.

This victory should rekindle his avowed commitment to transform Anambra State into the real ‘Dubai of Africa,’ as he has consistently envisioned. The people have renewed their faith in him; the task ahead is to translate that faith into greater prosperity, unity, and sustainable development for our dear state.

Once again, I most heartily congratulate Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, on this well-earned and historic victory. May divine wisdom, strength, and foresight continue to guide him as he leads Anambra to greater heights.

Congratulations, Your Excellency.”

Nigeria’s Love Affair with Terrorists Must End ,Human Rights Lawyer Ejiofor




Renowned Nigerian human rights lawyer and lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has stated that if Nigeria truly desires peace, it must stop romanticising terrorism and begin to confront it decisively.

Ejiofor made this known in a statement titled “Weekend Musing: When the Monsters They Created Began to Rule Them; And Why Trump’s ‘Wipe Them Out’ Threat Still Rattles Their Enablers.”

According to him, whenever former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks firmly about dealing with terrorists, instead of hastily shouting “sovereignty!”, Nigerians should ask themselves:“Sovereignty over what? Over ungoverned territories? Over mass graves? Or over a nation that now negotiates with killers in broad daylight?”

Ejiofor argued that seeking foreign assistance should not be treated as a taboo when the nation’s sovereignty has already been “auctioned to bandits.”

He maintained that those protesting against external help are not defending sovereignty but merely protecting their political bargaining chips.

Quoting an Igbo proverb, Ejiofor said: “Onye kpara nku ahu yoro ngwere olu,”which translates loosely as, “He who fetches ant-infested firewood has invited lizards to a feast.”

He explained that the monsters some politicians nurtured to fight their perceived enemies have now grown beyond their control ,dictating who farms, who lives, and who rules.

Ejiofor emphasized that what the world offers Nigeria today is not colonization but rescue, noting that the terms and scope of any international intervention should be diplomatically discussed and mutually agreed upon.

He further stressed that Nigeria’s security institutions must play a central role in directing such operations, as no external partner intends to dismantle Nigeria’s democratic structures.

According to him, “Nigeria truly needs help.”

Ejiofor warned that until the country musters the courage to punish the enablers, expose the sponsors, and secure its borders, Nigerians will continue to mourn the same victims under different headlines.

“For now,the monsters dance freely while their creators hide behind national flags. But make no mistake — every dance has its last drumbeat.”

As for me, I’ll keep watching and writing. Because when silence becomes tradition, even truth begins to beg for attention.”he said.

Read the full statement:

WEEKEND MUSING
WHEN THE MONSTERS THEY CREATED BEGAN TO RULE THEM;
AND WHY TRUMP’S “WIPE THEM OUT” THREAT STILL RATTLES THEIR ENABLERS

It was one of those quiet Saturday mornings, the kind where your mind starts digging up uncomfortable truths. From the serenity of my bed, I found myself reflecting on a question that has become too heavy for silence: how did a nation once called the Giant of Africa become so helpless before the monsters it created?

Let’s not hide behind pretense. Boko Haram, ISWAP, deadly cattle-rustling militias- Fulani herdsmen and bandits of various labels are not strangers from outer space. The majority were imported while many were born and bred here, in our soil, in our politics, and in the greed of men who thought they could control chaos. It began with whispers about “using them” for elections or intimidation. Now, those same creators watch in silence as their Frankenstein monsters dictate the rhythm of our national sorrow.

Today, vast parts of Borno, Yobe, Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, Benue, Kaduna, and even down to Enugu, Ebonyi and Plateau are either under siege or partially conquered. Villages once bustling with laughter now echo only with gunshots and wailing. Ask the people of Baga, where Boko Haram turned a fishing town to ashes; ask Zangon Kataf in Kaduna, where attackers have massacred families in single nights; or the displaced farmers of Otukpo in Benue who must pay “levies” to till the soil their fathers died protecting. The truth hits differently when you meet the victims.

In Shiroro and Munya LGAs of Niger State, bandits have effectively become landlords, collecting taxes and dictating who enters or leaves. Birnin Gwari in Kaduna has repeatedly been the scene of mass kidnappings and attacks. And yet the country pretends it’s all “under control.”

Meanwhile, in Abuja and other cities, politicians still walk free, some of them the very enablers and financiers of this chaos. Retired security chiefs have publicly admitted how the seeds of these monsters were sown within political circles, but the silence that follows each revelation is louder than any gunfire. The truth is that Nigeria has been in a dangerous relationship with denial, and like every toxic relationship, it is costing us lives.

The irony deepens when we see “negotiations” between state officials and bandits played out on television. You see men with AK-47s slung across their shoulders being treated like peace envoys, while government representatives smile awkwardly beside them. In any sane country, such a public surrender of sovereignty would spark outrage; here it has become a national culture of shame.

And now, America sneezes and Nigeria catches a fever. When Donald Trump recently declared his intention to “wipe out the monsters committing genocide against Christians in Nigeria”, you could almost hear the political class jump in unison. Suddenly, we became born-again defenders of sovereignty, those that failed to protect children in Chibok, girls in Dapchi, or farmers in Benue. How convenient!

