Plans by the Orlu Catholic diocese to acquire the expansive premises of the Technical Skill Acquisition Center (TESAC) where the Orlu Campus of Imo State Polytechnic was located is once again causing ripples, as stakeholders have accused the committee led by former Rector of Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo, Rev Fr Wence Madu of having deceived the Governor of Imo State,Senator Hope Uzodinma to move the Orlu campus of Imopoly to Omuma,Oru East because of vested interest in the TESAC premises.
It was gathered that Fr Wence Madu, who was Chairman of the Committee on the conversion of Imo Polytechnic from multi campus to a one campus system, and his Secretary, Hon Esther Ukachukwu recommended relocation of the school to pave way for the catholic school project . “That was why he suggested that the school be moved to Omuma so that the Catholic church can take over the TESAC premises.”
Some of those who commented on the development frowned at what they described as the State government’s insensitivity to issues concerning TESAC.
One of the stakeholders in the community, who pleaded anonymity, while speaking to our reporter, said, “it is true that Orlu needs development. We expected the Governor to use his closeness with the Presidency to attract a federal government agency, school or hospital to the site instead of ceding it to the church for a mission owned project that will be limited in scope and operational reach.
When also contacted, the President of Orlu Town Union, Eddie Olumba (Mr E) denied being part of the meeting where the purported decision to cede the TESAC premises to the Catholic Church was endorsed. He debunked speculations that Orlu stakeholders met and agreed to cede the premise to the Orlu Catholic Diocese.
Federal Government has officially launched the much-anticipated Abia Airport Project with a ground-breaking ceremony held in Nsulu, Isialangwa North LGA.
Key figures attending the ceremony include:
Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives
Dr. Alex Otti, Executive Governor of Abia State.
Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, Honourable Minister of Aviation
Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Productivity
Hon. Amobi Ogah, Member of the House of Representatives
The airport project, which is being undertaken by Federal Government in collaboration with the Abia Government, is expected to serve as a major boost to Abia State’s economy, enhancing connectivity and fostering further development.
A sad incident which many people have described as an eyesore has occurred at Ebonyi International Market which was renamed St Umahi Margaret International Market by the immediate past administration.
A video which has been circulating online and obtained by our correspondent showed people that claimed to be Ebonyi Taskforce members or operatives forcing petty traders to pay taxes amid the economic hardship in the country.
In the video, a Taskforce member was captured collecting 600 Naira from a petty trader who is selling vegetables worth 1000 Naira.
This means, the petty trader will go home with only 400 naira as his gain in order to feed her family.
Meanwhile, our correspondent, Wisdom Nwedene visited the International Market to ascertain the authenticity of the video and equally interviewed some of the traders and discovered that the sad incident is ongoing at the International Market.
Some of the traders that spoke with our correspondent on the condition of anonymity in order to avoid being victimised by the notorious taskforce operatives confirmed that the ugly incident has been ongoing for a long time.
A 65-year-old woman, Mrs Ngozi Michael said she sells cucumber but always being forced to pay taxes by the taskforce.
According to her, “What you saw in the video is just the truth. We pay from 400 naira to 600 Naira each day by people that claim to be working for the State government.”
“We don’t know if the government is aware of this incident but the truth is that we are suffering. Help us to tell the Ebonyi State Government to come to our rescue. The taxes are becoming a heavy burden on us”.
Another woman who spoke with our correspondent said she sells Vegatables which she planted at the back of her house but still pays tax to the government.
“The truth is that these Vegatables that I am selling, I didn’t buy them. I harvested them from the back of my house but because of the Economic hardship, I decided to sell part of it in order to feed my family.”
“If you bring these Vegatables together, they are not up to 1500 Naira but I have 400 naira to the State Government already. This is really bad and the Governor should be made to be aware of this ugly incident”, she told our correspondent.
As at the time of filing this report, our correspondent reached out to the Special Assistant on New Media to Ebonyi State Governor, Mr Leo Oketa who confirmed that he is aware of the video but will respond soon.
“Yes, I have seen the video which you sent to me on WhatsApp, I will respond soon”, Mr Oketa told our correspondent on telephone phone call.
Recall that Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State in March 2024 cautioned revenue collectors against collecting taxes from vegetable sellers and other petty traders.
This warning was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor, in Abakaliki then.
He stated that the governor dropped the hint during the swearing-in of members of the Revenue Appeal Commission held at centenary city, New Government House, Abakiliki.
