₦airaland Forum

His Royal Majesty Alayeluwa Oba (Dr) Francis Adefarakanmi Agbede (OFR) the Ilufemiloye, Ogidi III has commended the Director General (DG) of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe on his developmental strides in the Culture and Tourism sectors of Nigeria.

The highly respected paramount ruler of Okowa of Igbara Oke kingdom in Ondo State described Runsewe as a Nigerian that is proudly Nigerian and who is very passionate about the country.

He added that Otunba Runsewe right from the day he was appointed as the Director General of NCAC has shown every seriousness in handling everything that has to do with the culture of Nigeria.

He commended Runsewe in his efforts to combat the ills and social-vices that is bedeviling our society.

He praised his collaboration efforts with other governmental organizations to develop the culture sector of our country.

He enjoined all the stakeholders in the culture and Tourism industry to put heads together to move the industry to higher and better level.

He particularly praised Runsewe for his waste to wealth programme which has helped to create employment especially for the youths.

The paramount ruler took time out to pray for Otunba Runsewe for God to strengthen him in all his efforts to make Culture the new oil of Nigeria.

The Director General of NCAC, Runsewe in his response thanked the traditional ruler for paying him a visit.

Runsewe hinted the traditional ruler of his intention to see that every traditional ruler carves out a place within the palace where works of Arts and Crafts will be displayed for visitors especially foreigners.

The Not Too Young To Perform (NTYTP) Leadership Development Advocacy has called on interested young people across the country to get prepared to lead in all sectors of Nigeria's national life as the group says that it's set to build the capacity of young citizens to take up leadership positions at all levels.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Mikail Audu, the organisation's core mandate is “to raise younger generation of leaders to take up leadership positions in all sectors, including political offices, whether elected or appointed, with a view to outperforming those who were in office before them, and to ensure transparency and accountability in leadership.”

The group noted that among other things, it's aims and objectives are to encourage the young people in the society to aspire to lead in any chosen career or profession and to advocate for the rights of young citizens to participate in nation building.

NTYTP also aims to promote love and unity among the people and to identity and celebrate performing young persons in private and public offices, to organise community empowerment programmes and other community service and serve as a uniting forum for Nigerian youths at home and abroad.

According to the statement, also part of its aims and objectives include to support the less privileged, widows and orphans and to establish and maintain charitable organisation, to support or carryout poverty alleviation programmes and build skill acquisition centres in parts of the country.

NTYTP is to give a new orientation to the youths “on the need to embrace initiatives that will enable them discover and develop their potentials.

“To promote patriotism among young Nigerian people and to promote peace and harmonious coexistence among all ethnic nationalities in Nigeria, to advocate for rights of citizens to good governance and to encourage leaders to do more for the benefit of the citizens.”

The organisation noted that it will also promote transparency and accountability in governance, patriotism and advocate against all forms of violence, especially electoral violence and thuggery.

As part of its efforts to promote good governance, the group added that it's leadership across the nation are grounded to flash their light on projects awarded by the governments at all levels to curtail chances of projects unimplementation, projects implementation delayance and implementation of projects with substandard products or strategy.

The group noted that it is willing to collaborate or partner with other groups with similar or complimentary aims and objectives in the interest of the nation.

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), Enugu State chapter has congratulated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the just concluded March 18 governorship election in the state, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the incumbent Governor, Rt Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and the people of Enugu State on victory of the PDP candidate in the state.

According to a statement jointly signed by the State Chairman of the CNPP, Hon. Afam Ani and the State Secretary, Hon Aduaka Anthony A, the political parties said that “the myriad of issues that emanated from the election which would have created a dark cloud on the credibility of the election could not hold water due to the free, fair, credible and transparent nature of the election.

“Infact, Ndi Enugu spoke through the ballot box and at the end, the best and most qualified candidate won.

“This is worthy of our commendation.
We also wish to congratulate the incumbent Governor of Enugu state Rt (Hon) Dr Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi for organising and concluding a free fair and credible election which is adjudged the freest and fairest in the annals of the history of the state.

“We rejoice with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) family, the incumbent Governor RT (Hon) Dr Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi, the Governor Elect, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah on this auspicious moments.

“We enjoin you to be magnanimous in victory and deliver the democracy dividend to the citizens of Enugu state as you promised in your manifesto,who trooped out to vote you enmasse which culminated in your victory at the polls”, state CNPP stated.

Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), Enugu State chapter, has disowned a self-acclaimed state Chairman of CNPP, one Chief Adonis Igwe, describing him “as a serial meddlesome interloper who has been disclaimed by many organizations, including the Labour Party he claims to be its chieftain in the state.


The state executives and members of the CNPP, in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Dr Afam Samuel Ani and the State Secretary, Hon Aduaka Anthony A, dissociated themselves, state executives and members of the umbrella association of all registered political parties and political associations in the state from a publication on 3rd March, 2023 via an online medium where one Adonis Igwe condemned the outcome of 25th February 25, 2023 Presidential and national assembly elections.

In the said publication, Adonis, who claimed to be the state chairman of CNPP, had subsequently called on Enugu state citizens to come out and vote for Labour Party on March 11 during the governorship and House of Assembly elections.

The CNPP added, “Let it be known to all the citizens of Enugu State, the political class and the chairmen of the 18 registered political parties that Adonis Igwe and the script writer, Mr Norbert Okolo are not members of the CNPP in Enugu State.

“The appointment of the States excos of CNPP is the prerogative and also at discretion of the leadership of the National body in Abuja and this is based on pedigree and competence of the individual which are conspicuously absent in Adonis Igwe and Norbert Okolo.

“We therefore challenge them to publish either in the print or social media their letter of engagement.

“For the benefit of those who do not know, the name Adonis Igwe is synonymous with lies and deception and hence lacks credibility”, the CNPP warned.

The political parties revealled that “His lifestyle is replete with cheating which he employs in swindling unsuspecting political parties to whom he claims that he is a political guru. And in doing so, he looks for a good platform to milk the party or individual.

“To buttress our assertion above, just last year, the Director of Communications for Hon Chijioke Edeoga Campaign Organization, Engr George Ugwu published a disclaimer on Adonis Igwe for his clandestine activities against the Labour Party governorship candidate who he claims he works for.

“The campaign organization had said, and we quote, "We have been duly informed about the deliberate mischief of one Mr Adonis Igwe and we hereby state that Adonis Igwe does not work for or with Hon Chijioke Edeoga, Labour Party gubernatorial candidate for Enugu State in any capacity.

“He is actually working against Edeoga by pitting him against well-meaning stakeholders", the Campaign Organization said.

“And to put the icing on the cake, the campaign Director General added, "stakeholders and supporters of our cause in Enugu State have by this disclaimer, been enjoined to disregard Adonis Igwe or any other mischief maker who may come their way".

The CNPP added that “based on the aforementioned "disclaimer" from Labour Party, who is Adonis Igwe actually working for in the party?

“It is now clear that Adonis Igwe has lost it in the political terrain of Enugu State and hence his ranting is of no effect as he is not of Labour Party as they now regard him as a mischief maker.

“We therefore caution Enugu State people to be weary of Adonis Igwe and beware of poisonous romance with him in the the state political circle.

“For clarity sake, our National Secretariat had earlier on the 26th of February 2023, called the Presidential and National assembly election a charade.

“Therefore, Adonis Igwe cannot condemn the election as he lacks the authority to do so, and as the saying goes, he who comes to equity must do so with clean hands, because he is not a member of the CNPP and so cannot in any capacity speak or represent the body.

“We are, therefore, using this medium to warn Adonis Igwe and Mr Norbert Okolo that there are consequences for usurpation and impersonation in the country's law.

“We will not hesitate to invoke the relevant section of that law that deals with such offence as enough is enough.

“Mr Norbert Okolo should restrict himself to whatever he does for a living as his suspicious claim that he is the Media Aide to the Labour Party Deputy Governorship candidate is doubtful based on his affiliation with an impostor, Adonis Igwe.

“To be forewarned is to be forearmed”, the CNPP stated

...Group Insists That PDP Has Best Man For The Job








The coalition of registered political parties (CRPP), Enugu State chapter, consisting of eleven (11) out of the eighteen (18) registered political parties in the State has restated their earlier resolve and commitment to support and vote for the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, in the forthcoming 2023 gubernatorial election on Saturday, March 11, 2023.

In a statement signed by the Chairman and secretary of the coalition in Enugu, Chief Dr. Afam Ani and Barr. Ken Ikeh of the Action People's Party and Allied People's Movement respectively, the CRPP stated that “upon a thorough assessment of all the candidates on the ballot and their various blueprints, we have come to the irreversible conclusion that Barr. Peter Mbah is the best man for the job and therefore urge Enugu people to vote for capacity, competence, character and a secured future.”

CRPP also declared that after assessing the conduct of Ndị Enugu in the presidential and National Assembly (NASS) elections of February 25, commended the high level of interest and participation.

“We encourage everyone to come out and vote for PDP in the gubernatorial and State Assembly election.

“You must consider the key indices in choosing a leader, name, capacity, competence and empathy.

“CRPP, believes that Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah not only possesses the key indices, he has passed through fire in the furnace, had successful practical experiences and proven that he can be trusted with our collective destiny.

“We therefore, call on NdiEnugu to ignore all campaigns of calumny and mudslinging being peddled at campaign grounds by other candidates who are bereft of ideas on what to do for Enugu people and vote for a candidate that has been tested and trusted in many public leadership circles.

“Recall that the present administration of His Excellency, Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, got Enugu State listed among the oil producing states in Nigeria and Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah's experience in the oil industry will translate to a huge economic turn around in Enugu State.

“We have endorsed Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah in the best interest of NdiEnugu and we urge our teeming members and supporters to join the train in the move to a more prosperous Enugu state under the watch of the PDP candidate”, the group said.

