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YPP Deputy Guber Candidate,Uzu Okagbue Alleges Cover-Up in Corps Member Assault, Onitsha Market Killing

By Our Correspondent




The Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in the forthcoming November 8 Anambra governorship election, Mr. Uzu Okagbue, has accused the state administration of shielding the truth behind two recent violent incidents that have unsettled residents of the state.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, Okagbue warned that the government’s silence and inconsistencies in official accounts could trigger widespread outrage if not urgently addressed.

“The Anambra State administration is sailing on a tide so dangerous that silence is no longer an option,” he declared.

“What is unfolding must be investigated, unraveled, and confronted, or Ndi Anambra will rise, as history has shown, to demand answers that cannot be buried, Okagbue added

Okagbue cited two incidents in particular: the assault and stripping of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, and the shooting of a pregnant woman alongside others at the Onitsha Main Market. According to him, both cases remain “shrouded in a troubling fog of deceit.”

He questioned the discrepancies in the handling of the assault case, noting that eyewitnesses confirmed that a female assailant was involved, yet those paraded by the police as suspects were all men.

On the Onitsha Main Market tragedy, Okagbue insisted that the state government has failed to confirm whether the actual killers of the pregnant woman and other victims are in custody. “If the suspects are known, why is their identity not openly confirmed? If they are unknown, why the deafening silence?” he asked.

The YPP candidate further alleged that the administration might be complicit in shielding the perpetrators or, worse still, permitting renegade groups to operate with tacit approval.

“If this government is not hiding a conspiracy against its own people, then let it speak,” he stated, adding, “Let there be full disclosure, swiftly and transparently: just as quick as the press releases churned out by the State Government campaign organization on candidates’ credentials submitted to INEC.”

He vowed that YPP and the people of Anambra would not relent in demanding accountability.

“Until then, Ndi Anambra will not rest. We will continue to demand answers, for what is at stake is not only justice for victims but the very soul of our state.”

As at press time, government officials were yet to respond to Okagbue’s allegations.

Soludo Campaign Raises Fresh Doubts, Suspects Fake GCE in Ukachukwu’s Credentials

Our correspondent

The Soludo-Ibezim Campaign Organisation (SICO) has questioned the academic qualifications of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the forthcoming Anambra governorship election, Mr. Nicholas Ukachukwu, alleging that his General Certificate of Education (GCE) may be fake.

In a statement signed by Prof. Solo Osita Chukwulobelu, Director General of the Soludo-Ibezim Campaign Organisation, SICO argued that the minimum qualification required by the Nigerian Constitution for the office of governor is at stake in the November 8 election.

According to the campaign organisation, Ukachukwu’s GCE certificate, purportedly obtained in May/June 1986, contains several failing grades including F9 in English, Mathematics, and Economics—subjects it described as “basic requirements for literacy and numeracy.”
The statement further cast doubt on the authenticity of the document, noting that “GCE was only written in November/December, not May/June.”

“This raises fundamental questions about his eligibility,” the statement read. “Anambra cannot have a governor whose ability to read, write, or perform basic arithmetic is in doubt.”

The Soludo campaign also extended its criticism to Ukachukwu’s running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife, alleging that the PhD she declared to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was obtained from an unaccredited institution in the United States and therefore invalid.
SICO claimed that without the disputed doctorate, Ekwunife’s only qualification remains a GCE certificate with four subjects.

While insisting it would not be distracted from its campaign promises, the Soludo team maintained that issues of integrity and qualification were “legitimate questions” that Anambra voters must consider.

The APC has not immediately responded to the allegations.

The November 8 governorship poll will see the incumbent Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, running on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), face Ukachukwu of the APC and other candidates.

My Life in Danger, Protect Me Against Moghalu’s Threats — Anambra LP Chairman Cries Out

By Our Correspondent

Labour Party (LP) Chairman in Anambra State, Comrade Peter Okoye, has raised the alarm over threats to his life, alleging that his decision to challenge the candidacy of George Moghalu in court has put him and his family in grave danger.

Okoye told our correspondent that he recently received a disturbing telephone call from an unidentified man who introduced himself as “Jack from Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area.”

According to him, the caller warned that unless he withdrew the suit filed against Moghalu within 48 hours, he would face dire consequences.

In the chilling message, the caller said:“If you don’t withdraw the case from court within 48 hours, I will chase you out of Anambra State. Ask them in Anambra who is Jack, I’m from Nanka. I learnt you are from Orumba. If you don’t remove that case from court, I will know whether you are mad. Are you stupid? How can you jeopardize the future of scores of young people in the state? What I’m telling you now, if you don’t remove that case from the court, you will see me — Ogbanje ga-agba gi.”

Okoye had earlier dragged Moghalu, who emerged as LP’s candidate in the forthcoming November 8 governorship election, to the Federal High Court, insisting that his nomination did not follow due process.

He argued that Moghalu was sponsored by the Julius Abure-led faction of the party, which was sacked on April 4, 2025, while the disputed primary election that produced him was conducted the following day, April 5, 2025.

The case, initially filed at the Federal High Court, Enugu, was on September 8, 2025, transferred to the Federal High Court, Anambra.

Okoye maintained that Moghalu remains an impostor and not the duly recognized candidate of the Labour Party, which he said is under the leadership of Senator Nenadi Usman.

He therefore appealed to security agencies for protection.

“I call on all security operatives in Anambra State to protect me and my family against George Moghalu’s attacks. He is not our candidate. Anambra voters should disregard his illegal gatherings,” Okoye said.

When contacted for his reaction, George Moghalu dismissed the allegations, questioning Okoye’s claims of being state chairman of the party.

“Who is Okoye? Okoye is not Labour Party Chairman in Anambra State. That’s rubbish. Let him go and report the matter to the police for investigation. If anybody is threatening him, it is not to my knowledge,” Moghalu said.

On the alleged phone call from one Jack of Nanka, Moghalu distanced himself from the development, saying:“I don’t know about that. Why am I going to threaten him? It’s his fundamental right to go to court if he is aggrieved.”