Nwifuru described the collection of taxes from vegetable sellers as inhuman and urged them to avoid such acts.
He said there was no reason to collect tax from people selling their farm produce in the local markets.
“I want you to go for big big business owners.
“I have told the Revenue Service, I don’t want you to go to the village markets and be collecting tax from vegetable sellers, I have said it times without number.
“I don’t see reasons we should be taxing people who are selling what they got from their farms,” he advised.
Three of the four youths arrested by soldiers in Ugwueke Community in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State last month were on Thursday December 12 freed.
Freedom came for the youths after spending 23 days in the dungeon of the military.
However, one of the youths is still languishing in the military’s gulag.
The freed youths are Ifeanyi John, Anarochi Agwu Okereke and Ogwo Okoroafor (aka Nwantananya) while Samuel Orji is still being held.
According to the Chairman Second Ndigbo Amaba Ugwueke Development Union, Agbai Edmund Okorie, Orji is still being held owing to the ‘Cross’ sign on his face.
Okorie also disclosed that Orji was still being kept behind bars for fighting in the military cell at the Army Barracks at Nkwoagu Abakaliki.
He further revealed that the youths were rounded up on November 12 owing to their behaviour at the scene of their arrest.
The soldiers from Ebonyi State had seized the youths at a location in Ugwueke which their tracking system suggested a fleeing felon was hiding.
It was gathered that the soldiers concluded that the youths have connection with the felon by being at the location at the time of arrest.
It was learnt that the felon, a native of Akaeze Community in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State fled to Ugwueke Community where he was hiding till the soldiers came calling.
The Supreme Court is set to determine the fate of President Bola Tinubu on Monday, December 16, in a new suit seeking his removal from office.
The suit, SC/CV/667/2023, calls for Tinubu’s dismissal on two main grounds: alleged non-qualification to hold the office of Nigeria’s president and the unlawful usurpation of the position.
Chief Ambrose Albert Owuru, a former candidate in the 2019 presidential election under the Hope Democratic Party (HDP), filed the suit directly at the Supreme Court.
The defendants in the case include former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Tinubu.
Owuru, a British-trained lawyer, claims that he won the 2019 election but was denied office due to Buhari’s eight-year tenure. He alleges that his previous suit, which sought to remove Buhari from office, was dismissed by the Supreme Court due to a mix-up in hearing dates.
Owuru also argues that Tinubu should be disqualified based on an alleged $460,000 forfeiture to the United States due to involvement in dr*g trafficking.
Furthermore, he accuses Tinubu of being an active CIA agent, which he believes disqualifies him from serving as Nigeria’s president.
Owuru is asking the Supreme Court to declare him as the rightful winner of the 2019 election, disqualify Tinubu, and order his immediate inauguration to reclaim his mandate.
The Supreme Court has scheduled a definite hearing for the case on Monday, December 16. Tinubu has been served with the hearing notice via the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, describing him as a “man of pecace” despite widespread criticism over the ongoing demolition of structures in Abuja.
Speaking at a public lecture and book launch held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to mark Wike’s birthday, Akpabio humorously shared his perspective on Wike’s temperament.
“I was discussing with one of my colleagues, and I told him I do not know why a man will quarrel with Wike. If he shouts while we are sitting there, by the time I get to that door he has forgotten,” Akpabio said.
He continued: “He will be the one to carry his phone and call me and say, ‘When are you coming to the house for lunch?’ And he had forgotten that we quarreled, and I will tell him, ‘After the quarrel.’”
The comments drew laughter from the audience, lightening the mood of the event.
For his part, Wike dismissed the criticisms directed at him, expressing confidence in his approach and the backing of President Bola Tinubu.
“For me, in life, what is important is, if you know what you want to do, and you know how you want to do it, then go ahead. One thing that I can assure all of you here is that we will continue to make you proud,” Wike said.
He added: “I will never be distracted. I will still be focused to achieve the results that Nigerians will know that Mr. President means well. Yes, so many people have talked about criticism. I can assure you, it is even people who inform me that people are criticising me. Frankly speaking, because I do not see them, I don’t hear them, and I cannot reply to them.”
Wike also expressed his gratitude for the support he has received and dismissed the attacks as the work of detractors. He emphasized that the best response to his critics would be delivering results in the public interest.
“I am humbled by the crowd that has identified with me today. I am satisfied with the support of Mr. President, and the only way to silence critics is to achieve results for the public interest,” he said.
