₦airaland Forum

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.

Outraged CP Orutugu Decries Decay at Ihiala Command, Calls Stakeholders to Act

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has condemned the deplorable condition of the Ihiala Area Command, describing its current state as “shameful and unacceptable.”

The Commissioner expressed his displeasure during an inspection visit to the command as part of his ongoing sensitization tour of police formations across the state ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.

CP Orutugu lamented the level of destruction and neglect at the facility, questioning how residents could allow such decay to persist after the damage inflicted during the #EndSARS protests.

“It is unbelievable that an area command located in a community blessed with successful and influential individuals could remain in this terrible state, with no visible effort from the people to rebuild what was destroyed,” he said.

According to him, the Ihiala Area Command has no operational vehicles, while buildings remain burnt and unrepaired, leaving officers to operate under dehumanizing conditions while still providing security for the community.

“It is shameful that the Ihiala Area Command is in such a sorry state — no patrol vehicles, no infrastructure, and officers working in unimaginable conditions to protect this same community,”

“Ihiala has many prominent sons and daughters who are capable of rebuilding these facilities, providing vehicles, and motivating the police to perform better. Yet, nothing has been done.”he fumed.

CP Orutugu further described it as disgraceful that some residents had once woken up and destroyed government property built for their own benefit.

“These structures were built on Ihiala land, not elsewhere. No outsider can come here to destroy them without insiders, it was done by people from within. If you keep waiting for the government to rebuild them, what happens if anger rises again? Will you not destroy them once more?” he asked.

He emphasized that the responsibility of protecting public property lies with every citizen, urging residents to take ownership of security infrastructure in their communities.

“I have never seen anything like this. The #EndSARS protest did not start here, yet criminals hijacked it to burn police facilities and loot public assets. We must protect our institutions, not destroy them,” he warned.

CP Orutugu called on community leaders, political stakeholders, and influential individuals in Ihiala to urgently support the reconstruction of the command, provide logistics, and collaborate with the police to restore effective security operations in the area

Outraged CP Orutugu Decries Decay at Ihiala Command, Calls Stakeholders to Act

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has condemned the deplorable condition of the Ihiala Area Command, describing its current state as “shameful and unacceptable.”

The Commissioner expressed his displeasure during an inspection visit to the command as part of his ongoing sensitization tour of police formations across the state ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.

CP Orutugu lamented the level of destruction and neglect at the facility, questioning how residents could allow such decay to persist after the damage inflicted during the #EndSARS protests.

“It is unbelievable that an area command located in a community blessed with successful and influential individuals could remain in this terrible state, with no visible effort from the people to rebuild what was destroyed,” he said.

According to him, the Ihiala Area Command has no operational vehicles, while buildings remain burnt and unrepaired, leaving officers to operate under dehumanizing conditions while still providing security for the community.

“It is shameful that the Ihiala Area Command is in such a sorry state — no patrol vehicles, no infrastructure, and officers working in unimaginable conditions to protect this same community,”

“Ihiala has many prominent sons and daughters who are capable of rebuilding these facilities, providing vehicles, and motivating the police to perform better. Yet, nothing has been done.”he fumed.

CP Orutugu further described it as disgraceful that some residents had once woken up and destroyed government property built for their own benefit.

“These structures were built on Ihiala land, not elsewhere. No outsider can come here to destroy them without insiders, it was done by people from within. If you keep waiting for the government to rebuild them, what happens if anger rises again? Will you not destroy them once more?” he asked.

He emphasized that the responsibility of protecting public property lies with every citizen, urging residents to take ownership of security infrastructure in their communities.

“I have never seen anything like this. The #EndSARS protest did not start here, yet criminals hijacked it to burn police facilities and loot public assets. We must protect our institutions, not destroy them,” he warned.

CP Orutugu called on community leaders, political stakeholders, and influential individuals in Ihiala to urgently support the reconstruction of the command, provide logistics, and collaborate with the police to restore effective security operations in the area

Outraged CP Orutugu Decries Decay at Ihiala Command, Calls Stakeholders to Act



The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has condemned the deplorable condition of the Ihiala Area Command, describing its current state as “shameful and unacceptable.”

The Commissioner expressed his displeasure during an inspection visit to the command as part of his ongoing sensitization tour of police formations across the state ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.

CP Orutugu lamented the level of destruction and neglect at the facility, questioning how residents could allow such decay to persist after the damage inflicted during the #EndSARS protests.

“It is unbelievable that an area command located in a community blessed with successful and influential individuals could remain in this terrible state, with no visible effort from the people to rebuild what was destroyed,” he said.

According to him, the Ihiala Area Command has no operational vehicles, while buildings remain burnt and unrepaired, leaving officers to operate under dehumanizing conditions while still providing security for the community.

“It is shameful that the Ihiala Area Command is in such a sorry state — no patrol vehicles, no infrastructure, and officers working in unimaginable conditions to protect this same community,”

“Ihiala has many prominent sons and daughters who are capable of rebuilding these facilities, providing vehicles, and motivating the police to perform better. Yet, nothing has been done.”he fumed.

CP Orutugu further described it as disgraceful that some residents had once woken up and destroyed government property built for their own benefit.

“These structures were built on Ihiala land, not elsewhere. No outsider can come here to destroy them without insiders, it was done by people from within. If you keep waiting for the government to rebuild them, what happens if anger rises again? Will you not destroy them once more?” he asked.

He emphasized that the responsibility of protecting public property lies with every citizen, urging residents to take ownership of security infrastructure in their communities.

“I have never seen anything like this. The #EndSARS protest did not start here, yet criminals hijacked it to burn police facilities and loot public assets. We must protect our institutions, not destroy them,” he warned.

CP Orutugu called on community leaders, political stakeholders, and influential individuals in Ihiala to urgently support the reconstruction of the command, provide logistics, and collaborate with the police to restore effective security operations in the area

Igwe Eze Iweka III Pledges Backing for Non-Indigenes, Honoured as Patron

Titus Maduako Eleweke


The Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, His Imperial Majesty Igwe Chidubem Iweka, Ogalagidi Eze Iweka III, has pledged continuous support to non-indigenes residing in Anambra State.

The revered monarch made the pledge during his 2025 Obiora Iwaji Obosi Festival, where the Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State (ANIAS) conferred on him the title of Patron, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and fatherly role in promoting peace and unity across the state.

In his address, Igwe Iweka commended the leadership and members of ANIAS for their peaceful conduct and orderly coexistence with their host communities.

He praised the association for fostering harmonious relationships among residents, regardless of ethnic or religious background.

“I must commend the Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State for the peace and discipline they have continued to demonstrate. You have shown true commitment to the progress and unity of our state,” the monarch said.

He further lauded the President of ANIAS, Prince Chigozie Nweke, for his purposeful leadership and effective coordination of the association’s activities.
According to him, the body’s continuous engagement with traditional institutions, town unions, and the state government has greatly contributed to maintaining peace and mutual respect in Anambra.

The monarch expressed his readiness to support the association whenever needed, assuring them of his palace’s open door for guidance and collaboration.

“Your association has genuine intentions to contribute meaningfully to the development of Anambra State. I am impressed by your conduct and commitment, and I promise to support you whenever you call on me,” he stated.

Igwe Iweka also encouraged non-indigenes in the state to continue being law-abiding, cooperative, and supportive of the state government.

He particularly urged them to rally behind the re-election bid of Governor Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, whom he described as a leader with inclusive governance ideals.

“Governor Soludo’s administration has been fair and accommodating to all residents, including non-indigenes. Many of your members have benefited from his policies in education, healthcare, and employment. I encourage you to support him wholeheartedly,” he said.

While presenting the certificate of patronage to the monarch, ANIAS President, Prince Chigozie Nweke, explained that the association decided to honour Igwe Iweka in recognition of his unwavering support to non-indigenes and his strong role in upholding and promoting the traditional institution and culture of Ndi Anambra.

“We, the executive and elders of the Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State, are proud of your fatherly guidance and constant support. You have always stood by us and ensured that we are treated fairly in the state. Your leadership is a source of inspiration to us,” Nweke said.

He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to maintaining peace and obedience to the laws of the state, emphasizing that non-indigenes are mobilizing with their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in preparation for the forthcoming governorship election to support Governor Soludo’s re-election.

Nweke also commended the governor for his inclusive style of governance, which he said has benefitted non-indigenes more than any previous administration.

“Governor Soludo has shown fairness to all residents, irrespective of ethnic or religious background. We are happy with his administration and will continue to support him in every possible way,” he added.

In his closing remarks, Prince Nweke appreciated the OONI OF IFE and the ETSU OF NUPE, who graced the event, for their continued efforts in promoting unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

“We are honoured to have you here. Your presence reinforces our collective commitment to a united and peaceful Nigeria,” he added.

Anambra Civil Servant Gets ₦1m Bail in Cyberbullying Case

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The Magistrate Court I, sitting in Awka, the Anambra State capital, has granted bail in the sum of ₦1 million to a civil servant, Mr. Ikenna Ezeume, who is standing trial over allegations of cyberbullying and defamation.

The case, titled Inspector General of Police v. Ikenna Ezeume and numbered MAN/336/C, was heard before the Senior Magistrate I, Mrs. O. N. Ike. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge read to him in open court.

Counsel to the defendant, A. C. Nwogbo, Esq., applied orally for bail, urging the court to exercise its discretion in favor of his client. However, the prosecution counsel, Barrister Okongwu Jideofor, opposed the bail application, arguing that the defendant had continued to make publications on social media concerning the matter while police investigations were ongoing.

He contended that releasing the accused on bail might enable him to continue making prejudicial or defamatory online statements.

In response, Mr. Nwogbo argued that his client was never invited for questioning by the Zone 13 Police Command and that the prosecution’s assertions were unfounded.

He further submitted that since the matter was now before the court, the magistrate had the authority to impose conditions restraining the defendant from further online publications related to the case.

