₦airaland Forum

The RAZOR News: Apology and Clarification on Alleged Nursing Recruitment Report


In our recent report on alleged irregularities surrounding nursing recruitment in Anambra State, The Razor News relied on information provided by a source previously considered credible.
Subsequent internal review and further enquiries raised concerns about aspects of the account, particularly regarding the attribution of certain alleged actions to official government processes. In light of these developments, and in keeping with our commitment to fairness, accuracy, and responsible journalism, we have withdrawn the report.
We regret any misunderstanding, distress, or inconvenience the publication may have caused to individuals or institutions mentioned or implied, and we reaffirm our dedication to verifying information thoroughly and correcting the record whenever necessary.
The Razor News remains committed to ethical journalism and to reporting matters of public interest with balance and professionalism.
The report has accordingly been taken down.
Tony Okafor
Research/Evaluation Editor
The Razor News

Obigwe Backs Soludo on Ending Monday Sit-at-Home,Urges Traders to Resume Business

By Our Correspondent


The National Coordinator of the APGA Media Warriors Forum, Evangelist Chinedu Obigwe, has thrown his weight behind Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, over the administration’s decision to end the recurring Monday sit-at-home and the temporary closure of the Onitsha Main Market.

Obigwe, in a statement issued on Saturday, aligned himself with Governor Soludo’s assertion that “leadership requires taking inconvenient steps to secure the future,” describing the move as necessary and ultimately beneficial to the people and economy of Anambra State.
According to him, the continued enforcement of the Monday sit-at-home had inflicted severe economic hardship on traders and residents of the state, insisting that ending it was in the best interest of Ndi Anambra and the Igbo at large.

He dismissed criticisms of the governor’s actions as deliberate attempts by some individuals to misinterpret government policy and portray the administration in a bad light.

On the one-week closure of the Onitsha Main Market, Obigwe maintained that the decision was taken in good faith and in the overall interest of traders and the state.

He likened the governor’s intervention to an Igbo proverb which holds that an elder does not sit idly while a goat delivers its young in chains, noting that Soludo acted proactively to avert deeper problems.

Obigwe further alleged that “enemies of the state” had resorted to circulating threatening videos on social media in a bid to instil fear and discourage residents from going about their lawful businesses on Monday, February 2, 2026.

He, however, urged residents not to succumb to what he described as scare-mongering tactics, assuring that Anambra State remained secure.

According to him, security agencies were fully alert and prepared to deal decisively with criminal elements behind the threats.

“Anambra is secured, and those behind the threats know they can do no more than dead rats,” he said, expressing confidence in the capacity of security operatives to protect lives and property.

Obigwe also reacted to reports that a lawyer, identified as Ikechukwu Obasi, had instituted a suit at the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking N2 billion in damages over the one-week closure of the Onitsha Main Market.

He criticised the action, describing it as counterproductive and supportive of the sit-at-home that, according to him, had strangulated the economy of Anambra and the wider Igbo society.

He praised Governor Soludo as a leader with the courage and political will to take difficult but necessary decisions, insisting that the governor’s policies and projects demonstrated genuine love and commitment to the welfare and future of the people of Anambra State.

Obigwe called on residents, traders, and workers to heed the governor’s directive and resume normal activities on Monday without fear, urging collective support to end the sit-at-home and reclaim the state from non-state actors.

“This is the time for Ndi Anambra to stand with their governor and move the state forward,” he said.

Stop Using Arise TV to Scare Anambra People, APGA Chieftain Warns Rufai Oseni


By Our Correspondent
An All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) chieftain, Evangelist Chinedu Obigwe, has cautioned Arise Television anchor, Rufai Oseni, against what he described as the use of the station’s platform to “instil fear” among the people of Anambra State.

Obigwe issued the statement on Thursday, insisting that recent comments attributed to Oseni on the security situation in Anambra were unfair and misleading.

“It is important to make it clearly known to Nigerians that Governor Soludo did not wake up one morning and start implementing measures to end the Mondays sit-at-home order initiated by criminal elements in Anambra and the South-East at large,” Obigwe said.

According to him, the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, first addressed insecurity as the “root cause of the problem” before moving to end the sit-at-home order.

“Before taking steps to end it, Governor Soludo tackled insecurity as the root cause of the problem. He took the battle to the doorsteps of criminal elements in various Anambra bushes and dealt decisively with them,” Obigwe stated.

He further said the impact of the government’s security strategy was evident during the last Christmas season, adding “The last Christmas celebration was celebrated in the state without any reported case of major crime, courtesy of the security measures put in place in our state by Governor Soludo’s administration."

He maintained that the prevailing atmosphere in Anambra no longer supports narratives of widespread fear or lawlessness.

“As at today, Anambra people are happily enjoying a crime-free state,” he added.

The APGA chieftain faulted what he described as Oseni’s comparison of Anambra with a North-Western state where bandits reportedly kidnapped 177 persons.

“On this note, it is wrong for Rufai Oseni to be comparing Anambra with a state in the North-Western part of Nigeria where bandits kidnapped 177 people. Such a thing cannot happen in Anambra State,” Obigwe said.

He also said that communities previously troubled by criminal activities had been secured.

“Lilu, Orsumogho and other areas under the grip of criminal elements in the state have been liberated by our gallant security operatives,” he said.

Obigwe added: “If you put your ears on the ground, you will hear that Governor Soludo has turned Anambra State to hellfire for criminal elements. Hardly will you hear that people committed crime in the state and go scot-free. It’s no longer happening in our state.”

He urged Oseni, whom he described as a “respected journalist,” to exercise restraint.
“Respected journalists like Rufai Oseni should talk with decorum, and knowing Governor Soludo’s antecedents in Nigeria, he is expected to use the Arise TV platform to encourage the good work our beloved governor is doing in our state,” Obigwe maintained.

Obigwe stressed that restoring normal economic and social activities on Mondays was a shared responsibility, stressing “The battle to reclaim Anambra State from criminal elements obeying the Mondays sit-at-home is a collective battle for the betterment of our state."

Declaring his support for the governor, Obigwe concluded: “I stand with Governor Soludo on this. Enough is enough to every Monday sit-at-home.”

Sit-at-Home: Soludo Not Selective in Enforcement — APGA Media Warriors

By Our Correspondent

The APGA Media Warriors Forum has dismissed claims that Governor Chukwuma Soludo is selective in the enforcement of the ban on the illegal Monday sit-at-home order in Anambra State, describing the allegation as false and misleading.

The group stated this in a release issued on Thursday by its National Coordinator, Evangelist Chinedu Obigwe.

According to the statement, the accusation that the governor deliberately targeted Onitsha Main Market in the enforcement of the ban was described as “balderdash,” noting that circulars were issued to all relevant government institutions and markets across the state directing a return to normal commercial and official activities on Mondays.

Obigwe explained that Governor Soludo’s visit to Onitsha Main Market last Monday was aimed at assessing the level of compliance with the lawful directive and not to single out the market for punitive action.

“The outcome of that visit revealed that some traders were still normalising an abnormal situation by observing the illegal sit-at-home order, which necessitated corrective measures,” the statement said.

The forum maintained that the governor’s decision to temporarily close the market was taken in defence of the long-term interest of traders and residents of the state, adding that no responsible government would fold its arms and allow criminal elements to undermine lawful authority and economic stability.

It dismissed criticisms and threats against the governor over the one-week closure of Onitsha Main Market, insisting that major stakeholders in the market are in full support of the action.

According to the group, market stakeholders understand that the governor is acting in the best interest of traders and the people of Anambra State.

The APGA Media Warriors Forum described the decision to end the Monday sit-at-home order as one of Governor Soludo’s most commendable actions, urging residents to support the move rather than politicise it.

The group accused those opposing the decision of lacking genuine concern for the future and wellbeing of the state, insisting that Anambra State remains in safe hands under the current administration.

It called on residents to reject the illegal Monday sit-at-home order and continue to support policies aimed at restoring normalcy and economic activities across the state.

Supporters of Monday Sit-at-Home Are Enemies of Anambra, Igbo Economy — APGA

Our Correspondent

An advocacy group, the APGA Media Warriors Forum, has described continued support for the Monday sit-at-home in Anambra State as a direct threat to the state’s economy and the collective interests of the Igbo people, while commending Governor Chukwuma Soludo for what it called “bold and necessary steps” to bring the practice to an end.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its National Coordinator, Evangelist Chinedu Obigwe, the group argued that the sit-at-home has inflicted severe economic damage on traders, artisans and small businesses across Anambra, insisting that those promoting it are “the actual enemies of Ndi Anambra and Igbo people at large.”


The group questioned why Anambra State appears to bear the brunt of the sit-at-home order, noting that the practice is no longer observed in neighbouring South-East states such as Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu and Abia.

“The question begging for answers is: why Anambra?” the statement asked. “While economic and social activities have largely returned to normal in other Igbo states on Mondays, some miscreants are pushing for continued paralysis in Anambra.”

The forum dismissed claims that the sit-at-home is a legitimate act of civil disobedience aimed at protesting the continued detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. According to the group, such claims amount to self-deception and a cover for criminality.