The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has reassured the people of the state of his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity and making Anambra the safest state in the country.
Governor Soludo made this known during a press briefing in Awka on Tuesday, where he addressed critical issues regarding security challenges facing the state and his administration’s proactive measures to combat them.
Flanked by his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, security chiefs, and other critical stakeholders in the state’s security architecture, the Governor emphasized the urgency of restoring lasting peace across Anambra. He also reflected on the significance of the briefing, noting that the session coincided with the 33rd month of his administration and was aptly coming a week before Christmas. The Governor further assured Ndị Anambra of a safe and joyful yuletide celebration in the state.
“Security, law, and order remain pivotal to the attainment of our vision of a livable and prosperous homeland,” he said, adding that his government remains resolute in the fight against criminality.
The Governor recalled that, upon assuming office, his administration met what could be described as a war-like situation, where eight local government areas were completely under the control of criminal elements. He recounted the extent of the chaos at the time, noting that candidates for the governorship election could not campaign freely, while one candidate tragically disappeared en route to a campaign event and remains missing to date.
“We responded massively when we came in, and among other things, a vigilante strike force was established to work closely with federal security agencies,” he said, adding that the all the previously sieged local government areas have been successfully reclaimed from the gunmen.
The Governor, however, acknowledged the resurgence of some criminal activities, particularly kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, and other forms of violence, which have led to loss of lives and properties in different parts of the state.
“I want to assure you that despite the unique challenges of lucrative criminals, adorned with deceptive ideology and propaganda, we are determined to fight criminality and ensure that Anambra becomes the safest state in Nigeria,” he said.
Further reiterating his administration’s commitment to addressing the situation, Governor Soludo said: “We are ready to once again take them head-on, but this time we shall triple our efforts and expand the scope and depth of our operation, given the dynamic nature of the criminal enterprise.” He, however, refrained from divulging specifics of the forthcoming “kinetic operation,” which, according to him, will be officially launched in January 2025.
The Governor outlined a comprehensive approach involving both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to confront insecurity.
“We are convinced, I mean personally, that brute force will probably address maybe 50% of the challenge as first and necessary first steps, but it must be complemented by a criteria of non-kinetic approach that will, among other things, involve the mass mobilization of our people towards a society in which everyone has a say,” he said.
While identifying the major security challenges in the state as kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, drug abuse, and touting, which he described as interlinked issues that reinforce one another; the Governor commended the efforts of the security agencies in the state, which he said, are working day and night to keep the state safe. He also hailed the Anambra State Special Anti-Touting Squad (SASA), which, he said, has, since its inception in October 2023, arrested over 3,000 touts and drug dealers across the state. While lamenting the epidemic of drug abuse ravaging communities today, he further assured continued collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to implement the National Drug Control Master Plan.
“Every nook and cranny, you see them selling banana and groundnut, but when people take these substances, human beings begin to look like flies to them,” he lamented, describing drug abuse as a fundamental driver of violent crimes in the state.
In furtherance of his efforts to combat crimes, Governor Soludo also announced the forthcoming launch of Operation Udo Ga-Achị —a security intervention initiative aimed at restoring peace across Anambra. Translating to “Peace Must Reign,” the operation, the Governor noted, will deploy personnel and vehicles branded with its insignia for patrols, stop-and-search operations, and real-time interventions across the state. He also appealed to residents to bear with any temporary inconveniences resulting from the intensified security measures.
The Governor also revealed that Operation Udo Ga-Achị will be backed by technology-based security solutions, including the toll-free emergency lines 5111 and 08002200008. He further stated that the state’s CCTV surveillance project, which commenced in Onitsha, would be expanded to Awka, Nnewi, and Ekwulobia by March 2025. The project, he said, includes the installation of AI-powered cameras with facial recognition capabilities to track and apprehend criminals in real time.
Additionally, Governor Soludo disclosed plans to revalidate and retrain the personnel of the Anambra Vigilante Group to enhance their efficiency in combating crime. He also announced the recruitment of forest guards drawn from the vigilante group to protect the state’s forests, which criminals frequently use as hideouts.
Extending an olive branch to criminal elements, the Governor urged kidnappers, cultists, and drug dealers to surrender themselves and their weapons within two months, assuring them of rehabilitation and empowerment.
“No human being lives in the bush. No human being lives in the forest. It’s just plain criminality because you are kidnapping for ransom. Come out, and we will help you to start afresh,” he appealed.