After hearing both parties, Magistrate Ike granted bail to the defendant in the sum of ₦1,000,000 (One Million Naira) with one suitable surety. The court cautioned Mr. Ezeume against making any further publications on social media concerning the matter, warning that any violation of this order could lead to his remand in custody.

According to the charge sheet marked MAN/336/C, the defendant is facing two counts, summarized as follows:

Count I:That you, Ikenna Ezeume, between the 1st day of March 2025 and the 31st day of April 2025, within the Awka South Magisterial District, did publish a defamatory matter on the Internet and other social media platforms such as WhatsApp, alleging that one Barrister Okongwu Jideofor (m), Chairman Emeritus of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Aniocha Branch, forged his WAEC result, which he allegedly used to study law at the Delta State University. You thereby published a statement you knew to be false, intending to injure his reputation and expose him to hatred, contempt, and ridicule, contrary to and punishable under Section 325 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 36, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria, as amended.

Count II:
That you, Ikenna Ezeume (m), of Plot 2A, Green Ville Estate, Awka, on or about the 20th day of March 2025, within the Awka Magisterial District, did knowingly provide false information to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 13 Headquarters, Ukpo, through a written petition dated 20th March 2025. In the said petition, you falsely alleged that Barrister Okongwu Jideofor (m), Chairman Emeritus of the NBA, Aniocha Branch, forged his WAEC certificate used in obtaining his law degree from Delta State University, with intent to cause the AIG to direct Sgt. Chidioke Alaeffia of the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department, Zone 13, Ukpo, to act upon the false information to the detriment of the said Barrister Jideofor.
This act is contrary to and punishable under Section 154(1)(b) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 36, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria, 1991, as amended.

During the proceedings, the defendant complained that the complainant, Barrister Okongwu Jideofor, was recording a video of him while he was in the dock. The complainant denied the allegation, describing it as untrue. The magistrate, however, ruled that if any image or video of the defendant in court later surfaces online anywhere, Jideofor would be held responsible as contempt of court.

The matter was adjourned to 17th for continuation of hearing.

Hepatitis on the Rise: Mrs. Soludo Calls Nigeria to Action


Titus Maduako Eleweke


The First Lady of Anambra State, Dr. (Mrs.) Nonye Soludo, has expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in cases of Hepatitis B and C across Nigeria.

She called for urgent, coordinated action to curb the continued spread of the diseases, which she described as a major public health challenge.

Dr. Soludo, who is also the founder of the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo initiative, cited recent data indicating that an estimated 20 million Nigerians are currently infected with either Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or both.

In a statement issued on Friday and made available to journalists in Awka, the First Lady made this call during the 2025 National Hepatitis Summit held in Abuja.

She lamented that over 80 percent of infected persons are unaware of their status, adding that a vast majority of Nigerians know very little or absolutely nothing about hepatitis and its potentially devastating consequences.

Dr. Soludo commended her fellow First Ladies across the country for their shared commitment to improving public health outcomes.

She noted that during the summit, she engaged with medical experts and policymakers, gaining valuable insights on practical strategies that can be adopted by states to strengthen the fight against Hepatitis B and C.

According to her, “The central message of our discussions is that although Nigeria is still far behind in the campaign against hepatitis, we can make meaningful progress if we start taking deliberate and coordinated steps now.”

Dr. Soludo reaffirmed her commitment to advancing health awareness and preventive healthcare through her Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo platform, emphasizing that early testing, vaccination, and public education remain crucial in eliminating Hepatitis B and C in Nigeria.

The statement reads:

Like most ailments, Hepatitis B can be treated if detected early enough. Hepatitis C, too, can be treated with antiviral medicines but only if discovered as early as possible. The good news is that hepatitis B vaccination is included as part of routine vaccination for children in Nigeria. Adults, too, can get vaccinated at any good health facility. The vaccines are not just safe but very effective.*



*The fast-rising counts of Hepatitis B and C prevalence in Nigeria call for all-time urgency of action. To date, available figures show that an estimated 20 million people are infected by either of the diseases or both, with over 80% of these people not even aware of their status. The truth is that we got to this ugly side because a large majority of our people know a little or absolutely nothing about Hepatitis and its dreadfulness.*

*So today at the 2025 National Hepatitis Summit in Abuja, I joined First Ladies from across the country and shared the platform with experts in the field and took away vital points on what we can do as important stakeholders to strengthen the fight against Hepatitis B and C starting from our respective states. At the centre of conversation is the understanding that even though we’re far behind in the journey, we can still make a satisfactory headway if we begin now.*

*Like most ailments, Hepatitis B can be treated if detected early enough. Hepatitis C, too, can be treated with antiviral medicines but only if discovered as early as possible. The good news is that hepatitis B vaccination is included as part of routine vaccination for children in Nigeria. Adults, too, can get vaccinated at any good health facility. The vaccines are not just safe but very effective.*

*The numbers are scary. Yes. But if we don’t show adequate commitment to the campaign through education and strategic dialogues, we’d be dealing with a bigger problem in the soonest future. The time is now to push back the ravage of Hepatitis in Anambra State and Nigeria".

IPOB Lawyer Ejiofor Decries Killings in Name of Religion in Nigeria

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Renowned Nigerian human rights lawyer and lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has strongly condemned the ongoing killings in Nigeria carried out under the guise of religious belief.

In a statement issued on Wednesday titled "Midweek Musing: The Massacre No One Wants to Name Faith Under Fire in Northern Nigeria," Ejiofor expressed deep concern over what he described as a growing wave of religiously motivated violence, primarily targeting Christian communities across northern Nigeria.

He stated that groups such as Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Fulani militias, and various criminal bandits have increasingly merged into what he called “one dark shadow”a convergence of extremist ideology, criminal opportunism, and state failure.

“Denying the religious dimension of this violence is nothing short of whitewashing reality,” Ejiofor said.



He argued that while the conflict is often portrayed as ethnic or resource-based, the pattern of attacks bears “the unmistakable signature of a jihadist campaign” systematically aimed at Christian populations.

He stated that both Christians and Muslims in Nigeria deserve the fundamental right to live and worship without fear.

According to him, the Nigerian state must rise above political hesitations and acknowledge the violence for what it truly is.

“The state must summon the moral and constitutional courage to confront this evil by its proper name. There can be no healing without truth, and no justice without accountability,” Ejiofor added.

He also criticized the international community for its continued silence, urging global human rights organizations and foreign governments to stop looking the other way while communities are being devastated.

“The world must no longer be complicit in silence. Every life matters, and the time to act is now,” Ejiofor concluded.


Statement reads:

When Nigeria’s Soul Burns, the World Must Not Look Away.

There is a cruelty in Nigeria that too often hides behind sanitized headlines like “clashes” or “farmer–herder conflict.” Scratch the surface and a different picture emerges; one of deliberate, organized, and terrifyingly persistent violence.

Across Plateau, Benue, Zamfara, and Borno States, thousands, mostly Christians, have been slaughtered. Churches have been razed, homes burnt, and entire communities displaced. Yet, official narratives continue to call these horrors “bandit attacks.”

A NATION BLEEDING - THE FACTS:

The European Parliament reported that between 2019 and 2023, nearly 17,000 Christians were killed in targeted faith-based attacks across Nigeria. By mid-2025, that number had risen by over 7,000 more. Thousands of churches, schools, and clergy members have been destroyed or abducted.

THE MIDDLE BELT HORROR - PLATEAU AND BENUE:

Nigeria’s agricultural heartland, the Middle Belt, has become its blood-soaked altar.

In Plateau State, over 120 Christians were killed in a single outbreak.

In Benue State, June 2025 alone recorded 85 deaths in one week.

The Yelwata massacre (June 13–14, 2025) claimed up to 200 lives and displaced more than 3,000 people.

Local youth groups have called it what it is: genocide. Yet, government statements still describe these events as “clashes.”

ZAMFARA AND THE EXPANDING NIGHTMARE:

The violence has spread westward. On October 18, 2025, armed bandits stormed Buzugu and Rayau villages in Zamfara State, abducting more than 70 people. Across the northwest, villages burn, citizens vanish, and government presence continues to fade.

TRUTH DEMANDS FAIRNESS - MUSLIMS HAVE ALSO FALLEN VICTIM:

On August 19, 2025, bandits attacked a mosque in Katsina State, killing over 50 worshippers.

The U.S. State Department confirms that both churches and mosques have been targeted. The distinction, however, lies in scale and pattern. While Muslims suffer, Christians remain disproportionately targeted in systematic and faith-driven assaults.

TERROR BY MANY NAMES:

Boko Haram, ISWAP, Fulani militias, and criminal bandits now blur into one dark shadow, a mix of ideology, opportunism, and state failure.

To deny the religious dimension of this violence is to whitewash reality. The pattern of destruction bears the unmistakable signature of a jihadist campaign against Christian communities, thinly disguised as resource or ethnic conflict.

THE RENO OMOKRI CONTROVERSY:

Then came the irony of ironies. Reno Omokri, once a vocal advocate against Christian persecution, invited an American delegation to Nigeria to “debunk” the so-called Christian genocide. But his plan backfired.

One of his guests, Mike Arnold, a former mayor from Texas, publicly denounced him, calling Omokri a liar and propagandist, and comparing him to “Nigeria’s Joseph Goebbels.” Instead of refuting genocide claims, Arnold declared that his visit confirmed them, describing Omokri’s mission as a paid whitewash.

The man who tried to silence the truth was, in the end, exposed by his own guest.

WHEN SILENCE BECOMES COMPLICITY:

If you have read this far, perhaps you feel anger, despair, or disbelief. But silence is no longer an option.

Both Christians and Muslims deserve to live and worship without fear. The Nigerian state must rise above politics and call this evil by its true name. And the international community must stop looking away.