The coalition of political parties added the the people of the state “should always remember that the politics of Enugu state stands on the tripod of justice, equity and fairness which ensures that unnecessary rancour is deleted by equal participation of the three senatorial districts in the number one seat in Enugu State.

“This practice has turned into our political culture and must be sustained by all well meaning people of Enugu State.

“We are conscious of the fact that many illustrious sons and daughters of Enugu state are qualified for the office of Governor but the PDP candidate stands out among his peers and ought to be encouraged to lead NdiEnugu to a greater height as clearly enunciated in his manifesto.

“As participants and stakeholders in the good governance project in Enugu state,it behoves on us to provide guidance in a time like this.

“We finally,call on all Nigerians and Enugu people in particular to shun violence, brigandage and all forms of electoral offences, including hate speeches intended to cause chaos or belittle others but listen to wise counsel from experienced and responsible leaders and cast their vote for the candidate that can guarantee peace, security, economic growth and defense of common good of all of us as represented in the person of Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah”, the CRPP affirmed.

The Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) in conjuction with civil society organisations under the umbrella of the Coalition Of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOS) has tasked the Federal Government of on thorough investigation of allegation of plots to frame the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele and implicate him as terrorism financier by the State Security Service (SSS) otherwise known as the Department of State Services (DSS).

The groups said a thorough investigation of the the matter will reassure the international community that the rule of law prevails in the country.

Briefing newsmen at a world press conference in Abuja, the Secretary General of the CNPP, Chief Willy Ezugwu who read the address jointly signed by himself and the National Secretary of the CNCSOs, Alhaji Ali Abacha, urged “President Buhari and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), to immediately put in motion the processes of suspending and thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding this national and international embarrassment.”

Human rights lawyers and civil rights groups under the aegis of the Coalition of National Interest Defenders had raised the alarm that the Nigerian secret police, the DSS, was plotting to frame the CBN Governor, saying that they have a concrete evidence to support their claims against the State Security Services.


According to the CNPP and the civil society coalition, “the country was jolted when a group of human rights lawyers and some civil society organisations raised the alarm that there was a plot to frame the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele in terrorism financing allegation.

“The gravity of what Nigeria was confronted with came to the front burner when members of the group revealed that the Department of State Services (DSS) had even gone to the extent of approaching the court to obtain a warrant to arrest Godwin Emefiele without the consent or knowledge of the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari”, they said.

Speaking further, the CNPP and the CSOs said that “the Coalition of National Interest Defenders, which brought the development to the open, went ahead to allege that the plot was to keep Mr. Emefiele for at least 60 days until after the general elections next year.

“This should ring a bell when we recall that this alleged plot is coming immediately after the redesign of the naira notes and the review of the cash withdrawal limits for both individuals and organisations.

“We have all hailed the cashless policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria such that even the corrupt politicians who are opposing the cash withdrawal limits acknowledge that it is the way to go but that the timing was wrong.

“They also sort to get wavers for election spending. Why are they looking for wavers? They want to use our stolen commonwealth to buy our votes.

“In view of the current revelation, we are afraid that the State Security Service is derailing from its statutory role to becoming a tool in the hands of desperate politicians. This is dangerous for the country and must be discouraged at any cost.

“Those who wants to receive and spend money without any traces are those who have been kicking against the cashless policy of the CBN.

“If you have legitimate money, why are you afraid to wire the money through bank transfers? Why are you afraid of cash withdrawal limits? There is no limit to the amount you can transfer through the bank but because they are having our stolen money, they don't want to make traceable transactions and that is the sin of Godwin Emefiele.

“That's why they want him out of the way before the election so that someone who can do their biddings is appointed to reverse the cashless policy implementation”, the groups explained.

Hailing President Muhammadu Buhari for his full support of the ongoing cashless policy implementation, the CNPP and the civil society coalition said “We must note that President Muhammadu Buhari has shown maximum support for the economic stability and reform efforts of the CBN Governor and that was probably why they wanted to remove him from office without the consent of Mr. President.

“At this juncture, we hail the Nigerian judiciary for refusing to be used for the planned hatchet job. It is unfortunate but it happened.

“According to reports, the affidavit filed by the State Security Service in support of its application claimed that preliminary investigation had revealed various acts of terrorism financing and fraudulent activities perpetrated by Godwin Emefiele and his involvement in economic crimes of national security dimension but there was no evidence.

“Hence, the court rejected to issue order for the arrest of the CBN Governor. Even, the identity of the said Godwin Emefiele, as the sole respondent, was not clearly stated in the affidavit according to the court, which made the plot more of a shoddy deal.

“And, in view of a reasonable suspicion that some politicians may have influenced the State Security Service in the planned arrest of Godwin Emefiele, we join well-meaning Nigerians and groups to the call on President Buhari and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), to immediately put in motion the processes of suspending and thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding this national and international embarrassment.



“The attempt to obtain a backyard order to remove a high ranking officer of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for obvious political reasons should be of serious concern to all Nigerians as we don’t know who will be the next.

“By virtue of Section 150(1) and Section 174 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, the Attorney-General of the Federation has the powers to institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person before any court of law in Nigeria.

“Therefore, nothing stops the Attorney-General of the Federation from exercising his powers in this matter to send a clear signal to the international community that Nigeria is not a banana republic, where anything goes. If public office holders who err are not appropriately sanctioned, it will send a wrong signal to foreign investors and project Nigeria as a country without rule of law.

“This is paramount as Section 174 (3) expressly stated that “In exercising his powers under this section, the Attorney-General of the Federation shall have regard to the public interest, the interest of justice and the need to prevent abuse of legal process.”

“What is primarily at stake here is public interest.

“We hereby urge President Muhammadu Buhari and the CBN Governor never to relent in their efforts to place Nigeria among the best 20 economies in the world in line with the cashless policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“We assure Mr. Godwin Emefiele that Nigerians on the streets, who are in pains of starvation and hunger due to the continued looting of public funds meant for their well-being by some politicians, are standing with him and will vehemently resist any attempt to derail the cashless policy of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“We also commend the Federal Government on the exemplary leadership with the ban on cash withdrawals from public accounts. The stoppage of cash withdrawal from all public accounts is another legacy in the war against corruption and electoral fraud by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

“The ban on cash withdrawals and subsequent directive to public officers to immediately open domiciliary accounts in foreign and local currencies ahead of the commencement of the cash withdrawal policy will deepen the gains of the cashless policy of the federal government through the CBN”,the groups concluded.

While insisting that all citizens cannot be governors at the same time, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and former member of the Board of Directors of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Comrade Obi Ojage has said that it must be one individual person a time, urging stakeholders and all party members to united behind the APC governorship candidate in Cross River, Prince Bassey Otu.


Comrade Ojage in a statement on Friday noted that "It is only when we say it as it is, then there will be mutual peace, otherwise, the backbiters will continue with their trade unabated”.

The fiery writer and communicator was reacting to the verdict of the Calabar Division of the Court of Appeal in appeal No. CA/C/337/22, filed by Senator John Owan Enoh (JOE) against the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Senator Prince Bassey Otu.

The court had affirmed Senator Prince Bassey Otu as the authentic APC Governorship candidate in Cross River State.

However, lamenting that people have not been fair to the APC gubernatorial candidate in the state, Comrade Ojage asserted that as one who has been fairly close to Prince Otu, “it will be difficult to turn a purely divine mission, with a clear perspective,” and devoid of ambiguities, “into something bizarre.”

Worried that through the pettiness and parochialism of some individuals who just wanted “to forcefully get involved” and ended up creating more problems and complication, which they're incapable of solving, for the governorship candidate, beyond noisemaking and wishes “as if the situation is akin to a horse”.


According to the unrepentant Buharist, “Anything that has a beginning must surely come to an end.”

He maintained that “Life, like any other element under the Lord's sun and moon, is never inelastic. It all comes in seasons.

“The litigation by JOE against the Prince has come to an end for sure. The human devils must go and rest.

“We must be allowed to breathe some fresh air. That is the real reason why Christ gave himself on the cross to die so we can live and be at peace.

“I am pretty sure that Senator John Owan Enoh has seen as I do, the danger of not allowing the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) to which he belongs to win the forthcoming Gubernatorial election in the state with Prince Bassey Otu as its candidate. This is no partisanship.

“The quality of our candidate speaks for itself. Just the same, if John were to be chosen. The two are the best you can find today in our state amongst those who have come out to contest, judging from all ramifications, using all parameters in judging”, he observed.

Calling for unity in the state to ensure victory for the APC in the 2023 governorship election, Comrade Ojage therefore appealed that all must at this stage “join hands to bring about a more robustly equipped leadership that Otu represents to become the next Governor of our dear state, after the outgoing Professor Ben Ayade. This is our joint responsibility to see that it comes to fruition.”

Appealing on Senator Owan Enoh to see to take the current situation as a sacrifice and join hands with Prince Otu, Comrade Obi Ojage said that “John must see this for what it is worth, as a sacrifice he must make in his individuality, singularly, to justify his call and election as one of the leaders of the state who has displayed obsequiousness, and extreme generosity and which deserves commendation and reciprocity in an atmosphere where there is conviviality.

“Those who may want to advise him anything to the contrary are not telling him the truth, and neither are they his friends.

“Leadership at the level of Governorship is ordained by the Almighty and no one else. And it is he that is chosen that eventually becomes Governor. Is not a matter of force, fight or imposition.

"Our people must fear the Almighty God and do have a conscience. Truth cannot be suppressed for too long", he said while appealing to Senator Owan Enoh not to stretch the matter further.

The Court of Appeal had on Friday affirmed the decision of the Federal High Court in Suit No FHC/CA/CS/106/2022, delivered by Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu, on 24th October, 2022 that Senator Prince Bassey Otu was validly nominated by the APC as its Governorship candidate for the forthcoming 2023 Cross River State governorship election.