Anambra killings evidence of Soludo’s bad governance - John Nwosu- ADC


John Chuma Nwosu, governorship candidate of the African Development Congress, on Wednesday explained Tuesday’s killing of four people in Onitsha by operatives of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra, otherwise known as OCHA Brigade as evidence of the bad governance the people of Anambra have been suffering in the hands of Charles Soludo, Governor of Anambra State, in the last three and half years.
Nwosu, one of the special guests at the Second Anual Public Lecture instituted by Obi Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, told reporters in Awka after the event that Soludo’s government had brought nothing but tears and sorrow in the state since assumption of office, adding that Anambra people could not bear to have him in control of the state for another four year.
His words: “It is the clear evidence of bad governance. For the past three and half years, what Anambra people have been suffering is bad governance. Therefore, anybody that is talking about giving the government of Prof. Charles Soludo another four years does not mean well for Anambra State.
“Our people are overtaxed and brutalised. What happened in Onitsha yesterday was a clear evidence of chaos in our environment, which is ochastrated by the government of Charles Soludo. Anambra people must do the needful and ensure that the government is kicked out because it has proven that it has nothing good to offer.
Nwoso, who had earlier issued a statement, titled: Soludo Must Stop These Killings, Anambra Is Not A Jungle, had chronicled a series of other incidents to prove that that of Onitsha was not an isolated case, while calling on the governor to put a leash on his men to save the state further bloodshed.
In a statement he personally signed, he wrote: “Today, I received with great distress the sad news about the killing of four vibrant compatriots Onitsha. Their lives were cut short albeit, untimely, by individuals identified as operatives of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra, otherwise known as OCHA Brigade, who stormed the Emeka Offor Plaza at Onitsha Main Market. These victims include a pregnant woman. They were caught in a hail of bullets as these said operatives reportedly shot indiscriminately in a crowded market.
“That this incident is saddening, is a gross understatement to say the least. It is more so given that this is not an isolated case, but an addition to the growing list of untimely deaths in the hands of state-sanctioned actors - whose modus operendi is demonstrated by manifest show of recklessness, irresponsibility, foolhardiness and impunity of the highest order that have pervaded Anambra the state in the most recent years.
“Eyewitnesses state that the sequence that led to these killings was the outcome of mere altercations between the operatives, whose main duty is purely to “ensure environmental sustainability, enforcing government policies on cleanliness, order and discipline and improving the overall health of the state,” and some traders whose wares they had tried to confiscate as usual. For that simple reason, they started firing indiscriminately, forcing traders and other people around the popular market to scamper in different directions for safety.
“Not satisfied and obviously enjoying the panic and chaos their action created, they continued in the orgy until these fatalities occurred. Now, why should a simple environmental issue lead to shootings? Were the lives of the operatives threatened in anyway? What manner of threat would warrant carrying guns loaded with live bullets into a market place, let alone using them? These are questions many people have been asking.
“But such questions could only come from those not watching events in the last few years when Anambra practically took a dive into the abyss of hopelessness occassioned by poor governance and absence of prioritising the true needs of the people as well as formulating a clear roadmap towards achieving them.
“Nobody else should take the blame for the death of these four compatriots whose only crime was to venture into the market to try an eke out their living in a desperate economy but Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, for his cluelessness in managing the affairs of Anambra State in the last three-plus years.
“Not only that he is responsible for employing crude methods of running the state himself, his penchant for turning the blind eye, and ignoring the activities of the armies of untrained and unrestrained henchmen roaming all parts of the streets, has increased the level of unmitigated impunity for which the state is now bearing the brunt and for which the land is again being soaked with the blood of these innocent victims. What a terrible testimonial!
“Only recently, the world was regaled with the story of Jennifer Edohor, the female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, stripped naked and brutalised by members of the Agunechemba under the command of Operation Udogachi. Before then, there have been a surfiet of other much more sordid and notorious cases.
“Recall the incident of the three young men working as wrought iron designers working for their client at a new building in Owere-Ezukala, Orumba South Local Government Area by the selfsame Agunechemba in February this year and labelled armed robbers only to be discovered to be innocent.
“There was the case of one Chiamaka Okeke, another victim killed by stray bullets as men of the same security outfit reportedly fired indiscriminately at Ibeto Junction in Nnewi North LGA. They were said to have opened fire simply because the police controlling traffic were wasting their time. That was in April this year. In June the family of a 12-year-old boy, another victim, was thrown into mourning when the lad, reportedly sitting quietly on a culvet near a gutter in Nwangene Street, Onitsha, was hit by a stray bullet fired by the same operatives of the government.
“The case of Okechukwu Akaname, Chairman of Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (OCCIMA) whose life ended in agony recently after he was thrown into a vegetative state by operatives of Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA), who broke his spine over issues of revenue collection, is also fresh. These are just few cases outside other numerous attacks and brutality unleashed on citizens by these henchmen, including men of the notorious Aka-Odo, whose penchant for torturing people leaves galling impressions on decent people.
“In my speech, while flagging off my campaign on August 8, I had assured the people of Anambra that I have heard their cries of anguish from the current government. I had also alerted the world that not only has Soludo failed the people of Anambra State but that the much-advertised “Soludo Solution” has become “Soludo Pollution.” I had made a firm commitment that the government of the ADC, which I will lead will replace the old, crude method of doing things by employing modern global templates and best practices based on scientific methods.
“In my total overhaul and transformation agenda for Anambra, using ICT, an area in which I am well vast as an investor and expert, not only did I clearly indicate that I am not only going to run a goverment that will be in partnership with Anambra people, I had emphasised that the model will have minimal contact with them to avoid cases of brutality for whatever purpose, be it in crime control, provision of security or revenue generation.
“But before that time comes, as I encourage Ndi-Anambra to continue to bear the pain unleashed on them by this government, let me take this same opportunity to appeal to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo to leash these murderous gangs and end the bloodletting in the state.
“I demand that these killings must stop immediately. In the immediate case, those responsible for the killing of these four people in Onitsha must be brought to book alongside others who had committed such atrocious acts in the past.
“It has become evident that these people have overshot their bounds. I understand the panic and desperation to create fear in Anambra State as part of the plot to remain in power. But even desperation must have a limit. Only a jungle or the Hobbesian State of nature where life is short, brutish and nasty will permit what is happening in Anambra State today. It must stop!”

Uche Ekwunife a disgrace to motherhood should bury her face in shame.

BY CHINEDU OBIGWE


In all honesty, the skelewu dancing Sen Uche Ekwunife is rotten to the extent that she does not have the moral justification to open her dirty mouth to say anything about a refined character like Governor Soludo.

When you talk about the skelewu dancing Sen Uche Ekwunife, you are talking about someone that sold her dignity as a woman 10kobo.

It's a well known fact in public domain that Uche Ekwunife was the jezebel that destroyed Anambra State between 1999 to 2003.

She was the person that made the late Chinwoke Mbadinuju to squander the money he was supposed to use to pay teachers their salary in her laps and that singular despicable action made our teachers to go on strike for almost 1year plus and our students stayed at home for that 1year plus.

As if that was not enough, the late Mbadinuju is being referred to as the poorest Fmr Governor among the class of 1999 to 2003 fmr Governors courtesy of what this shameless skelewu dancing Sen. Uche Ekwunife did to him.

I was not surprised when I saw the video of the skelewu dancing Sen Uche Ekwunife talking trash about Governor Soludo because I know that she finds it difficult to cope with refined characters.

She is talking rubbish about Governor Soludo because he did not fall for her seduction tricks that she used to destroy Mbadinuju.

In Anambra, the skelewu dancing Sen Uche Ekwunife is known as a shameless promiscuous woman that must be avoided like leper by men that are refined in character.

If she has shame, she will not be running her mouth flippantly without shame like someone that is suffering chronic diarrhoea of the mouth ailment.

Governor Soludo is too refined for the rotten character known as the skelewu dancing Sen Uche Ekwunife.

Characters like the her truly need to hide her face in shame because she is a disgrace to women in our society.

Anambra people will use their vote to confine the skelewu dancing Sen Uche Ekwunife and Ukachukwu to where they rightly belong on November 8th.

Governor Soludo is on a divine mission of rebuilding what the skelewu dancing Sen Uche Ekwunife contributed in destroying in our State between 1999 to 2003.

The good people of Anambra are happy with the transformation of our beloved State by Governor Soludo and they will vote massively for him on November 8th as a well deserved reward for his good work in the State.

Anambra police commissioner hails six months of crime-busting strides



Tony Okafor,Awka

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has rolled out a scorecard of achievements recorded within his first six months in office, declaring that the state had witnessed remarkable improvements in security and crime control.

Speaking at a press briefing in Awka, Orutugu said his tenure began amid daunting challenges, notably the escape of a suspect implicated in the kidnapping and murder of Honourable Justice Azuka, as well as a spate of violent crimes.

He noted that upon assumption, the Command had made a firm commitment to restore public confidence in policing, strengthen collaboration with sister agencies, and ensure that Anambra remained a safe and secure state for residents and visitors.

According to him, the Command in collaboration with other security outfits launched Operation Zero Kidnapping, a joint initiative which disrupted the activities of criminal gangs and drastically reduced abductions across the state.

Within the period, the police recovered more than 300 arms, 20 explosives, 1,000 rounds of ammunition and over 30 vehicles.

They also destroyed five criminal camps, arrested more than 200 suspects including cultists, armed robbers and separatist agitators, and secured over 100 convictions in cases ranging from sexual assault and armed robbery to kidnapping and other violent crimes.

Among the notable breakthroughs, he said, was the dramatic re-arrest of the fugitive suspect linked to Justice Azuka’s murder, which he described as proof of the Command’s determination that no perpetrator of heinous crimes would escape justice.

Orutugu also highlighted the Command’s role in conflict resolution, citing the peaceful settlement of communal disputes such as the boundary crisis between Ikenga and Isiokwe villages in Umueri and Aguleri.

He said training and orientation programmes had been organised for vigilante operatives across the state, while the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) had expanded its outreach by empowering women through skills acquisition, providing welfare for police families, and undertaking charitable initiatives to strengthen police-public relations.

He further noted that under his watch, the state successfully hosted the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and conducted a by-election without incident, while residents were now able to organise ceremonies without fear of security threats. With support from stakeholders, the Command also renovated key facilities including the Rapid Response Squad at Akwuzu, Aminchi Police Station and other formations across the state.

Orutugu disclosed that these efforts had already earned the Anambra Police Command several commendations, including Best Crime-Busting Command of the Year, awarded by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Council.

While acknowledging that challenges remain, he stressed that with sustained collaboration, professionalism and community trust, Anambra would continue to be kept safe.

He commended the officers and men of the Command, sister security agencies and the people of the state for their support.

APGA Media Forum Fires Back at Obidiegwu Over Criticism of Soludo

By Our Correspondent

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Media Warriors Forum has launched a strong rebuttal against what it described as a “blackmail campaign” targeted at Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, by former Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Mr. Chido Obidiegwu.

The Forum’s National Coordinator, Evangelist Chinedu Obigwe, issued a statement on Tuesday in which he accused Obidiegwu of political opportunism and personal vendetta following his removal as ABS boss.

Obigwe alleged that Obidiegwu, who served under both the past administration and in the early years of Governor Soludo’s government, had become part of a group of “aggrieved political actors” backing APGA’s rival, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah Ukachukwu, ahead of the November 8 governorship election.

According to Obigwe, Obidiegwu’s grievances stemmed from his removal as ABS Managing Director due to “abysmal performance” and his dashed expectations of reappointment.

"He claimed that during a recent encounter with Obidiegwu, the latter admitted that his political realignment was driven by personal survival rather than loyalty to Ukachukwu.