Because in those burnt villages, under the ashes of churches and mosques, the truth still breathes, waiting to be heard.

Akwa Ibom Journalists Sue Chief Judge & Police Boss for ₦3bn Over Rights Violations

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Three aggrieved Journalists;;Mr. Dennis Udoma, Tony Nyong and Iniobong Ekponta, all members of the Correspondent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, have dragged the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Ekaette F. F. Obot and the Commissioner of Police (CP), Baba Azare, before the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, over what they alleged as “grievous and unpardonable infringement” on their fundamental human rights.

In an application filed on June 5, 2025, the trio, who are Correspondents of Daily Monitor, LEADERSHIP newspapers and Eagle Online are seeking an order for the enforcement of their rights as guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.

The Suit No: FHC/UY/FHR/74/25 which names the Chief Judge, officers of the Nigeria Police Force, including members of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, and the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State, as respondents, accused the Police of unlawfully arresting and detaining them in an attempt to suppress an investigative report into alleged workplace harassment, victimization and other rots within the state judiciary.

According to the affidavit deposed by the applicants, the incident occurred on March 28, 2025, when they were summoned to the residence of the Commissioner of Police by the former State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

Upon arrival, the applicants alleged that they were confronted, accused, and subsequently arrested for investigating sensitive issues relating to the judiciary. They claimed the arrest was carried out without any legal justification or warrant, and at the instigation of the Chief Judge.

“The Respondents acted without lawful basis or reasonable suspicion that we had committed any crime,” as stated in their court documents.

“Their actions were a blatant abuse of power designed to intimidate, silence, and punish us for doing our legitimate job as a journalists”.

The suit raises critical constitutional questions, including; whether the arrest and detention violated their rights to dignity, personal liberty, and freedom of expression, or whether state institutions were wrongfully deployed to harass and suppress press freedom.

The trio are seeking several declaratory and injunctive reliefs, including; ₦3 billion in exemplary damages, ₦500 million each against the Chief Judge and another ₦500 million against the Police.

Also, perpetual injunction restraining the Respondents from further interference with his rights, and public apologies from all Respondents to be published in ThisDay, The Guardian, or The Punch newspapers.

The Applicants legal team, led by AES Triplex LP, Lagos argues that the Respondents’ actions were not only unlawful but constituted a direct threat to journalistic freedom and the public’s right to information.

According to him, "

What transpired today in court was for the hearing of the case as you have heard.

"We were last in court in July 18, and the court grant an order to our application for the maintainance of status quo against the State Chief Judge and the Commissioner of Police, restraining them from further harassment, intimidation or arrest of my clients, whether directly or indirectly.

"However, we had served them with the processes of this case on July 29, 2025 but since then till today, October 15, it is only now that, I have come to find out, the solicitor to the State Chief Judge had filed some papers sometimes in September and the Police have not filed anything.

"Both Respondents asked for an adjournment because , they were not ready, which I vehemently opposed, and then I asked the court for cost but the court said, since the case is coming up for the first time, it would not grant any cost.

"So, I gave them the opportunity to file, and the case has been adjourned to November 11, for further hearing, and we hope by then, everybody would be ready.

While describing the matter as a straightforward case involving journalists, Hon. Chief Judge and the Police, he stated, "we are here to defend the rights of journalists and by the constitution; journalists have the right to investigate news scopes so as to hold public office holders accountable to the society, as the Fourth Estate of the Realm.

"They have an obligation to report happenings around us or the society; and to hold everybody accountable including government officials and parastatals.

"So, my clients are three journalists who have news scope on the case, which is already public, they were trying to give a balance reportage in order to be objective and fair to all sides, since the name of the State Chief Judge had come up in their investigation of the case or inquiry in the judiciary by making a call to the State Chief Judge to confirm her side of the story, only for her to flare up and then called the Commissioner of Police to arrest them. There was nothing more than that.

"So, in going about their legitimate Constitutional duty, they were arrested, detained and manhandled on the behest of the Chief Judge, which is why we have come to ask the court for redress.

So, in a nutshell, that is what the case is all about; breach of fundamental human rights of the three journalists".

This case is poised to test the strength of constitutional protections for journalists in Nigeria, particularly in matters involving powerful state officials.

It also shines a spotlight on the frequent misuse of law enforcement machinery to stifle media investigations.

The hearing of the case which was presided over by Hon. Justice M. A. Onyetenu of the Federal High court 1, Uyo on October 15, was adjourned to November 11, for the defense to file their necessary court processes.

Ala-Igbo in Mourning:IPOB Lawyer Ejiofor Denounces Betrayal from Within

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Renowned Nigerian human rights lawyer and lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has expressed deep concern over what he described as the desecration of Ala-Igbo,not by foreign aggressors, but tragically, by some of her own sons who have turned against their heritage and people.

In a statement issued on Saturday, titled “SATURDAY MUSING: ‘ALA IGBO DI ILE; WHEN THE EARTH REMEMBERS’,” Ejiofor lamented the rapid decline of socio-economic and cultural life in the Southeast region.

He painted a bleak picture of formerly thriving Igbo towns now reduced to eerie silence, with markets deserted, schools abandoned, and communities gripped by fear and lawlessness.

“The sacred soil that once bore the footprints of industrious traders, farmers, and craftsmen is now stained with the blood of the innocent spilled not by foreign invaders, but by homegrown monsters who have chosen violence over communal harmony,” Ejiofor stated.

He condemned the alarming rise in heinous crimes such as kidnapping for ransom, rape, and gratuitous killings, noting that such acts are not only criminal but represent a profound violation of Igbo cultural and spiritual values.

“These unscrupulous elements have transformed our once-revered ancestral forests into hideouts of terror,spaces that now serve as shrines where death is routinely pronounced upon fellow Igbos. It is a desecration of the very womb that birthed them,” he lamented.

Ejiofor's remarks come amid growing insecurity in the region, where criminal elements masquerading under various guises continue to perpetrate acts of terror against their own people.

He called for urgent collective introspection and action to restore dignity, peace, and the rule of law across Ala-Igbo.

The statement reads:
A Reflection on History, Conscience, and the Eternal Judgement of the Land.

There comes a time when the earth itself stirs in remembrance, when the soil, long patient under the burden of human trespass, begins to whisper its own verdict. That time, it seems, has again arrived in Ala-Igbo, the ancient land of our fathers, a land now trembling under the weight of both memory and misdeed.

Those who refused to learn from the mysterious efficacy of Ala, the Mother Earth of the Igbo, have themselves become living parables of warning. In our cosmology, Ala is not mere terrain; she is the conscience of the people, the silent ledger of truth, morality, and justice. The elders said, “Ala na-echeta” ; the Earth remembers. She gives men long ropes for repentance, but never infinite ones. And when the rope finally snaps, it is never by the wrath of men, but by the weight of their own sins.

Today, Ala-Igbo mourns her desecration, not merely by foreign invaders, but by her own sons turned vandals. Once vibrant towns now echo with silence, markets are deserted, schools abandoned, and communities gripped by fear. The sacred soil that once bore the footprints of traders and farmers is now stained by the blood of the innocent, spilled by monsters desecrating our land.

They kidnap for ransom, rape for pleasure, and kill for sport, desecrating the very womb that birthed them. They have turned ancestral forests into hideouts and shrines of terror, where they pronounce death upon their brothers and sisters.

And leading this macabre orchestra of destruction was one so-called “Gentle Yahoo”, a man who mistook notoriety for invincibility, who mistook bloodlust for bravery, and who imagined himself untouchable by both man and spirit. But even the gods have their sense of humour. The same man who strutted about as the “lion of the East” now whimpers in the custody of military intelligence, a living proof that Ala is slow to anger, but swift to repay. The masquerade of impunity, it turns out, always dances most vigorously at dusk, just before it collapses.

What greater tragedy afflicts a people than their refusal to reason with history? From the pogroms of 1966 to the ashes of Biafra, from fratricidal betrayals to the modern cult of crime dressed in revolutionary robes, we have seen this play before. The actors change, but the script remains the same: arrogance, bloodshed, and the inevitable fall. We never seem to learn that no man conquers the land that birthed him.

Some of these so-called warriors speak of “freedom” with mouths still dripping with the blood of their neighbours. They seek redemption through ruin, and call it revolution. Yet, the Earth, patient, impartial, incorruptible, keeps her own record. Every bullet that finds an innocent chest, every child that grows up fatherless, every widow who buries her son, adds another entry in the ledger of divine justice.

Let every man take heed: Ala cannot be deceived by rhetoric or bribed by fear. She listens when we lie to ourselves. She mourns when we destroy our brothers. And when her silence finally breaks, her judgement is both poetic and absolute.

So I say again, with solemn reflection: Ala-Igbo di ile; the Earth of the Igbo endures. She will outlive false prophets, tyrants, kidnappers, and pretenders. Her justice may sleep, but it never dies. Those who walk upright will find her blessings; those who defile her will become the very parables that future generations will recite to their children; warnings in human form.

To rebuild Ala-Igbo, we must first cleanse our hearts. No saviour armed with deceit will redeem us; no liberation founded on crime will prosper. The restoration of justice begins not in guns or propaganda, but in conscience. When truth becomes our altar and peace our offering, the Earth herself, weary but waiting, will rejoice again

Anambra CP Orutugu Honored for Outstanding performance

Titus Maduako Eleweke



A Lagos-based media outfit, Freshfacts magazine, on Tuesday conferred the African Icon Award on the Anambra State Police Commissioner, CP Ikioye Orutugu, in recognition of his outstanding performance in policing the state.

Presenting the award to the Police Commissioner at the State Police Headquarters in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area, the publisher of the magazine, Dr. Oyomah Iyke Monday, described Orutugu as an icon of hope and justice within the Nigeria Police.

According to Dr. Oyomah, the State Commissioner of Police has demonstrated tremendous capacity in policing and reforming police operations in Anambra State.