Let’s be clear: the noise isn’t about patriotism. It’s about self-preservation. Too many people have turned insecurity into a thriving enterprise: those who negotiate ransoms, those who supply arms, those who collect “security votes” without securing anything, and those who profit politically from fear. The prospect of a foreign force dismantling this network terrifies them, not because they love Nigeria, but because it would collapse their cash cow.

The world knew the scale of our tragedy long before any single politician made headlines. Human-rights organisations and investigators have documented widespread atrocities and urged accountability. Thousands of lives have been lost, millions displaced, and entire communities erased from maps. The evidence is on every Nigerian lip, every burnt village, and every weeping IDP camp.

During one of my visits to an IDP camp in Abuja earlier this year, I saw toddlers, one, two, three years old, who had no memory of home or parents. Some were born in the camp and might die there if nothing changes. I left that camp broken. Nigeria has happened to them, and it is shameful that our leaders can still sleep at night.

So, when Trump talks tough, instead of shouting “sovereignty!” maybe we should ask ourselves: sovereignty over what? Over ungoverned territories? Over mass graves? Or over a nation that now negotiates with killers in broad daylight?

Those crying foul are simply afraid of losing their political bargaining chip. As the Igbo say, “onye kpara nku ahu, yoro ngwere olu”, loosely: “he who fetched ant-infested firewood has invited lizards to a feast.” The monsters some reared to fight their perceived enemies have outgrown their control. They now decide who farms, who lives, and who rules.

If Nigeria truly wants peace, it must stop romanticising terror and start confronting it. Foreign help should not be a taboo word when our sovereignty has already been auctioned to bandits. What the world offers is not colonisation, it is rescue. The terms and scope of any intervention should be discussed and diplomatically agreed. Nigeria’s security services must play a pivotal role in directing operations against these common enemies. Nobody is coming to dismantle Nigeria’s democratic institutions. No! Nigeria truly needs help.

Until we summon the courage to punish the enablers, expose the sponsors, and secure our borders, we will keep mourning the same dead under different headlines. For now, the monsters dance freely, and their creators hide behind national flags. But make no mistake: every dance has its last drumbeat.

As for me, I’ll keep watching and writing. Because when silence becomes tradition, even truth begins to beg for attention.

Enjoy your weekend; if you still can

Stand Firm, Vote Right — Ejiofor Charges Anambra Electorate



Renowned Nigerian human rights lawyer and Lead Counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has called on the people of Anambra State to come out en masse to vote and freely choose their next leader in tomorrow’s gubernatorial election.

In a statement issued on Friday, Ejiofor urged all eligible voters to participate actively and fearlessly in the democratic process, stressing that no one should succumb to intimidation or financial inducement.

“I urge every eligible voter to come out en masse and exercise their franchise freely, fearlessly, and conscientiously. Let no one yield to intimidation or inducement of any kind. A vote is not a commodity; it is a sacred trust. To sell your vote is to auction your conscience and in doing so, to mortgage the future of your children for a fleeting moment of gratification,” he stated.

Ejiofor described the exercise as both a duty and a privilege that will define the future of the state.

He reminded the electorate that their votes remain their strongest voices in shaping the kind of leadership they desire.

“Tomorrow offers a rare opportunity for our people to speak decisively about the quality of governance and leadership we seek. Campaigns are over, the rhetoric has ended , now it is time for the people to speak through the ballot and determine their future,” he added.

Ejiofor expressed optimism that, based on credible indications and assurances received, the election would be peaceful, transparent, and credible.

He disclosed that security agencies had pledged to ensure the safety of voters and urged residents to cooperate fully with law enforcement officers deployed for election duties.

“Let us all resist every temptation to engage in acts that could undermine the peace or integrity of the electoral process,” he cautioned.

Ejiofor also extended his goodwill to all the candidates participating in the election.

“I wish every candidate a successful outing. May the will of the people prevail, and may victory be earned through persuasion, not through the manipulation of figures,” he said.

Turning to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ejiofor described the election as a litmus test for the leadership of its new Chairman, Prof. Amupitan.

“The eyes of Nigerians, and indeed the world, are firmly fixed on INEC at this critical juncture. The Commission must uphold its constitutional responsibilities with integrity, impartiality, and courage,” he added.

He cautioned INEC against any form of malpractice or internal compromise, noting that the credibility of elections often suffers more from insider manipulation than from external interference.

“INEC must demonstrate that under Prof. Amupitan’s leadership, votes will truly count and democracy will not be subverted by bureaucratic conspiracies,” Ejiofor declared.

He further urged the electoral body to maintain neutrality and professionalism throughout the process to ensure the election is free, fair, transparent, and devoid of rigging.

“Anything less will amount to a betrayal of public confidence and a stain on the institution’s credibility,” he warned.

Ejiofor described the moment as a defining one for Anambra State.

“Tomorrow’s election is more than a contest among candidates; it is a referendum on our collective future. Let us conduct ourselves with dignity and allow the voice of the electorate — not the noise of manipulation — to determine the outcome.May peace, fairness, and the will of the people prevail,” he said.

Human rights Lawyer Ejiofor to Tinubu: Ignore Trump’s Warning at Your Peril

Renowned Nigerian human rights lawyer and lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has advised the Nigerian government not to dismiss lightly the recent threat issued by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who vowed to send American forces to fight the alleged killing of Christians in Nigeria.