It recalled that Mazi Kanu, in a widely circulated statement, had publicly distanced himself from the Monday sit-at-home and urged Igbo people to discontinue the practice.

“Those hiding under the name of civil disobedience are merely using Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s condition to perpetrate criminal acts and cripple the Igbo economy,” the statement said.

The group also rejected criticism that Governor Soludo should focus solely on advocating for Kanu’s release rather than confronting the sit-at-home, describing such arguments as “economical with the truth.

It maintained that Governor Soludo was the first sitting governor in the South-East to openly call for the unconditional release of Kanu.

According to the forum, shortly after assuming office, Soludo visited Kanu at the Department of State Services (DSS) detention facility, where both men held what it described as “a frank discussion.” It added that the governor has remained one of the most vocal proponents of Kanu’s release.

“The truth remains that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is fully in support of Governor Soludo’s efforts to end the Monday sit-at-home,” the statement asserted.

The APGA Media Warriors Forum called on residents of Anambra State to rally behind the governor, arguing that ending the sit-at-home is critical to economic recovery and long-term development.

“Governor Soludo is doing marvellously well in Anambra State, and he deserves the support of our people to enable him to do even more,” the group said.

The statement concluded with a call for collective action to revive the state’s economy, urging residents to reject the sit-at-home and return to normal economic activities.

“Say no to Monday sit-at-home to revive our state economy,” it said.

Anambra LP Hails Nenadi Usman–Led Caretaker Committee Over Court Sack of Abure

By Tony Okafor, Awka

The Anambra State Chapter of the Labour Party has hailed the Federal High Court in Abuja for affirming Senator Nenadi Usman–led Caretaker Committee as the lawful national leadership of the party, describing the ruling as a decisive victory for constitutionalism and internal democracy.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Chairman, Mr. Peter Okoye, the state chapter said the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu finally resolved the long-standing leadership dispute within the party.

Justice Lifu had in the judgement ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately recognise the Nenadi Usman–led Caretaker Committee as the sole authority to represent the Labour Party pending a national convention.

The court based its decision on the April 4 Supreme Court ruling, which it held to be binding and conclusive.

The court also declared that the tenure of the former National Chairman, Mr. Julius Abure, had expired, dismissing claims that the matter was non-justiciable.

According to the ruling, the Caretaker Committee was lawfully constituted under the Supreme Court’s directives and the resolutions of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

Reacting to the verdict, the Anambra Labour Party described it as a “watershed moment” that reinforces the rule of law in political party administration.

The party said the ruling reaffirmed its commitment to justice, order, and progressive ideals.

“The judgment has conclusively settled all leadership disputes and opened a new chapter for unity, organisation, and collective advancement within the party,” the statement said.

The state chapter urged party members in Anambra to remain steadfast and focused, noting that the party is now well-positioned for electoral success in the state and across the country.

“The storms are behind us. The future is bright. With unity and disciplined mobilisation, the Labour Party is poised for decisive victories,” the statement added.

The Anambra chapter congratulated Senator Nenadi Usman and the national leadership of the party, declaring that the Labour Party has once again been vindicated as a platform that stands on the side of justice.

10 Arrested Over Arson Linked to Title Beneficiary of Illegal Monarch in Awka

By Our Correspondent

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested ten persons in connection with an alleged case of arson and malicious destruction of property at Okpuno community in Awka South Local Government Area of the state.

The arrests followed reports that suspected thugs, allegedly acting on behalf of a beneficiary of a chieftaincy title conferred by an illegal monarch, invaded a disputed property in the area, vandalised parts of the structure and set a bungalow on the land ablaze.

Community sources alleged that the attack was orchestrated by individuals linked to a proscribed chieftaincy title earlier outlawed by the Anambra State Government, noting that the title was said to have emanated from an unrecognised person who parades himself as the Awka monarch.

Confirming the arrests, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspects were taken into custody over acts of arson and malicious damage to property, while dismissing claims that the incident was connected to a land dispute.

“The Anambra State Police Command has arrested ten suspects in connection with an alleged case of arson and malicious destruction of property in Okpuno, Awka,” Ikenga said.

He clarified that allegations circulating within the community suggesting the incident was linked to a land dispute in Agbana Ifite, Awka, were false and misleading.

“The Command wishes to categorically refute claims that the incident was related to any land-grabbing activity.

The suspects were arrested strictly for criminal acts involving arson and destruction of property,” he added.

Ikenga warned that the spread of unverified information could heighten tension within the community and undermine public peace.

He disclosed that investigations into the incident were ongoing and assured that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The police spokesperson further reaffirmed the commitment of the Anambra State Police Command to the maintenance of law and order, urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as investigations continue.

Throw pure water nylon indiscriminately in Anambra, pay from ₦20,000 to ₦1 million – Govt

Tony Okafor,Awka

The Anambra State Government has begun strict enforcement of its environmental laws, warning that anyone caught dumping sachet water nylons, PET bottles, plastics, or other refuse indiscriminately will face fines ranging from ₦20,000 to ₦1 million.

The directive, issued Thursday by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, PhD, is part of the government’s renewed effort to protect the environment and promote a cleaner, healthier Anambra.

According to the public notice, the disposal of waste on roads, expressways, and into drainages is now strictly prohibited.

Offenders will be arrested, prosecuted, and fined under existing environmental laws.

Dr. Mefor added that public and private property owners must ensure buildings have functional catchment pits, drainage systems, or approved stormwater control mechanisms, warning that non-compliance will attract stiff penalties.

“Anambra State Government wishes to notify the general public that full enforcement of all environmental laws has commenced in the state,” the notice read, adding,“Anyone caught dropping refuse indiscriminately on roads, expressways, or into drainages will be arrested, prosecuted, and fined.”

Penalties for individuals range from ₦20,000 to ₦1,000,000, while corporate organisations found violating the law will face fines between ₦100,000 and ₦5,000,000.

The government urged residents, businesses, and institutions to use designated litter points and comply fully with environmental regulations, stressing that the enforcement drive is non-negotiable.

The renewed action is aimed at reducing flooding, environmental degradation, and public health risks linked to poor waste disposal practices across the state.

Bianca Ojukwu Chieftaincy: Obigwe Backs Soludo, Igwe Gibson Nwosu, Slams Ndigwe

By Our Correspondent

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Media Warriors Forum has dismissed as misleading and unfounded recent media reports alleging that Awka stakeholders warned Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, over the chieftaincy title conferred on former Nigerian Ambassador, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, by one Austin Ndigwe.

In a statement issued on Friday, the National Coordinator of the forum, Evangelist Chinedu Obigwe, faulted a publication titled “Bianca Ojukwu Chieftaincy: Awka Stakeholders Warn Soludo, Affirm Austin Ndigwe as Traditional Ruler,” describing it as a deliberate misrepresentation of facts and a calculated attempt to mislead the public.

Obigwe stated unequivocally that the position of the Soludo administration on the Awka traditional stool is clear, lawful, and firmly rooted in extant state laws, stressing that the only traditional ruler recognised by the Anambra State Government is His Royal Majesty, Igwe Gibson Nwosu.

According to him, traditional rulership in Anambra State is governed by established legal frameworks and procedures, which include formal government recognition.

“Anambra State is not a banana republic where anyone can wake up and assume the role of a traditional ruler without due process and government recognition,” Obigwe said.

He maintained that any individual parading himself as a traditional ruler without fulfilling statutory requirements and without government approval is an impostor and lacks the authority to perform traditional functions or confer chieftaincy titles.

The APGA Media Warriors Forum further asserted that the Soludo administration is acting appropriately in defending the sanctity of Igbo traditional institutions, warning that the government would not hesitate to invoke the law against anyone undermining constituted authority or desecrating revered cultural institutions.

On the controversy surrounding Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s acceptance of a chieftaincy title, Obigwe clarified that the former ambassador is eminently qualified to receive traditional honours, noting that she has, in the past, been honoured by duly recognised traditional rulers across the state without controversy.

He explained, however, that the present backlash arose because, according to the state government, the chieftaincy title was conferred by an individual not recognised as a traditional ruler under the law—an action the government considers a desecration of Igbo traditional institutions.

Obigwe urged the public to disregard what he described as an “amorphous group” laying claim to the status of Awka stakeholders, insisting that such a group does not represent the position of either the Anambra State Government or the legally recognised traditional institution in Awka.

He reaffirmed the forum’s unwavering support for Governor Soludo’s administration and Igwe Gibson Nwosu, describing them as defenders of due process, lawful authority, and cultural integrity in the state.

Meanwhile, a group identifying itself as concerned Awka indigenes and supporters of Igbo cultural heritage has faulted the Anambra State Government’s position, insisting that Obi Dr. Austin Ndigwe (Ezeuzu III) remains the traditional ruler of Awka.

The group, which addressed journalists in Awka, described the state government’s disclaimer disowning the chieftaincy title conferred on Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu as an overreach and undue interference in Awka’s traditional affairs.

They argued that traditional institutions predate modern political structures and should not be subjected to state bureaucracy, insisting that Obi Ndigwe was selected and crowned in accordance with Awka customs and traditions.