Oyomah, who is also the National Coordinator of Eye on Security, stated that as a journalist, he has closely followed the trends in 7Anambra State, particularly during the violent periods marked by kidnapping, cult-related wars, and other crimes. He credited Orutugu for calming the situation significantly.

He noted that since the Commissioner assumed office, the state has become relatively calm and peaceful, with a noticeable reduction in violent crimes and other related offenses.

"With the arrival of CP Ikioye Orutugu, many criminals and those with criminal intent have fled the state. The incidences of killing, kidnapping, and all forms of violent crimes have been greatly reduced," he said.

Reflecting on Orutugu’s numerous achievements, Dr. Oyomah emphasized, "We considered it appropriate that his remarkable achievements should be recognized."

He also highlighted that Anambra State is currently approaching its governorship election without any reports of political thuggery, electoral violence, or political killings. This, he explained, is not due to the absence of people with such intentions but rather because of the CP’s proactive and pragmatic approach to crime fighting.

Dr. Oyomah stated that the Commissioner’s proactive initiatives have significantly eased tensions related to criminal activities in the state.

"The Commissioner has declared that enough is enough; we cannot tolerate criminal activities in the state," he affirmed.

Furthermore, he praised the Police Commissioner for reforming the police force and policing in Anambra State. He noted that previously, visitors to Anambra were apprehensive of both criminals and the police. However, today, the Anambra State Police are well-refined and well-behaved.

"There is a high level of police reformation in operations, which has greatly improved peaceful coexistence," he added.

Dr. Oyomah also acknowledged that the Commissioner has rebranded police operations in the state and said that "We must celebrate him for the positive reforms he has brought about."

He commended Orutugu’s relationship with the people of Anambra State, describing it as very cordial.

"The Commissioner has integrated himself with the people of the state. Looking at his level of integration, one would think he is an indigene of Anambra," he said.

He noted that Orutugu has involved the people of the state in policing efforts.

Shortly after receiving the award, Commissioner Orutugu urged everyone to carry out his duties with utmost integrity and excellence.

"Whatever you do, do it well, especially if it concerns the development of society, because your efforts will eventually be rewarded.

"Just today alone, I have received three awards from different groups. Sometimes, I ask myself what I did to deserve these honors, but when I reflect on the journey I have survived as a police officer, I realize I truly deserve them. I have served meritoriously in different capacities within the police force and have distinguished myself. I have been through challenging operations whether on water or in the bushes and have emerged without stain, displaying both decency and strong character. Looking at the number of awards coming to me at this time, I give God all the glory and am very grateful to Him," Orutugu added.

He encouraged young people to pursue their endeavors with excellence, even if immediate rewards are not evident.

"The rewards of good deeds will surely come, though sometimes at a distance and not immediately," he said.

He recalled that when he was in Lagos, the civil society groups often requested his deployment during protests because he could manage both the agitators and the police effectively.

"At that time, I accepted any assignment without any anticipation of anything and today, those efforts are being recognized," he stated.

Commissioner Orutugu expressed his gratitude to God for being alive to witness people celebrating him with honors and awards.

The group also honoured the state police command spokesman SP Ikenga Tochukwu with an Award of outstanding Police public relations officer (PPRO) in the country.

Oyomah described Ikenga as police spokesman with distinction, carrying all the stakeholders in managing the police image in the state.

According to him,the Anambra State police spokesman has distinguished himself as one of the greatest spokesmen in the Nigerian police that needs celebration.

Soludo Secures Drivers’ Support, Cracks Down on Extortion



The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, has warned government agencies and touts against extorting money from drivers and transport operators in the state.

This came as all transport stakeholders in Anambra State officially endorsed Soludo’s re-election bid during a mega rally held on Monday at the Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium in Onitsha North Local Government Area.

Governor Soludo, who appreciated the endorsement from drivers and transport unions, described them as critical stakeholders in the state's economic growth who must be protected.

“My deputy and I appreciate your endorsement. We thank you not only for your support but also for the vital role you play in driving the economy of the state. You are the lifeline of Anambra’s economy,” he stated.

The governor further stated that while drivers contribute significantly to the economic development of the state, they are also among the key beneficiaries of his administration’s initiatives.

According to him, “We have fixed many roads, making it less necessary for constant visits to mechanics. We are partners in the progress of Anambra State’s economy. We fixed the roads to boost the economy so that the common man can live happily and survive with less stress.”

He cited testimonies from market women, drivers, and other stakeholders in the transport sector, who have acknowledged the positive changes in the state under his leadership.

Expressing concern over reports of continued extortion by some individuals posing as government agents, Soludo pledged to set up a task force to clamp down on those collecting illegal levies from drivers and traders.

“There are still places where touts harass transporters. We are going to establish a task force to tackle them,” he said.

Soludo warned drivers against paying any money outside the officially approved government rates. He stressed that any payment made should be through the government’s digital platforms.

“Don’t pay cash to anybody,please, don’t! It is not for the government. Nobody should collect cash from you. Even when arrested by ATMA (Anambra Traffic Management Agency) for a traffic offence, do not pay anyone directly. Only pay through the official government digital account. Anyone collecting cash is doing so illegally,” he said.

While assuring drivers of protection from illegal levies and harassment, he made it clear that the state would not compromise on law and order.

“We must obey traffic laws. Traffic offences are serious. Please, respect traffic regulations. Anyone who flouts these laws should not only be punished but also evaluated mentally because no sane person should disobey such laws. Disobedience can lead to death, and we don’t want deaths on our roads,” Soludo said.

The governor reiterated that no one in the state should extort money from drivers. If a driver violates the law, they should only pay the approved fine qnothing more.

“I’ve heard that some ATMA officials collect between ₦40,000 and ₦50,000 in cash from drivers. That must stop. Nobody will extort you. I’m not here for politics, but for the welfare of all. If you obey traffic laws, nobody will harass you,” he assured.

Speaking at the event, the Anambra State Commissioner for Transport, Mrs. Patricia Igwebuike, said the rally was organized to show support for Governor Soludo’s re-election, acknowledging his achievements in the transport sector.

“The transport sector is the biggest beneficiary of the Solution Government. The governor has constructed over 1,000 kilometers of roads, and transporters are enjoying them. They no longer visit mechanics frequently,” she said.

The Managing Director of the Ocha Brigade and Coordinator of the Solution Marshal/Transport, Comrade Celestine Anere, noted that mobilization efforts had started long ago.

Anere described the Solution Marshals and drivers in Anambra as “foot soldiers” of the governor, ready to protect the November 8, 2025, election.

“We are prepared for the elections and any legal challenge the opposition may pose. The Solution Marshals, in collaboration with drivers, will do everything legally possible to ensure the governor’s victory,” he said.

Also speaking at the mega solidarity rally, the Coordinator of the Anambra Drivers Forum and Head of the Media Sub-Committee of the event, Comrade Osita Obi, praised Soludo’s sweeping reforms that have restored order, dignity, and accountability in the state’s transport sector.

He described the governor as a “courageous, visionary, and people-centered reformer” whose leadership had transformed the transport system in Anambra.

“We drivers are united behind one project,Governor Soludo’s re-election. Thousands of drivers and transport stakeholders here today testify that under Soludo’s leadership, the era of touts, multiple taxation, and illegal levies has been decisively curtailed,”

“For many years, our parks and motor routes were battlegrounds of extortion, harassment, and lawlessness. Drivers toiled day and night while touts and illegal task collectors feasted on their sweat.

“Then came Soludo a man of courage, vision, and compassion. He heard our cry and responded with firmness and fairness,” he added, drawing thunderous applause from the crowd.

Obi highlighted the digital unified ticketing system introduced by the administration, which he said has brought transparency and sanity to revenue collection, allowing drivers to operate with dignity and without fear.

He also commended the Smart Transportation Management System launched by the government, which he said has enhanced road safety, reduced congestion, and improved traffic flow across major cities in the state.

“Soludo’s government has invested heavily in road rehabilitation and construction, opening up communities, industrial corridors, and markets for business and mobility. These are not media stories—they are lived realities. That’s why we stand firm behind Soludo the people’s governor, the friend of drivers, and the reformer of our transport system,” Obi stated.

The rally, attended by top government officials, members of transport unions, and representatives from the 21 local government areas, was described as a “renewed covenant” between the transport community and the Soludo administration.

Obi urged his colleagues to intensify mobilization efforts for Soludo’s second-term bid, promising that the transport sector would “drive the message of continuity and consolidation” ahead of the November 8, 2025, governorship election.

“We will not return to the dark days of touts, intimidation, and exploitation. Come November 2025, we will drive our vehicles from Nkpor to Nnewi, from Awka to Onitsha, from Agulu to Ihiala, with one voice and one message—Soludo Again! Consolidation 2025!” he declared.

The event ended with solidarity chants and pledges from drivers’ unions reaffirming their loyalty to the governor and commitment to sustaining the ongoing reforms in the transport sector.

One of the leaders of the Keke (tricycle) drivers’ unions, whose name was not obtained at the time of filing this report, revealed that the group has over 36,000 registered members, all of whom are being mobilized in support of Soludo’s re-election bid.

“Before now, we frequently visited mechanics due to bad roads. But under Soludo, who has fixed many of those roads, our maintenance costs have reduced significantly. We will all vote for you—you have changed the narrative of hardship in the transport sector. We are pleased with you,” he added

Shocking Trend: Gov Officials Turn to Certificate Forgery to Boost Resumes





Renowned Nigerian human rights lawyer and lead counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has decried the alarming prevalence of certificate forgery in Nigeria’s public service, describing it not merely as a moral failing but as an institutional cancer.

In a statement issued on Monday, titled “Monday Musings: When the Forged Hand Signs Official Documents The Curious Case of Certificate Forgery in Public Office,” Ejiofor said that forgery delegitimizes authority, corrupts justice, and erodes public confidence in governance.