In a statement released on Monday, titled “Monday Musing: When the Eagle Roars President Trump’s War Directive and the Diplomatic Reverberations Nigeria Must Not Ignore,” Ejiofor cautioned that the U.S. President known for his assertive and often unpredictable foreign policy rarely issues empty threats.

Ejiofor drew attention to President Trump’s recent post on his Truth Social platform, where he described Nigeria as a “now disgraced country” and hinted that the United States might “go in guns blazing.”

According to Ejiofor, this should not be dismissed as mere rhetorical flourish, but rather understood as a diplomatic thunderclap capable of triggering serious international repercussions.

“Those familiar with the weight of every syllable uttered by the Commander-in-Chief of the world’s most formidable military should know that this is no idle bluster,” Ejiofor warned.

He noted that Trump’s claim of having “instructed the Department of War to prepare for possible action”,though unofficial signals a symbolic mobilization that Nigeria’s diplomatic establishment cannot afford to ignore.

Ejiofor reminded observers that Trump, during his presidency, demonstrated a readiness to translate words into decisive military action.

“Before anyone dismisses this as the musings of an aging political titan seeking relevance, we must remember that this is the same man who ordered the elimination of an Iranian general with clinical precision and redrew entire global alliances with a single tweet,” “Trump may speak with the swagger of a showman, but his words have historically carried the weight of intent.”Ejiofor said.

He further warned that if Nigeria’s security agencies fail to decisively confront those responsible for sectarian violence, the ensuing vacuum could invite foreign intervention.

“And when the Americans decide to act,” “history shows they seldom knock politely.”he stated.

Ejiofor emphasized that the United States intelligence network operates not on conjecture, but on a foundation of “satellites, precision, and policy.”

He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to view the situation through a foreign policy and national security lens, advocating for proactive diplomatic engagement with Washington to clarify Nigeria’s position, rebuild confidence, and prevent unnecessary escalation.

He also called for a comprehensive human rights response, urging the Nigerian government to transparently investigate alleged religious killings and demonstrate to the international community that Nigeria remains committed to the rule of law, human dignity, and religious freedom.

Ejiofor added that diplomacy, if properly deployed, could transform potential confrontation into strategic partnership.

“Nigeria must not wait for the roar of the eagle to become a strike. This is the moment to act, to engage, and to reaffirm our sovereignty through responsible diplomacy.”he stated.


Read the statement I full:

When a man who commands the world’s most sophisticated military machine speaks, it is wise, indeed, prudent, for nations to listen. And when that man happens to be Donald J. Trump, a figure known for making words do the work of missiles, discerning minds must go beyond the surface and read between the ferocious lines.

President Trump’s recent declaration on his Truth Social platform, in which he referred to Nigeria as a “now disgraced country” and hinted that the United States might “go in guns blazing,” is not a mere rhetorical flourish. It is a thunderclap with diplomatic tremors. Those familiar with the weight of every syllable uttered by the Commander-in-Chief of the world’s most formidable army should know that this is no idle bluster.

Let us carefully unpack the salient points of that post, for they are as instructive as they are alarming.

First, the phrase: “USA may very well go into that now disgraced country guns blazing.” That is no casual metaphor. It suggests readiness, an impatience, even, with what is perceived as a moral or security collapse within Nigeria.

Second, Trump’s assertion that he has “instructed the Department of War to prepare for possible action” (a phrase that, though unofficial, should send shivers down diplomatic corridors) implies a symbolic mobilization of conscience, if not of arms.

And thirdly, the chilling promise: “If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet.” Those words are not just rhetorical sugar; they are the kind of language that has preceded many of history’s “shock and awe” campaigns.

Now, before anyone dismisses this as the musings of an aging political titan seeking relevance, let us remember that the same man once ordered the elimination of an Iranian general with clinical precision, and redrew entire global alliances with a single tweet. Trump may speak with the swagger of a showman, but his words have historically carried the weight of intent.

It would therefore be naïve, indeed, dangerously so, for Nigerian officials to wave off this development as the usual Trumpian theatre. When the Eagle of the West clears its throat, the wise dove listens.

Beneath the rhetoric lies a coded indictment. Referring to Nigeria as a “disgraced country” betrays a bottled-up diplomatic frustration, a deep-seated discontent with certain actions or inactions of our government, particularly regarding its engagement with terrorist elements under the deceptive banner of “peace dialogue.”

One must ask: how does a sovereign government justify photo sessions with blood-soaked bandits, draped in ammunition belts like fashion accessories, even as innocent Christians are slaughtered in their homes and churches? How does a nation negotiate with terrorists while its citizens bury pastors and parishioners? If that is not disgrace, what then qualifies?

These public spectacles of appeasement, cloaked as amnesty, are more than national embarrassment, they are moral capitulations. And no responsible foreign government, least of all one as hawkishly security-conscious as the United States, will quietly observe such weakness and indifference without forming conclusions.

For too long, Nigeria’s approach to insecurity has oscillated between denial and diplomacy, even as villages burn and widows multiply. The recent clips circulating online showing the gruesome execution of twelve Christians, including a pastor, by jihadist Fulani herdsmen, are more than atrocities, they are a national indictment.