Ahead of the 2023 gubernatorial election in Rivers State, governorship hopeful and candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), High Chief Hon. Amb Sobomabo Jackrich has charged the leadership of the NRM in Degema Local Government Area to be more proactive, committed, and result-oriented.

He gave the charge during a strategic meeting with leaders of the party in the LGA at his Usokun residence.

Addressing the party leaders, the governorship hopeful tasked them to own the RESCUE PROJECT by redoubling their efforts and commitment towards the task ahead of occupying Brick House come 2023.

He enjoined them to be wary of business-minded politicians who will surely invade their privacy with Greek Gift and fake promises as usual just to get their votes only to abandon them for the next four or eight years.

In his words, "this is their season of lies and deceits, I know them. When they come to you, please ask them what they have done for you before now. In my private capacity, I have built roads, provided water, electricity, assisted farmers, sponsored free skill acquisition program, given and still giving educational grants, given and still giving financial support as business capital, and so on, and have been doing this over time without even having any political ambition and not just in Political seasons.

“In addition to this, I am the most accessible candidate. When they come with the money, eat it because it's actually your money but do the right thing for your own good".

The Rivers State Chairman of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), Hon. Ibiyekaribo Peters re-echoed the need for party leaders to be up and doing in their various wards and units as all Politics is local, adding that plans are in progress by the leadership of the party in the state to visit the LGA in the shortest possible time for the commissioning of the LGA party secretariat.

In their separate speeches, various LGA and ward leaders pledged their total support and commitment to the project, despite certain challenges which they see as surmountable for where there is a WILL there is always a WAY.

The meeting had in attendance all members of the LGA executives, Chairmen, secretaries, youth leaders, and women leaders of the seventeen (17) wards of the LGA.

In line with it's determination to strengthen the bond of it's fraternal unity and love, the Catholic Knights of St Mulumba has highlighted the Roles of Nigerian Churches for spiritual growth and overall national development ahead of its scheduled Convention next week.


The National Convention which seeks to use the platform to stimulate conversation and consciousness of the role of the Church in the advocacy and the Promotion of Peace, Equity, Justice and Development in the Democratic Transition in Nigeria has also made It to be the theme of the discussion at the scheduled National Convention of the (KSM) in Abuja.

According to the organisers, the Conference will also discuss the Catholic Church in Nigeria and the growing challenges of supporting Christians and victims of several Religious Conflicts in Turbulent Regions of the Country.

Beyond these, the pre-vent activities are currently ongoing with the pre-convention press briefing and scheduled courtesy visits to prominent personalities, including top government officials.

This was made known in a statement by Sir Michael M. Aule KSM, the Metropolitan Grand Knight of Abuja Metropolitan Council.

He explained that the Order counts on its members, men and women who because of their education, social position and material resources can fight a good cause with success for the greater glory of God, the Church and the progress of our Country using their (3 Ts) Time, Talent and Treasures.

"The Supreme Convention of KSM Nigeria is a platform for the promotion of the values of the Order through open discussions on vital issues such as the Christian faith, religious harmony, good governance, sustainable development, peace, unity, and equity as they affect our beloved Country," he noted

According to the statement, expected at the ceremony are the Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, all the Bishops in Abuja Ecclesiastical Province, the Bishop Chairman of Laity, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Minister FCT, the Governors of Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau and other States as well as the Deputy Governors of Kogi and Nasarawa States.

The Convention will also be attended by over 350 delegates from the Order which will include the Supreme Executive Board members, designated Metro Officers and the Grand Knights of all the Sub councils in the country.

His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan will deliver a paper on the convention's main theme, while the second presentation will be done by the Bishop of Maiduguri Diocese, His Lordship, Most Revd. Oliver Dashe Doeme.

The Order of the Knights of St. Mulumba, Nigeria was established on the 14thJune, 1953, with the name, The Order of the Knights of Blessed Mulumba an African Saint killed in Uganda among the other martyrs in 1886.

It was structured upon the principles of the Catholic Action and Modeled after the Sacred Order of the Catholic Knighthood.

The major aims of its establishment were to counteract the harm done to the Catholic Church by many secret societies such as the Free Manson and Ogboni cults and to arrest the influx of the enlightened Christian members to those harmful groups that were totally opposed to the Catholic faith and morals. Another aim was to bring the Catholics together in fraternal association for the good and progress of the Church, for the welfare of the country and for the well-being of Nigerians generally and its members in particular.

The 2023 governorship candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) in Rivers State, High Chief Hon. (Amb) Sobomabo Jackrich has charged the people of Ogoni to shun double standards in their struggle against the continuous marginalization, neglect and deprivations meted against Ogoniland.

Jackrich gave the charge on Thursday, 9th November 2022 during a program organized by the National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP) at the Ken Saro Wiwa Memorial Hall, Bane in remembrance of the 27th year anniversary of the Killing of Ken Saro Wiwa and Ogoni activists by the Abacha Regime.

He stated that Ogoni leaders should be selfless and sacrificial, and stop the politicization and monetization of the Ogoni struggle for their personal aggrandizement while the land continues to suffer underdevelopment and degradation.

He also noted that despite the riches in Ogoniland, there is nothing tangible to show for it, adding that he has come with the message of hope that Ogoniland will be great again if theyvall work togetjer in one voice and stay resolute and fearless in the struggle.

The program ended with the laying of a wreath at the Tomb of Late Ken Saro-wiwa.

Amb Sobomabo Jackrich also paid a condolence visit to the family of Ken Saro-Wiwa at his Late father’s house in Bane community in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

By Sobomabo Jackrich

I am Ambassador Sobomabo Jackrich, Executive Director of the Network For Defence of Democracy and Good Governance.

Today is the 27th memorial anniversary of the brutal execution of Ken Saro Wiwa and 8 others.

I stand with the families of Ogoni 9, and the Ogoni 4, ( AKA Ogoni 13 ) together with thousands of other Ogoni martyrs who paid the Supreme price, in the days of the struggle to restore our hope.

They paid the Supreme price for the Social, Economic, and Environmental Emancipation of Ogoniland, Niger Delta, Nigeria and Africa. May Thier gentle souls, rest in peace.

The year 2022 is historic for many reasons, as the 4th of December shall make it 30 years since the Ogoni people, under the Leadership of Ken Saro Wiwa, took their destinies into their hands and courageously crossed the Rivers of Fear and gave QUIT NOTICE to Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria and Joint Venture Partners.

They were seeking to actualize the hope of the Ogoni people for a better life. As our hero, Ken Saro Wiwa said in one of his last interviews, THE STRUGGLE IS ABOUT HOPE.

I quote:

The Struggle itself is about HOPE. If I didn't think that there was hope in the future, I will not be fighting.
I will not be encouraging anybody to struggle the way we are doing now!

Yes, there must be HOPE! (Ogoni) is a rich land. It is a well blessed land.
If we can get the oppressors out of the way. If we can get those practicing double standards out of the way. If we can get the pollution to stop. I am sure that Ogoni will be a happy land.

Ken Saro Wiwa's works, hopes and dreams were for our happiness.

One of our greatest political thinkers and scholar of blessed memory, Prof. Claude Ake, had this to say of the Ogoni struggle.

And I quote, "Ogoni is the Conscience of this country, they have risen above our slave culture of silence. They have found the courage to be free. And they have evolved a political consciousness which denies power to rogues, bullies, fools and hypocrites.

For better or for worse, OGONILAND HOLDS OUR HOPE. Battered and bleeding, they struggle on to realize our HOPES and to restore our dignity. If they falter we die.

And I have come today with the same message of HOPE, building upon the foundation of our fathers and heroes. And Yes, there must be hope.

As we reflect upon the great life and legacy of this GREAT MESSENGER OF HOPE! We must always remember his words, that " You can Kill the Messenger, but you cannot Kill the message. The Message of HOPE is still alive today.

Let's keep HOPE alive! For i see RIVERS OF HOPE flowing from Bane in Ogoniland through all parts of Rivers State, Niger Delta, Nigeria and Africa.

Let's work together to make this HOPE a reality.

Thank you!

The Nsukka United Front has unveiled the Theme for the third edition of it's annual ZIK's Merit Award Lecture which has the Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, as the Chief Host.

The theme, the Director-General, Chief Chineme Onyeke, revealed at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday is: Nigeria Of Our Dreams: Possibilities, Challenges And Reality.

The event is scheduled to hold at the Yar'Adua Centre in the Central Business District, Abuja, on November 16, 2022.


It will feature awards to deserving personalities and was instituted by Igbo Nsukka United Front a few years ago to immortalise the memory of the Great ZIK of Africa, late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, who unarguably the doyen of the liberation struggle in Africa.

It is equally a deserving recognition of the unmatched effort of the great ZIK at placing the hitherto little known town of Nssuka at the centre of global discourse with the siting of Nigeria's first indigenous University, the University of Nigeria, in the town, as the first of its kind in the country.

This year's edition, being the 3rd in the series, has been programmed to be a spectacle with the array of star personalities expected to attend.

Already on the expected list of attendees include three sitting presidents in Africa, who are would be joining Nigerian president who is scheduled to be the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion. The Presidents from African countries are President Nana Akufo Addo of Ghana, President Julius Maada Wonie Bio of Sierra Leone, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda.

“These vising African leaders are will be availing Nigerians of their various experiences in managing diversities in their respective countries and how they are steering the courses of their nations towards sustainable peace and progress.

“Also expected are His Emminence Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Sa'ad, the Sultan of Sokoto, His imperial majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, His Royal Majesty, Dr Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha amongst other traditional rulers whose royal presence is expected to bring to the fore, the place of culture in Nigeria's national life as was seriously expoused by the great Owelle of Onitsha during his life time”, the Director-General said.

According to Chief Onyeke, personalities expected to receive different categories of awards, with some posthumously, during the event are: Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR; Chief Mbazulike Amachi, (the only surviving Zikist alive today); Mallam Aminu Kano (Posthumously), Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim (Posthumously), Mrs Margaret Ekpo (Posthumously), and Mrs Fumilayo Ransome Kuti (Posthumously).