According to Ejiofor, it now appears that falsifying credentials has evolved from a national scandal into a résumé enhancement technique for Nigerian public officials.

“From the corridors of the Executive to the hallowed chambers of the Legislature, and even the once-revered sanctuaries of the Judiciary, the contagion of deceit has seeped through the walls of our institutions with alarming ease,” he lamented.

He revealed that over the weekend, he immersed himself in the sordid chronicles of certificate forgery,a plague that, regrettably, has attained near-cultural legitimacy within Nigeria’s public sector.

Ejiofor recalled that not long ago, the National Judicial Council (NJC), under the dignified watch of the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, wielded its disciplinary sword against judicial officers implicated in age falsification and document manipulation.

“Some were summarily dismissed; others quietly eased into premature retirement,a genteel euphemism for ‘exit before disgrace,’” he said.

Barely had the echoes of those disciplinary measures faded , just days ago, a sitting member of the Federal Executive Council tendered his resignation not out of conscience or ideological difference, but due to certificate forgery.

“Once again, Nigerians were treated to the theatre of the absurd: the same nation that hounds petty fraudsters for altering birth certificates now nurtures high-ranking impostors wielding ministerial seals,” Ejiofor noted.

He further underscored the irony, elaborate Senate screening rituals that precede ministerial confirmation,sessions so exhaustive they can detect a missing comma in a curriculum vitae somehow fail to spot forged credentials.

“What, one may ask, whst has happened to the famed vigilance of our investigative and security agencies? Were they deceived, defeated, or simply ‘settled’?” he asked.

Ejiofor did not spare the judiciary either he said .“Custodians of the law interpreters of conscience have in some cases been discovered to have smuggled themselves into service through forged birth records or falsified academic claims,”

He questioned the moral authority of such individuals:“What moral standing remains for such arbiters to sit in judgment over others? Is it not a grotesque irony that those who swore solemn oaths to defend the Constitution may have done so with forged pens?”

Herein lies the crux of Ejiofor’s musing—the jurisprudential conundrum: What is the legal status of the official acts, decisions, and instruments authorized by these impostors while in office?

According to him, the law, in its pragmatic wisdom, has long addressed this dilemma through the “de facto officer” doctrine—a principle rooted in both English and Nigerian jurisprudence. This doctrine shields the public from institutional collapse by upholding the validity of official acts, even if the individual was later discovered to have been illegally appointed or disqualified from the outset.

“However,” Ejiofor clarifies, “this legal safety net does not absolve the offender. The acts may stand, but the forger must fall.”

A forged certificate, he emphasizes, is not a clerical error,it is a fraudulent foundation that renders its bearer morally and legally bankrupt. The law protects the public interest, not the fraudulent actor. Criminal, civil, and disciplinary liabilities remain intact for the individual.

“His continued occupation of office is void ab initio, even if his public acts survive to prevent institutional paralysis,” “In the theatre of our governance, while the forged hand may sign valid documents, the man behind it remains a legal ghost—a usurper dressed in the robes of authority.” he said.

The prevalence of certificate forgery in Nigeria’s public service, Ejiofor reiterated is more than a moral lapse, rather an institutional cancer that undermines the very foundations of governance.

“It delegitimizes authority, corrupts justice, and erodes public trust.”he said.

He warns that a nation cannot sustainably thrive on fraudulent foundations.

“Perhaps someday, the law will grow weary of merely saving the acts of forgers and begin to demand an exorcism of the spirit of deceit that has taken residence in our public institutions.”he added.

Until that day comes, Ejiofor stated, Nigerians will continue to live under the paradox of a nation governed by de facto officers legally valid, but morally void.

164 UNICROSS Grads Inducted into Nigeria’s Clinical Physiologists Association





It was a great moment of jubilation on Thursday as the Professional Association of Practicing Clinical Physiologists in Nigeria (PAPCPN) inducted 164 graduands of Human Physiology from the University of Cross River State into the professional body.

The induction ceremony, held at the Okuku campus of the university, attracted medical doctors, physiologists, and other healthcare professionals from across the state and Nigeria.

In his address, the President of PAPCPN, Okeke Ugochukwu Ifeanyi, commended the inductees on their achievement. He noted that many hospitals are seeking clinical physiologists but are unaware of their availability because the profession has yet to fully establish its rightful place of prominence.

He urged the inductees to prepare themselves so healthcare institutions will actively seek their expertise, emphasizing the need for proficiency. “You must have the skills and knowledge to practice effectively. Most hospitals do not yet understand what you can offer, but you possess those essential qualities. As clinical physiologists, strive to specialize and make a meaningful impact in healthcare delivery. Seek out all the knowledge necessary for your practice,” he said.

According to him, the induction marks a significant milestone in both the academic and professional journeys of the inductees towards successful practice. He encouraged them to continue seeking knowledge, reminding them that induction is not an end but the beginning of a new phase of learning in the field.

“You are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct. Becoming a fully certified clinical physiologist requires further professional training, certification, and hands-on experience. PAPCPN will guide and support you throughout this process,” he added.

He highlighted the critical role clinical physiologists play in the medical field, bridging the gap between fundamental physiological science and clinical applications.

“Whether in cardiology, neurology, respiratory medicine, or renal physiology, your expertise contributes to diagnostics, patient care, and research. Nigeria’s healthcare system needs well-trained professionals like you to innovate, advocate, and elevate medical physiology standards,” he stated.

He commended the Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences at the University of Cross River State for nurturing the inductees.

Administering the induction oath, the Provost of PAPCPN, Comrade Roy Uchefuna C., from the Department of Physiology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi campus, emphasized that only graduates of Human Physiology are eligible for induction into the association.

“If it is later discovered that any inducted member is not a graduate of Human Physiology, their induction shall be revoked,” he warned.

He described PAPCPN as a registered health professional body dedicated to uniting, promoting, and representing the interests of clinical physiologists in Nigeria.

He urged inductees to maintain the highest standards of professional ethics and discipline wherever they practice.

“Our goal is to unite all certified physiologists and foster the standards of clinical physiology in Nigeria,” he said.

Dr. Nwoke Ernest Onyebuchi, Liaison Officer for Edo State of the West African College of Clinical Physiology Sciences (WACCPS), delivered the keynote address. He described physiologists as the foundation of the healthcare sector worldwide.

“We are proud of this induction at this university. As a medical doctor, I believe in clinical physiology; you are the engine room of medical care. There is a need to professionalize this field, as physiology has often been overlooked in Nigeria. Medical doctors have been overworking themselves by taking on roles that belong to physiologists in medical treatment,” he explained.

He said this induction marks the end of the marginalization of physiologists. He urged inductees to continually seek further knowledge so hospitals will actively seek their expertise.

He emphasized the gap left in the Nigerian medical sector by the absence of clinical physiology, noting that many doctors lack the competence to adequately assess health status.

“Every hospital needs physiologists because they examine and declare a person’s health status,” he said.

Dr. Nwoke encouraged the inductees to pursue knowledge and skills to become revered authorities, urging them to dedicate the next five years to intensive learning and professional development.

Dr. Udon Gabriel, Head of the Department of Human Physiology at the university, expressed his joy at overseeing the first induction during his tenure.

“This is the first of its kind and sets a precedent for future achievements in the department. The department has made a significant impact by preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to society. I congratulate and celebrate their wonderful achievement,” he said.

He advised the inductees to leverage the relationships they built during their university years and to uphold the ethics of the profession.

“Strive to distinguish yourselves as physiologists wherever you practice. I am very happy that under my leadership, graduates of Human Physiology are being inducted into this professional body. This induction is a significant step in the right direction. It has changed the mindset of physiology graduates and spurred them to recognize their rightful place in the healthcare sector, which will motivate them to grow and succeed,” he added.

Dr. Gabriel also commended PAPCPN for providing the inductees with a platform to showcase their talents and urged the association to continue supporting this initiative.

“Before now, students were confused about their future in the country, but today they understand their role in the health sector,” he said.

He encouraged the new inductees to use this induction as a springboard to further develop their skills in physiology.

Dr. Aniekan Essien of the West African College of Clinical Physiology Sciences, who spoke virtually, described the induction as a dream come true. He honored the university, its dean, and the head of department for making the event a reality and urged the inductees to enter the profession with the hope of gaining more practical training and knowledge.

Dr. Ujong Peter, Dean of Medical Sciences and Head of Okuku Campus, described the event as an epoch-making moment—the first of its kind at the university.

“We have three departments in the faculty, but Physiology is the first to induct its students. This shows that the institution is growing. When professionals come to induct graduands, it indicates progress. It is an honor that Physiology has taken its rightful place in the country,” he said.

He encouraged physiologists to embrace their roles in clinical practice to make a meaningful impact on society.

“This association’s purpose is not to compete with others but to create a strong impact in healthcare delivery. Physicians should respect physiologists and allow them to perform their roles,” he added.

Prof. Atamgba Asuk, one of the guest speakers, commended the faculty and department for the milestone of inducting graduates. He also praised PAPCPN for the initiative.

“Today, the graduands join a profession that contributes to national development. Physiology is the foundation of medical science and is crucial in healthcare services. It provides the baseline for diagnosis and treatment. Unfortunately, physiology has often been relegated to the background. Your induction today brings you closer to the position you deserve. Physiologists should be at the forefront in hospitals, not just in teaching,” he said.

He urged inductees to specialize and make the most of the opportunities opened by PAPCPN.



“Conduct yourselves professionally, adhere to the ethics of the profession, and remember that you can even teach some of us in clinical practice. This is the promise clinical practice holds for modern physiology,” he added.

Dr. Mrs. Victoria Okon Imoh, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee from the University of Cross River State, commended the Vice Chancellor, dean, faculty staff, and students for the induction. She described the event as one of the greatest milestones for physiologists in Nigeria.