Let it be clearly stated: if our security apparatus fails to decisively confront these killers, the vacuum will invite foreign intervention. And when the Americans decide to act, as history shows, they seldom knock politely. Their intelligence network is not guided by guesswork; it is guided by satellites, precision, and policy.

It would therefore be wise for the Nigerian government to “make hay while the sun still shines,” for if the storm comes, it may not wait for diplomatic clearance. Trump’s words, whether or not officially adopted by the U.S. establishment, have already planted a seed in global discourse, a seed that could blossom into action if Nigeria continues to look the other way while her citizens perish.

The time for excuses has expired. The time for action is now.

South-East Shines: Okonkwo, Chidoka Applaud De Imperial Philanthropic Family’s Impact

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Prominent Igbo stakeholders have commended De Imperial Philanthropic Family for its outstanding contributions to the development of the South East, particularly through educational scholarships that have uplifted many young Igbo people.

De Imperial Philanthropic Family is a leading humanitarian and socio-cultural organization committed to community growth and the empowerment of young people in the South East who are determined to achieve success in life.

Among the notable Igbo personalities who gave commendations were Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, MD/CEO of United Nigeria Airlines; Chief Osita Chidoka (Ike Obosi); and Barr. Dr. Sylvester Okonkwo.

They made the remarks during the organization’s 6th Annual General Meeting (AGM), held on Thursday at the prestigious Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event drew distinguished leaders from business, public service, and the diaspora, underscoring the organization’s growing national and international influence.

In his welcome address, the National President, High Chief (Dr.) Sir Darlington Nwabunike (Eze-Nwakaibeya, Ogbabalu Aku N’anwu Ojoto), expressed profound gratitude to God for His unwavering grace over the organization.

He praised members for their unity, passion, and dedication to the shared mission of service and transformation.

“We glorify God for sustaining this family and the values that define us , compassion, philanthropy, and an unwavering commitment to humanity. As we convene today, may we continue to uphold these principles with renewed strength,” High Chief Nwabunike remarked.

He reaffirmed that the organization remains a catalyst for progress, particularly in the South East, where many of its development initiatives are strategically targeted.

A key highlight of the AGM was a thought-provoking panel session themed “The Emerging Southeast: Re-Inventing Its Past Glory.”

Prominent speakers, including Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Chief Osita Chidoka, and Barr. Dr. Sylvester Okonkwo, emphasized the urgent need for homegrown economic transformation anchored on the Akụluọụnọ philosophy — the principle of investing in one’s homeland as a foundation for sustainable progress.

In his keynote address, Chief Chidoka challenged the audience to embrace a culture of action rather than excuses.

“We must shift from a culture of alibi to a culture of agency. Progress begins when we take responsibility for shaping our destiny,” he stated.

The AGM also showcased remarkable milestones the organization has achieved in education, healthcare, social welfare, and entrepreneurship development across various communities.

A major highlight was the induction of nine new members, further strengthening the network of individuals committed to impactful philanthropy. The event also featured prestigious recognitions, including,Friedrich Forestythe Award of Honours , Hon. Justice Roseline Nonoyem Ukeje (First Female Judge of the Federal High Court),Evergreen Legends Award Late Prof. Humphrey Nwobu Nwosu,Sterling Profile Award of Excellence in Business & Entrepreneurship — Dr. Sir Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi, OFR (GMD, Obijackson Group),Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu Award of Excellence in Business & Entrepreneurship — Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, CFR and Award of Exemplary Professional Excellence ,Inspector Ugochukwu Prince Orji

The gathering concluded with a renewed resolve to deepen the organization’s humanitarian footprint and continue championing unity, cultural heritage, and sustainable development in Nigeria — with particular focus on the South East.

De Imperial Philanthropic Family remains steadfast in its mission to empower communities, celebrate excellence, and inspire a new generation of leaders committed to selfless service.

ANIAS President Celebrates Non-Indigenes, Drums Support for Soludo re-election

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The President of the Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State (ANIAS), Prince Chigozie Nweke, on behalf of the Executive Council, has extended warm new month greetings and blessings to all non-indigenes residing in the state.

In his goodwill message, Prince Nweke congratulated members and encouraged them to remain law-abiding, peaceful, and united during and after the forthcoming November 8 governorship election.

He urged all non-indigenes to come out en masse to exercise their civic rights by voting for the reelection of governor Charles Soludo , while avoiding any form of violence or conduct that could breach the peace.

According to him, Soludo has done wonderfully well and he needs to the support of non indigenes to continue in his all inclusive government,that has benefited non indigenes in the state.

“We extend our heartfelt and generational blessings to all non-indigenes residing, working, and investing in Anambra State,”

“We deeply appreciate the Anambra State Government for its continued love, support, inclusiveness, and the numerous opportunities and appointments extended to our members.”Nweke said.

The ANIAS President prayed for divine favour and prosperity for all members and residents, adding that the month will usher in greater blessings for individuals, families, and businesses across the state.

“May our families prosper, our businesses flourish, and our generations be blessed with peace, favour, and success,” he added.