While speaking on the Chief Host at the event, Chief Chineme Onyeke noted that the Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has unreservedly shown “his support and unflinching commitment to the preservation of the legacies of the legendary Zik of Africa in an unparalleled manner.”

According to the organisers, some presidential candidates of political parties in Nigeria ahead of the 2023 general elections are expected to grace the event.

On the list are the Presidential Candidate of Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi; Presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; Presidential candidate of All progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Prince Adewole Adebayo.

Chief Onyeke maintained that “these eminent Nigerians, from among whom, one will be the nation's president come next year, are expected to use the platform to send a message of hope to Nigerians.”

They are also expected to use the occasion to remind Nigerians, particularly the youths, that “election is not war and should be seen as a contest of ideas.

“Chief Allen Onyema, the Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria's leading airline, Air Peace and Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission are expected to be the lead speakers at this 3rd ZIK's merit award ceremony”, Chief Onyeke said.

Two other Nigerian celebrities; the delectable Nollywood Actress, inspirational speaker and politician, Kate Henshaw and the Entertainer, cum Broadcaster known for his funny skits with a massive online follower ship, Nedu Wazobia are due in Dubai for Seven long days for a life changing tour of this most visited destination in the world.

Dubai’s Department of Economy, and Tourism (DET) like always will also be opening its doors to other key media figures and personalities from across Africa to experience Dubai.

The African media celebrities are drawn from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tanzania, South Africa and Uganda.

The aim of this is to showcase the reality of the Kate and Nedu experience and open a window on Dubai’s offerings to the whole of Africa, through the eyes of Africans.

Kate Henshaw had this to say about the trip; “My last experience in Dubai was unforgettable. Every time I’m here I learn new things about myself and what I’m capable of doing.

“The last time I went skydiving... Stay tuned to find out what this visit has in store. I am so thrilled to be back here for another amazing Dubai experience”, she stated.

For Nedu Wazobia “DUBAI is one place I look forward to visiting every time. Like a kid that is so anxious to unwrap a box of gifts at Christmas, you never know what to expect. But you can be rest assured that the experience will be a thrilling one. On this trip, I look forward to another mind-blowing experience.

“I'm sure activities in the water parks will make me reminisce on my childhood. I can't wait to bask in yet another amazing Dubai experience”, he said.

Members of the Ikota Traders Association are protesting what they described as the ‘unlawful’ demolition of their business premises by officials of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment.

On September 15, the officials of the Environment Ministry led by Architect Gbolahan Oki and Engineer Omotosho, accompanied by policemen and thugs stormed the Ikota market and crushed and demolished to the ground property worth millions of naira. The Traders say they were not served any prior notice before the demolition.

In what appears to be a land grabbing scheme, the property, which is situated along the Eti-Osa/ Lekki Epe Expressway around Ikota First Gate near Mega Chicken busstop in Lagos State, was later reassigned to another business owner around the premises.

The Traders have demanded that they should be restored back to the property and duly compensated for their loss.

They made the demand in a protest letter titled: “Unlawful and premeditated demolition of the properties belonging to the Ikota Traders Association, and the planned re - allocation of the said; Land to a nearby business interest by name; Black Bell Restaurant and Time Square Mall.”

The letter which was signed by the president of the Ikota Traders Association, Mr Dipo Adebayo and the secretary, Mr. Hunter Gbasai, reads in part: “Precisely on Thursday, the 15th day of September, 2022, men of the Lagos State Planning and Environmental Monitoring Agency, the Lagos State Building Control Agency in Company of men of the Special Operations Task Force, and a Colony of thugs, miscreants and hooligans led by Architect Gholahan Oki and Engineer Omotosho invaded “our business premises lying along the stretch of Km 14, at the Lekki/Epe Expressway in a commando – style destroying and demolishing all of our assets, properties and business premises.”

The traders who said they have been operating legitimately at the business premises in the last 15years without any disturbances or disruptions from any governmental agency, added that they always paid all their respective components of statutory charges, levies, taxes and rates.

The traders alleged that despite being extorted by the Lagos State government official who demanded N2.5 million from them; the same people mobilized thugs and policemen to demolish their business premises.

“Lagos State officials demanded money from us and cash of N2, 000,000 (Two Million Naira) was paid to Architect Gbolahan Oki while cash payment of N500, 000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) was also paid to Engineer Omotosho respectively. On same payment day, Architect Gbolahan Oki told us that both BLACK BELL RESTAURANT and TIME SQUARE MALL building are illegal because the land was supposed to face the Estate not set at the back.

“In one full swoop, businesses running into several Millions of Naira were demolished and Lagosians in their hundreds who were otherwise gainfully employed at our businesses were thrown into the unemployment market. This is but a sad commentary in this suffocating economic time in our country.

“It is a testament to the desire to acquire ill - gotten wealth and a great disservice to mankind for our businesses to be singled out for demolition without any official notice whatsoever only for the same Land to be allotted to a nearby business interest.”


“The traders therefore demand the unconditional restoration of their properties, payment of compensation for damages suffered, the immediate stoppage of re-allocation and re – assignment of the piece and parcel of land, and a letter of apology from the Lagos State government, and prosecution of those involved in the illegal demolition”.

... Threatens To Sanction Errant Members




The Inter Party Advisory Council, (IPAC), Enugu State Chapter has commended the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Ammani and other security chiefs in the state over concerted efforts to ensure that the peace of the state is sustained even as political campaigns are commencing.


The commendation was contained in a statement jointly signed by the state IPAC Chairman, Chief Edwin Alor and IPAC Secretary, Hon. Elvis Ugwoke, after an interactive session between the Enugu State Police Command, other security agencies and political party leaders at the Police Officers' Mess, Agbani Road, Enugu.

IPAC Enugu State also disassociated herself from allegations of attacks and brigandage purportedly levelled against the Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi-led state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Enugu State by the State Labour party Chairman, Barr. Casmir Agbo.

The statement noted that "IPAC is a political association of all registered political parties. We are not opposition platform.

“We exist to promote the common interest of all the political parties”, IPAC leaders stated.

The association added that other political party leaders, including the deputy chairman of PDP, Hon. Innocent Ezeoha, the chairman of IPAC, Hon. Edwin Alor and other security chiefs have debunked the allegations as a pigment of the Labour Party chairman's imagination.

IPAC then explained that “aside the report from the leadership of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) from Awgu Local Government Area against the unruly conducts of some labour party members in Awgu Local Government Area, we have not received any other report of attack, victimization or brigandage by any other party.

“IPAC is surprised at the comments made by the Labour party chairman.

“We are glad that as the campaign period commences, Security Agencies have enlightened us on how to conduct our campaigns in order to achieve rancour free campaigns.

“All the political parties are advised to make available to the security agencies and INEC their campaign programs in order to ensure that there are no clashes and to ensure that campaigns are issue based devoid of name calling, mud slinging and hate speeches”, IPAC advised.

Cautioning their members and supporters on the need for peace to prevail before, during and after the elections, IPAC said that the association has a duty to guide her members appropriately in adherence to relevant provisions of the law.

“We have a duty to guide our members appropriately in adherence to Section 227 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Sections 78 and 92 of the 2022 Electoral Act as Amended.

“Further more, IPAC has a code of conduct guiding the conduct of our members. We shall not hesitate to invoke the relevant provisions to sanction any member who is found to disregard the established rules”, the statement concluded.

Former chairman of the Interparty Advisory Council (IPAC) in Enugu State and the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Barr Kenneth Ikeh has given insights into the preparedness of his party ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The governorship candidate, who spoke in a chat with newsmen in Enugu also spoke on the need to trust the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on its readiness to execute her constructional mandate of conducting free, fair and credible elections in 2023.

He vowed that his administration in the state “shall stop at nothing in ensuring that the people of Enugu State get a better deal come 2023 general election.”

According Barr Ken Ikeh, his party is a national party, which believes in equity and has a presidential candidate in the forthcoming February 2023 presidential election.

“APM is a national party who manifesto emphasizes service to the people with integrity and sacrifice.

"We cherish equity and social justice but we cannot sacrifice service to the people, the greater good of the people to a straight jacket zoning system that obstructs the emergence of people of high capacity and competence in the struggle for power.

“APM believes in the ability of any dedicated Nigerian irrespective of tribe or tongue to give good leadership to any part of the country.

“Therefore, the APM has prepared herself for the 2023 general election as you can see from INEC publications in respect of Presidency and National Assembly positions.

“Gladly, APM is the only political party that fielded a woman as her presidential candidate in the person of Her Excellency, Princess Chichi Ojei, a prominent Delta State born politician and astute administrator”, he said.

He said that he has presented himself to the people to serve the people, saying “I have also presented myself to serve the people of Enugu State and we shall stop at nothing in ensuring that the people of Enugu State get a better deal come 2023 general election.

“In the nearest future, APM will unveil her campaign Council members who shall prosecute her National and state campaigns”, Barr. Ikeh revealed.

On his party’s structure, the APM governorship candidate noted that “On the issue of structures, I tell you with sincerity that a good wine needs no bushing.

“We shall criss cross the length and breadth of Nigeria and spread the message of a new Nigeria anchored on social justice, empowerment and economic growth.

“We shall regenerate the can- do spirit of average Nigerian and together we shall see a new Nigeria in 2023.

“APM, her members and teeming supporters are ready, eager and willing to do everything within the law to ensure victory at the polls” he said.


On contentious issue of zoning and balancing political positions, which has become a big deal in some political parties, considering that he comes from the same senatorial zone as the incumbent governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, his party does not have zoning principle enshrined in her constitution, but conscious of the provisions of Section 14(3) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.



“The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) do not enshrine zoning principle in her constitution. However, APM is conscious of the provisions of Section 14(3) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is our conviction that every society must develop some peculiar feature to sustain social justice and equilibrium.