They also defended the chieftaincy title bestowed on Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu, describing it as a fitting honour for a distinguished daughter of Igboland and widow of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
However, the Soludo administration, through its official position reiterated by the APGA Media Warriors Forum, maintains that government recognition remains the legal determinant of traditional rulership in Anambra State and that any contrary claim lacks statutory validity.

Epileptic Power Supply: Uga Community Protests,Bans EEDC from Bill Collection


Tony Okafor,Uga

Residents of Uga community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State on Monday barred officials of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) from entering the town to collect electricity bills, citing persistent poor power supply and what they described as outrageous estimated billing.
The action followed a peaceful protest by the residents, who accused EEDC and its Anambra State asset manager, FirstPower Electricity Distribution Limited, of overbilling consumers despite epileptic or non-existent electricity supply.
The protesters warned that EEDC officials would no longer be allowed into Uga until power supply is fully restored and billing issues resolved. They maintained that they would no longer pay for electricity they did not consume.
Addressing journalists during the protest, the Chairman of the Uga Community Electricity Committee, Evangelist Johnpaul Ifediba, lamented that the town had never experienced a Christmas celebration with stable electricity supply.
“Ifediba, who spoke on behalf of the President General of the Uga Improvement Union (UIU), Chief Romanus Umenze, cautioned staff of FirstPower against indiscriminate disconnection of residents without first engaging the community’s electricity committee.
According to him, electricity supply to Uga is so erratic that residents sometimes receive power not more than twice in a month, and even then, it rarely lasts beyond five hours.
“Whenever EEDC restores power, it stops at Ula, Ekwulobia. Most times, it happens at night. I am usually called to go and ‘pick the light’ by switching it on. I often have to leave Uga for Ekwulobia at midnight. If I don’t do this, there will be no power in Uga,” Ifediba alleged.
He added that the company had blamed the problem on a faulty switch handle, an issue he said had persisted for years without repair.
Also speaking, the Councillor representing Uga Ward 1, Hon. Onyeka Ezenwa, said the erratic power supply had crippled businesses, disrupted institutions, and made life unbearable for residents.
According to him, individual consumers receive estimated bills ranging from ₦12,000 to ₦100,000 monthly, while bulk customers billed per village are issued bills ranging from ₦500,000 to several millions, even when electricity supply is less than five hours, twice in a month.
“Sometimes they bring light briefly and take it away again. It may come around 2 a.m. when people are asleep, with very low voltage, and before morning it goes off. Towards the end of the month, the bills will come. If you don’t pay, they disconnect your house and remove your cables,” he alleged.
Some residents, including Mr. Sunny Ezeajama, a barber, and Mrs. Chidimma Ochiogwu, a businesswoman, said they spend between ₦60,000 and ₦100,000 monthly on fuel and diesel to power generators, yet still receive electricity bills ranging from ₦15,000 to ₦70,000.
Other speakers, including Comrade E. E. Elochi, Mr. Umennajiego Ukachukwu, Mr. Ezennia Josiah, Mr. Chibuike Ezeabuzie, Mrs. Ngozi Ozoemena, Nze John Abadibe, Mrs. Uche Madufe, and Mr. Onwuka Ifeanyi, appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to intervene and ensure stable electricity supply in the community.
They assured the state government and the distribution company that they would willingly pay for electricity, even under Band A, if supply was reliable and customers were properly metered.
Meanwhile, the Electricity Consumers Right Network (ECRN), a non-governmental organisation, inaugurated its Uga Chapter on Monday as part of efforts to sensitize residents, especially those in rural areas, on their rights and responsibilities in the power sector.
Inaugurating the chapter at Awalasi village hall, the ECRN Coordinator, Comrade Osita Obi, urged residents to protect electricity infrastructure in their community and to promptly pay their bills, while calling on EEDC to urgently address the challenges hindering power supply in Uga.
Obi described electricity as a fundamental right and stressed that metering all customers would benefit both consumers and the distribution company.
Reacting to the development, the Traditional Ruler of Uga, Igwe Sir Stephen Ezenwigwe, represented by Obi Solomon Nzediegwu (Obi of Awalasi), commended the initiative and assured the community of royal support towards the full restoration of electricity supply in Uga.

Anambra Police Record Crime Reduction, Rescue 35 Kidnap Victims in 2025 — CP

Tony Okafor,Awka

The Anambra State Police Command has recorded a significant reduction in violent crimes, including kidnapping, armed robbery and cult-related activities, during the year 2025, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has said.

Addressing journalists at the Police Command Headquarters in Awka on Tuesday, December 17, 2025, CP Orutugu said the achievements were made possible through proactive policing, intelligence-led operations, improved response times, enhanced visibility patrols and strong community partnerships.

He noted that despite fluctuations in crime patterns influenced by socio-economic challenges and evolving security dynamics nationwide, the Command disrupted several kidnapping syndicates across multiple local government areas, dismantled criminal hideouts and black spots, strengthened community policing structures, and improved inter-agency collaboration.

According to him, these efforts ensured incident-free major events in the state, including the official visit of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the conduct of the governorship and local government elections, and the gradual return of normal social life in Ihiala, where social events are now held without intimidation.

CP Orutugu disclosed that through joint operations involving the Police, DSS, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, NSCDC, Nigeria Immigration Service, Agunaechemba and other security operatives, the Command rescued 35 kidnapped victims, arrested over 300 suspects linked to serious crimes, recovered more than 2,000 arms and ammunition, including explosives, and retrieved over 60 stolen vehicles and motorcycles.

He added that several cases have been successfully prosecuted, leading to convictions.

He highlighted the re-arrest of suspects, including the gang leader, involved in the killing of the late Hon. Justice Azuka in Onitsha, as well as the arrest of suspects responsible for the murder of three Cameroonian nationals, whose bodies were also recovered.

The Commissioner acknowledged challenges such as evolving criminal tactics and occasional public resistance or misinformation, but said these would inform improved strategies in the coming year.

As the festive season approaches, CP Orutugu announced the deployment of robust security measures and warned that the use of knock-out substances and other social explosives remains prohibited.

He urged residents to remain vigilant, obey traffic regulations, secure their homes, and use only designated motor parks.

He expressed appreciation to the Anambra State Government, sister security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, community groups, the media, and Ndi Anambra, particularly for their support in upgrading several police facilities across the state.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to a safer Anambra State and wished residents a peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

OPINION: Soludo’s Capital Investment Strategy Offers a Model for the States

— Mazi Ejimofor Opara

At a time when many Nigerian states continue to struggle under rising recurrent obligations, Anambra has chosen a different path—one that deserves national attention rather than quiet acknowledgement. Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s ₦757.8 billion 2026 budget, with an unprecedented 79% allocation to capital expenditure, is not simply a fiscal decision; it is the continuation of a governing philosophy that places long-term development above short-term comfort.

Though officially an oil-producing state, Anambra derives little of its fiscal identity from petroleum revenue. Yet, for the third consecutive year, Soludo’s administration has sustained one of the highest capital-spending ratios in the federation. Such consistency is rare in Nigeria, where priorities often shift with political cycles.

The results are beginning to take shape across multiple sectors. In education, investments in STEM laboratories, teacher recruitment, and free public schooling have already contributed to a 47% rise in enrollment, demonstrating that capital spending can build systems, not just structures.

The health sector reflects the same philosophy. The ongoing upgrade and construction of general hospitals, revitalization of primary healthcare centres, free antenatal and delivery for pregnant women, and investments in medical equipment and oxygen infrastructure signal a shift from reactive spending to preventive, community-based care. Rather than expanding payrolls alone, the administration is strengthening facilities that improve service delivery—a long-term approach many states have struggled to sustain.

This capital-first strategy gains further credibility from Anambra’s restraint in borrowing. While several states now depend on debt to fund even basic operations, Soludo has maintained the principle that borrowing—where necessary—should finance revenue-generating or life-improving assets, not recurrent consumption.

Critics may caution that ambitious capital projections face implementation risks in a challenging economy. Yet ambition guided by strategy is preferable to the familiar inertia of routine expenditure. More importantly, Soludo’s approach reinforces a broader national lesson: prudence and progress are not mutually exclusive.

In a federation where sub-national governments often mirror each other’s weaknesses, Anambra stands out for choosing investment over maintenance, future value over present convenience. The message is simple but timely: development depends not only on what a state earns, but on how boldly it allocates.

Governor Soludo’s sustained prioritization of capital expenditure—spanning infrastructure, education, and health—offers more than a state success story. It provides a practical model for others and a reminder that meaningful transformation begins with the courage to look beyond the electoral cycle.

You’re the Best for UNIZIK, Soludo Tells New VC Bond Anyaehie


By Tony Okafor, Awka

The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, has praised the transparent process that led to the appointment of Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Anyaehie as the seventh Substantive Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka.

Governor Soludo made the remarks while hosting Prof. Bond at the Governor’s Lodge on Sunday, 23rd November 2025.

He said that after reviewing the Vice-Chancellor’s impressive curriculum vitae, there is no doubt that he is the right person to lead the university to greater heights. The Governor also warmly welcomed Prof. Bond to Anambra State.