Prince Nweke reaffirmed ANIAS’s commitment to strengthening community relations, fostering peaceful coexistence, and promoting mutual respect between indigenes and non-indigenes for the continued progress of Anambra State.

Nigeria on U.S. Watch List Over Christian Killings-IPOB’s Lawyer Demands Action

Renowned Nigerian human rights lawyer and lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has reacted to the decision of U.S. President Donald J. Trump to place Nigeria on the Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) watch list over alleged genocide and systematic persecution of Christians.

Ejiofor in a statement on Saturday stated that this development should not be treated with mere rhetoric or political posturing. According to him, “the moment calls for deep introspection, honesty, and decisive action from those in authority.”

He stated that the inclusion of Nigeria on the U.S. watch list is a serious indictment of the country's human rights record and a reflection of the growing global concern over religious intolerance and targeted violence. Ejiofor urged the Nigerian government to confront these realities transparently and to take concrete steps toward protecting the lives and freedoms of all citizens, regardless of their faith or ethnicity.





Read the full statement below:

WEEKEND MUSING NOW THAT PRESIDENT TRUMP HAS ADDED NIGERIA TO THE “COUNTRIES OF PARTICULAR CONCERN” WATCH LIST:

“From quiet fields to shattered altars, the slow, dreadful unfolding of a faith under siege. May we remember those who did not live to see relief, and pray that the world now dares to face its shame.”

Now that President Donald J. Trump has publicly added Nigeria to the Countries of Particular Concern watch list over genocide against Christians, the hour demands more than rhetorics,it demands introspection, honesty, and action.

For months, the debate has simmered. The Federal Government of Nigeria, from its seat in Abuja, has made attempts, some serious, others perfunctory, to downplay or deflect global outrage over the recurrent extermination of Christian communities. At the same time, certain hirelings, such as Reno Omokri, without any formal mandate, attempted to manipulate foreign opinion through a tea-party-styled gathering in Nigeria, pushing a pre-packaged narrative aimed at countering the steadily mounting record of Christian lives lost. That gambit proved counter-productive and brutally miscalculated, a public relations disaster the planners should still be lamenting.

Now, however, the American Government has taken a bold and unmistakable step: elevating Nigeria’s plight onto the visible global stage. The moment demands that we set aside domestic politics, propaganda, and misleading narratives, and confront the real situation head-on.

The Christian community in Nigeria is not merely under threat, it is enduring existential assaults that bear the unmistakable hallmarks of systematic elimination. According to multiple independent reports, thousands of Christians are killed each year, their churches burnt, villages emptied, and ancestral farmlands seized.
Nigeria’s Christian population has repeatedly faced targeted attacks, from the North during the jihadist surge of Boko Haram and its affiliate ISWAP, to the “Middle Belt” farmer-herder conflicts, where Fulani-linked militias frequently assault Christian farming communities under the guise of grazing disputes.

These are not random or collateral tragedies. They reflect a pattern of deliberate targeting, of faith, of identity, and of land.

The Positive Impact of Trump’s Declaration

The declaration by President Trump carries profound implications for Nigeria and beyond:

a. International Spotlight: It draws renewed international attention to the crisis, making it harder for the Nigerian state to maintain its business-as-usual, performative responses.

b. Diplomatic Pressure: It signals potential diplomatic and economic consequences should the persecution persist, thereby creating leverage for genuine accountability.

c. Moral Recognition: It validates and honours the suffering of the victims, many of whom, until now, have been treated as mere statistics rather than martyrs of conscience and faith.

Let us be clear: the declaration is only a beginning. The real test lies in action.

Those who have systematically executed this extermination agenda must be identified, arrested, and prosecuted under the full weight of the law. There must be no secret trials, no political negotiations, justice must be visible and uncompromising.

The Nigerian Government must realise that if the United States has invoked its moral and diplomatic authority to name Nigeria publicly, it must have done so on the strength of verified facts, data, and credible intelligence. Any continued denial or silence risks exposing the government’s complicity or indifference.

Those who planted bombs in churches, massacred worshippers, displaced entire congregations, or seized farmlands from Christian families have no narrative left to hide behind. The fate of the victims of this silent slaughter is a scar upon the conscience of the nation, and indeed, the global Church.

Every village razed, every child orphaned, every altar desecrated sends a chilling reminder that faith and life must never again be bartered for silence.

May the victims know that their suffering has scented the winds of change.
May the survivors find renewed courage.
And may the perpetrators learn that the cameras of history are no longer turned away.

As we step into a new month, I wish the victims of this genocide, and indeed all our well-wishers, and supporters; resilience, hope, and the promise of justice.
May the coming days bring renewal, peace, and accountability

Onitsha South LGA Blasts APC Rally Over Classroom Disruption

The Onitsha South Local Government Council of Anambra State has strongly condemned the defiant rally organized by the All Progressives Congress (APC) at Community Primary School, Onitsha on Thursday, which disrupted the learning process of schoolchildren in session.

In a statement signed by the Council Secretary, Hon. Paul Onuachalla, the Council described the action as reckless, insensitive, and a blatant disregard for the educational rights of children.

According to Hon. Onuachalla, “It is deeply regrettable that Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and his supporters could organize a political rally within a public primary school during school hours, without any consideration for the disruption of pupils’ academic activities or the sanctity of the learning environment.”