“All positions in the public service are not contestable. Therefore, if a credibly competent leader emerges, distribution of the common good will be done in a manner that will secure the loyalty of all the various component units that make up the polity.

“Due to the prevailing sense of entitlement and acclaimed support of the establishment for some candidates, the APM will spring up a healthy surprise and present hope for all those who have been victims of the injustice associated with zoning principle as we can see it destroying the older political parties.

“Honestly, the vast Nigeria youths will be happy to embrace a pragmatic, sagacious and performing president from any part of Nigeria to succeed the current president of Nigeria”, he said.


While speaking on the level of trust in INEC to execute a credible 2023 general elections, Barr. Ikeh said, “I will give you a YES and NO answer.

“This is because INEC established by Section 153(f) of the 1999 Constitution is a constituted authority with clear mandates as earlier postulated. Therefore INEC should be trusted to be ready to execute her constructional mandate.

“However, with the various reports and allegations of distortion of the Register of voters from Omuma in Imo State and the summersault by INEC that election will not be electronically conducted but only collation, it waters down the extent of trust on can place on the process.

“However, I advise all Nigerians to be vigilant in order to ensure that nobody plays with their intelligence”, he said.

Businessman and Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Hon. Itiako Ikpokpo, has expressed strong optimism that Olorogun David Edevbie will fly the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the upcoming governorship election in Delta State in 2023.


In a statement in Asaba at the weekend, 'Malik' as he is popularly known explained that the recent Appeal Court verdict which upturned the landmark judgement of the Federal High Court is a temporal setback that Olorogun David Edevbie will overcome and return his divine mandate just like in the order of the Davidic grace.


Chief Itiako Ikpokpo who is the immediate past ALGON Chairman of Delta State and onetime Deputy National President of ALGON also doubles as the Managing Director of Dunamis Transport gave reasons for choice of Edevbie as most popular, pragmatic, people-centric with innovative-people-oriented programmes in his manifesto.

He said that a new energy and positive disposition has become imperative to move Delta forward and consolidate on the gains of the past seven and half years.

Ikpokpo, the immediate past Chairman of Isoko South Local Government, made efforts analyze the chances of Edevbie.

He said that Judiciary will remain the last hope of common Man by guaranteeing justice and fair play.

Said he, "When we set out to support Olorogun David Edevbie's aspiration to govern our dear State, we did such in the knowledge that the journey will not be all smooth.

“Our confidence was however etched on our belief that only a man of Edevbie's depth of intellect, innovation, understanding, exposure and cooperate administrative experience best fits the leadership requirements needed to drive the Modernization goals of our dear State."

"I am confident that critical issues of law raised by Edevbie will be considered at the topmost echelon of our nation's judiciary, that at the end, Deltans will have the opportunity of having the best in the pack on the ballot."

He concluded by saying "As a critical member of the PDP, I believe in the unity of our party and remain committed to its overall victory come 2023.

“I look forward to this victory with the confidence that Olorogun David Edevbie will triumph in the collective interest of Deltans".

In continuation of his avowed determination to explore all developmentt avenues to bring the Local Governments and Councils in Nigeria up to speed, with international development benchmark, the National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Kolade David Alabi has joined other high powered delegation, top Nigeria technocrats, development expert, multinationals and seasoned international investors to Rotherdarm, the Netherlands, on the sideline of the Africa Adaptation Summit Friends of GCA High-Level Dialogue for COP27.

The programme is a high profile global event centered on adaptation organised by the African Union, African Development Bank, International Monetary Fund, Africa Adaptation Initiative, and the Climate Vulnerable Forum.

The Africa Adaptation Summit is convened specifically to lay the foundation for an adaptation breakthrough for Africa at COP27 of which the ALGON National President, upon his recognition that Nigeria is among the frontline of a climate emergency which it did not create, has expressed optimism in leveraging the opportunity provided by the event to present the concerns and challenges of the local ecosystem with a view to finding solutions.

It will be recalled that available assessment report has highlighted Africa’s exposure to the impacts of climate shocks, which will affect millions of people across the continent of which Nigeria is a major risk zone given that these shocks are being compounded by indicators like food, fuel, and other fiscal crisis exacerbated by the Ukraine war, global hardship and the post multi-facetedd impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

It is on records that expert has continued to emphasize the need of this Summit, saying that now is not the time to neglect climate action.

According to a statement issued by ALGON media Office, it is therefore anticipated that the Hon. Alabi led ALGON will optimise and leverage on this unique window to harness climate-resilient solutions quickly and at scale.

“Good enough Nigeria is at the center of this conversation with it's critical stakeholders in attendance.

“It will also explore from the event how the adaptation summit will facilitate the generation of significant opportunities for job creation in the rural level, ensure increases in productivity for GDP growth and poverty reduction”, the statement added.


According to the ALGON National President, "The Summit is fundamental and has many transformational capacity for Nigeria and the African continent and that is why I considered it apt and prompt to ambush this opportunity for national gains.

“It is my hope that some investment opportunities in adapting to the hotter, harsher, and more unpredictable climate will be indispensable to unlocking our economic opportunities.

“What Nigeria needs, moving forward, is the persistent collaboration of the three Tiers of government, including the National Assembly to ensure rich legislation, political will and robust engagement that will affect meaningfully all sectors involved.

“I am optimist that Nigeria will move forward rapidly to embrace it's own market share in resilient and green growth pathway by harnessing the powerful synergies between adaptation, growth, and development available", he said.

The landmark ‘African COP’ at Sharm El-Sheikh, GCA, in collaboration with the African Union, African Development Bank, International Monetary Fund, Africa Adaptation Initiative, and the Climate Vulnerable Forum, is convening the Africa Adaptation Summit to lay the foundation for an adaptation breakthrough for Africa at COP27.

Many development expert have described the event as one which represents a historic opportunity for the global community to deliver on the Glasgow Climate Pact and the need to bridge the multibillion-dollar a year gap in adaptation finance for Africa and this excites Nigeria.


The media office noted that “ALGON under the leadership of Hon. Alabi is catalyzing new coalitions of partners and initiatives to accelerate action on the ground across Nigeria and Africa in line with the promise and campaign promise of it's National President David Alabi upon his re-election.

“The Summit assembled global leaders from across governments, international organizations, multilateral development banks, the private sector, mayors, civil society, youth leaders, and other stakeholders to raise the ambition on adaptation action for the continent.

“The Summit will also provide an opportunity to catalyze new coalitions of partners and initiatives to accelerate action on the ground across Nigeria, which is a major player, and other Africa Countries thereby keeping up the momentum and elevating ambition on adaptation ahead of COP27”, the ALGON media office added.


The high level event has its Co-chair, as His Excellency Macky Sall, President of Senegal and Chairperson of the African Union Co-Chair, His Excellency Ban Ki-moon, who was the 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations, Co-Chair of the GCA Supervisory Board Co-Chair, His Excellency Feike Sijbesma, Honorary Chairman, Royal DSM, Co-Chairman of the GCA Supervisory Board.

Also in attendance, alongside the ALGON delegation led by Alabi Kolade David Alabi its National President, include, His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana and Chair of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, His Excellency Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Pre-COP27 Host, His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta, Global Champion for the AAAP, His Excellency Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Denmark, His Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Her Excellency Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations,
His Excellency Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director, International Monetary Fund, and Akinwumi Adesina, President of African Development Bank Group.

Others in attendance are His Excellency Alok Sharma, COP26 President,
Leaders Roundtable, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization; His Excellency Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development; His Excellency Werner Hoyer, President of European Investment Bank; His Excellency Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for Egypt and other notable leaders, heads of international organizations, Ministers, central bank governors, business leaders, mayors, civil society, and youth representatives.

The National Executive Council of the Association Of Local Governments Of Nigeria (ALGON) has announced the end of their 32nd NEC meeting with key resolutions, urging the Federal Government to immediately resolve and end the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities “with a view to achieving an all inclusive growth for national development.”

ALGON made its position known in a communique issued at the end of its 32nd National Executive Council (NEC) meeting concluded at the weekend in Lokoja, Kogi State, insisting that community policing strategy would best tackle insecurity in the country.


At the opening of the NEC meeting, while addressing the NEC members, Board of Trustees (BOT) and Management of the Association, the ALGON National President, Hon. Kolade David Alabi had welcomed the attendees who are representing various states from across the country and expressed happiness over the huge turnout at the meeting.


However, at the end of their meeting the 32nd NEC of ALGON in the communique also appealled to other tiers of government “to recognize Local Governments and Area Councils as a major state actor in the true spirit of federalism as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as Amended).”

The rest of the communique reads, “with respect to the 2023 forthcoming general election, the Association will unequivocally support and give its commitments to any presidential candidate that is committed for the actualization of full local government autonomy.

“The NEC is in support of community policing as a strategy of achieving effective security and safety of lives and properties in the country.

“The NEC is deeply worried and sympathizes with university students, parents and the general public on the prolonged but avoidable ASUU strike that has increased the general hardship on the citizens.

“The Federal Government is therefore advised to immediately resolve and end the ongoing strike with a view to achieving an all inclusive growth for national development.

“The NEC agreed unanimously to follow up on issues regarding constitutional review of the proposed Revenue Allocation formula increase from 22% to 35% in favour of the Local Governments and Area Councils”, the communique concluded.

In attendance at the ALGON NEC meeting were about 27 ALGON State Chairmen representing various LGAs and Councils in their respective states.

With an impressive attendance, Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, is at press time playing host to who is who in the leadership of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) from both National and State levels for the all important National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.

The meeting is coming some months after it's last NEC meeting in Lagos, November 2021.

Addressing the NEC members, Board of Trustees (BOT) and Management of the Association in Lokoja yesterday, the ALGON National President, Hon. Kolade David Alabi welcomed the attendees who are representing various states from across the country and expressed happiness over the huge turnout at the meeting.