He urged individuals interested in public service to emulate the transparency and integrity demonstrated in Prof. Bond’s selection as UNIZIK’s seventh Substantive Vice-Chancellor.

Nnamdi Azikiwe University announced the appointment of a substantive Vice-Chancellor on Sunday 16 November ,2025..

At a press briefing in Abuja, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Olugbenga Kukoyi, announced Prof. Bond Anyaehie’s appointment, describing the process as “thorough and transparent.”

“I am pleased to announce Professor Bond Anyaehie as the substantive Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University after a thorough and transparent process,” Kukoyi said.

Christian Genocide: Intersociety Accuses BBC-Africa of Bias

By Tony Okafor, Awka

The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has accused the BBC-Africa’s “Global Disinformation Unit” of partisanship and unprofessional conduct in its recent inquiries into the organisation’s long-standing reports on religious persecution in Nigeria.

Intersociety, in a statement issued in Enugu on Friday, alleged that the BBC-Africa sent it “nine presidentially scripted and rooted questions” as part of a calculated effort to discredit its 16-year-old research findings on the killings of Christians and Muslims in Nigeria since 2010.

The organisation said it had submitted a 16-page response to the BBC-Africa’s queries on November 2, ahead of the November 3 deadline given, but that the broadcaster “refused to publish or reflect the response” on its platforms as earlier promised.

According to Intersociety, its comprehensive reply has now been published verbatim by Sahara Reporters on November 6, 2025, “in solidarity with truth and transparency.”



The publication, it said, can be accessed via the Sahara Reporters website and through its own online portal.

“We thank Sahara Reporters for standing for truth by publishing our grounded response to the BBC’s partisan inquiries. The BBC-Africa, instead of adhering to journalistic ethics, has continued to promote disinformation, ignoring our clarifications and refusing to balance their report,” the statement read in part.

The group’s chairman, Emeka Umeagbalasi, a criminologist and researcher, said the BBC’s correspondence—signed by one Olaronke Alo of the Disinformation Unit—contained several “threatening and leading questions” which appeared designed to delegitimise Intersociety’s data on religiously motivated killings.

Umeagbalasi alleged that the BBC’s reporter “misrepresented” its August 10, 2025 publication by excluding reference to “an estimated 60,000 non-violent Muslim deaths,” which were duly recorded in the original report.

“Her conduct left us with the conclusion that she was on a hatchet job, likely presidentially commissioned. Despite our insistence that she reflect our findings accurately, she bluntly refused,” he stated.

Intersociety maintained that it had chosen to document every exchange to prevent misrepresentation, noting that its final response was prepared “in readiness for any eventuality which is now playing out.”

The organisation defended its data-gathering methodology, describing it as rooted in “natural and scientific social research methods.”

It said its findings were based on verifiable parameters such as time, location, victim identity, and motive of each attack, gathered from local monitors, eyewitnesses, and corroborated media sources.

“It is impossible to discredit our 16-year-old reports rooted in natural and scientific data collection. Our work is valid until a superior counter-research is produced. Computer-based data searches cannot invalidate field-based investigations built over a decade and a half,” the group asserted.

Intersociety also claimed that successive Nigerian governments since 2015 had sought to suppress its findings by influencing social media platforms to remove reports critical of official narratives.

“Even if 100 BBC-Africa units are assembled against us, they can never discredit our reports,” the statement declared.


In its correspondence, BBC-Africa reportedly sought clarifications on Intersociety’s statistics, including the source of its claim that 125,009 Christians had been killed and 19,000 churches destroyed since 2009.

The broadcaster also questioned the organisation’s methodology and its alleged affiliation with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), an accusation Intersociety firmly denied.

Intersociety described such inquiries as “a deliberate attempt to politicise human rights research” and insisted that its work had always focused on both Christian and Muslim victims of violence across Nigeria.

While dismissing allegations of bias, the organisation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting justice and accountability irrespective of ethnicity or religion.

It also called on the Nigerian government to prioritise security and prevent the country from sliding into what it termed “a complex humanitarian catastrophe.”

“Our mission is to ensure Nigerians live harmoniously and securely, not to serve any ethnic or political interest,” Umeagbalasi added.

The statement was jointly signed by Umeagbalasi; Obianuju Joy Igboeli, Head of Civil Liberties and Rule of Law; and Chidinma Udegbunam, Head of Campaign and Publicity, all of Intersociety.

For more details, the organisation directed the public to read its full 16-page response published by Sahara Reporters and on its website at https://intersociety-ng.org.

THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY ,THE GALLOPING HORSE THAT SEEKS BETTER NIGERIA FOR ALL.

By Uchem Obi

The SDP, under the esteemed leadership of Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, is awake, stronger and better focused to help Nigeria and Nigerians to overcome the plagues that have clogged our wheels of progress. It is unfortunate and sad that a country so richly blessed would struggle in such dehumanizing poverty, forcing its citizens to scrape from hand to mouth. SDP as a party has evolved strategies to bring back our lost glory and reposition our country, not only as a giant in Africa, but as a global force to be reckoned with.

Nigeria needs a pragmatic party with answers to the critical issues that affect us all: the future of the country. As we strive to be recognized again as a major player on the global stage, we must acknowledge the challenges that hinder our progress. The SDP is a party with such insight, that believes that with committed approach, we can overcome these obstacles and lead Nigeria into a brighter future.

The kind of brighter future envisioned by our constitution, especially in Chapter 2 - "The Fundamental Objectives And Directive Principles Of State Policy." This chapter ought to be the grundnorm for every government. It outlines the principles and objectives that should guide the governance of Nigeria and the responsibilities of the government towards its citizens. But Nigeria as it is now, is not an ideal country. What we have as political parties are just a movement of epicureans, motivated by only self aggrandizement and a dubious rush for the balkanization of our common wealth, to the detriment and deprivation of majority of Nigerians. SDP is the only ideological political movement in the country, that was fundamentally formed with the objective of promoting the welfare and security of the citizens. The provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution provide a framework for governance and they guide the actions of SDP as a party.

While other political groups see the provisions of Chapter 2 as not justiciable and therefore, easily circumvented, SDP as a political party sees the provisions as the only fundamental approach to good governance in the country. The philosophy and mandate of the party is woven around them, and therefore, the party's commitment and focus to descalate individuals interests while promoting and protecting the interests of all citizens is the illuminated contrast between it and the others.

The party envisions a broader economic growth, driven by diversification beyond oil and gas. SDP seeks to lead the country back to agriculture, by harnessing the country's vast arable land and investing in modern farming techniques. Nigeria can become a major food producer, reducing imports and creating jobs.

The recent report by the World Bank, that 139 million people in the country are living in multidimensional poverty, is alarming and requires urgent ideological approach, which has always been the focus of the SDP.

An SDP administration is poised to implement targeted poverty reduction programs, invest in education and healthcare, and create jobs through economic diversification, while establishing social safety nets and promoting good governance. The party believes that taking a comprehensive and urgent approach, leveraging multi stakeholders partnership and using data to inform decisions, will help the country make significant strides in reducing poverty and improving the well-being of its citizens.

The cardinal mission of the Social Democratic party is to ensure a firm farewell to poverty and insecurity.

The party's vision underscores the potent need to invest substantially in the manufacturing sector. By establishing industries that add value to our natural resources, we can create employments opportunities and increase our GDP.

Technology is another core area that the party believes will transform our economy. By embracing innovation and investing in Tech infrastructure, we can position Nigeria as a hub for startups and digital entrepreneurship.

The country cannot achieve its potentials without adequate security. The party believes in the urgent need to strengthen our security agencies properly. Provision of adequate training, equipment and resources to tackle our security challenges is a primary focus of the party.

The party thinks that the place to begin is to address the root causes of insecurity in the country, by tackling poverty, unemployment and social inequality, which often fuel insecurity.

The SDP will foster community engagement which will encourage citizens to take ownership of their communities and work with security agencies to prevent crimes.

In the areas of general development, the party seeks investment in human capital, that will prioritize education, healthcare and vocational training, to create a skilled and healthy workforce.

The need for a robust improvement in infrastructure is Paramount, as the party is committed to developing modern transportation systems, energy and communication networks to support economic growth.

As far as the party is concerned, the promotion of good governance is not negotiable. The party is committed to transparency, accountability and inclusiveness in governance to build trust and confidence in our institutions.

The party's vision for Nigeria is one where justice and progress is accessible to all Nigerians. It is a vision of prosperity, security and development. To create a nation where our diversity shall be our strength, not our weakness. A nation that is respected globally for its stability, innovation and growth.

To achieve this laudable vision for our great country, the party calls on all Nigerians to join in this journey. Together, we can gallop to progress and build a brighter future for ourselves, our children and generations to come.

Uchem Obi Esq.
Publicity Secretary,
Anambra State Chapter.

Chinedu Obigwe is a chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance in Anambra and National Coordinator, APGA Media Warriors Forum. In this interview, he gives reasons why Governor Soludo deserves a second tenure predicting that opponents will fail woefully in the November 8 guber poll.