He further stated that the political gathering was a clear violation of standing directives issued by both the Local Government Council and the Anambra State Government, which expressly prohibit the use of school premises for political events during instructional hours.

Hon. Onuachalla said that these directives were not designed to target or victimize any individual or political party, but rather form part of the Council’s “Safe Learning Environment Initiative”a policy aimed at protecting and promoting the welfare, safety, and educational development of schoolchildren across Onitsha South.

He reiterated that the Council would not tolerate any act that endangers pupils, undermines academic activities, or politicizes public learning spaces, warning that future violations would attract appropriate legal and administrative sanctions.

The statement reads:

The attention of the Onitsha South Local Government has been drawn to the planned APC rally scheduled to hold at Community Primary School, Onitsha, on 30th October 2025, in clear violation of directives issued by both the Local Government Council and the State Government.

It is important to emphasize that these directives were not intended to target or victimize any particular candidate or political party. Rather, they form part of our “Safe Learning Environment Initiative,” designed to protect and promote the welfare and education of our schoolchildren.

The Council has exercised restraint and responsibility in order to avoid a situation where the supposed solution becomes more harmful than the problem itself. In this regard, we urge well-meaning constituents, community stakeholders, and religious leaders to openly condemn the actions of Chief Ukachukwu and his campaign handlers, whose conduct blatantly disregards lawful authority and public order.

This development clearly suggests that the APC candidate places little or no value on the education and well-being of our pupils. We are convinced that Chief Ukachukwu possesses the means to host his political rally at any of the available town halls or event centers within Onitsha South, yet he has chosen instead to disrupt the peaceful learning environment of our schoolchildren during school hours.

The Onitsha South Local Government remains committed to protecting educational spaces from political interference and ensuring that our children continue to learn in a safe and undisturbed environment.

The Onitsha South Local Government Council of Anambra State has strongly condemned the defiant rally organized by the All Progressives Congress (APC) at Community Primary School, Onitsha on Thursday, which disrupted the learning process of schoolchildren in session.

In a statement signed by the Council Secretary, Hon. Paul Onuachalla, the Council described the action as reckless, insensitive, and a blatant disregard for the educational rights of children.

According to Hon. Onuachalla, “It is deeply regrettable that Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and his supporters could organize a political rally within a public primary school during school hours, without any consideration for the disruption of pupils’ academic activities or the sanctity of the learning environment.”

He further stated that the political gathering was a clear violation of standing directives issued by both the Local Government Council and the Anambra State Government, which expressly prohibit the use of school premises for political events during instructional hours.

Hon. Onuachalla said that these directives were not designed to target or victimize any individual or political party, but rather form part of the Council’s “Safe Learning Environment Initiative”a policy aimed at protecting and promoting the welfare, safety, and educational development of schoolchildren across Onitsha South.

He reiterated that the Council would not tolerate any act that endangers pupils, undermines academic activities, or politicizes public learning spaces, warning that future violations would attract appropriate legal and administrative sanctions.

The statement reads:

The attention of the Onitsha South Local Government has been drawn to the planned APC rally scheduled to hold at Community Primary School, Onitsha, on 30th October 2025, in clear violation of directives issued by both the Local Government Council and the State Government.

It is important to emphasize that these directives were not intended to target or victimize any particular candidate or political party. Rather, they form part of our “Safe Learning Environment Initiative,” designed to protect and promote the welfare and education of our schoolchildren.

The Council has exercised restraint and responsibility in order to avoid a situation where the supposed solution becomes more harmful than the problem itself. In this regard, we urge well-meaning constituents, community stakeholders, and religious leaders to openly condemn the actions of Chief Ukachukwu and his campaign handlers, whose conduct blatantly disregards lawful authority and public order.

This development clearly suggests that the APC candidate places little or no value on the education and well-being of our pupils. We are convinced that Chief Ukachukwu possesses the means to host his political rally at any of the available town halls or event centers within Onitsha South, yet he has chosen instead to disrupt the peaceful learning environment of our schoolchildren during school hours.

The Onitsha South Local Government remains committed to protecting educational spaces from political interference and ensuring that our children continue to learn in a safe and undisturbed environment.

CATYCOI Seeks Security Synergy for Credible Anambra Polls

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The Catch Them Young Community Initiative (CATYCOI), a non-governmental organization (NGO), has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to ensure that the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8 is free, fair, transparent, and credible.

During courtesy visits to the headquarters of both agencies in Awka, the Executive Director of CATYCOI, Mr. Nonso Orakwe, stated that the organization’s engagement aims to strengthen cooperation with security agencies in promoting peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections.

According to Orakwe, the initiative aligns with CATYCOI’s broader youth-led advocacy for electoral reforms, which complements ongoing constitutional amendment efforts and seeks to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic governance.

“We seek collaboration with the Police and the NSCDC to enhance civic participation and ensure security during the election. Our goal is to promote good governance, voter education, and inclusiveness throughout the electoral process,” Orakwe said.

He emphasized that the partnership was vital in light of growing concerns about potential electoral violence, urging security agencies to guarantee the safety of both electoral materials and the electorate before, during, and after the polls.