“Chido confided that he joined the Ukachukwu camp after failing to get another appointment from Governor Soludo and after overtures from Senator Uche Ekwunife,” Obigwe alleged, adding,“He told me he hopes to secure attention at the federal level, even as a Master of Ceremony at events attended by President Tinubu.”

The APGA Media Warriors Coordinator insisted that Governor Soludo remains popular with Anambra people, dismissing what he called “sponsored attacks” as futile.

“Governor Soludo has delivered good governance and the people have embraced his leadership. Blackmail cannot diminish the gains already made,” Obigwe maintained, urging the public to disregard Obidiegwu’s criticisms.

He concluded by reaffirming APGA’s confidence in Governor Soludo’s mandate, declaring: “It is Soludo or nothing till March 17, 2030. One good turn deserves another.”

Efforts to reach Mr. Obidiegwu for his response were unsuccessful as of press time.

Anambra Lawmaker Henry Mbachu Dumps Labour Party, Aligns with Paul Chukwuma in YPP


Hon. Henry Mbachu, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly representing Awka South constituency 1, has left the Labour Party and joined the Young Progressive Party. In a video broadcast announcing his move to the YPP, Hon. Mbachu said that his decision to join the YPP was reached after careful consideration arising from his assessment of the YPP candidate and his manifesto, which he said best expresses his desire for a new Anambra State. Accordingly, Hon. Mbachu pledged to work assiduously for the YPP and the candidate of the party, Sir Paul Chukwuma, for the November 8, Anambra State Governorship Election.

Speaking on the quality of YPP’s candidate and his confidence in the party and the candidate’s manifesto, Hon. Mbachu said that not only does Paul Chukwuma’s manifesto fit into his own set legislative agenda for his constituents, but also that his candidacy appeals to the youths and has a compelling vision and plan for Anambra State which is comparable to none else. Mbachu also assured his constituents that the YPP is their best option in realizing their collective interest. “I am here this day to declare to you my defection from Labour Party to the YPP. This decision is made on the foundation of a carefully thought-out way for the good people of Awka and Okpuno, with the best interest at heart,” Hon. Henry Mbachu said.

According to Hon. Henry Mbachu, “For the November 8 Anambra State Governorship Election, I am going to work with the candidate who has presented the best manifesto that suits the people of Awka and Okpuno. A candidate who represents the young minds. A candidate who presented an understandable blueprint on how to develop Anambra from consumption to production. A candidate who has shown me that industries can be built across the state, His Excellency, Barrister Paul Chukwuma. He has also assured me that in every facility built in Awka by the government, Awka and Okpuno people will have the option of first refusal from level 1 to level 7. This decision is in the best interest of Awka South,” Hon. Mbachu concluded.

Anambra :No Agreement to Step Down as LP’s Moghalu Meets ADC's John Nwosu in Nnewi

By Our Correspondent

The governorship candidate of th pzaaaaaaaàe Labour Party (LP), Chief George Moghalu, on Saturday, August 30, paid a courtesy visit to his counterpart in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. John Chuma Nwosu, at his country home in Nnewi.

The meeting, which lasted several hours, centered on the forthcoming Anambra governorship election scheduled for November 8. Both candidates, who hail from the same Nnewi subclan, were said to have exchanged views on the political climate in the state and the urgent need for what they described as a “fresh direction” in governance.

In a statement issued after the meeting, Mr. Nwosu clarified that no agreement was reached on any of the candidates stepping down.

"The ADC is in this race to the very end. I have made it clear that my campaign will remain clean and focused, and ultimately it is the voters who will decide who governs Anambra.

"The issue of stepping down for anyone is completely off the table,” Nwosu declared.

He emphasized that his party was determined to provide a credible alternative to the incumbent administration and would not waver in its quest to present itself as a viable choice to the electorate.

Observers note that the meeting between Moghalu and Nwosu underscores the fluid nature of political alignments ahead of the keenly contested poll.

While both men share common ground in their criticism of the ruling government, their refusal to step aside for one another suggests a crowded ballot that may split votes in their Nnewi stronghold.

With just over two months to the election, the political atmosphere in Anambra continues to gather momentum, as candidates intensify consultations and grassroots engagements across the state.

ANCISRO@1: Nnabuife Hails Soludo for Setting Up Office to Restore Anambra Values


TONY OKAFOR,AWKA

The Anambra State Civic and Social Reformation Office (ANCISRO) on Monday, September 1, 2025, marked its first anniversary, recounting a year of vigorous campaigns, public enlightenment and values reorientation across the state.

Established on September 1, 2024, by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo under the Office of the Governor, ANCISRO was conceived to tackle civic apathy, social decadence and the spread of false lifestyles in the state.

Within its first year, the agency has emerged as one of the most visible drivers of civic engagement in the South-East.

At a modest ceremony in Awka, ANCISRO’s Managing Director, Sir Chuka I. Nnabuife, described the agency as an idea whose time has come, noting that its creation was timely given the challenges of today’s society.

He credited Governor Soludo for envisioning and establishing what he called a timely social intervention office designed to restore civic discipline and promote authentic Anambra values.

“Our society today is plagued by internet-fuelled false lifestyles, drug abuse, cyber fraud and an erosion of noble values. ANCISRO exists to challenge these trends, to remind Ndi Anambra of the real values of industry, discipline and community that define us as a people,” Nnabuife said.

He observed that with a stronger ANCISRO, malpractices such as vote-buying, rigging, voter apathy and disenchantment with civic duties would be drastically reduced. The agency, according to him, works round-the-clock to devise creative and innovative ways of making positive change happen in society.

In its first year, ANCISRO carried out more than two dozen major interventions, ranging from media campaigns on the 2024 local government elections to public enlightenment on environmental practices, school outreaches on drug abuse and cultism, as well as voter registration drives.

It also produced short films and jingles discouraging anti-social practices, hosted lecture series on values reorientation, mobilised voters ahead of elections and published books including A Book of Values for Secondary School Pupils and Governor Soludo’s Leadership and Values-Driven Governance.

The agency’s stewardship report shows that it reached an estimated one million people through radio, television and digital platforms while directly engaging over 10,000 secondary school students across the state. Its campaigns, forums and publications have shaped public behaviour and influenced discourse on civic responsibility.

Looking ahead, stakeholders believe ANCISRO is well placed to consolidate its role as a watchdog against civic irresponsibility and a promoter of cultural renewal in Anambra. In an era of deepening cynicism towards governance, the agency’s blend of advocacy, education and grassroots mobilisation is seen as critical to shaping a disciplined and socially conscious citizenry.

RMRDC Staff Decry Hardship Under DG Ike-Muonso, Demand Urgent Intervention
Our correspondent

The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), one of Nigeria’s key agencies tasked with advancing the nation’s industrial base, is in turmoil as staff members accuse its Director-General, Prof. Nnanyelugo M. Ike-Muonso, of gross mismanagement and neglect.

Workers told our correspondent that the agency is sinking into paralysis under his leadership, with employees enduring punishing conditions that threaten both their livelihoods and the council’s mandate.

“We are facing extreme hardship, with no allowances, delayed salaries—sometimes up to three months—no benefits, and no promotion arrears.The situation is unbearable, and morale is at rock bottom," a worker said.

Multiple sources confirmed that the crisis has lingered for months, with no meaningful response from management. Workers say the DG has ignored their repeated appeals, leaving them demoralized and unable to meet basic needs.

“We urge Prof. Ike-Muonso and relevant authorities to act immediately. Without urgent intervention, staff cannot function effectively, and the agency will collapse,” another official warned.

Attempts to obtain a response from Prof. Ike-Muonso were unsuccessful, as he could not be reached for comment.

The RMRDC, a strategic institution responsible for promoting raw materials research and development, now risks grinding to a halt due to the internal crisis.

Stakeholders fear that the neglect of staff welfare could cripple the agency’s operations, with dire consequences for Nigeria’s industrial growth.

For the embattled workers, the situation is a ticking time bomb.

“We are appealing to relevant authorities to investigate our plight and rescue this agency before it is too late,” a staff member said, underscoring the urgency of their demand.

The allegations against Ike-Muonso have thrown a harsh spotlight on leadership failures within one of Nigeria’s critical institutions, raising questions about accountability, transparency, and the future of the RMRDC.

Suspension of Anambra Lawmaker Udemezue — Let it not be what I’m thinking

BY TONY OKAFOR


The three-month suspension of Hon. Bernard Udemezue, member representing Ayamelum constituency, should give Ndi Anambra cause for concern.

His alleged offence stemmed largely from informing his constituents that lawmakers receive ₦10 million quarterly for constituency projects.

Instead of clarifying the facts or explaining how these funds are applied, the House of Assembly chose to punish the messenger.

In a democracy, discipline within parliament is necessary. But so also is restraint. When a legislature moves too quickly to silence one of its own — perhaps because the executive does not like his face — it risks eroding its independence and diminishing its dignity.