Excerpts:

A total of 15 candidates are contesting against Soludo in this coming election. Going by what is on ground, do you think the governor deserves re-election or is he merely contesting as his constitutional right to go for a second term?

Governor Soludo’s second term in my own opinion which is also invariably the opinion of any unbiased Anambra person is that his re-election is well deserved. No Governor in the history of Anambra State, since creation can confidently boast to have done what Governor Soludo has done in office within three years and some months. He has touched all sectors of governance from Agriculture to infrastructural development, education etc. As other candidates are campaigning, Soludo is very busy executing more projects and for me, I see him as a man on a missionary journey in Anambra. I was at Enugu-Otu Aguleri the other day when the governor went there to inspect the road project ongoing in the area. You see the angle of development which the governor is taking which no one has ever done before now. He is trying to remember the abandoned and neglected communities in Anambra connecting them to the rest of the state and making them smile again. The Enugu-Otu which I mentioned earlier is part of Aguleri but it was completely cut off in such a way that for you to visit there, you have to go through Ayamelum LGA to access the place. That community is where Anambra has its oil deposits but yet you can’t access it through Aguleri. But today, their story has changed. When he first visited that place, he made a promise to execute the project in phases because it is a very lengthy and challenging terrain. He also considered the challenges people of the area encounter in accessing healthcare where it takes someone an average of two hours to access Umueri general hospital which was the closest there. Today, there is a hospital in Aguleri- Otu while the road construction is on course steadily. Again, before now, Anambra- West LGA used to be the only LGA in the state where you cannot access the headquarters by road unless by boat but today, the Soludo administration has made it possible that you can drive from Anam to Nzam the LGA headquarters with your car. That was why the people celebrated recently what they called the triumphant entry of government into the area by the Soludo administration.

Go to Okpoko community in Ogbaru that used to be the biggest slum in Anambra State but today, you can’t recognise the place anymore because the once known slum now boasts of good road network, pipe borne water, ultramodern health facility and street lights. In Anambra Central, the Soludo effect is there when you talk about breaking the 24 year jinx of not having a befitting Government House in Awka, but today, the governor can wake up from the lodge, trek to his office and also retire on foot after the day’s work all in one place because of the now working Light House in the state capital. In other sectors, the records are there too. It is under the Soludo administration that the citizens enjoy free antenatal maternal care and also free education in the public schools among other numerous milestones recorded.


There are still criticism trailing the administration in the area of security of lives and properties in the state with incidents of kidnappings etc. How would you rate the security sector under this administration?

I say it proudly that security is everyone’s affair and not the business of government only. But the governor is doing well and has done well in the security sector. What I will say is that some people criticising the government in the area of security now are not being sincere with themselves because we know what the situation was before Soludo came into office. I remember that in the past, it was difficult if not impossible to conduct election in places like Ihiala and Nnewi South but we all saw what happened in the August by-election, the two areas are core parts of Anambra South and the election held there successfully . Even INEC commended the governor for restoring life in those places. All over the world, there is still security issues ongoing and you can’t stop crime completely. Even in America we saw how that Activist was killed not quite long before now. Our people need to help government in fishing out the criminal elements operating in their localities. Majority of the criminal elements have been wiped out because of the continuous onslaught against them and the birth of Operation Udo ga Achi is a good omen in the state because the purpose of setting it up is being achieved massively. The joint security team comprising the police, army, DSS, Civil defense including Agunechemba, the state local vigilance have done marvelously well in crime fighting and our people are reaping the benefits today.

There have been recorded excesses among some agencies or task force set up by the government like the Ocha Brigade that was implicated in unauthorised killings at Onitsha main market not quite long. Do you support the call by some people for total scrapping of the outfits?

I don’t support scrapping of those agencies totally because despite some instances of excesses, those agencies have really contributed in restoring sanity, civility and the peace we are enjoying today in Anambra State. What happened at Main Market was unfortunate and regretted but you know the efforts government have put in place before now to ensure that street trading and blockage of access roads across markets is stopped. Without those men in different agencies controlling these things, the state would have been totally messed up. And you also know that government takes steps immediately to address any excesses on their part and never shields anyone who acts outside the law in any form. So anybody calling for the total scrapping of those agencies is just being selfish and economical with the true situation. The federal government has not scrapped the police because of the excesses of some officers in the system.

Opponents are accusing the governor of using foul languages against the opponents during campaigns while opponents are also saying that the governor has been theorising without practical solutions. The APC candidate in particular boasts that he will do better in Anambra as Governor. In all these, do you think the opposition has any chance at the polls?

Opposition parties and their candidates are wasting their time and resources as far as the coming election is concerned. There is no opponent in the real sense of it in this election. The November 8 governorship election will be an affirmation for Governor Soludo. For the APC candidate, check his antecedents and you will see that he has lost virtually all elections he had contested before now and this one will not be different. Anambra people knows his antecedents. As for those talking about foul language, no one should accuse Governor Soludo of that. He is just hitting the opponents below the belt. Was it Soludo that told the APC candidate to submit a WAEC result where he scored F9 in English, Mathematics and Economics? The governor simply asked a question whether someone who failed those core subjects can actually read, comprehend and calculate effectively while managing the state resources. Anambra people not only want the best as their governor but they actually deserve the best that’s why it is a settled matter for Soludo. If you do an opinion poll in the state, you will realise that this assertion of mine is correct and true.

The governor has been criticised too for what they described as his monetisation of the Anambra election campaign. Can you thrown more light on the issue?

The opposition are merely twisting the matter to suit their self-serving interests but they have failed already. The truth is that the opposition elements have clearly read the handwriting on the wall, seen their defeat ahead of the forthcoming election and resorted to the use of childish blackmail against Governor Soludo to score cheap political points. Soludo did not at any time promise cash for vote to anybody, rather he introduced a healthy competition for APGA faithful in the 21 local government areas of the state. He merely promised a motivational reward for any ward that takes 1st, 2nd and 3rd position in all the local government in the state. He did not tell anybody that he will give them cash to vote for APGA. The Electoral Act 2022 did not criminalise motivational reward after election but rather criminalised voters inducement which is giving someone money to vote for you.

There are fears of electoral violence during the election most especially after what happened during the August by-election. What is your advice and how do you think such issues of electoral fraud can be curtailed?

The election will be conducted peacefully and it will come and go. The only thing Anambra people must do is to be vigilant because the rat cannot eat someone’s edible when the person is awake. Those threatening violence are those whose stock-in trade is rigging and rigging machinery. They are furious because their rigging strategy during the August 16 by-election was thwarted and they are trying desperately to come again this time with such plot but they will be highly disappointed. As far as governance is concerned, the opposition has nothing to offer. What we are telling our supporters is to vote and protect their votes by ensuring that collation is done and results announced before they can go home on the day of election.

CREDIT: Aloysius Attah.

APGA slams opposition for ‘childish blackmail’ over Soludo’s ward reward pledge

By Tony Okafor, Awka

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) on Monday dismissed recent allegations that Governor Chukwuma Soludo had promised cash-for-votes, describing the claims as a concoction by “disgruntled opposition elements” who, the party says, have already “read the handwriting on the wall” ahead of the November 8 governorship poll.

The rebuttal came in a statement signed by Evangelist Chinedu Obigwe, National Coordinator of the APGA Media Warriors Forum, who accused opposition figures of resorting to “childish blackmail” in a desperate attempt to score cheap political points.

Obigwe described the report he was responding to as “a fabricated tissue of lies” and urged voters to disregard what he termed “confused political idiots” seeking to distract the electorate.

He clarified that Governor Soludo never instructed anyone to pay voters, but rather announced what APGA describes as a motivational reward for wards that perform well in the election — a scheme the party insists is not the same as inducement or vote buying.

According to him, the Electoral Act criminalises voter inducement but does not outlaw post-election motivational rewards. He reiterated the governor’s confidence in securing a well-deserved victory, anchored on his administration’s performance in the state.

The governor’s pledge — widely reported in the national media as a cash reward to wards that deliver victories for APGA — has already drawn criticism and calls for investigation from opposition parties and civil society groups, who argue that the initiative risks crossing the line into vote buying and could undermine the integrity of the poll.

APGA, through Obigwe, rejected that interpretation, maintaining that the exercise is aimed at energising party members and rewarding grassroots mobilisation, not purchasing votes.

“Childish blackmail cannot save them on November 8,” the statement read, warning that the opposition would suffer a decisive defeat. Obigwe urged voters to judge the contest based on Soludo’s record, describing the governor’s achievements as “a redevelopment that cannot be covered with bare hands.”

Meanwhile, opposition leaders have urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant authorities to scrutinise state-sponsored election spending and consider sanctions where the line between legitimate campaign activity and inducement appears blurred.

The unfolding controversy adds a fresh layer of tension to the already heated build-up to the November 8 Anambra governorship election.

APGA presidential candidate, Justice Umeadi, quits party, withdraws from politics


The Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the 2023 general election, Justice Prof. Peter Umeadi, has announced his resignation from the party and his withdrawal from all forms of partisan politics in Nigeria.