She praised the inductees and PAPCPN for professionalizing the discipline of Physiology in the country and encouraged the inductees to leverage this induction to build themselves and make meaningful societal contributions.

One of the inductees, Mrs. Osha Cecelia, expressed boundless joy. “I feel very happy and excited to be inducted. I commend PAPCPN for this wonderful initiative that gives us a sense of belonging and direction in the medical field. I am grateful for this induction. It will inspire many others to pursue physiology knowing it is now a recognized profession,” she said.

Nwabuike Emmanuel, another inductee currently undergoing practical training, described the induction as an eye-opener.

“This is a great and important step that every Human Physiology graduate should embrace. It is an opportunity that every physiologist must pursue further through training,” he added.

He thanked PAPCPN for organizing the event, calling it a welcome development.

Ejiofor Hails Yakubu’s Exit as End of a National Nightmare


Human rights lawyer and lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has described the immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, as a “national nightmare.”

In a statement titled "Midweek Musings: The Mahmood Years , When Democracy Caught a Cold", released to journalists on Wednesday, Ejiofor referred to Yakubu as Nigeria’s most “innovative custodian of chaos.”

Prof. Yakubu’s tenure as INEC Chairman officially ended on Tuesday, after which he proceeded on pre-retirement leave.

Reacting to the development, Ejiofor expressed hope that the country would never again experience what he termed “the Yakubu era.”



He stated, “May Yakubu never happen to Nigeria again. May Nigerian ballots never again be baptised in deceit.”

Despite his criticisms, Ejiofor voiced cautious optimism that one day, INEC might regain its lost credibility and reclaim the public’s trust.

According to him, “No INEC Chairman ever began with such overwhelming goodwill and squandered it so completely as Mahmood Yakubu. He will be remembered, not for the reforms he promised, but for the ruins those promises left behind.


The statement reads in full:
Yesterday, October 7, 2025, marked the official end of an era, or more precisely, the expiry of a long national nightmare.
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the twice-anointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), finally bowed out after a decade of presiding over Nigeria’s most “independent” institution - independent, that is, of truth, trust, and transparency.

As he exited the stage, one could almost hear a collective sigh of relief sweep across the land, from the dusty lanes of Kaura Namoda to the creeks of Nembe, the sound of a weary nation whispering, “Thank God it’s over.” For many, Mahmood’s departure felt less like a retirement and more like an answered prayer, long overdue and mercifully granted by Providence.

Professor Mahmood Yakubu arrived at INEC cloaked in the aura of an academic reformer, urbane, methodical, and promising to sanitise an electoral system already drowning in infamy. Yet, like reformers before him, he soon discovered that in Nigeria, integrity is not an institutional requirement; it is an optional accessory, often forgotten at home during elections.

Under his watch, the ballot box, once a sacred emblem of democracy, became an experimental theatre of confusion. Elections turned from contests of choice into exercises in mathematical innovation. In his INEC, results routinely defied arithmetic, physics, and occasionally, divine logic.

Mahmood may well be remembered as the founder of a new political science: Electoral Alchemy, the mysterious conversion of defeat into victory through the combined forces of “glitches,” “network failures,” and “technical hitches.”

The 2023 general election was meant to be his magnum opus, the one that would immortalise transparency. BVAS was unveiled, IReV glorified, and Nigerians told to “relax and trust the process.”

Then came the night of February 25, 2023. The nation waited and waited for real-time transmission of results. The servers blinked, then went blind. The portal coughed, then flatlined. What followed was not democracy, but digital necromancy.

A country of over 200 million watched helplessly as faith in democracy eroded endlessly, until the network returned just in time to confirm prearranged victors.

Under Mahmood, Nigeria’s elections became a tragicomedy, full of suspense, glitches, and predictable endings. The irony was poetic: the more Nigerians voted, the less their votes seemed to matter.

Observers complained. Courts overflowed. Petitions flew like confetti. Yet the umpire remained serenely detached, citing constitutional sections while Rome burned. Even when reprimanded for disobedience, INEC responded with bureaucratic indifference wrapped in academic serenity.

Defenders called him a victim of Nigeria’s political culture. Perhaps. But history is rarely gentle with those who supervise deceit, however politely they do it. Mahmood’s INEC evolved into a predictable contraption, delivering pre-determined outcomes with mathematical precision and moral elasticity.

No INEC chairman began with so much goodwill and squandered it so completely. Mahmood Yakubu will be remembered not for the reforms he promised, but for the ruins they produced.

He transformed hopeful citizens into hardened cynics. Under him, elections became spiritual rituals, Nigerians fasting, praying, and prophesying about results already written in invisible ink.

He leaves behind an INEC whose name provokes sighs, not confidence; whose logo inspires memes, not trust, a custodian of what many call “the most sophisticated rigging ever done in slow motion.”

If legacies were laughter, Mahmood Yakubu’s would echo for generations.

Yes, he introduced technology, but technology without integrity is a loaded gun in a blind umpire’s hand. Yes, he faced pressure and logistical nightmares, but leadership is measured by courage, not excuses.

History’s verdict will likely read: He came, he promised, he disappointed, spectacularly.

As Professor Mahmood Yakubu takes his final bow, Nigeria takes stock. The electoral body he leaves behind is bruised, battered, and barely breathing. The people’s trust lies shattered beneath the weight of his “glitches.”

Somewhere, perhaps in quiet retirement, Mahmood may be drafting his memoir:
“Ten Years of Transparency: My Personal Journey Through Nigeria’s Most Rigged Elections.”

A FINAL PRAYER:

May Yakubu never happen to Nigeria again.
May our ballots never again be baptised in deceit.
May INEC one day regain its lost innocence.

Until then, Nigerians will continue to vote in hope and count in disbelief.

No Endorsement for Soludo on Tuesday – ANIAS,Elders Slam Fake Igwe in Anambra



The executives of the Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State (ANIAS), along with its Elders’ Executive Council, have firmly declared that the only officially recognized and registered body representing non-indigenes in the state is ANIAS, under the leadership of its President, Prince Chigozie Nweke.

In a statement released on Monday, jointly signed by Prince Chigozie Nweke (President), Alhaji Muhammad Musa Jidda (First Vice President), and Alhaji Tijani Suberu (Second Vice President), ANIAS warned against any individual parading himself as the “Igwe of Non-Indigenes”, emphasizing that no such title or position exists within the association.

ANIAS in a statement said that there is no plans by the executive, elders council and entire members to endorse governor Charles Soludo re-election tomorrow.



The statement said that at appropriate time,the endorsement of Soludo would be made public by ANIAS, noting that person or group planing to endorse Soludo on shelf if the association was fraudulent,with intention to mislead the government.

"We will make public and mobilize members for the programme,when we are done with our plans " he said



According to the leadership and elders of the association, the issue of "Igwe-ship" has caused significant problems in the past. However, it has been conclusively resolved, and it is now officially established that no such role exists within ANIAS.

The statement condemned ongoing attempts by certain disgruntled individuals to impersonate ANIAS leadership and sow discord among its members.

The association clarified that ANIAS is the only organization of non-indigenes officially recognized by the Anambra State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Town Union Affairs. It noted that all required documentation has been submitted and a certificate of recognition formally issued by the state government.

With a membership base exceeding 1.5 million individuals from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, ANIAS remains the sole legitimate platform acknowledged by non-indigenes in Anambra State,united under the leadership of Prince Nweke.

The statement categorically condemned efforts by impostors and political opportunists who, under false pretenses, have been presenting themselves as leaders of the non-indigene community. These individuals, the association warned, are deliberately trying to destabilize the peaceful coexistence currently enjoyed by non-indigenes in Anambra State for their own selfish interests.

“We want to make it unequivocally clear that ANIAS, under the leadership of Prince Chigozie Nweke, is the only umbrella organization for non-indigenes that is duly constituted, legally registered, and actively collaborating with the Anambra State Government for the welfare and integration of non-indigenes,” the statement read.

The association stated that its leadership was unanimously elected by members from both northern and southern regions, with the mandate to promote unity, encourage peaceful cohabitation with host communities, and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Anambra State.

ANIAS also urged the Anambra State Government and security agencies to investigate and prosecute individuals impersonating the association’s leadership, warning that such actions not only undermine the organization but also threaten state harmony and inter-ethnic unity.

“We will not allow any form of division among non-indigenes in Anambra State. We stand united in peace, and we shall resist any attempt to erode the mutual understanding we have built with host communities and the state government,” the statement added.

IPOB Ban Triggers South East Turmoil, Human Rights Lawyer,Ejiofor

Titus Maduako Eleweke

Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and a prominent human rights lawyer, has stated that the proscription of the globally peaceful movement in 2017 marked the onset of a relentless cycle of mistrust, violence, and alienation in Nigeria’s South East region.

In his Saturday musing titled “Boko Haram: An Invented Name and the Unlearned Lessons of History,” Ejiofor argued that instead of addressing the root causes of unrest, the Nigerian government responded with indiscriminate suppression. This approach, he contends, inadvertently legitimized the use of force where empathy and dialogue were critically needed.

“The tragic outcome,has been the emergence of new, dangerous actors who have distorted the original movement into criminal opportunism. These individuals neither uphold the ideals nor the moral compass of the initial peaceful struggle, rather, they are products of the vacuum left by the absence of meaningful engagement.”Ejiofor explained.

He stated that it is never too late to return to the negotiating table.

Ejiofor urged the Federal Government to summon the courage to re-engage with all stakeholders to sift the genuine aspirations from criminal elements, rebuild trust, and heal the disillusionment currently prevailing in the South East.