While Udemezue’s approach to official matters may have lacked tact and breached legislative decorum, this alone does not justify the severity of his suspension.

A legislature cannot function if order is continually undermined. Yet the punishment imposed — barring him for three months without pay and stripping his constituents of representation — is excessive, politically unwise, and arguably unconstitutional.

The real issue here is transparency. Constituents have a right to know what resources are available to their representatives and how such resources are deployed.

By dragging this matter into a public brawl, the Assembly has only magnified suspicions that could have been better handled administratively.

The question then arises: who exactly is the Assembly trying to please by exposing details that would hardly have reached the public domain if its own members had not blown the lid?

This controversy also raises a broader concern: the relationship among the arms of government.

Cooperation between the legislature, executive, and judiciary is desirable, but it must never appear that one arm is worshipping another for favours.

It is wrong and dangerous for the Assembly to be seen as fighting the executive’s battles against lawmakers who have fallen out of favour. Such posturing undermines the doctrine of separation of powers and portrays the legislature as a mere appendage.

Democracy thrives not when a lawmaker is silenced, but when allegations are openly tested against the truth. The Assembly must never forget that its primary duty is to the people, not to personal pride or outside influence.

We therefore urge caution. The Anambra House of Assembly should reconsider the suspension, restore decorum through dialogue, and uphold both discipline and transparency.

Anything less is not only a betrayal of the people’s trust but also a public stripping of the legislature’s own dignity.

"Retired ABS Journalist Begs Soludo on Birthday: “Pay Us the ₦10,000 Pension You Promised” - The Razor News" https://therazornews.com/retired-abs-journalist-begs-soludo-on-birthday-pay-us-the-%e2%82%a610000-pension-you-promised/

Court Stops Moghalu from Parading as Labour Party Candidate in Anambra Guber Poll
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By Our Correspondent

The Federal High Court sitting in Enugu has restrained Chief George Moghalu from parading himself as the governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the forthcoming November 8, 2025 Anambra State Governorship Election.

The interim order, issued in Suit No. FHC/AWK/CS/226/2025, followed two motions ex-parte filed by members of the Interim State Executive Committee of the Labour Party in Anambra State, led by Okoye Peter Chukwunulu and Jerry Nnubia.

The plaintiffs had prayed the court to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising Moghalu, who emerged from the faction of the party loyal to the sacked National Chairman, Julius Abure.

The court, presided over by Justice Nwaukwa Ukamaka, granted the order restraining Moghalu (the 4th defendant in the suit) from further parading himself as LP’s candidate in line with the April 4, 2025 judgment of the Supreme Court which removed Abure as the party’s National Chairman.

The apex court had earlier affirmed Senator Nenadi Usman as head of the National Caretaker Committee of the party, declaring that any nominations or lists emanating from Abure’s leadership were invalid.

In its ruling, the Enugu Federal High Court also ordered INEC not to accept or process any nomination forms or electoral documents submitted by the Abure-backed State Executive Committee in Anambra, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

Furthermore, the court directed that the originating summons and other processes be served on Moghalu through substituted means by pasting same at his residence in Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area.

While granting the orders of substituted service, the court insisted that all parties must maintain the status quo until the substantive matter is heard.

The case has been adjourned to August 26, 2025, for further hearing.

With the ruling, the battle for the Labour Party’s ticket in Anambra remains uncertain, as only candidates endorsed by the Senator Nenadi Usman-led caretaker leadership are recognised in law.

Ukachukwu Can't Win Election in His Osumenyi Home in Free, Fair Contest – APGA Chief

By Our Reporter

A chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Evangelist Chinedu Obigwe, has launched a blistering attack on the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Chief Nicholas Ukachukwu, accusing him of violence, thuggery, and electoral malpractice during the August 16 bye-election in Anambra State.

In a statement made available to journalists on Thursday, Obigwe said Ukachukwu’s conduct at the polls was “not surprising,” claiming it was consistent with his record.

“The despicable action of Ukachukwu on August 16 bye-election day is not surprising to me because of his antecedents. He did exactly the same thing in 2019 when he contested for Senate on the platform of APGA,” Obigwe alleged.

According to him, Ukachukwu had attempted to influence results from his Osumenyi country home in 2019, but was frustrated by the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who won the election convincingly.

The APGA chieftain alleged that Ukachukwu repeated the same pattern during the recent bye-election, moving around Nnewi South with “hefty bouncers” and physically assaulting opponents, including the Commissioner for Environment.

“Many people testified that he beat up the Commissioner for Environment in Ezinifite community. On election day, he was the one doing the beating and slapping,” Obigwe said.

He further alleged that Ukachukwu threatened Deputy Governor Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, vowing to burn his cars. “Only a shameless thug can say that out of frustration on election day,” Obigwe added.

Despite the alleged intimidation, Obigwe praised the Deputy Governor, the Commissioner for Environment, and other APGA stalwarts for “checkmating Ukachukwu’s rigging plans” in Nnewi South.

He declared that without manipulation, Ukachukwu cannot win even in his Osumenyi country home, let alone across the state.

“It is now obvious to everybody that without rigging, Ukachukwu cannot win Osumenyi, his country home, or Nnewi South Local Government. Anambra has passed the stage where characters like Ukachukwu will govern,” he said.

Obigwe expressed confidence that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s performance would ensure APGA’s victory in the November 8 governorship election.

“The outcome of the bye-election was a loud testimony that APGA will prevail in November,” he declared.

Anambra AA Guber Candidate Jeff Nweke Condemns Vote Buying, Defends Soludo’s Son

TONY OKAFOR, AWKA


The Governorship candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) in the November 8 Anambra gubernatorial election, Ozo Jeff Nweke, has condemned vote buying and cautioned against attacks on the son of Governor Charles Soludo.

In an address to the people of Anambra, Nweke described the current state of politics in the state as a “decay of decency” and a slide into “self-centered and morally insufficient pursuits.”

He urged political actors to embrace humility, reminding them that leadership is about service to the people.

“It is shameful in Anambra today that what we are witnessing is an acute decay of decency in our politics.

“We should carry ourselves with dignity, knowing that we are servants of the people. Humility should be the watchword in all its ramifications," Nweke said.



On electoral integrity, Nweke warned that vote buying poses a serious danger to Nigeria’s democracy, insisting that it undermines the will of the people and deepens corruption.

“Vote buying is absolutely wrong. It is killing and undermining our democracy,” he said, adding, “It is the root cause of corruption eating deep into our society and responsible for many of the evils we are suffering today.

" We must all add our voices to condemn it, so that the November 8 election will not become a generational disappointment.”

Nweke urged voters to reject inducements and insisted that only a credible and transparent election could guarantee leadership that will truly serve the people of Anambra State.



The AA candidate also weighed in on criticisms targeted at Governor Soludo’s son, who has been the subject of attacks on social media because of his brand of music.

Nweke argued that young people in Anambra and Nigeria should be encouraged rather than discouraged in their pursuits.

“We should avoid anything that will amount to discouragement towards any youth of our dear state, even those from privileged backgrounds.

“Instead of being a wastrel, the governor’s son has chosen resilience, self-determination and the pursuit of independence. That deserves commendation, not ridicule.”

Meet Odogwu Ekene Enefe, Nigerian Tech Visionary Behind Lokats


Meet Odogwu Ekene Enefe, the Nigerian founder of Lokats who aspires to give Facebook a run for its money.

Facebook tops the list of leading social media platforms with over three billion users worldwide. YouTube, with two billion and five hundred million users, comes second. Instagram and WhatsApp each have two billion users. TikTok comes in at number five with one billion and six hundred million users.

The social media space is lucrative, rewarding, and challenging. The burn-out rate for start-ups in the sector is very high. The statistics are staggering. The failure rate for new startups is generally 90%. From this number, 10% of new businesses don’t survive the first year. However, first-time startup founders have a success rate of 18%.

With all these in mind, a 23 year-old Nigerian man Odogwu Ekene Enefe is bracing the odds and has launched a start-up social media platform known as Lokats on the first of August 2025. He spoke to Dr. Uche Nworah about what’s driving him and the unique features of the platform

About Him

My name is Odogwu Ekenedilichukwu Enefe, the founder and CEO of Lokats. I am from Ogbunike in the Oyi local government area of Anambra State.

I hold a B.Sc in software engineering from the Nile University of Nigeria.

Reason for setting up Lokats

I started Lokats because I kept seeing the same problem: people have memories, photos, and moments that connect them to others, but no simple, respectful way to turn those memories into reconnections. I wanted to build a human-centered platform that helps people find and reach out to long-lost friends and family based on memories, places, and shared moments while protecting privacy and consent.



The uniqueness of Lokats compared to other social media platforms

Lokats is built for reconnection, not for passive scrolling. Key differentiators are: memory-tag search (search by photo, place, event, or memory), map recall to retrace where people were last seen, and a two-step privacy consent that requires approval before personal info is shared. Those features, plus instant reconnection alerts and a design that foregrounds meaningful contact, make Lokats uniquely suited to respectfully reuniting people.