In a letter personally signed and dated October 24, 2025, addressed to the Chairman of APGA Ward 1, Nri, in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, Mr. Onyekwelu Jideobi, Justice Prof. Umeadi expressed appreciation to APGA for granting him the opportunity to fly its flag in the last presidential election.

The letter titled “Resignation from Membership of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)” read in part:

“I respectfully write to resign from my membership of Nri Ward 1, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). By the same token, I withdraw from all partisan politics in Nigeria.

"I thank APGA for fielding me as its presidential candidate in the 2023 elections. The resignation of my membership from APGA and withdrawal from partisan politics in Nigeria takes effect from today. Accept the assurance of my warmest regards.”

Justice Prof. Umeadi, who ran on the Umeadi–Mohammed 2023 ticket, was the first jurist and law academic to emerge as a presidential candidate of a major political party in Nigeria. His campaign was anchored on the principles of rule of law, separation of powers, and due process, with a vision for social progress and equitable opportunity for all Nigerians.

He joined APGA on March 20, 2019, at Nri Ward 1, and clinched the party’s presidential ticket on June 1, 2022. His candidacy, widely regarded as a new chapter for legal professionals in Nigerian politics, emphasized integrity, fairness, and institutional reform.

Born on July 4, 1955, Justice Prof. Umeadi served as Chief Judge of Anambra State from 2011 to 2019. He is also a Visiting Professor of Law at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, a Life Bencher, Patron of the Anambra Book and Creativity Network (ANBUKRAFT), and a member of the World Jurist Association (WJA).

With numerous awards and professional recognitions to his name, Justice Prof. Umeadi’s withdrawal marks the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most respected legal minds to have ventured into partisan politics.

APGA 2023 presidential candidate, Justice Umeadi, quits party, withdraws from politics


The Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the 2023 general election, Justice Prof. Peter Umeadi, has announced his resignation from the party and his withdrawal from all forms of partisan politics in Nigeria.

In a letter personally signed and dated October 24, 2025, addressed to the Chairman of APGA Ward 1, Nri, in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, Mr. Onyekwelu Jideobi, Justice Prof. Umeadi expressed appreciation to APGA for granting him the opportunity to fly its flag in the last presidential election.

The letter titled “Resignation from Membership of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)” read in part:

“I respectfully write to resign from my membership of Nri Ward 1, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). By the same token, I withdraw from all partisan politics in Nigeria.

"I thank APGA for fielding me as its presidential candidate in the 2023 elections. The resignation of my membership from APGA and withdrawal from partisan politics in Nigeria takes effect from today. Accept the assurance of my warmest regards.”

Justice Prof. Umeadi, who ran on the Umeadi–Mohammed 2023 ticket, was the first jurist and law academic to emerge as a presidential candidate of a major political party in Nigeria. His campaign was anchored on the principles of rule of law, separation of powers, and due process, with a vision for social progress and equitable opportunity for all Nigerians.

He joined APGA on March 20, 2019, at Nri Ward 1, and clinched the party’s presidential ticket on June 1, 2022. His candidacy, widely regarded as a new chapter for legal professionals in Nigerian politics, emphasized integrity, fairness, and institutional reform.

Born on July 4, 1955, Justice Prof. Umeadi served as Chief Judge of Anambra State from 2011 to 2019. He is also a Visiting Professor of Law at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, a Life Bencher, Patron of the Anambra Book and Creativity Network (ANBUKRAFT), and a member of the World Jurist Association (WJA).

With numerous awards and professional recognitions to his name, Justice Prof. Umeadi’s withdrawal marks the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most respected legal minds to have ventured into partisan politics.

ADC Candidate John Nwosu Swears Affidavit: I’ll Serve Only One Term!

TONY OKAFOR,AWKA

Anambra governorship hopeful, Mr. John Chuma Nwosu of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has sworn before a court that he will serve for only one term if elected governor on November 8.

Nwosu, who hails from Nnewi in Anambra South—same zone as the incumbent governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo—took the bold step on Thursday at the High Court in Awka, where he personally swore an affidavit pledging to govern for just four years.

The ADC flagbearer said his decision aligns with Anambra’s unwritten zoning understanding, which rotates the governorship among the three senatorial zones.

He had earlier pledged to complete the remaining one term for the South before power returns to the Central Zone.

Speaking after swearing the affidavit, Nwosu said his action was inspired by integrity and a desire to make politics about service, not personal ambition.

“I came into this race to serve, not to rule,” Nwosu declared. “I have now sealed that promise before the court. Four years is enough to deliver real transformation if there’s sincerity of purpose.”

Political watchers have hailed the move as courageous and refreshing in a political climate where most politicians cling to power.

With another four years under a Southern governor, the state’s rotation formula is expected to return the governorship to Anambra Central thereafter.

Ukachukwu Planning to Blame Two APC South-East Governors for Expected Loss in Anambra Poll- APGA

By Our Correspondent

A chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Mr. Chinedu Obigwe, has alleged that All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, is already preparing to blame two South-East governors of his party for his imminent defeat in the November 8 Anambra governorship election.

Obigwe made the claim in a statement issued on Wednesday, alleging that Ukachukwu had concluded plans to accuse the APC governors of working against his emergence as governor after the polls.

According to Obigwe, the APC aspirant is only seeking a scapegoat ahead of what he described as a “foreseen defeat,” insisting that Anambra remains an APGA stronghold.

“They are claiming that the two APC governors from the South-East are working against the emergence of an APC governor in Anambra, but for me, that is a cock and bull story meant for the gods.

"He personally knows that his governorship ambition is a wild goose chase but decided to be dwelling in self deceit.

"In my interaction with a friend, I discovered that Ukachukwu has concluded arrangement to put the blame of his already foreseen defeat in the forthcoming November 8th governorship election on the door step of the two APC Governors from the Southeast.

"The drowning Ukachukwu should accept the fact that Anambra is APGA State and throw in the towel.

"Governor Soludo will definitely clinch a well deserved victory on November 8th and 1million Ukachukwu's cannot thwart this my prophecy from coming to fruition."

He further accused Ukachukwu of desperation to become governor “at all cost,” referencing a video circulating on social media which allegedly shows the APC aspirant administering oaths to his supporters.

“I have always maintained that Ukachukwu is a fake evangelist using religion to deceive gullible-minded people,” Obigwe stated, adding,“If he can go to the extent of subjecting his supporters to oath-taking rituals ahead of the election, it means he can do anything to grab power.”

The APGA chieftain maintained that Governor Chukwuma Soludo would record a “well-deserved victory” at the forthcoming poll, declaring that “even one million Ukachukwus cannot stop my prophecy from coming to fruition.”

Efforts to reach Prince Ukachukwu for his reaction were unsuccessful at press time.

APGA accuses APC’s Ukachukwu of desperate attempt to gain President Tinubu's attention



Our correspondent

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has accused the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nicholas Ukachukwu, of making a desperate attempt to get the attention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu .

In a statement issued on Thursday, the National Coordinator of the APGA Media Warriors Forum, Chinedu Obigwe, said contrary to assertions by Ukachukwu’s supporters that he had access to the President, available photographic evidence indicates otherwise.

According to Obigwe, Ukachukwu, alongside Senator Uche Ekwunife, was captured in a photograph “raising their heads like vultures” from the second row at the event in Owerri, attempting to catch a glimpse of the President.

He said the image only served to confirm his( Obigwe's) earlier claim that Ukachukwu had been snubbed and was not permitted to approach President Tinubu.

Obigwe also dismissed a publication allegedly authored by a pro-Ukachukwu blogger, which claimed that Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State had unsuccessfully tried to prevent Ukachukwu from seeing the President.

He described the report as “a senseless and useless blackmail piece,” and challenged the authors to produce any evidence showing Ukachukwu exchanging pleasantries with the President.

He maintained that no such evidence exists and argued that the circulated photograph, far from proving access, only confirmed Ukachukwu’s lack of proximity to the President.

Obigwe further described Ukachukwu as politically irrelevant at the federal level and unknown to the Presidency.

He argued that the APC’s promise to “bring Anambra to the centre” is misleading, insisting that only Governor Soludo currently has meaningful engagement with the Tinubu administration.

He referred to Ukachukwu’s campaign as “drowning” and accused his supporters of deceiving the electorate.

Obigwe said he had personally called a contact within the APC camp to reiterate that Governor Soludo remains the state’s best link to federal opportunities and national integration.

According to him, President Tinubu, who is pursuing his Renewed Hope Agenda, would not “sacrifice a useful Soludo for a useless Ukachukwu,” whom he said adds no value to national development.

He described Soludo as “a treasured national asset,” whose administration deserves continuity, reiterating APGA’s support for the governor’s re-election, stating that the slogan “4 + 4 = 8” captures the party’s call for Soludo to serve until March 17, 2030.


He described Soludo as “a treasured national asset” whose administration, he said, merits continuity, reaffirming APGA’s support for the governor’s re-election and noting that the slogan “4 + 4 = 8” reflects the party’s call for Soludo to remain in office until March 17, 2030.