Orakwe commended the professionalism of security operatives in previous elections, expressing confidence that they would replicate and even surpass those standards in the November 8 exercise.

“We are advocating and hoping that the Police and other security agencies will ensure a peaceful, credible, and transparent election devoid of violence,” he added.



Police Reiterate Commitment to Peaceful Elections

Responding on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, commended CATYCOI for its advocacy toward peaceful and credible elections.

Ikenga noted that while such initiatives are laudable, advocacy for peaceful elections should ideally begin long before the election year to achieve wider reach and deeper community impact.

“This kind of advocacy should have started much earlier so that the message would have reached every part of the state. Our biggest challenge remains voter apathy. People must be encouraged to participate actively in the process,” he said.

He underscored the importance of continuous voter education and civic engagement, adding that innovations such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) have significantly reduced ballot box snatching and other electoral malpractices.

“The duty of the Police during elections is to provide a safe and conducive environment for voters to exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation. We are confident that the upcoming election will be peaceful and credible,” Ikenga assured.

Ikenga also disclosed that, as an off-cycle election, additional security personnel would be deployed from neighboring states to reinforce security across Anambra.

He revealed plans for the establishment of a Police Situation Room for real-time monitoring of electoral developments, inviting CATYCOI to participate as observers.

“We have instructed our officers to conduct themselves professionally and in a disciplined manner. The Police do not carry arms at polling units, as elections are civic, not military, activities,” he reiterated.

He added that the command had intensified raids on identified black spots to prevent criminal groups from disrupting the electoral process, while engaging community leaders to caution their members against acts that could jeopardize the election.



NSCDC Pledges Support for Credible Elections

At the NSCDC Command Headquarters in Awka, Orakwe reaffirmed CATYCOI’s commitment to partnering with security agencies to ensure a peaceful, free, and fair election.

“We are here to seek your partnership to ensure that the November 8 governorship election is credible and devoid of violence. Voters must be confident that they can come out and vote safely,” he said.

Responding, Deputy Commandant PN Ukaobi, who represented the Anambra State Commandant, Mr. Maku Olatunde, pledged the Corps’ readiness to collaborate with CATYCOI and other civic organizations to promote credible elections.

She expressed concern over the low voter turnout observed in past elections, noting that despite significant government investment in the electoral process, public confidence had remained low.

“The problem is that many people have lost confidence in the electoral process. However, we are beginning to see renewed interest and participation among citizens, which is encouraging,” Ukaobi said.

She assured that the NSCDC would continue to engage civic groups and stakeholders to foster a peaceful and credible electoral environment.

CATYCOI Pushes for Electoral Reforms

Orakwe further revealed that CATYCOI currently has several bills before the National Assembly aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral framework.

One of the proposed legislations seeks to establish an Independent Electoral Offences Commission to ensure that electoral offenders are prosecuted promptly.

“It is unacceptable that individuals with pending court cases continue to occupy leadership positions. The law must hold everyone accountable,” he stated.

Another proposed bill advocates for the transparent electronic transmission of election results and real-time citizen monitoring of outcomes via online platforms to enhance public trust in the process.

Orakwe also called for a clearer legal interpretation and implementation of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), insisting that if the process is truly continuous, eligible citizens should be able to register at their local government offices at any time.

He appealed to security agencies and other stakeholders to lend their voices in support of these legislative initiatives, emphasizing that they are essential to deepening democracy and ensuring electoral integrity in Nigeria.

Towards a Secure and Credible Anambra Election

CATYCOI’s engagements with the Police and the NSCDC highlight the vital role of security agencies, civil society, and legal reform in guaranteeing credible elections. The partnership not only seeks to secure the forthcoming Anambra governorship election but also aims to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.

Onitsha LGA Blasts Chief Sabest Uzoeto Over Desperate Land Grab Attempt

The Onitsha South Local Government Council has condemned a recent publication by one Chief Sabest Uzoeto, in which he called on the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, to remove the Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Emeka Joseph Orji.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Secretary of Council, Mr. Paul Onuachala, the Council described Uzoeto’s publication as “a desperate outburst by a sinking man”, noting that his allegations against the Mayor and the Local Government were “baseless, misleading, and malicious.”

“The allegations made by Chief Sabest Uzoeto against the Onitsha South Local Government and its Mayor are entirely false and are hereby vehemently denied,” “Chief Uzoeto is respectfully invited to strict proof of his allegations before a court of competent jurisdiction,” Mr. Onuachala added.

According to the Council, Chief Uzoeto’s claim of ownership over the disputed land had previously been lodged before the High Court of Onitsha, but was voluntarily withdrawn by Uzoeto himself.
Subsequently, he filed a petition before the Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Public Petitions, which was “robustly challenged” by the Onitsha South Local Government and its Mayor through an Originating Summons. The matter, the Council confirmed, is currently pending before the High Court awaiting judicial determination.

Mr. Onuachala further stated that the Council views Chief Uzoeto’s actions,shifting from one forum to another as evidence of desperation rather than lawful pursuit of justice.

“Onitsha South Local Government genuinely believes that Chief Uzoeto’s maneuvers, from the High Court to the State House of Assembly Committee, portray a pattern of manipulation and abuse of legal process,” Onuachala said.