Why should people leave Facebook and other social media platforms and migrate to Lokats?

We are not asking everyone to abandon other platforms. Instead, Lokats provides a focused tool for one thing those large platforms do not do well, which is to help people reconnect based on memories while prioritizing privacy and consent. If you want a quieter, more intentional place to find old friends and rebuild real relationships, Lokats is purposely built for that.

Response and uptake so far

Early response has been encouraging. Beta users tell us they appreciate the privacy-first approach and the memory-search mechanics, and we have seen steady organic interest from communities and alumni groups.

Major challenges if any facing Lokats

Our biggest challenges are typical for early-stage social platforms: raising enough capital to scale product and moderation responsibly, acquiring our first large cohorts of engaged users efficiently, and building robust moderation and privacy processes that scale globally. From a technical standpoint, delivering fast, reliable matching and map features at scale is also a continuous engineering focus.

Would he consider selling?

Our focus today is on building a product and community that delivers real value. We are open to strategic partnerships or offers that accelerate the mission and protect user privacy and product integrity. Any decision to sell would require alignment with our long-term vision and with the needs of our users.

Vision for Lokats

We want Lokats to become the world’s most human-centered reconnection platform: the place people come when they want to find someone from their past or build meaningful new ties rooted in shared moments. Long term, we see Lokats powering safe reconnections across cultures and geographies while setting new standards for consent, privacy, and emotional utility in social apps.

Be among the first to experience the future of human connection. Download Lokats today on the Play Store and App Store.

Facebook tops the list of leading social media platforms with over three billion users worldwide. YouTube, with two billion and five hundred million users, comes second. Instagram and WhatsApp each have two billion users. TikTok comes in at number five with one billion and six hundred million users.

The social media space is lucrative, rewarding, and challenging. The burn-out rate for start-ups in the sector is very high. The statistics are staggering. The failure rate for new startups is generally 90%. From this number, 10% of new businesses don’t survive the first year. However, first-time startup founders have a success rate of 18%.

With all these in mind, a 23 year-old Nigerian man Odogwu Ekene Enefe is bracing the odds and has launched a start-up social media platform known as Lokats on the first of August 2025. He spoke to Dr. Uche Nworah about what’s driving him and the unique features of the platform

About Him

My name is Odogwu Ekenedilichukwu Enefe, the founder and CEO of Lokats. I am from Ogbunike in the Oyi local government area of Anambra State.

I hold a B.Sc in software engineering from the Nile University of Nigeria.

Reason for setting up Lokats

I started Lokats because I kept seeing the same problem: people have memories, photos, and moments that connect them to others, but no simple, respectful way to turn those memories into reconnections. I wanted to build a human-centered platform that helps people find and reach out to long-lost friends and family based on memories, places, and shared moments while protecting privacy and consent.

The uniqueness of Lokats compared to other social media platforms

Lokats is built for reconnection, not for passive scrolling. Key differentiators are: memory-tag search (search by photo, place, event, or memory), map recall to retrace where people were last seen, and a two-step privacy consent that requires approval before personal info is shared. Those features, plus instant reconnection alerts and a design that foregrounds meaningful contact, make Lokats uniquely suited to respectfully reuniting people.

Why should people leave Facebook and other social media platforms and migrate to Lokats?

We are not asking everyone to abandon other platforms. Instead, Lokats provides a focused tool for one thing those large platforms do not do well, which is to help people reconnect based on memories while prioritizing privacy and consent. If you want a quieter, more intentional place to find old friends and rebuild real relationships, Lokats is purposely built for that.

Response and uptake so far

Early response has been encouraging. Beta users tell us they appreciate the privacy-first approach and the memory-search mechanics, and we have seen steady organic interest from communities and alumni groups.

Major challenges if any facing Lokats

Our biggest challenges are typical for early-stage social platforms: raising enough capital to scale product and moderation responsibly, acquiring our first large cohorts of engaged users efficiently, and building robust moderation and privacy processes that scale globally. From a technical standpoint, delivering fast, reliable matching and map features at scale is also a continuous engineering focus.

Would he consider selling?

Our focus today is on building a product and community that delivers real value. We are open to strategic partnerships or offers that accelerate the mission and protect user privacy and product integrity. Any decision to sell would require alignment with our long-term vision and with the needs of our users.

Vision for Lokats

We want Lokats to become the world’s most human-centered reconnection platform: the place people come when they want to find someone from their past or build meaningful new ties rooted in shared moments. Long term, we see Lokats powering safe reconnections across cultures and geographies while setting new standards for consent, privacy, and emotional utility in social apps.

Be among the first to experience the future of human connection. Download Lokats today on the Play Store and App Store.

SENATOR IGBEKE APPLAUDS PROF OMENUGHA'S APPOINTMENT, EXTOLS SOLUDO FOR UPHOLDING INTEGRITY.

A well known Management Consultant and the Financial Consultant to the third tier of government in Nigeria (774 local government areas), Senator Dr. Ubanesse Igbeke,, has applauded the appointment of Professor Kate Omenugha as the substantive Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), describing it as meritorious and inspiring.

According to the Senator who represented Anambra North Senatorial District in the National Assembly Professor Omenugha's appointment has broken barriers and made history as the first female Vice Chancellor of the great institution. He also described the appointment "as a trailblazing moment of superfluous history."

Senator Igbeke said that, " this milestone reflects Professor Omenugha's exceptional leadership, dedication and contributions to academia." Continuing he emphasized, " that her achievement is truly inspiring because it speaks with the force of power to her excellence and vision."

Senator Dr. Igbeke wishes Professor Omenugha great success in her pioneering role, while predicting that her tenure would inspire future generations and elevate the University to new heights.

He also extolled the leadership acumen of the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo CFR and commended him for prioritizing integrity and excellence in the appointment of Professor Omenugha.

Senator Igbeke enjoins the entire University community to join hands with the substantive Vice Chancellor to foster a leadership that will bring growth, innovation and success to the institution.

APGA Accuses Opposition of Plotting to Rig August 16 Bye-Election, Slams LP

By Our Correspondent

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Media Warriors Forum has dismissed recent allegations by the Labour Party (LP) caucus in the National Assembly that Governor Chukwuma Soludo plans to deploy non-state actors to intimidate voters during Saturday’s bye-election in Anambra State.

In a statement issued on Friday, the National Coordinator of the Forum, Chinedu Obigwe, described the allegations as a “fabricated tissue of lies” allegedly concocted by “disgruntled political elements” intent on misleading the public.

“These false alarmists are the very people plotting to rig the August 16 bye-election,” the statement read, adding “Seeing that their evil plans are being thwarted one after another, they have resorted to crying wolf where none exists.”

The Forum accused a certain senator, a leading LP figure in the state, of “fraternising with thugs” and alleged that he and his associates were the ones planning to “unleash violence on innocent voters to subvert the electoral process.”

“They know security agencies will deal decisively with their thugs, hence their shedding of crocodile tears,” the group added.

Calling on the National Security Adviser (NSA) and security chiefs to disregard the LP’s claims, the Forum described the opposition’s position as a “cock-and-bull story from drowning political actors who must not be taken seriously.”

The statement also praised Governor Soludo’s record in office, insisting that “the last thing he will do is encourage election rigging.”

It maintained that the governor had earned the trust of the electorate through “good governance and development strides,” which, according to the Forum, voters are determined to reward by electing APGA candidates in the bye-election and re-electing Soludo in the November 8 governorship poll.

“The will of the Anambra electorate will definitely prevail,” the Forum concluded.

TERROR IN UFUMA! Criminal Gang Rules Two Villages – Agunaechemba, Police, Wanted

TTONY OKAFOR,AWKA

The people of Umuogem and Umueji villages in Ufuma, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, have cried out to the state government and security agencies for urgent help, alleging that their communities are under siege by armed criminal gangs.

In a press statement signed by Mr. Chukwuemeka Okeke for the Concerned Ufuma Professionals (CUP), the residents said the gangs have taken control of their forests and roads with “a surprising boldness that can baffle any sane society,” dictating daily life and operating without fear of law enforcement.

According to the statement, the criminals decide who may go to farms, impose levies before any celebrations can be held, seize mobile phones and remove SIM cards, and order when shops may open or close.

“Whether by day or night, they parade around with guns hanging dangerously on their shoulders while villagers cower in fear,” the statement read.

“They have seized the community’s palm plantations, appointed their own agents to harvest and sell the produce, and take the proceeds for themselves, to the great pain of the poor villagers.”

The residents recounted several recent incidents, including the broad daylight theft of a new motorcycle from a young man working as a gatekeeper, the forced removal of all security cameras in the villages, and even a brazen marriage proposal by one of the criminals to a local family’s daughter.