The meeting is a two-day strategic gathering with very robust deliberations on issues concerning the Association and national emergencies of which positions will be taken via an anticipated communique at the end of the gathering.

Some project sites executed by the Kogi State ALGON, Courtesy call to the State Governor, Yahaya Bello, and other project inspections at the Councils has been mapped out on the sidelines of the NEC meeting.

It will be recalled that the Kolade David Alabi led Exco has for over a year now held ALGON NEC meetings in the country's geopolitical zones, a critical decision which it's highest body has supported and is yielding fruits in terms of reaching out with the grassroots in line with it's slogan "service to the grassroots".

The meeting also affords attendees the golden opportunity to compare notes, identify with projects that are on-going as well as completed or commissioned projects in other areas and it's cost components for better service delivery and accountability to the rural populace.

Other benefits of the zonal meetings, which members have affirmed, include the opportunity it provides in peace building and as a strong unifier for the heterogenous mix of the country as well as social engineering.

In attendance are about 27 ALGON State Chairmen representing various LGAs and Councils in their respective states.

... Bootcamp Begins in September

The Princewills Trust is sending another set of winners of the Princewills - Trust Vision and Success Opportunity Challenge, to Dubai.

The non-governmental organization was set up under the auspices of Prince Tonye Princewill.

It is focused primarily on the promotion of human capacity, by any means possible, and has a host of novel projects and uniquely adapted intervention programmes to point to, from 2002 to date.

The Trust is deeply committed to providing humane services and the sustainable empowerment of the talented, the skillful, the hard and the smart working people, particularly in Rivers state, with the motto of leaving no group behind.

Over the years its outreach has extended to women empowerment programmes, medical missions, disability interventions, disaster recovery, graduate and post graduate scholarships, adapted orphanage programmes, skill acquisition programmes, talent hunts and various forms of youth mentoring initiatives including this one.

Therefore, Princewills Trust, in partnership with the Dubai Department for Economy and Tourism (DET) and CLR education consulting, have teamed up to organize this opportunity for winners of the challenge so they can get a first-hand experience of the world’s most popular destination; Dubai, as named by TripAdvisor in 2022.

The winners of the latest edition are Loveth Chikanka Ichemati, a 1st year student of English & Literature in the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

She hails from Nkpolu in Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Alex Tamuno Miegbam, a Phd student of History and International Diplomacy, also from the Rivers State University.

She hails from Iwoma Borokiri in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The final winner is Idoniboyeobu Omiete Opubo, a 4th year student of Mechanical Engineering at the Afe Babalola University, Ekiti State.

He hails from Buguma in Asari Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The trio will be heading to Dubai in September for a one-week bootcamp/ tour of Dubai.

The Vision and Success Opportunity Challenge is a forum created by Princewills Trust, where ambitious young leaders pitch ideas and strategies for furthering their vision and success in life.

The objective of the challenge is to enable Nigerian university undergraduates and/or postgraduates envision viable career models and explore how to change their environment, from ideation to practice, while still pursuing their studies.


Prince Tonye Princewill, the founder of Princewills Trust, said that he "always get excited when a new set of students embark on these bootcamps.

“The post-trip reviews we have had from previous trips were so encouraging that we are considering expanding the scope of the challenge to include students from other states in Nigeria.

“The exposure is great for the kids, opening their minds to endless possibilities.

“Experiencing Dubai was a life changer for me, I hope it will be for them. I’d like to thank the whole team at Dubai Tourism and particularly the Africa desk, led by Stella Fubara and Christian Romer and the ever reliable CLR, led by Nneka Oduah. It’s your passion for our tomorrow, that’s made this possible”, he said.

With the ultimate vision of positioning Dubai as the world’s leading commercial centre, investment hub and tourism destination, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is mandated to support the Government in achieving its competitiveness vision to position the emirate as a major hub for global economy and tourism, and in boosting the emirate’s economic and tourism competitiveness indicators.


DET is the principal authority for the planning, supervision, development and marketing of Dubai’s business and tourism sectors.

It is also responsible for the licensing and classification of all types of businesses, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents, among others.

The Executive Chairman of Oru West Local Government Area of Imo State and the state ALGON Chairman, Hon. Willie T. C. Okoliegwo, is to confer the prestigious Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Humanitarian Personality Award by the International Peace and Governance Council headquartered in Atlanta Georgia USA.

The event holds in Abuja today, Friday, August 19.


The award was after rigorous profiling and background check on the Chairman as he bags the highest honour of the Grassroots Ambassador of Peace Award.


This followed the adoption of the United Nations Agenda 2030 for Sustainable development in 2015 alongside the international Peace and Governance Council (IPAC) USA in it's patriot stand towards rewarding examplary political office holders at the Grassroots level knowing the value-multiplier effect of such impact in strengthening and growing good model of leaders at that level.

Highlights of the august event will feature the Pan African Leadership Symposium and Honours organized to build capacity of African leaders, entrench peace, develope skills and domesticate some negotiation designs for community peace building.

Imo which has came under attack in the recent times need such reward incentive to good leaders who are supporting the return of peace and tranquility across the Communities.

The event Chairman and Head of the Organizer, His Excellency, Amb. (Dr) Jonathan Ojadah Daniel, in a letter to the Imo State ALGON Chairman said noted that “after much scrutiny and findings about you from your local government area and the national headquarters of ALGON in Abuja, the nomination committee of the international peace and governance council wish to congratulate you as a deserved recipient of these coveted honour of The Grassroots Ambassador Of Peace Award.

“Following the adoption of the United Nations Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development in 2015, International Peace and Governance Council (IPGC), USA contributes to the follow-up towards the realization of Peace, Justice & Poverty Eradication (ECOSOC Resolution 2015/16).

“We are in collaboration with Arise O Nigeria Centre For Leadership & Enterprise Development to host the 8th Edition of Pan African Leadership Symposium & Honors (PALESH) to commemorate the United Nations World Humanitarian Day”, the nomination letter stated.

The organisers added that “the SDG Awards aims to honor outstanding personalities who have contributed positively in Peace Dialogues/Conflict resolutions, grassroots community development, massive youth & women capacity building while uniting leaders who have strong passion for human'ty and serving as catalysts of social change in the society.

“The SDG Awards is a way of celebrating individuals who championed the promotion of Peace, Justice and empowerment of youths and women in accordance with the UN declaration.

“In line with the IPGC tradition and in honor of your great achievements, IPGC is pleased to honor you with Leadership Excellence and Sustainable Development Goal SDG grassroot Ambassador of peace Award.

“This recognition is to recognize your passion for humanity and your charitable endeavors which have impacted lives of many children, youths and women through the efforts of your Leadership Social responsibilities in your Local Government”, the international council said.

Hon. Okoliegwo will be honoured alongside other notable African leaders, including His Excellencies, Uhuru Kenyatta, President of Kenya; Yoweri Museveni, President Of Uganda; Felix Tshisekedi, President Of Democratic Of Congo; Mrs Emmerson D. Mnangagwa, President Of Zimbabwe; and Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute, Prime Minister of Cameroon.

SunCity Africa Crime watch reports that the Chairmanship Candidate of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), Mr Emmanuel Ajah for 2022 Ivo Local government election in Ebonyi State, has been indentified as one of the culprits in the murder of Mrs Catherine Chukwu Okorie.

Mrs Catherine Chukwu Okorie from Amaonye Ivo LGA was murdered on 18th January, 2017 by her kidnappers who eventually forcefully took away her life.

According to a police investigative reports, Mr Emmanuel Ajah was among those arrested over his connection to the crime. He was later remanded in the Abakaliki correctional centre until sometime in 2019 when he was granted bail following induced actions of high profile politicians from the Ishiagu community of Ivo LGA.

This media organization gathered that the tempo which Mr Ajah was released from the correctional centre was based on ill-health leaving many to wonder why would a bail be granted on such a heinous crime with sufficient evidences on his association to the murder of late Mrs Okorie.

Mr Emmanuel Ajah recent emergence as the Candidate of APC for Ivo Local government area for the council election has raised dust in the area. Already, the Ivo Youths Forum has rejected his nomination and Candidacy stressing that he is made to be in the prison and not in the exalted office of chairmanship.

In a communique issued at her meeting held recently, they called on the governor of the state to immediately and change his nomination stressing it will further jeopardize the security of the Area.

The communique read in parts "That we are not oblivious of the relative peace, tranquillity and harmony we have experienced and enjoyed since around 2017 (when Emmanuel Ajah and others alleged to be members of his gang) were arrested, detained and subsequently charged for murder, kidnapping and armed robbery until recently when some of them were released on bail.

"That we are also very aware of the travails Ivo Local Government Area especially Ishiagu Community had gone through in the past; wanton killing, kidnapping and armed robbery. Very recent cases are; the killing of one Comr. Chibuenyi Stephen Okorie, a final year student of Political Science, Abia State University; the kidnap and subsequent gruesome murder of Mrs. Caterine Chukwu; the attack and armed robbery of Mr. B. P. Osita just to mention but a few;

"Worried that all these heinous crimes from police report following from their investigation fingered Mr. Emmanuel Ajah as being actively involved in omission and or commission of which he is still facing trials in various courts in Nigeria for the said crimes;

"Disturbed by the fact that Mr. Emmanuel Ajah confessed in his voluntary statement to the police that he benefited from the proceeds of crime from armed robbery of Mr. P. B. Osita to the sum of one hundred thousand naira only (N100,000.00) as his own share for linking and giving the armed gang necessary information to execute the said armed robbery".