Full statement reads:

SATURDAY MUSING
“BOKO HARAM: AN INVENTED NAME AND THE UNLEARNED LESSONS OF HISTORY”
Yesterday in Abuja, Nigerians from all walks of life gathered to celebrate a dual occasion; the 60th birthday and public presentation of a new book authored by the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (Rtd). The event, graced by former Heads of State, top military officers, statesmen, diplomats, and clergy, provided not only a moment for national reflection but also for an honest introspection on the nature of conflict, identity, and the Nigerian experiment itself.

The highlight of the ceremony came during the book review delivered by the ever-erudite Rt. Rev. Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese. In his characteristically compelling tone, Bishop Kukah interrogated the very genesis of the term “Boko Haram”, describing it as an invented name that over time acquired a fearful life of its own. He reflected that many of the vulnerable individuals conscripted into that misguided movement were often driven not by deep understanding of its ideology, but by persuasion, manipulation, and desperation.

As Bishop Kukah aptly noted, the label “Boko Haram” became more than a name; it became a symbol of fear and a psychological weapon that emboldened the perpetrators and confounded the nation. His reflections struck a deep chord in a country still grappling with multiple layers of unrest, insecurity, and disaffection.

Further interventions came from eminent Nigerians, including former Presidents, who highlighted both internal sabotage and external influence as factors sustaining insurgency in Nigeria. Former President Goodluck Jonathan, in his characteristically candid manner, recounted how intelligence during his administration revealed shocking details: insurgents often wielded weapons more sophisticated than those in the hands of government troops. He contrasted this experience with his approach to the Niger Delta agitation, recalling how he personally led dialogues that resulted in disarmament, reintegration, and a lasting peace; proof that engagement, not force, can transform national crises.

Irabor’s book, by every measure, appears to be a sober chronicle of Nigeria’s journey through insecurity, institutional fragility, and the quest for enduring peace. It invites readers to confront the truths we have often ignored: that conflicts fester not merely because of the weapons used, but because of the voices left unheard.

When one juxtaposes these reflections with events that unfolded between 2015 and 2017, a haunting parallel emerges. During that period, the Nigerian State was confronted not by armed insurgents, but by thousands of young men and women from the South-East who marched peacefully, calling attention to what they perceived as long-standing structural and political marginalization. Rather than opening channels of dialogue, the state resorted to heavy-handed responses that left deep scars on the collective psyche of a region and its people.

History will recall that the proscription of the global peaceful movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in 2017, carried out under a cloud of midnight urgency, marked the beginning of an unending cycle of mistrust, violence, and alienation. Instead of addressing the underlying grievances, the situation was met with a blanket suppression that inadvertently legitimized the use of force where empathy was needed.

The result, tragically, is the emergence of new and dangerous elements; misguided elements who have transformed it into criminal opportunism. These actors neither share the ideals nor the moral compass of the earlier movement; they are the by-products of a vacuum created by the absence of structured engagement.

The truth remains that no nation ever silenced a cry for justice through the barrel of a gun. Sustainable peace is achieved only through honest dialogue, empathy, and a deliberate effort to separate legitimate grievances from acts of opportunism.

As Bishop Kukah so insightfully observed, names and labels often take on lives of their own; they shape perception, dictate response, and, when mishandled, can plunge societies into deeper chaos. Nigeria’s future peace therefore lies not in the proliferation of such labels- “terrorists,” “agitators,” “secessionists”, but in our collective ability to listen beyond them, to understand the pains and aspirations behind those names, and to build a nation that heals rather than hurts.

It is never too late to return to the table of dialogue. The Federal Government must summon the courage to re-engage, to sift the wheat from the chaff, to distinguish genuine aspirations from criminality, and to restore trust where disillusionment now reigns.

For in the final analysis, a nation that refuses to talk to its children will one day be compelled to negotiate with their ghosts.

ASUU-ABSU Chairman Felicitates with Innoson Motors Boss at 65th

The Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Abia State University, Uturu, Dr. Chidi Mba, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Chief Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma, Chairman of Innoson Motors Manufacturing Company, on the occasion of his 65th birthday anniversary.

Dr Mba who also the president general of Uturu Development Association of Nigeria (UDAN),in a goodwill message personally released on Thursday and made available to journalists, Dr. Mba joined family, friends, and associates in celebrating the distinguished son of Nnewi, Igboland, and Nigeria.

Describing Chief Chukwuma as a national asset and one of Nigeria’s most innovative entrepreneurs, Dr. Mba praised his remarkable contributions to the country’s industrial and economic landscape.

“Chief Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma has distinguished himself as one of Nigeria’s greatest entrepreneurs, who, starting from humble beginnings, has placed the nation prominently on the international stage,” Mba stated.

He commended Chief Chukwuma’s entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering efforts in establishing Innoson Motors, highlighting the company’s role in positioning Nnewi, Anambra State, and Nigeria on the global industrial map.

“Through his visionary leadership, Innoson Motors has significantly advanced Nigeria’s quest for technological growth, economic independence, and sustainable development,” he added.

He wished Chief Chukwuma the very best as he embarks on this new chapter in life.

“I celebrate not only your personal achievements but also your outstanding contributions to national development, especially in the South East region. It is my earnest prayer that Almighty God continues to bless you with good health, divine wisdom, grace, and many more fruitful years of service to humanity and nation-building,” he added.

WACCPS Moves to Professionalize Clinical Physiologists as Specialists

The West African College of Clinical Physiology Sciences (WACCPS) has reaffirmed its commitment to professionalizing Clinical Physiology Sciences personnel for the advancement of healthcare sector.

The College expressed its desire to cultivate specialized professionals within the field of Clinical Physiology Sciences.

WACCPS is a specialized professional training institution dedicated to promoting excellence in clinical physiology practice, education, and research throughout West Africa.

The College strives to uphold the highest standards of clinical physiology, foster collaboration and innovation, and improve healthcare outcomes for the people of the region.

The primary aims and objectives of WACCPS include developing and delivering bespoke educational programs and creating comprehensive, evidence-based professional training initiatives tailored to the specific needs of clinical physiologists.

The institute's programmes prioritize clinical proficiency, adherence to rigorous standards, and patient-centered care.

Additionally, the College provides specialized guidance and support to healthcare institutions, academic bodies, and professional organizations, focusing on optimizing clinical physiology practices and enhancing patient outcomes.

Speaking to journalists after a meeting in Awka, Emeritus Professor Aloamaka Chukwuemeka Peter, Provost of WACCPS, stated that the institute’s mission is to advance knowledge in Clinical Physiology Sciences across Nigeria and West Africa.

“This meeting is intended to advance knowledge in Clinical Physiology Sciences and elevate the profession to a level where graduates become job creators rather than job seekers. Our goal is to achieve excellence and ensure that the quality of training enhances both medical education and healthcare delivery,” he said.

Professor Aloamaka stated that admission into the institute requires candidates to hold a degree in Clinical Physiology Sciences.

He further disclosed that the College offers various specializations, including renal, neuro, and cardiovascular physiology.

He added that the institute’s structure ensures graduates are well-prepared to address healthcare challenges in the country.

“Training programmes range from 12 to 48 months, followed by fellowship training,” he explained.

Okeke Ugochukwu Ifeanyi, National President of the Professional Association of Practicing Clinical Physiologists in Nigeria and Professional Program Development Advisor, highlighted efforts to achieve these goals through partnerships with medical healthcare centers equipped with advanced facilities and technology.

According to him, the institute also collaborates with healthcare institutions that have strong Clinical Physiology Sciences departments.

“We are working to meet international standards for training. Prospective trainees must first graduate in Clinical Physiology Sciences before proceeding to primary training. Afterward, they advance to the membership cadre, where specialization occurs. Our training is predominantly practical, complemented by academic instruction,” he stated.

He expressed the institute’s ambition to become one of the leading Clinical Physiology Sciences institutions in Nigeria and West Africa.

He also urged universities offering Clinical Physiology Sciences programmes to intensify clinical postings to enhance students’ practical skills.

Professor Nwankwo Azubuike Amakwe, Director of Research and Innovation at WACCPS and Deputy Provost of Medical Sciences at Abia State University, underscored the institute’s focus on practical training.

Amakwe said, “The best gift we can give to younger professionals is practical, professional training that empowers them to create jobs rather than merely seek employment.”

He also called on government agencies to partner with the institute to realize this vision.

Professor Vincent Ugochukwu Igbokwe, Chair of Research Ethics and Compliance at WACCPS, described the institute as a well-conceived entity designed to significantly advance Clinical Physiology Sciences.

He noted, “Universities have long complained about inadequate equipment, and the institute is addressing this gap by partnering with standard hospitals and healthcare institutions. What we receive from universities is often limited knowledge; this institute focuses on true professionalization. We are committed to providing the best possible service to society.”

Dr. Nwoke Ernest Onyebuchi, Liaison Officer for Edo State at WACCPS and a medical doctor, described the Clinical Physiology Sciences institute as critical to the health sector.

He urged medical doctors to partner with the institute.

“Medical doctors need Clinical Physiology Sciences expertise to function effectively in the country. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, doctors often perform multiple roles that could be better managed by specialized physiologists. It will be heartwarming to see students graduate in Clinical Physiology Sciences and become fully professionalized. This is a positive development that deserves adequate attention and support,” he added.

Lawyer Slams FG Over Independence Day Parade Suspension



Renowned Nigerian human rights lawyer and lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has strongly criticized the Federal Government for cancelling the 65th Independence Day Parade, possibly over insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday titled “Nigeria Has Happened to Sommie Maduagwu, May Her Gentle Soul Find Everlasting Rest in the Bosom of Our Lord Jesus, Amen”, Ejiofor expressed deep sorrow over the suspension of the national celebration, describing it as both tragic and emblematic of a failed state.

“Nigerians woke up to the shocking news of the cancellation of the 65th Independence Day Parade, a longstanding national tradition,” “If the reason for this cancellation is indeed insecurity in Abuja, it lays bare a frightening truth: the government cannot even safeguard its own ceremonies in its own seat of power.”he stated.