APGA Chief Mocks Ukachukwu Over Abandonment by APC Hierarchy

Our Correspondent

A chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Evangelist Chinedu Obigwe, has taken a swipe at the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming Anambra governorship election, Nicholas Ukachukwu, alleging that he has been abandoned by the national leadership of his party and sidelined by President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Obigwe described Ukachukwu as a “stranger in APC,” claiming that his initial attempt to leverage his governorship ticket to gain access to the President has since collapsed.

“The only time Ukachukwu met President Tinubu was when the former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, packaged him to the Villa for a hurried flag presentation. Since then, he has been declared persona non grata in Aso Rock,” Obigwe alleged.

According to him, majority of APC governors have equally distanced themselves from the businessman-turned-politician, “in line with the body language of the President.”

Obigwe further recalled the controversy surrounding the failed inauguration of Ukachukwu’s national campaign council in Abuja, noting that some prominent names listed on the council had rejected the appointment and refused to identify with the campaign.

“This development forced the APC national leadership to push the inauguration to its Southeast zonal leadership, which eventually installed Ikedife Jnr from Nnewi North as Director General of the campaign organisation. Ukachukwu, Ikedife Jnr, and his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife, all hail from Anambra South, making it a kindred campaign structure,” Obigwe said.

He argued that the exclusion of Anambra Central and Anambra North Senatorial Zones from the top hierarchy of the campaign showed “gross insensitivity” and would further weaken Ukachukwu’s chances at the polls.

On President Tinubu’s recent visit to Imo State, Obigwe alleged that Ukachukwu mobilised a rented crowd in a bid to gain attention but was “snubbed by the President.”

“I challenge any of his followers to show proof of him having a handshake with the President during that visit. If they can, I will reward them with ₦1 million,” he declared.

The APGA chieftain maintained that the APC candidate has no realistic chance of victory in the November 8 governorship election, stressing that President Tinubu’s posture suggests he would not interfere with the process in Anambra.

“With what is happening, Ukachukwu already knows that he has lost the election. The votes of Anambra people will count, and Governor Chukwuma Soludo is coasting home to victory because he has delivered good governance,” Obigwe stated.

Soludo May be doing well, but competition of ideas strengthens democracy – Jeff Nweke

Tony Okafor,Awka

The governorship candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) in the November 8, 2025 Anambra governorship election, Ozo Japhet Ezechukwu Nweke, has said that while Governor Chukwuma Soludo is performing creditably in office, the state still deserves alternative choices and new strategies that can enrich governance and strengthen democracy.

Nweke, a political scientist, security expert and real estate developer, states this in an exclusive interview.

He said that his decision to run was borne out of the conviction that Anambra people deserve inclusivity in government and should be presented with options beyond the ruling party.

“I’m not saying Soludo as governor is not doing well, but there is nothing wrong in having multiple choices. We are presenting to our people different strategies and ways of reaching our common goals.

" I believe I am positioned to bring out the best in governance. Anambra State needs governance of inclusivity, not alienation. We shall bridge the gap between government and citizens by making people the centre of governance, not the other way round,” he said.

He dismissed zoning as a distraction, insisting it has no constitutional backing and only serves to enthrone mediocrity.

According to him, what the people want is not whose turn it is to produce the governor but who will provide infrastructure, quality healthcare, better education and a strong economy.

“People in Anambra are not reasoning today based on zoning; they are reasoning based on who will govern them well,” he argued.

On insecurity, Nweke said his administration would reduce the menace by 80 percent within its first three months in office.

He linked insecurity to unemployment, pledging to roll out massive agricultural initiatives that will create jobs and keep youths engaged.

“When you have the greater percentage of our youths being employed, crime will automatically reduce because most of what we see is crime of necessity,” he noted, adding that habitual criminals would be confronted with a strengthened security apparatus.

He expressed concern over vote buying, describing it as a twin evil that implicates both the buyer and the seller.

“If you sell your vote, you have no moral authority to question failed infrastructure. The money used to buy votes is taken from the public treasury. We must shun vote buying with all our might,” he warned.

On his economic agenda, the AA candidate said agriculture would serve as the cornerstone of his plans to revamp the state.

He lamented that agriculture and manufacturing contribute only about 20 percent to Anambra’s GDP, pledging to raise the figure to at least 40 to 50 percent by deploying modern technology, new farming systems and a well-structured value chain. “Agriculture will drive food security, jobs and prosperity in Anambra,” he affirmed.

As the campaign season intensifies, Nweke called for civility among political actors and urged a return to issue-based campaigns.

“This contest is not a do-or-die affair. Leadership is not meant solely for the ruling party; it is for both ruling and opposition. Let us tone down rhetoric that promotes violence and focus on how to serve our people better,” he maintained.

Anambra Poll: Northern Women Declare Support for Ukachukwu, Ekwunife

Tony Okafor,Awka

Northern Women groups in Anambra State have declared their support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, and his running mate,Senator Uche Ekwunife, ahead of the November 8 election.

The groups, drawn from the 21 local government areas of the state, said their decision was based on Ukachukwu’s long-standing relationship with them and his track record of service.

Leader of the groups, Hajia Teni Yusuf, stated that no other candidate in the race could match Ukachukwu’s capacity and experience. She recalled that he had been close to their community since his days as chairman in Abuja and later as a member of the House of Representatives.

The women pledged to deliver one hundred percent of their votes to Ukachukwu, describing his choice of Senator Uche Ekwunife as a clear demonstration of his readiness to serve Anambra. They further vowed to mobilize their households, friends, neighbours, and well-wishers to vote massively for the APC.

Yusuf led zonal and council representatives of the group on a solidarity visit to Ukachukwu at his campaign headquarters in Awka.

During the visit, they lamented that life had been “a living hell” under the current administration for over three years, noting that most Northern women resident in the state remain jobless, poor, and marginalized, without benefiting from government programmes.

She pointed out that Ukachukwu spent much of his life in the North, where he has significant investments and still resides with his family. Yusuf described him as a cool-headed, detribalized Nigerian who, by virtue of being in the same party as the Federal Government, is best positioned to attract federal benefits to Anambra State.

She added that, like many members of her group, she had lived in Anambra for more than 35 years and raised all her children in the state. Most of the women, she explained, are uneducated and unemployed, which has left them dependent on their families.

According to her, the solidarity visit comprised both Muslim and Christian Northern women living in Anambra. “We will go from house to house, church to mosque, to mobilize support for the APC so that our needs can be met,” she said.

In his response, Ukachukwu welcomed the Northern Women Support Groups, describing them as part of his political family.

Nov 8 Poll: Ndi Anambra Won’t ‘Commit Suicide’ by Voting Ukachukwu Over Soludo — Obigwe

The National Coordinator of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Media Warriors Forum, Evangelist Chinedu Obigwe, has declared that no amount of opposition propaganda will push the people of Anambra State into what he described as a “suicidal mistake” of voting against Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo in the November 8 governorship election.

Obigwe, who stated this in a press release on Monday, dismissed what he termed “childish propaganda” being peddled by the opposition, insisting that the Soludo administration enjoys the confidence of the people.

“The opposition in Anambra is behaving like fools at forty who will remain fools forever,” Obigwe said.

“All they bank on to win the governorship election is blackmail. But the truth remains that their propaganda cannot sway the electorate into making the suicidal mistake of voting for their drowning candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu.”

He faulted videos circulated online showing Governor Soludo’s convoy navigating bad portions of the Enugu Otu road, which the opposition tagged “Enugu Otu Dubai Taiwan,” describing the attempt as “pouring water on a stone.”

Obigwe explained that the governor’s decision to drive through the road was deliberate, aimed at personally inspecting the ongoing 28.1km Enugu Otu–Aguleri road project and commissioning a newly built general hospital in the area.

“Not all governors can do what Soludo did. Some would have chosen to fly in a chopper, but he decided to drive through that difficult terrain so as to feel the pains of the people and ensure their sufferings are alleviated,” Obigwe noted.

According to him, the road project, which cuts across Enugu Otu, Mkpunando and Eziagulu Otu Aguleri communities, is being executed in three phases, with the first 8.1km phase already 95 percent completed.

He stressed that the governor has given assurance that the second and third phases will be delivered without abandonment.

He also commended Soludo for constructing a new general hospital for the people of Enugu Otu, a project he said the community did not request but which the governor considered necessary out of empathy for their health needs.

Describing Soludo as a “humane leader delivering governance with empathy,” Obigwe urged Anambra electorate to ignore opposition “blackmail” and to return the governor to office for a second term to consolidate ongoing development projects.

“The people of Anambra State are happy with Governor Soludo’s divine mission, and no amount of cooked-up propaganda can stop his re-election on November 8,” he concluded.

Soludo Rejects Ekwunife’s Apology, Calls It Waste Bin Fabrication

TONY OKAFOR,AWKA

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State and his wife, Dr. Nonye Soludo, have dismissed as “another fabrication” the apology reportedly credited to Senator Uche Ekwunife over her alleged defamatory remarks against them.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday and signed by his Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, PhD, the Governor said the apology did not emanate from the lawmaker and therefore lacked credibility.