"Perturbed, disturbed and baffled that Mr. Emmanuel Ajah is only on BAIL ON HEALTH GROUNDS; as he was only granted bail on the ground that he has a COMMUNICABLE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE (TUBERCULSIS) and may infect other inmates if allowed to stay at the correctional centre;

“Surprised at the rumour making the round that the All Progressive Congress, APC nominated and subsequently adopted Mr. Emmanuel Ajah as their consensus candidate;"

"Considering the fact that Mr. Emmanuel Ajah is still sick with COMMUNICABLE DISEASE and facing series of criminal trials within and probably outside Ebonyi State";

"Conscious of the fact, implications and or likely embarrassment the probable conviction of Mr. Emmanuel Ajah may cause us as Ivo people having regard that APC is the ruling party in our dear State, if eventually/ unfortunately Mr. Emmanuel Ajah is elected as the Chairman of Ivo Local Government Area"

"That we are aware that the Governor of Ebonyi State attended the burial of one of the victims alleged to have been committed and or supervised by Mr. Emmanuel Ajah, wherein the Governor promised to do everything within his powers to ensure that those behind the said kidnap and gruesome murder of Mrs. Okorie were brought to book, prosecuted and brought to justice".

"The governor went further to honour the said victim by constructing and naming a road after Mrs. Okorie".

"We are shocked that those fingered and indicted by the Police investigation report to the said crimes and that are still facing criminal trials rather appears being rewarded or better still ‘compensated’"

"That we are convinced that the emergence of Mr. Emmanuel Ajah as Ivo Local Government Chairman, criminals will be emboldened and crimes which had since 2017appeared to have been diminished, shrank and truncated will sure reinforce itself and fight back."

"It is our finding that Mr. Emmanuel Ajah is facing trials in the following cases;
Case No: HSC/3C/2017 - Murder
Case No: HSK/4C/2017 - Kidnapping
Case No: HSK/7C/2017 – Armed Robbery"

"We therefore resolve that we shall bring this communique to the further notice of all the security agencies requesting them to investigate the facts of this communique and give security advice and or reports as maybe appropriate with respect to the matter in issue".

"It is our further resolve to write to the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State as the leader of the APC in Ebonyi State. Also, we shall notify the Executive Chairman, Ivo Local Government Area for them to reconsider their position in this matter and save the live and properties of our people"

"That we shall be left with no other option than to use other legitimate conventional means to pursue our demand starting from the National body of the APC if we are not satisfied with the response emanating from this communique. A stitch in time saves nine".

Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and a Coalition of National Civil Society Organizations (C-CSOs) have called for the immediate resignation of the current Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko, and the arrest of the former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi for defying the Federal government on matters relating to the Treasury Single Account (TSA), and operating two secret foreign accounts were payments are made and the funds are looted at will by the management and the supervising Minister while he was in office.

Recall that the Minister of Transportation had recently resigned to contest in the presidential election of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).


In a statement jointly signed by the CNPP Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu and the Secretary of the C-CSOs, Alhaji Ali Abacha, the umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in Nigeria and the amalgamation of over 21 civil society organisations, said that “from every indication, those closest to President Muhammadu Buhari have become the most notorious in defying presidential directives and making a mess of the anti-corruption posture of his administration.”


The CNPP and the C-CSOs said that a recent media report by investigative news portal, Pointblank.com, revealing that “the accounts are plundered by the management and the supervising Minister since it is not within the records of the Federal government”, has again put in doubt the debt of the commitment of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, and the APC as a political party, to the fight against corruption in the last seven years.


According to the CNPP and the C-CSOs, the two foreign accounts held at Citibank N.A. 111 Wall Street, New York, New York 10043 with ABA CODE 021000089, and Citibank N. A. Canada Square, Canada Wharf London E145LB for NPA Service Boat Revenue Collection, irrespective of orders by the President to the contrary must be publicly investigated.


“For effective and meaningful investigation, the current Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko must immediately resign his position as he cannot be a judge in his own case.


“As for Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, we call for his immediate arrest for diligent prosecution as well as the institution of open investigation of how he prosecuted his failed presidential ambition.


“We also demand immediate investigation of the ex-minister's sources of funding for his ongoing construction of a mansion with an underground at Ambassador Desmond Akawo Street, Guzape, Asokoro District, in the heart of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.


“It is reasonably believed that the funds used by the ex-Transportation Minister to prosecute his presidential ambition and for his ongoing construction of his Asokoro mansion are part of the proceeds from the plunder of the illegal foreign accounts.”


The CNPP and the allied civil society organisations insisted that “reports of port charges and other lucrative charges from NPA being stashed into the illegal accounts and shared by the fomer Minister and the NPA boss is the highest level of betrayal of the anti-corruption crusade of President Muhammadu Buhari and therefore demand immediate action.


“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), must, at this instant, begin to investigate and initiate the processes of recovery of all the proceeds of this economic crime as part of its effort to redeem the image of the President Buhari administration as one which fights corruption only in the media”, the statement concluded.

A large cross section of traders and members of the Opi Market Amalgamated Traders Association (OMMATA) has petitioned the Nsukka Local Government Area Chairman, Barr. Walter Ozioko, over plot by politicians in Opi Nsukka to turn the market into their money spinning machine for their selfish interests.

The traders, through their lawyer, Barr. Joseph Ogbuka, the founder and Principal Partner of The House of Laws, urged the local government boss to urgently put a halt on the proposed Kangaroo selection being orchestrated by the said politicians.


The petition was titled “A Formal Petition Against Some Internally Displaced
Political Contractors in Opi who have Forcefully Hijacked the Opi Market Amalgamated Traders Association (OMMATA) not According to the due Process of the Constitution of the Association with a View to Criminally Convert the Market and the Traders Therein into Their Private POS through the Imposition of their Hired Agents and Surrogates as the Executive Leaders of the Association Through a Kangaroo Selection Process Contrary to the Express Provisions of the Constitution of the Association: A Call for your Urgent Intervention by Promptiy Putting on Hold the Proposed Kangaroo Selection Exercise (Election) Billed to Take Place Tomorrow in the said Market and Conduct Dispassionate Investigation into the Scandalous Racket of Impunity by these Agent Provocateurs and their Sponsors.”


The three-page petition, which identified the arrowhead of the cabal behind the plot and usurpation of the constitution of the market association as Dr. Dan Shere, reads:


We are constrained to convey to your office the pathetic outcries of a large cross section of traders and members of the Opi Market Amalgamated Traders Association (OMMATA) as well as the lamentations of petty traders in the said market who carry their trade wares on their heads, hands and barrows
without stalls.

We shall hereinafter refer to all of them as our clients and it is on their behalf and instructions that we anchor this Petition to your office for your urgent intervention and necessary
action.


The outcries of these traders reveal a satanic collabo by some internally displaced polltical jobbers and contractors in Opi Nsukka to hijack not just the Ahor Opl Market but even the traders and members of (OMATTA) trading in the market by manipulating the association through the imposition of their hired agents as mercenaries as the executive leaders of the Association by means of a Kangaroo selection exercise contrary to the express provisions of the constitution of the Association on how the election of its officers will be conducted at the end of every term of four years.


We are reliably informed that the arrow head of the Cabal who have vowed to hijack the association and privatize it and all its paraphernalla of members for their personal aggrandizement is Dr. Dan Shere and his gang of political foot soldiers.


They have forcefully seized the reigns of power over the association since the year 2017 for a four years term which terminated in the year 2021 but have since then not anly held unto the power of control over the association contrary to the express provisions of the constitution of the Association as express in Articles 8, 10 and 12 of the
Constitution of the Association but have also perfected another arrangement to foist and impose their hired agents and surrogates through a Kangaroo selection process billed to take place tomorrow in that market under the guise of an election contrary to the clear provisions of the constitution of the association.


The profiteering motive of these political merchandize on the fortunes of members of OMMATA is obvious and can be attested to by the fact that these hired agents who were imposed on the market since the year 2017 and have been packaged again to be re-imposed on the association either directly or through their underlings have refused to account for their stewardship to the association for the tenure of their plunder and looting of the treasury of the association since the year 2017.

Instead of rendering account to the members of the associations as required of them under the constitution of the association they rather render daily returns in commissions and rebates to their sponsors and overlords.


To meet the financial targets set for them Government in such a market which is to administer, and manage
the market and collect stallage fees from traders, it does not include or extend to the power to run, operate, oversea or regulate the association of traders or members of an associations of traders in that market.


This point of distinction is clear as the constitution has ordained every citizen with a sacrosanct right to freedom of Association which includes the right or freedom to freely organize and oversee their association without any interference from anybody or authority.


Thus while it is conceded that the powers of the Nsukka Local Government can be used by these gold diggers at Ahor Opi to administer, manage and regulate the market as well as collect lawfully approved levies like stallage fees from traders, it is arbitrary, even criminal for anybody or group to hide under such powers to attempt to hijack the association of traders in the market from the management of its members contrary to the express provisions of the constitution of the traders in the said market as well as the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Ahor Opi market has a valid and subsisting constitution which regulates and governs the tenure of offices, the election of officers of the association, the condition for the valid conduct of the election, the eligiblity for the members or aspirants to any executive position in the association as well as the mode of the election and other
post-election matters.


In the purview of all these clear and unambiguous provisions of the constitution of the Ahor Opi Amalgamated Traders Association, it is highly reprehensible and abominable to allow a primitive gang of horse traders and their political sponsors in Opi to hijack the association, as well as the right of its members to oversee it according to its constitution or be allowed to set aside its constitution and dictate for the members of the association according to their own whims and caprices in flagrant repugnance to the authoritative pronouncement of the constitution of the association.


It is the above litanies of outrageous atrocities at Aho Opi Market which they want to reinstate with another Kangaroo selection of hired mercenaries of the self acclaimed emperors of the market that necessitated this formal intervention by way of this petition anchored to your office and to the office of the Governor of the State to promptly intervene in the situation at Aho Opi market today by putting on hold the proposed Kangaroo election of another regime of agents to be imposed on the association so that these scandalous orgy of criminal impunities against the constitution of the traders in the market and the traders themselves as well as their dignity and liberty can be dispassionately investigated and redressed before the members of the association can be aliowed to elect their executive leaders in accordance with their constitution for another four years tenure.