On Friday, August 8, the statement said, a quarrel between two villagers — Mr. Ikechukwu Ibe and Mr. Chimezie Ifesineke — escalated when Mr. Ikechukwu allegedly invited the gang to attack his rival.

"When they did not find Mr. Chimezie at home, the gang allegedly threatened to kill all his children and burn his house unless he paid ₦100,000 within days.

They claimed the money was to cover the cost of bullets fired at his home and to pay for Mr. Ikechukwu’s medical treatment. Mr. Chimezie has since been seeking help to raise the amount.

The gang also allegedly extorted ₦40,000 from guests at a traditional marriage ceremony last week before allowing the groom’s party o enter the bride’s compound.

The statement further accused the criminals of mounting roadblocks along the Umuogem–Ogbunka road, enforcing a compulsory Monday sit-at-home order by firing gunshots indiscriminately, and shooting a mentally challenged man in the leg for defying the order. The man is still receiving treatment.

“They sit in beer parlours and shops with their guns openly displayed like law enforcement officers,” the group alleged, adding that the criminals operate from forest hideouts known as Iyiakwukwo, Ishingele, Oduga, and Akpunamara, which border Ogbunka, Owerezukala, Awlaw, and Inyi.

The residents said they have been threatened with “complete massacre” if they report the criminals’ presence to the government.

“We appeal to the government and security agencies to come to our aid before the situation worsens beyond control,” the group stated.

Anambra: APGA Chieftain to Ukachukwu: Your Rigging Plot Will Crash!

By Our Correspondent

A chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chinedu Obigwe has dismissed recent comments by the Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nicholas Ukachukwu, describing his boast ahead of the August 16 Anambra South Senatorial bye-election as “self-deceit.”

Ukachukwu had reportedly declared that the by-election would prove “who is in charge” of Anambra Stateut in a statement issued on Sunday, the APGA stalwart said the APC candidate lacked the political strength to deliver victory for his party in the state.

“I will state without mincing words that Ukachukwu is dwelling in self deceit

“He knows very well that APC is not in existence in Anambra and that he does not have the required electoral value to give his party victory in any election here.”

The statement accused Ukachukwu of being more focused on election manipulation than genuine campaigns, alleging that he was already plotting to rig both the August 16 bye-election and the November 8 governorship poll.

“This is a man that has never won any election in Anambra State since he started contesting,” Obigwe said, recalling that Ukachukwu lost the 2023 Anambra South Senatorial race to the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah despite allegedly smuggling manufactured results from Osumenyi into the collation centre.

The chieftain further alleged that Ukachukwu had been lobbying APC governors to deploy resources for election rigging in Anambra, using the forthcoming bye-election as a “test run.”

“Whatever evil plan they want to perfect in the State on August 16 and November 8 will be vehemently resisted by the vigilant electorate,” Obigwe warned.

Reaffirming APGA’s dominance in the state, the party stalwart said: “Anambra is APGA land and the people will continue voting for APGA candidates because the party has justified the confidence reposed in it.”

The August 16 bye-election was triggered by the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who represented Anambra South in the National Assembly until his passing in July last year.

APGA Chief Says Tony Nwoye Leveraging Slain Lawmaker’s Widow for Political Gain

Our correspondent

The National Coordinator of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Media Warriors Forum, Chinedu Obigwe, has urged the Senator representing Anambra North Senatorial District, Dr Tony Nwoye, to stop using Justina Azuka, widow of slain Anambra lawmaker Justice Azuka, to advance his 2027 political ambitions.

In a statement on Saturday, Obigwe alleged that Senator Nwoye was backing Mrs. Azuka’s candidacy in the August 16, 2025, bye-election for Onitsha North Constituency 1 as part of a broader plan to consolidate his political influence ahead of the next general elections.

According to him, the senator’s support for Mrs. Azuka—widow of the late lawmaker who represented the constituency—was not purely charitable, but a calculated political move.

“Some people may see what he is doing for her as an act of help, but it is nothing more than an attempt to secure control of the constituency.

This sympathy strategy is designed to win the bye-election and position himself strongly for 2027,” Obigwe said.

He further alleged that Mrs. Azuka, despite being new to legislative politics, was being heavily financed to secure victory in the upcoming election.

Obigwe expressed confidence that voters in the constituency would see through the strategy and “resist any deceptive political games” at the polls.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has nominated Mrs. Azuka as its candidate for the bye-election.

The Labour Party (LP), which her late husband represented in the House of Assembly, has in sympathy decided not to field a candidate, in solidarity with the widow.

Justice Azuka was kidnapped on the eve of Christmas and later found dead, with his remains dumped in a bush.

The August 16 bye-election was necessitated by his death.

John Nwosu Flags Off Governorship Campaign, Vows to End Soludo’s ‘Pollution’ of Anambra

By Our Correspondent

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the forthcoming Anambra State election, Mr. John Chuma Nwosu, on Friday formally flagged off his campaign at All Saints Field, Onitsha, with a blistering critique of Governor Charles Soludo’s administration, describing it as “an all-round failure” and pledging to restore security, transparency, and economic vibrancy in the state.

Addressing party faithful, supporters, and dignitaries in attendance, Nwosu declared that the November 8 poll would be a decisive moment for Anambra, insisting that Soludo’s government had “failed on all fronts” — from security and development to respect for traditional institutions.

“Soludo’s ‘solution’ has turned governance into Soludo’s ‘pollution,’” Nwosu charged., adding ,“If he did not succeed in his first four years, he will not succeed in another four. Anambra is broken and in the worst possible shape under his watch.”

He accused the governor of fostering an insecure environment where “criminality and bloodletting” have become rampant, and of deploying “brutality to collect revenue,” leading to deaths and injuries among residents.


Unveiling his blueprint for governance, Nwosu outlined his Seven Pillars of Good Governance — Security, Health, Education, Economy, Enterprise, Markets, and Social Welfare (SHEEEMS) — which, he said, would be powered by technology and artificial intelligence to ensure efficiency and inclusivity.

On security, the ADC candidate promised to deploy high-tech infrastructure, including AI-powered facial recognition cameras, fingerprint systems, and well-equipped community vigilante units.

He vowed that within six months of taking office, peace would be restored across the state, with festivals, marriages, and community life returning to normal.


Nwosu pledged to abolish exploitative tax practices, restructure the revenue system, and cut tariffs and charges for transport operators, artisans, and petty traders by 30% from his first day in office.

“Our traders and small business owners are bleeding,” he said. “You will no longer pay to suffer.”

Our traders and small business owners are bleeding,” he said. “You will no longer pay to suffer.”

The ADC flagbearer also announced plans for a bursary scheme for indigent students, an upgrade of market infrastructure, and e-commerce training for traders.

He promised that the elderly and persons with disabilities would receive monthly welfare stipends.

He emphasised that his administration would operate an e-Government system, allowing citizens to track projects, monitor revenues, and access government services via their mobile phones — “a government that works at the speed of technology, not paperwork.”


Declaring the 2025 governorship election a “rescue mission,” Nwosu urged Ndi Anambra to unite and vote out Soludo’s administration.

“We must get involved and secure Anambra once again. This is not just a promise — it is a commitment to serve, not exploit; to listen, not intimidate; and to build a government you can trust, not fear,” he concluded.

The campaign flag-off was attended by Nwosu’s running mate, Sir Ndubisi Nwobu, party officials, and a cross-section of supporters, signalling the ADC’s determination to mount a formidable challenge in the November polls.

Passing 6 Is Not Passing Sense, ADC’s John Nwosu Slams Soludo Over Psychiatric Jibe


Our correspondent

The governorship race in Anambra has taken a dramatic turn as the camp of African Democratic Congress (ADC) flagbearer, John Chuma Nwosu, slammed Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo over what they describe as “reckless and desperate name-calling.”

In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday, the JCN Media Centre accused Soludo of panicking in the face of rising opposition, after the governor mocked his political challengers — branding them “street urchins” and even suggesting they need psychiatric evaluation.

“Pass six is not passing sense,” the ADC team fired back, saying Soludo’s outbursts show that the governor is “rattled by the reality that his time in office may be limited to a single term because of a disappointing performance.”

The statement pointed out that the credible challengers emerging from Anambra South Senatorial Zone, including Mr. Nwosu, have vowed to restore honour to governance by committing to a single term in line with the state’s zoning arrangement — a gesture they say Soludo is mocking because it exposes his failure to deliver.

“Mr. Nwosu is the only candidate who has sworn a public affidavit to serve a single term,” the media team noted.

“That is statesmanship and respect for the law — not a joke. Instead of insulting those who offer Anambra a better alternative, the governor should explain why his promises remain unfulfilled.”

Ending on a stinging note, the statement added:“Anambra deserves e-government, not Soludo’s archaic module. Pass six is not passing sense.”

With the November 8 governorship election fast approaching, the gloves are clearly off as the ADC joins the fray against Soludo’s bid for a second term.