According to him “If this is not a confession of institutional weakness, distrust within the security architecture, and a collapse of public confidence, then what is? How much longer shall official events and innocent lives be sacrificed on the altar of fear and failure?”

Ejiofor referenced the recent murder of Sommie Maduagwu, a journalist with Arise News, who was brutally killed by suspected criminals in her home in Abuja.

He described the incident as a devastating indictment of the country’s security apparatus.

“This was not an act of fate or a random tragedy,” “Sommie’s death is the direct consequence of the State’s failure to perform its most sacred constitutional duty: the protection of lives and property.”he said.

Highlighting the disturbing irony, Ejiofor noted that despite Abuja being the seat of power, housing the Presidential Villa, the National Assembly, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Police, the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and other critical security institutions citizens remain vulnerable even in their own homes.

“Within this supposed fortress of national security, Sommie was murdered in cold blood. If the capital city is no longer safe, where in Nigeria can we claim is?” he queried.

Ejiofor called for a thorough investigation into the killing and demanded accountability from the federal government and security agencies, stressing that no Nigerian should live or die in fear.

The statement reads:


Yesterday, 29th September 2025, the bright flame of a young, exceptionally promising lawyer, Sommie Maduagwu, was cruelly extinguished by men of the underworld. This was not an act of fate, nor the ordinary course of life. No! Sommie’s tragic death was the direct consequence of the State’s failure to uphold its most sacred duty: the protection of lives and property.

As enshrined in our Constitution, security remains a cardinal obligation of government. Yet, this noble duty has been betrayed. Sommie’s life was cut short, not in a remote, lawless outpost, but in Katampe, Abuja; the very heart of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory. This is the seat of power, home to the Presidential Villa, the National Assembly, the DSS, the Army, the Police, the NIA, and every other apparatus of State security. And yet, within this supposed fortress of power, Sommie was murdered in her own home.

This is not just tragic; it is profoundly unsettling. Only days ago, I raised the alarm about the worsening collapse of security in Abuja, warning that criminals and bandits now operate emboldened and unchecked, even within the capital. Many dismissed those warnings as mere musings. Today, the grim reality has caught up with us, embodied in the heartbreaking fate of Sommie Maduagwu

To compound this tragedy, Nigerians also woke up to the shocking news of the cancellation of the 65th Independence Day Parade, a longstanding national tradition. If the reason for this cancellation is indeed insecurity in Abuja, it lays bare a frightening truth: the government cannot even safeguard its own ceremonies in its own seat of power. If this is not a confession of institutional weakness, distrust within the security architecture, and a collapse of public confidence, then what is? How much longer shall official events, and innocent lives, be sacrificed on the altar of fear and failure?

The murder of Sommie must not be reduced to another passing headline. It must not vanish into the abyss of inconclusive investigations. This is a watershed moment! One that must compel sober reckoning, a total overhaul of our security architecture, accountability from those entrusted with our safety, and justice that is neither delayed nor denied.

On behalf of all men and women of conscience, I extend my deepest condolences to Sommie’s grieving family and to her professional family at Arise News, where she served not only as a brilliant lawyer but also as a gifted broadcaster and producer. Nigeria has truly lost one of its finest rising stars .

I call on the Federal Government to deploy every mechanism of the State to ensure that those behind this heinous crime are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice. Anything less would be a betrayal of Sommie’s memory and a further indictment of the system that failed her.

May the Lord, in His infinite mercy, accept the soul of Sommie and grant her eternal rest in His bosom. May He comfort her loved ones, and may He grant Nigeria the courage to confront its demons.

Patent Showdown: Jigsimur Plus Slams Cleansimur Int'l with ₦100 Billion Lawsuit


Titus Maduako Eleweke


Jigsimur Plus Nigeria Limited has instituted action against Cleansimur International Limited before the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, seeking ₦100 billion in general, exemplary, and aggravated damages for alleged injury to its goodwill, reputation, and market position.

In a landmark suit, designated as Suit No: FHC/CS/19525, Jigsimur Plus Nigeria Limited accuses Cleansimur International Limited of willfully counterfeiting and unlawfully imitating its registered patent, product label, and proprietary bottle design.

The suit alleges that these acts were calculated to mislead unsuspecting consumers and unlawfully appropriate Jigsimur’s market share and goodwill.

The suit, filed through its legal counsel, Chief Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Esq., of I. C. Ejiofor & Co., seeks to challenge what the plaintiff describes as a "brazen act of commercial piracy" and a deliberate facilitation of unfair competition within Nigeria’s herbal supplement market.

Jigsimur Plus Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of the globally recognized JIGSIMUR SA ORIGINAL (PTY) LTD—a duly registered South African entity and the sole legitimate manufacturer of JIGSIMUR SA ORIGINAL-Y61977 herbal health products—has taken this decisive legal action to safeguard its intellectual and industrial property rights.

The plaintiff contends that the promoters of Cleansimur International Limited intentionally adopted a name strikingly similar to “Jigsimur” and replicated its registered bottle design, product label, and brand inscription. It is further alleged that Cleansimur’s imitation products, virtually indistinguishable from the original Jigsimur Plus health drink, have been distributed widely across Nigerian markets, thereby deceiving the public and eroding the plaintiff’s market position.

This purported act of "passing off" has allegedly caused significant consumer confusion, substantial reputational harm, and enormous financial losses to Jigsimur Plus Nigeria Limited.

Accordingly, Jigsimur Plus seeks comprehensive judicial redress, including:A declaration that Cleansimur’s use of the infringing label, brand name, and bottle design constitutes a flagrant violation of Jigsimur’s registered patents and industrial designs, amounting to unfair competition, unlawful misrepresentation, and injurious falsehood;A perpetual injunction restraining Cleansimur International Limited, its agents, distributors, and affiliates from further infringing on Jigsimur’s intellectual property rights or passing off counterfeit products in the Nigerian market;An order directing regulatory agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, to seize, impound, and destroy all infringing Cleansimur products found in warehouses, retail outlets, and online platforms across Nigeria;An award of ₦200 million in special damages for the costs incurred in litigation, investigation, and enforcement of the plaintiff’s intellectual property rights and Post-judgment interest on all monetary awards until final satisfaction of judgment.

This legal action underscores Jigsimur Plus Nigeria Limited’s unwavering resolve to protect its brand integrity and enforce its intellectual and industrial property rights. It also serves as a strong deterrent to counterfeiters and dishonest operators seeking to exploit consumer trust in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding herbal health sector.

The suit has been filed and is currently awaiting formal assignment to a trial judge.

Soludo receives triples international awards at global power forum in USA



Anambra State Governor Prof Charles Soludo has received three prestigious awards during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).


In a statement issued by the Press secretary to the Governor Mr Christian Aburime,t he prestigious awards were given during the 2025 Global Power Forum held alongside the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The three prestigious awards are the African Public Service Excellence Award ,the African Governor of the Year Award, and a certificate of special recognition from the House of Representatives of South Carolina.

He said the South Carolina House of Representatives presented Governor Soludo with a certificate commending his distinguished career, which includes his roles as a professor of economics, economic adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

According to him,the commendation highlights Soludo's pivotal contributions to lepfroging Nigeria's status as an African financial powerhouse.

The award ceremony attracted high-profile personalities from across the globe, including former Tanzanian President Dr. Jakaya Kikwete, Prime Minister Philip Davis of The Bahamas, President Sylvanie Burton of Dominica, former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and Prime Minister Dr. Judith Suminwa Tuluka of the Democratic Republic of Congo, among others.

Aburime also stated that Governor Soludo was also a keynote speaker at the forum, where he spoke on the topic "Africa Unleashed: Navigating the Disruptions, Enhancing Opportunities—The Anambra State Example."

According to him, the governor's insights reflected the transformative initiatives his administration has undertaken in Anambra, thereby positioning the state as a model for other regions in Africa and the Caribbean.

He said the recognition of Governor Soludo at this prominent global event speaks much on Anambra's increasing visibility on the world stage, showcasing the state's advancements and leadership in various sectors.

He said that as the spotlight remains on Anambra, it is clear that under Governor Soludo's leadership, the state is truly on the rise and earning international acclaim.

Soludo receives triples international awards at global power forum in USA



Anambra State Governor Prof Charles Soludo has received three prestigious awards during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).


In a statement issued by the Press secretary to the Governor Mr Christian Aburime,t he prestigious awards were given during the 2025 Global Power Forum held alongside the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The three prestigious awards are the African Public Service Excellence Award ,the African Governor of the Year Award, and a certificate of special recognition from the House of Representatives of South Carolina.

He said the South Carolina House of Representatives presented Governor Soludo with a certificate commending his distinguished career, which includes his roles as a professor of economics, economic adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

According to him,the commendation highlights Soludo's pivotal contributions to lepfroging Nigeria's status as an African financial powerhouse.

The award ceremony attracted high-profile personalities from across the globe, including former Tanzanian President Dr. Jakaya Kikwete, Prime Minister Philip Davis of The Bahamas, President Sylvanie Burton of Dominica, former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and Prime Minister Dr. Judith Suminwa Tuluka of the Democratic Republic of Congo, among others.

Aburime also stated that Governor Soludo was also a keynote speaker at the forum, where he spoke on the topic "Africa Unleashed: Navigating the Disruptions, Enhancing Opportunities—The Anambra State Example."

According to him, the governor's insights reflected the transformative initiatives his administration has undertaken in Anambra, thereby positioning the state as a model for other regions in Africa and the Caribbean.

He said the recognition of Governor Soludo at this prominent global event speaks much on Anambra's increasing visibility on the world stage, showcasing the state's advancements and leadership in various sectors.

He said that as the spotlight remains on Anambra, it is clear that under Governor Soludo's leadership, the state is truly on the rise and earning international acclaim.