This is for your information and necessary action.

The Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), Enugu State chapter, has decried what it described as politics of calumny, bitterness, acrimony and falsehood against Governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, saying that they have, for sometime now, “observed the trending political issues in the social media and other news prints in Enugu state.”



In a statement jointly signed by the state Chairman, Chief (Hon) Dr Afam Samuel Ani, and the state Secretary, Hon. Aduaka Anthony, the members and executives of the state chapter of the CNPP noted that “it is rather unfortunate and smacks of the truth against the person of the incumbent Governor of Enugu state Rt (Hon) Dr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.


“For record purposes,the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) primaries for House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate and Governorship were slated for 21st to 25th May, 2022.


“All interested candidates who procured the forms were given a level playing field to participate. At the end, the delegates spoke through the ballot box and Barr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah emerged victorious in the governorship primaries. The Enugu state people breathed a sigh of relief”, the CNPP said.


The CNPP noted that “to prove his magnanimity in victory, Barr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah was never carried away by the victory. He solicited the hands of fellow contenders in building another phase of Enugu State.


“However, some of them were recalcitrant. The greedy ones among them went in search of alternate political party. This was never viewed from a negative perspective as this could satisfy their ambition to Lion Building.


“It is rather unfortunate that some decided to pull string on the incumbent Governor of Enugu state. They went about cooking up falsehood and innuendos against Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.


“One of these politics of bitterness falsehood was a recent publication by one Brendan Okpe, if real name,who was used as a tannoy by some Enugu political hedgehogs to do this yomans job.


“In his publication, Mr Okpe tried all possible avenue to give the impression that Nsukka people are no longer happy with Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.


“He said that after the monumental betrayal of Nsukka interest in the gubernatorial primaries by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, that he has gone further to stop the ambition of Hon Barr Chijioke Edeoga.


“He went further to say that Chief Everest Nnaji was being projected by the state government to replace Hon Barr Chijioke Edeoga in the gubernatorial position in Labour Party and that the financial inducement to INEC for that purpose failed”, the CNPP noted.


CNPP Enugu state chapter then asked Brendan Okpe the several questions, includin “Was he among the delegation sent to present the money to INEC officials?


“Is Chief Everest Nnaji or any other, not eligible to vie for gubernatorial position in Labour Party against Hon Barr Chijioke Edeoga?


“The Obidients movement you mentioned, is it focused at Presidential ticket or state? And so, what makes one jittery in Enugu State?


“Do you think that Barr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is a colossus with feet of clay?”, the statement stated.


The CNPP noted that in the past 24 years of democracy in Nigeria, three Governors have been in saddle of the leadership in the state, insisting that “Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has penned down his name on marble in the state in general and Nsukka in particular.


Taking a close look at the Governor's key developmental strides in Nsukka and it's environs, the CNPP itemised the State University of Medical Sciences, Igbo Eno, State Secretariate Annex in Nsukka, the 5000 seat capacity ultra modern Nsukka Township Stadium, the Amenity Hospital in Ogurute, the 12km Opi - Nsukka dual carriage road to UNN gate, that used to be known as second Adada River and the 26.66km Ukpabi - Nimbo - Ugbene Ajima - Eziani Road.


The political parties also listed the 22.443km Neke - Mbu - Ogbodu Aba-Obollo Etiti Road as part of the key foot prints of Governor Ugwuanyi in Nsukka.


“Else we forget, let us also remember that under his leadership as the executive Governor, that he has been prompt in paying workers salary as at when due,not minding the economic hardship the country has been facing all this while even when some states can't meet up with the payment of worker's salaries.


“Did we also forget that workers were been owed backlog of salaries before his coming in as Governor and what did he do when he came in, He cleared all, etc. The list is endless. Nsukka has never had it so good.


“After all these, Brendan Okpe was able to say that the Governor has faced unprecedented rejection in Nsukka land.


“We see this as a baseless claim and see it as statement meant to satisfy the wants of his paymasters.


“We also see the alleged rally in support of Peter Obi in Nsukka as orchestrated to drive home their inordinate ambition.
We the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) Enugu state chapter (the voice of the masses in Enugu state) wish to warn the detractors under any guise to desist from disturbing the peace Enugu state has enjoyed for the past 7 years and still counting.


“We will not fold our hands and watch any political miscreant bring to ridicule the administration that has transformed the life of Enugu state citizens including the down trodden, positively.
Politics should be played by the norms of the game and not to bring unrest among the populace.


“CNPP will go all out to a peaceful protest to denounce and counter negative actions against the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi which has brought relief and succor to the citizens of the state”, the statement concluded.

Prominent pan-Igbo sociopolitical pressure organisation, the South East Revival Group (SERG), has declared that even though Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike of Rivers State knows what is good for him as a politician, Nigeria is in its most slippery political period such that any political move or decision at the current season must never be hastily undertaken by any wise politician.

The SERG, in a statement signed by its President and National Coordinator, Chief Willy Ezugwu, while reacting to the recent visit of All Progressive Congress (APC) governors from the South West of Nigeria to the Governor, the South East group counselled Governor Wike to be careful and patient in taking any political decisions in order not to lose the goodwill he has been able to earn from the masses over the years as a performer.

“As audacious supporters of Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, who is one of those we consider to be outstanding in the build up to the recently concluded presidential primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), we sincerely counsel the Rivers State Governor to be very cautious in taking political decisions at this time.


“Whether the Governor is agreived or not, even though we know that he was betrayed during the presidential primary of his party, the political terrain in Nigeria is too slippery for hasty decisions by any wise politician in the country.


“For keen observers of political trends in Nigeria today, it is clear that the younger generation has largely taken over control of the country's politics ahead of the 2023 presidential election just as they did in 2015.

“If the older generation of politicians are not careful, they will completely lose relevance in the coming months as campaigns begin.

“It will be suicidal for any politician, who is loved by Nigerians, like Governor Wike to swim against the prevailing national political tides.

“Obviously, those who redirected the politics of the country in 2015, have also taken a position in the current political era.

“Nigerians had yearned for a new bread of leaders (those who belong to the younger generation of politicians) to emerge as presidential candidates across key political parties in Nigeria, but they got disappointed when politicians that ought to have retired from active politics were given presidential tickets to the chagrin of the younger people across the country.

“Apart from the fact that the older generation of politicians who won presidential primaries are largely seen by the youths as corrupt and desperate, Nigerians have been in pains in the last seven years are not keen in repeating the mistake of 2015.

“For this reason, a critical mass of disenchanted citizens, who have been at the receiving end of misused Nigeria's commonwealth since 1999, which obviously worsened in the last seven years, have now produced a candidate of their choice.


“In the light of this, only wise politicians will look before they leap ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

“We, therefore, urge Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike not to miscalculate or stand on the way of the Nigerian youths, being one of our few leaders who have so far distinguished themselves in the last seven years of misery and pains among the masses”, the group counselled.

... Says Insecurity Worrisome

... Makes Strong Case for Strengthening LGAs and Councils As Panacea for Checking Rising Insecurity and Underdevelopment



The National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon Kolade David Alabi, has in his Eid-el Kabir message to millions of Muslim faithfuls all over the Local Governments and Area Councils in the country.


Alabi noted that today’s reality has shown that while the country celebrates with their Muslim faithfuls, everyone needs to be constantly vigilant against all manner of insecurity and other concerns.

He pray God to grant all faithfuls their heart desires and wished them a peaceful celebration.


In his view, "The Local government system is very crucial in the development of rural areas and can tackle the growing level of insecurity in Nigeria if allowed to function properly through provision of the enabling environment and enjoying a constitutional protection".

Honestly, issues like economic empowerment, job creation to get more people busy and off from all societal vices will be a real game changer.

Everyone have seen clearly that a firm function of the Local Government system is an asset to the Nigerian society looking at Some facts on grounds in many states that are free", this is why the LGAs need not to be toyed with especially in the emerging Constitutional Amendment, we have all seen lately how insecurity has escalated beyond imagination despite the government's huge investments in security" Alabi was quoted.

He further stated that experience has shown that the Councils were too valunerable of which it has become imperative that having a stronger collaboration within the entire security agencies in sync with the rural communities through volunteerism aimed at policing the entire environment to provide a robust incident response plan to check the rising insecurity will yield meaningful result.

The ALGON President regretted the absence of state policing of which its advantage could have been visible through community engagements that would have been well positioned ro it's obvious reduction.

He also called for proactive approach that will enable stronger strategies to contain potential breach and help in making the most informed decisions through local intelligence gathering since according to him every attack comes from one local government or another.

He believes that one of the primary causes of failure of the entire security efforts has been 'planning in isolation of the local authorities in various Communities without the active involvement of the Councils.

He lamented a situation whereby many councils are underutilized as a supposedly strong institution and call for a new approach that will bring the Councils up to speed.

While he bemoaned the situation, he concluded by expressing confidence in the democratic process of which, according to him, will continue to get things better moving forward.

The Government of Enugu State has appointed Mrs. Ihuoma Eze as the Acting Project Coordinator of Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) Project.

The Communication Officer, Enugu APPEALS Project, Ambrose Igbokwe, in a statement explained that the project is a World Bank Assisted Project with the objective of enhancing the productivity of small and medium scale farmers in Enugu State.

In a letter signed by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government; Professor Simon Ortuanya, the appointment by the State Governor; Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, became effective as from 1st July, 2022.

Mrs. Ihuoma Eze has been part of the Management team of the Enugu APPEALS Project since its inception in 2019, as the Women and Youth/Livelihood Specialist of the project until her new appointment. She has also worked in the Nigerian Watershed Erosion Management Project (NEWMAP) in the state.

Mrs. Eze holds a Master of Science Degree in Parasitology from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

She has attended several trainings, workshops and seminars on World Bank project implementation at various times. She comes in with a wealth of experience in world Bank Assisted Project Management and implementation.