Obigwe to Tony Nwoye, Idu: Empower slain lawmaker’s widow, not squander ₦200m on her election


By Our Correspondent

The National Coordinator of the APGA Media Warriors Forum, Evangelist Chinedu Obigwe, has urged Senator Tony Nwoye to stop dragging Mrs. Justin Azuka, widow of the late Justice Azuka, into partisan politics.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Obigwe said it was unfortunate that Mrs. Azuka had been persuaded to enter the race for the August 16 Onitsha North 1 Constituency bye-election, barely months after the death of her husband.

“This is a widow that is supposed to be mourning the unfortunate demise of her husband and looking after their children, but she has unfortunately abdicated that responsibility to be chasing shadows in the guise of contesting the August 16 bye-election,” Obigwe said.

He maintained that the late Justice Azuka “will be turning in his grave” that his wife has been “brainwashed into joining the murky waters of politics.”

According to Obigwe, the decision to contest exposes her to risks and distractions that will not help her family.

“The truth that I told someone close to Nwoye is that they are not helping Justin Azuka. Rather, they are destroying her and committing the sacrilegious sin of making the woman not focus her attention on taking care of the kids Azuka left behind for her,” he added.

Obigwe advised that if Senator Nwoye, Idu Emeka and others pushing her into the race genuinely care about her welfare, “they will raise between ₦50 million to ₦100 million and give to her to go into any business of her choice that will empower her for life and put her in a position to look after herself and her children.”

The APGA Media Warriors Coordinator compared politics to a “gambling game,” warning that those urging her on could spend “₦100 million to ₦200 million” during the election but abandon her if she loses.

He urged Mrs. Azuka to emulate the example of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s wife, who, despite pressure from Senate colleagues, declined to enter the race for her husband’s vacant seat and chose instead to focus on her family.

Obigwe màintained that using the late Justice Azuka’s death for political sympathy is “a sacrilegious sin” and that Mrs. Azuka has made “a very bad decision that she will end up regretting after August 16.”

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) recently offered Mrs. Azuka its ticket for the August 16 by-election in the Onitsha North 1 State Constituency, following the abduction of her husband on the 2024 Christmas Eve and the subsequent discovery of his body in a bush near the River Niger head bridge.

In addition, her late husband’s party, the Labour Party, has pledged its support for her by deciding not to field any candidate in the August poll.

Judge Who Nullified Obi’s Impeachment Buried, David Mark,John Nwosu, Others Mourn

TONY OKAFOR

The quiet community of Nri in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State came alive on Friday as eminent Nigerians gathered to pay their last respects to the former Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Emmanuel Umegbolu Nriezedi.

Among the dignitaries were former Senate President and interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark; former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi; and the ADC governorship candidate in Anambra State, Mr. John Nwosu.

Nwosu, accompanied by a large crowd of ADC members, had earlier received Senator Mark at the Chinua Achebe International Airport before joining the cortege to the late jurist’s country home.

In a moving sermon at the funeral service, the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, described Justice Nriezedi as “an incorruptible and upright judge who left an indelible mark on the judiciary and his family.”

Bishop Ibezim reminded the congregation of the three stages of death: physical death, when the body ceases to function; spiritual death, which he said comes from separation from God; and eternal death, the final separation from God after judgment.

“The only way to live for God,” he said, “is to live a righteous life. That was the path Justice Nriezedi chose.”

The late jurist, remembered for his integrity and courage, was widely credited with standing firm against political cabals that sought to turn Anambra into their fiefdom.

His unwavering stand for justice was pivotal to the reversal of the unlawful impeachment of then Governor Peter Obi in 2006.

Speaking to our correspondent, one mourner remarked, “History will remember him as one of the few judges who would rather die than pervert justice.”

The burial was attended by an array of lawyers, judges, politicians, and community leaders who described Justice Nriezedi as a beacon of incorruptibility in the judiciary.

Obigwe to Ukachukwu: Stop Telling Ndi Anambra Cock and Bull Stories, They Know You

Our Correspondent

The National Coordinator of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Media Warriors Forum, Chinedu Obigwe, has urged All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu, to desist from what he called “attempts to mislead Ndi Anambra with false narratives,” insisting that voters in the state “know his history and will not be swayed by empty promises.”

In a statement on Thursday, Obigwe recounted what he described as Ukachukwu’s “humiliation at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha,” claiming that the incident led Ukachukwu to cancel a planned tour of churches in the state.

“That humiliation at the Basilica serves him right,” Obigwe said. “I still doff my cap for Archbishop Valerian Mmaduka Okeke for not falling for the temptation of worshipping money like some carnally minded men of God.”

According to him, after the episode, Ukachukwu turned to touring all 21 local government areas of Anambra State in an attempt to “brainwash gullible people with cooked-up lies.”

Obigwe also dismissed Ukachukwu’s recent claim that his industries in Anambra folded due to insecurity.
“This is a blatant lie from the pit of hell,” he said. “The truth is that he is a failed industrialist who does not know how to manage industry in a competitive environment.

“The likes of Jezco Oil, Dozzy Oil, Chicason Group, Ibeto Group, and Innoson are thriving because they know how to manage their businesses. So he should stop telling us the cock and bull story that his industries folded up because of insecurity and that he is contesting for Governor to provide security.”

The APGA chieftain said the electorate in Anambra State are no longer easily deceived.
“As far as I and all reasonable minded people are concerned, such stories are for the trash bin. Anambra people have passed the stage where anyone can brainwash them with such tales,” he stated.

Obigwe predicted that Ukachukwu would come a distant third in the November 8, 2025 governorship election, expressing confidence that incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo would win by a landslide.

“Governor Soludo will definitely clinch a landslide victory because he is the best among those contesting,” he said.


“He has used his first term achievements to justify the confidence reposed in him by Anambra people. The November 8 election is payback time for Soludo.

"Ndi Anambra are determined to reward him with another four years because they want the good work to continue. It is Soludo or nothing till March 17, 2030.”

EDITORIAL: Some Governors Must Go Back to School and Enrol in SS1

By Tony Okafor

It is no longer a joke — some Nigerian governors must go back to school, not for postgraduate degrees or honorary doctorates, but to Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1) — where basic Government and Civic Education are taught.

We say this with all seriousness, because the level of constitutional ignorance displayed by some state leaders is not only shameful, it is dangerous.

In recent times, some governors have made public declarations barring Nigerians from entering or residing in “their” states — as though they were feudal lords presiding over sovereign territories.

This is not only unlawful; it is a direct affront to the 1999 Constitution — the same document they swore an oath to defend.

Let it be crystal clear: Nigeria is a federation, not a patchwork of personal estates. No governor has the legal authority to restrict the movement or residency of any Nigerian citizen across state lines.

Section 41(1) of the Constitution guarantees that :“Every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof…”

This is not a suggestion. It is not subject to emotion, tribe, religion, politics, or a governor’s personal discomfort. It is a fundamental right.

Yet, in 2025, some governors still issue pronouncements that blatantly violate this constitutional provision — behaving like border patrol agents or monarchs of ancient provinces.

This crass overreach is not merely a legal blunder; it is a glaring sign of how poorly grounded they are in the basics of governance.

We must ask: Did some of them skip SS1? That is where Nigerian students are taught the meaning of a federation, the roles of the three tiers of government, and the limits of executive power. Perhaps it is time they enrolled.

One of the greatest threats to Nigeria’s democracy is not the absence of institutions, but the ignorance of those entrusted with them.

When governors begin to treat public office as a platform for vendetta or ethnic grandstanding, the republic is at risk. Governance is not about issuing decrees; it is about understanding laws, rights, and responsibilities.

Some of these governors are not victims of poor advice — they are victims of their own intellectual laziness. Many rose to power through political patronage and have made no effort to educate themselves on even the most basic elements of their office.

To those governors, we say: It is not too late. You can still return to school — start with SS1 Government, and work your way up.

There is no shame in seeking knowledge. In fact, great leaders have returned to the classroom while in office. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo did so. Babatunde Fashola, as governor of Lagos State, took executive courses. Paul Kagame of Rwanda has attended leadership programmes at some of the world’s top institutions. These leaders understood that education strengthens leadership — ignorance diminishes it.

We must stop normalizing mediocrity in high places. Nigerians deserve governors who read, learn, and lead with understanding — not those who govern by emotion or legislate unlawfully.

If we are to preserve the soul of our democracy, constitutional reorientation must be mandatory for elected officials. It is no longer enough to recite the oath of office; they must understand what it means.

Nigeria cannot be governed by those who mistake personal bias for public policy. We need thinkers, not bullies in suits. We need leaders who have passed SS1 Government — not those who skipped it on their way to the governor’s mansion.

If you cannot respect the Constitution, you have no business holding public office. And if you do not understand it, by all means, go back to school — and start from SS1.