The statement, titled “Sen. Ekwunife’s Purported Apology: Another Fabrication Fit for the Waste Bin,” argued that the unsigned press release said to have come from the “Ekwunife Campaign Organization” was suspicious, misleading, and inadequate.

According to Opara, there is no such campaign body since Ekwunife’s senatorial ticket was a joint one with the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra.

“The publication purporting to be an apology for the defamatory statements made against the Governor and his wife personally by Senator Ekwunife does not appear to have emanated from the Senator herself, given that her defamatory statements were made directly via recorded video and leaked audio conversation,” the statement read in part.

The Governor’s aide insisted that any retraction or apology must come directly from Senator Ekwunife, using the same channels through which the offensive remarks were made.

“The so-called apology never referenced Madam Ekwunife’s initial video and audio but instead focused on an unsigned article. This only points to her complicity, directly or indirectly, as the source of the article. It implies that no genuine apology was intended or tendered,” Opara stated.

The Governor’s office also recalled that the First Lady, Dr. Nonye Soludo, had earlier challenged Senator Ekwunife to clear herself on two issues: first, to swear an oath before the Blessed Sacrament affirming fidelity to her marriage; and second, to subject her children to a DNA test, alongside the Soludos’ own children, to disprove infidelity allegations.

“Any contrite apology must follow a personal and direct retraction of her defamatory statements,” Opara emphasized, adding “Slander or libel directly made by an individual cannot be vicariously dismissed by any agent or proxy.”

Describing the apology as “another unsubstantiated social media gossip,” the Soludo administration said it would proceed as though the document never existed, while still demanding a clear and unambiguous retraction from Senator Ekwunife herself.

TONY OKAFOR,AWKA

APGA mocks Ukachukwu over alleged ‘serial indebtedness’

BY OUR CORRESPONDENT

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has taken a swipe at Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, the Governorship Candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Anambra November 8 poll,mocking him over what it described as his “serial indebtedness” that has continued to trail him in public.

In a statement on Monday, the National Coordinator of APGA Media Warriors Forum, Evangelist Chinedu Obigwe, said Ukachukwu’s recent embarrassment at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, further exposed what he called a lack of integrity.

According to Obigwe, a viral video showed Ukachukwu being confronted by business partners, who accused him of owing them huge sums of money while at the same time campaigning to be governor of Anambra State.

“This is the second time in recent months that Ukachukwu has been disgraced publicly by those he is owing,” Obigwe alleged.

He recalled that in an earlier incident, a man went stark naked in front of Ukachukwu’s residence, demanding to be paid.

“Now, in this latest video, his business partners boldly told him he cannot be running for governor while still owing people,” he added.

Obigwe mocked Ukachukwu, saying electioneering is capital-intensive and should not be pursued by someone allegedly struggling with debts.

He argued that the repeated confrontations showed Ukachukwu was unfit to lead Anambra.

“For his business partners to block him and his family at Transcorp Hilton, it means their patience has been exhausted.

“Ukachukwu is a mistake the Anambra electorate must avoid like a leper. He has nothing to offer the people. His only interest is to use Anambra’s resources to offset his huge debts. God forbid bad thing.”

However, a supporter of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, Dr. Justin Nwankwo, dismissed the viral videos as staged drama.

“When you see a staged video, you will know. The recent circulating video claiming that Ikukuoma was attacked by people he allegedly owed ₦1 billion is nothing but a poorly scripted political drama, staged and sponsored to discredit a rising force ahead of the Anambra governorship election,” Nwankwo said.

Anambra police smash drug rings, arrest 54, recover 11 bags of Indian Hemp

Tony Okafor, Awka

The Anambra State Police Command has intensified its campaign against cultism, drug abuse and other rising social vices with the arrest of 54 suspects and the recovery of a large quantity of hard drugs during separate operations across the state.

The arrests, which comprised 39 males and 15 females, followed coordinated raids by operatives in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, and Ifitedunu, Dunukofia LGA.

Police authorities say the operations were in line with renewed strategies aimed at restoring sanity in the state and curbing the growing menace of crime among young people.

In a press briefing on Monday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, police expressed concern over what it described as moral decay among youths, especially those between 18 and 26 years.

Despite past successes, Ikenga noted, disturbing trends such as cultism and fake kidnappings have continued to surface.

He recalled recent cases in which young lovers staged their own abductions to extort money from their parents.

In one incident, a girl and her boyfriend connived to extract three million naira after initially demanding ten million from her family.

In another, a couple staged a similar plot, collecting one million naira from the girl’s parents.

According to the police, these acts not only undermine community safety but also reflect a troubling decline in parental guidance and supervision.

The Command also condemned last month’s violent cult-related attack during a burial at Ezi-Ogidi, Ogidi, Idemili North LGA, in which four people were shot dead and 15 others sustained gunshot wounds.

The incident, it said, underscores the urgency of operations against cult groups.

On September 12, operatives of the Special Anti-Cult Squad (SPACS), Enugwu-Ukwu, arrested a 25-year-old suspect, Chiderah Obochi, along the Old Onitsha–Awka Road.

A search revealed dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp in his possession.

According to the PPRO, Under interrogation, Obochi admitted to being a drug runner and led police to a residence in Umudioka Village, where 11 bags of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis sativa were recovered.

Ikeng said, "The exhibits will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further action."

"Two days later, on September 14, police stormed a black spot in Ogidi following intelligence reports that cultists routinely gathered there.

"The operation led to the arrest of 53 suspects, comprising 38 males and 15 females. They are currently undergoing screening and profiling, after which those found culpable will face charges in court."

On behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, the Command assured Ndi Anambra of its unwavering resolve to deploy both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, including intensified surveillance, patrols, intelligence gathering and community engagement, to keep the state safe.

The Command, Ikenga said, remains committed to protecting lives and property, restoring sanity, and ensuring Anambra remains safe for all law-abiding residents

APGA Media Forum Defends Nonye Soludo, Criticizes Senator Ekwunife

Our Correspondent

The National Coordinator of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Media Warriors Forum, Chinedu Obigwe, on Sunday issued a statement defending the character of Her Excellency, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, wife of Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo.

Obigwe dismissed attempts to compare Mrs. Soludo with Senator Uche Ekwunife, insisting that the two women represent very different values and lifestyles.

According to him, Mrs. Soludo embodies dignity and serves as a role model to women across Nigeria.

He stated that she upholds principles of integrity and respect, which set her apart in public life.

Obigwe also alleged that Senator Ekwunife declined a public challenge for a paternity test initiated by Mrs. Soludo.

He argued that her decision not to participate raises questions about her transparency.

“Character and dignity mean everything to Her Excellency Nonye Soludo, and that is why she stands tall as a role model to women who value their self-worth above material gains,” Obigwe said.

He added that Mrs. Soludo has earned the admiration of many Nigerians and should be celebrated for her commitment to values, morality, and exemplary conduct.

The confrontation between both women traces back to Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s questions over Senator Ekwunife’s academic qualifications.

The senator responded with sharp criticisms, prompting the governor’s wife to step into the fray.

Nonye Soludo Challenges Ekwunife to Oath of Fidelity Before Blessed Virgin Mary, DNA Test on Children

By Our Correspondent

The wife of Anambra State Governor, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, has issued a dramatic challenge to Senator Uche Ekwunife, urging both of them to take an oath of fidelity before the Blessed Virgin Mary and to subject their children to paternity tests.

In a statement released on Friday, Mrs. Soludo accused the senator of fabricating allegations and dragging her children into political disputes.

She described Ekwunife’s conduct as malicious and warned that legal action would follow unless the lawmaker withdrew her claims and apologised within 72 hours.

Mrs. Soludo said a public oath would help settle questions of character once and for all.

“Since Uche Ekwunife claims to be a converted Catholic, I challenge her for both of us to swear an oath of fidelity and chastity at any cathedral in front of the Blessed Sacrament and the Bible.

I will swear (with my children) that in my 55 years on earth, I have known only one man—Chukwuma Soludo. On your part, you should also swear (with your children or your political ambitions) that since you got married, you have never cheated on your husband.”

The governor’s wife also invited Senator Ekwunife to scientific verification through DNA testing.

“I challenge you, Uche Ekwunife, for us to subject our children to paternity tests in three reputable hospitals in London. I will pay all the expenses, including travel for you and your family,” she said.

She added that if the results confirmed that Ekwunife’s husband fathered all her children, she would not only congratulate her but also present a cash award.

Describing herself as a quiet family woman, Mrs. Soludo stressed her Christian and conservative upbringing.

“I married him as a virgin and my fidelity to him in 33 years of marriage and for life is ironclad,” she asserted.

She further noted that she had never worked for government nor depended on public funds, even as First Lady of Anambra State.

Vowing to sustain her defence with dignity, Mrs. Soludo likened the clash with Senator Ekwunife to a long-distance race. “My weapons are decency, character, and grace. I am a long-distance runner, and I welcome you to the marathon,” she said.

The confrontation between both women traces back to Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s questions over Senator Ekwunife’s academic qualifications.

The senator responded with sharp criticisms, prompting the governor’s wife to step into the fray.