“His current campaign of calumny, launched with little or no regard for the sub judice nature of the pending matter, clearly reveals a desperate attempt to mislead and deceive unsuspecting members of the public,” he added.

Anambra Police Chief Bars Vigilantes from Election Duty



Titus Maduako Eleweke

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has warned local security operatives, particularly members of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group, to steer clear of election duties during the forthcoming November 8, 2025, governorship election in the state.

CP Orutugu issued the warning on Monday during his ongoing statewide strategic engagements on election patriotism and community security awareness. The visit took him to the Ihiala Area Command and the Oraifite Police Division.

According to the Commissioner, all categories of local vigilante groups are not part of the official election security arrangement and must not be seen around polling stations during the exercise.

“Every Agunechemba member should stay away from polling units. You are citizens like everyone else,go peacefully to your polling stations, cast your votes, and return home. From 6 p.m. on the eve of the election, no vigilante should appear in uniform near any polling area,” Orutugu warned.

He emphasized that election security remains the constitutional responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force and other statutory security agencies, not local vigilantes or community outfits.

During his engagements, CP Orutugu met with key community stakeholders, including the President General of Ihiala Community, Hon. Henry (Levy) Omatu; Commander of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group, Chief A.K. Ilobi; the Youth President, Prince Chimezie Ezerioha; representatives of the Local Government Chairman; and officers under the Area Command.

At Ihiala, the Commissioner expressed optimism that the lingering security challenges in the area were gradually being overcome. He commended residents for their courage, civic responsibility, and resilience in resisting the influence of criminal elements who had previously attempted to destabilize the region and disrupt political activities.

While addressing security personnel in Oraifite, CP Orutugu praised the synergy between the police and other security agencies, emphasizing that security success in the area was a collective effort.

“The Police cannot take the glory alone for the peace recorded in this area. Security is a joint responsibility,” he noted.

He reiterated the Police Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property and ensuring that the forthcoming election is conducted in a peaceful, credible, and secure atmosphere.

The Commissioner charged police officers and men to uphold discipline, professionalism, and courtesy in the discharge of their duties, stressing that policing must remain people-centered, intelligence-driven, and rooted in human rights protection.

He also reaffirmed that the Joint Security Framework in the state remains active and will be further reinforced to prevent criminal infiltration before, during, and after the election.

CP Orutugu called on Ndi Anambra to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and proactive in providing credible intelligence to assist ongoing security operations.

He urged citizens to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines—112 or 07039194332—for a prompt response.

Commander of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group in Ihiala, Chief A.K. Ilobi, described the Commissioner’s visit as a welcome development, saying it would strengthen collaboration between the police and local security operatives.

He, however, admitted that the security situation in Ihiala, though improving, still requires more attention.

“The situation is gradually returning to normal, and we are recovering some communities. But we need more police presence to completely defeat insecurity in the area,” he said.

Chief Ilobi identified fear among community stakeholders as one of the major challenges, noting that many influential individuals are too afraid to speak against criminal elements.

He lamented the deplorable condition of police infrastructure in the area command ,stating that police stations destroyed during the EndSARS protests have not been rebuilt.

“There are no operational vehicles, and morale among officers is low. The police need support to function effectively. To restore full security in Ihiala, critical stakeholders must get involved,” he added.

The President General of Ihiala, Hon. Levy Omatu, expressed delight at the CP’s visit, commending the recent posting of a new Divisional Police Officer who, he said, is performing well.

Omatu disclosed that the community has set aside a budget to renovate burnt police buildings and provide operational vehicles.

“Our people are not happy with the insecurity, but normalcy is gradually returning. We will continue to work with the police to ensure positive changes in the Ihiala Area ,” he assured.

In his remarks, the Ihiala Youth President, Prince Chimezie Ezerioha,popularly known as Pope General—lamented the deterioration of security in the area over the past three years.

He, however, urged the youths to unite in the fight against crime.

“There’s no way criminals can operate here without inside help. The youths must rise up and defend our land. We say no more to crime,” he declared.

Ezerioha also appealed to the CP to caution police officers against intimidating youths, noting that mutual trust is essential for effective intelligence sharing.

He called on influential sons and daughters of Ihiala to support the community’s security efforts financially and materially, adding that many residents who fled due to insecurity should feel safe to return, especially during the upcoming Christmas season.

Responding, CP Orutugu acknowledged the community’s challenges and promised to address the shortage of operational vehicles and other logistics in the division.

“When I arrived in Anambra as Commissioner of Police, no one imagined visiting places like Ihiala due to fear. But today, I see progress and determination. I urge the youths to protect government and community property,no outsider should be allowed to destroy what belongs to us,” he said.

The CP also commended the Agunechemba Vigilante Group for their cooperation with the police, describing them as crucial partners in community policing.

“If the police are succeeding in Ihiala, it’s because of effective partnership with Agunechemba. Community policing remains our best strategy because you know your people and every corner of your community,” he emphasized.

The Commissioner reaffirmed that the Anambra State Police Command remains resolute in ensuring peace, law, and order across all communities, particularly as the state prepares for the November 8 governorship election.

He assured residents that with continued cooperation between security agencies, vigilante groups, and community stakeholders, Anambra will experience a hitch-free and credible election.