PARALLAX SNAPS: Peter Obi at 64 — Mandela Walks Among Us

BY TONY OKAFOR

Yesterday, July 19, Nigerians at home and abroad did something unusual: they poured out genuine affection for a man who is not in office, is not throwing a party, and did not ask for any of it.

Yet, from Anambra to Abuja, from Facebook timelines to the streets of London, people marked Peter Obi’s 64th birthday like it mattered — because, to them, it does.

All of it pointed to something deeper: a country starved of leadership, finding in Obi a flicker of what it could still become.

People have compared him to many things over the years — an accountant with a conscience, a governor who left money behind, a politician without a motorcade of scandals. But the most striking thing said yesterday, again and again, was this: Peter Obi reminds us of Nelson Mandela.

Of course, Nelson Mandela’s name carries a weight that cannot be casually thrown around. But perhaps it is not about matching legacies. Perhaps it is about something simpler — how one man, by refusing to play dirty politics, is showing Nigerians that it is still possible to lead without looting, to serve without scheming.

Peter Obi is not flashy. He does not do drama. He speaks softly — sometimes too softly for this loud political climate.

But that may be exactly why he stands out. In a country where noise and wealth are often mistaken for competence, Obi's insistence on moderation has made him a kind of moral compass.

The birthday tributes were not coordinated. There were no matching T-shirts, no buses packed with rented crowds. Just people — young and old — expressing what they have felt for a while: that this man, whether in office or not, represents a kind of leadership that feels rare and worth defending.

It is not that people believe Obi is perfect. They do not. And he is the first to admit it. But in a political landscape filled with strongmen and sycophants, he offers something different: a commitment to public service that is not all talk.

That is what struck many during his time as governor of Anambra. That is what carried him through a bruising presidential outing. And that is what made July 19 more than just a birthday.

In truth, Nigeria has waited too long for leadership that does not insult its intelligence. For once, people are not just complaining about what they do not want — they are pointing to someone they do. That is significant.

So no, Peter Obi is not Mandela. But perhaps what people mean is this: in a country battered by broken promises, his presence reminds us that integrity in politics is not extinct — just endangered.

And if more leaders — or even citizens — took that to heart, the healing might finally begin.

Peter Obi turned 64 yesterday. But it was not just about his birthday. It was about what he represents — and the hope that, somehow, leadership rooted in principle might still find its way back to Nigeria.

PARALLAX SNAPS: Senate, Natasha, Ratio Decidendi and Obiter Dictum

By TONY OKAFOR

In a democracy governed by the rule of law, legal certainty isn’t a luxury — it is the bedrock. Without it, the law becomes malleable, vulnerable to whim and manipulation.

At the heart of legal certainty lies the fine but critical distinction between ratio decidendi — the core principle that binds future cases — and obiter dictum — the incidental, often insightful, but non-binding musings of a judge.

It is a distinction not to be decided by pundits or partisans, but by the courts themselves — especially at the appellate level where jurisprudence is sculpted.

When lawyers, analysts, or political actors begin to cherry-pick from judgments — treating judicial side comments as gospel, or conversely, discarding the binding reasoning of a decision — the line between law and speculation dangerously blurs. And that is precisely what we are witnessing in the ongoing case involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the senate.

Suddenly, court watchers have become self-appointed interpreters of judicial intention. Some cling to obiter dicta as if they were binding precedent; others twist the ratio to suit preferred political narratives. This is not legal analysis — it is jurisprudential gymnastics, with the law stretched to fit convenience.

Not every judicial statement carries the force of law. Only those necessary to the resolution of the matter before the court — the ratio decidendi — are binding on lower courts. All else, no matter how eloquent or forceful, is commentary.

This is not a mere academic distinction. When obiter is mistaken for ratio, the legal landscape becomes a free-for-all, ripe for exploitation. Politicians pounce on ambiguity. Legal advocates stretch dicta beyond their context. And soon, precedent — the foundation of common law — begins to wobble.

The doctrine of stare decisis must be protected from such interpretive freelancing. It demands fidelity not to soundbites but to settled judicial reasoning.

In all of this, the appellate courts — the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court — remain the final oracles. They alone have the constitutional mandate and institutional competence to say, with finality, what the law is.

We must resist the temptation to turn courtrooms into echo chambers for political expediency or courtroom drama into theatre for public opinion.

Legal certainty is too important to be left to conjecture or advocacy masquerading as interpretation. It must be grounded in authoritative, judicially settled precedent.

As Oliver Wendell Holmes, the towering American legal realist, wisely put it: “The prophecies of what the courts will do in fact, and nothing more pretentious, are what I mean by the law.”

That quote is more than a clever line. It is a call to deference — to leave the final say to the courts, where it rightfully belongs.

EDITORIAL: Nigeria's Dangerous Culture of Exaggerated Praise for the Dead

BY TONY OKAFOR

In Nigeria, it has become a troubling tradition to shower glowing tributes on public figures the moment they die—regardless of their actual record in office or impact on society.

This culture of posthumous glorification—where even the most controversial or underperforming individuals are hailed as national heroes—sends the wrong message about accountability, leadership, and the values we uphold as a nation.

Yes, it is human to respect the dead and comfort their families. But respect must not come at the cost of truth.

When a society repeatedly rewrites the legacies of its public officials—turning verifiable records of corruption, mismanagement, or abuse of power into stories of "exemplary service"—it does grave harm to public memory and morality.

The consequences are deep and dangerous. It blurs the line between right and wrong. It tells the living that they can fail, loot, and destroy public institutions—yet still be canonized after death. It promotes impunity.

In countries where institutions are strong and accountability is real, death does not whitewash wrongdoing.


In France, Marshal Philippe Pétain—once a war hero—was sentenced to death for treason after World War II.


In Romania, dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu was tried and executed for crimes against the people.


In South Korea, former presidents Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo were tried and convicted for corruption and abuse of power, long after they left office.

These actions were not about vengeance—they were about truth, justice, and sending a clear message that public office is a sacred trust, not a personal fiefdom.

They remind future leaders that history will judge them—not through flattering obituaries, but through the facts of their service.

Nigeria, unfortunately, often takes the opposite route. Here, once a prominent figure dies, critical reflection quickly gives way to sentimental whitewashing.

Government officials, political allies, and institutions fall over themselves to label the deceased a “visionary,” “icon,” or “patriot”—even when the public record says otherwise.

Streets, buildings, and institutions are named after individuals who may have done more harm than good. Their failures are erased. Their wrongdoings glossed over. And a new, fictional legacy is projected to future generations.

This habit undermines our democracy and corrupts our sense of history. It tells current and future leaders that no matter how poorly they serve, death will redeem them—and the nation will honour them anyway, sometimes with public holidays.

Worse still, it insults the people who suffered under their failures—civil servants who went unpaid, roads that were never built, schools and hospitals that crumbled from neglect, and countless lives lost during their time in power.



Nigeria must begin to adopt a more honest and balanced approach to how we remember our public figures. The death of a leader should prompt sober reflection—not automatic celebration.

We must learn to celebrate genuine excellence and condemn public failure without fear or favour. We must ensure that our history is written with integrity, not sentiment.

Only when we hold leaders accountable in life—and truthful in death—can we build a nation where leadership matters, and legacies are earned, not manufactured.

Anambra November 8 Poll: Soludo Will Win All 326 Wards - Obigwe

By Our Correspondent

The National Coordinator of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Media Warriors Forum, Chinedu Obigwe, has expressed strong confidence that Governor Chukwuma Soludo will secure a sweeping victory in the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State.

Obigwe predicted that the incumbent would win in all 326 wards across the state, describing the anticipated outcome as a “326-over-326” landslide.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Obigwe dismissed recent reports that a pressure group had pledged to deliver two million votes to the Labour Party (LP) candidate, George Moghalu.

He described the report as “a senseless cock-and-bull story,” asserting that such groups wield no real influence over the Anambra electorate.

“As far as the November 8 governorship election is concerned, such mob groups cannot do more than a dead rat,” Obigwe said, adding, “Anambra people are wiser and will not be deceived into making a regrettable mistake.”

He recalled that in 2017, similar efforts by the opposition against then-Governor Willie Obiano failed, with APGA winning all 21 local government areas in the state.

A similar outcome, Obigwe noted, occurred in 2021 when Soludo clinched his first term victory under the APGA platform.

Obigwe argued that Governor Soludo's achievements in office and his pedigree place him far ahead of his challengers.

“In all honesty, Governor Soludo has used his commendable performance in office to justify the confidence reposed in him by the Anambra electorate in 2021.

“Those contesting against Governor Soludo in the upcoming election are simply wasting their time. The people are not looking in their direction.”

He maintained that the outcome of the election is already predictable.

“What is loading for Governor Soludo is a 326-over-326 wards victory in Anambra State. It’s already a done deal because the people are satisfied with his performance,” Obigwe added.

Governor Soludo, a former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor and development economist, was elected in 2021 on the APGA platform and is seeking a second term in the forthcoming election.