He lauded the commitments and patriotism of group and individual donors contributing to the State Security Trust Fund, while also special recognizing the stakeholders in Ihiala and Orumba South Local Government Areas, where, according to him, massive clearance operations are ongoing to eradicate criminal elements.
Governor Soludo further shed light on the organized nature of criminal activities in the state, describing it as a coordinated “army of criminals” with commanders and reinforcements. He emphasized the need for collective action, reiterating that the fight against insecurity cannot be won by the government alone.
“These criminals are our brothers, our sisters, our husbands, our relations, and our friends. They are not spirits. They live among us, and we know them,” he stated, re-echoing his earlier call on citizens to support the government’s security initiatives.
Revealing alarming statistics, the Governor stated that 99% of arrested criminals in the state since he assumed office were of Igbo descent, with over 70% hailing from outside Anambra. He attributed the influx of criminals to the state’s economic prospects and urged residents to join hands in rejecting the warped ideology that portrays criminals as liberators.
The Governor concluded with a vow to make Anambra an unsafe haven for criminals, while also ensuring that law-abiding citizens enjoy peace and security. He emphasized that the task ahead requires unity, resilience, and the collective resolve of Ndi Anambra to reclaim their homeland.
“Security is our collective responsibility. Sustainable security in our homeland requires the full-scale involvement of responsible citizens. Together, we shall prevail,” he assured.
Fielding questions from newsmen on the continued detention of the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, whom some of the criminal elements claim to be freedom fighters and agitating for his release, Governor Soludo said the criminal elements are using such claims to deceive or get the sympathy of an ordinary person who is not informed.
Soludo, who has been vocal in the call for Kanu’s release, also recounted his several efforts towards that, strongly maintaining that the gunmen cannot claim to be freedom fighters while they are killing and tormenting the people they claim to be fighting for their freedom. While stressing that the gunmen ‘organizedly’ emerged on their own for purely lucrative criminalities; the Governor also opined that they (the gunmen) may not even stop their criminal activities when Kanu is finally released, as they have tested blood and have been making whole lots of money from their organized crimes.
“If anybody claims that part of why he’s doing that is agitation, when you finish killing the people you claim you’re agitating for, who are you going to govern? Or if you turn the homeland to be desolate, and everybody runs away, how…?” he wondered aloud.
He further reiterated that the gunmen are purely into lucrative criminality, searching for their pockets, and not agitating for anybody or anything, as they claimed.
“And we must get them out of our land,” he concluded.
Yet-to-be-identified gunmen have shot dead Dr. Fabian Osita Chinedu, a lecturer at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka in Anambra State,
This is coming as the University community still mourns demise of Prof. Anthony Ezeh, another lecturer at the institution, who was also previously shot dead by gunmen.
According to reports, the latest victim, Dr. Chinedu, was gunned down on Monday night along the High Tension axis in Awka, the state capital by armed men suspected to be car snatchers.
Confirming the incident in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the murderers also made away with the victim’s car, a Toyota Corolla 2006 model, Ash colour with an Enugu Plate number, UWN 158 AS, after gunning him down.
He further stated that the State Police Command had launched an investigation into the incident, while also condoling with the victim’s family and institution, and urging members of the public who have any useful information they have that can aid the investigation to come forward with same.
The statement read: “The Anambra State Police Command has commenced investigations over the alleged murder of Mr Fabian Osita Chinedu. Information reveals that Mr Fabian, a staff of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka was allegedly shot by unidentified gunmen yesterday 16th December, 2024 at 10.10 pm at Aroma Junction. The murderers also made away with his car, a Toyota Corolla 2006 model, Ash colour with an Enugu Plate number, UWN 158 AS.
“To this end, the Command, while commiserating with his family and friends, especially the Management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, calls on anyone with any useful information that can aid the investigation to please come forward in this regard. The Command also urges members of the Public who might have seen the vehicle or any abandoned vehicle with similar description to report to the closest Police Station or call the Command Control Room Number – 07039194332 or SP Ikenga Tochukwu – PPRO 08039334002.”
Members of the Soludo Fan Club (SFC) have reiterated their unalloyed support for Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, lauding his transformative leadership and remarkable strides in governance.
SFC, a vibrant support group comprising individuals from diverse backgrounds, gave the reassurance during a strategic meeting held over the weekend in Awka, the state capital.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the National Convener of SFC and State Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka, commended the governor’s relentless commitment towards delivering the envisioned livable and prosperous homeland to Anambra, noting that the Governor’s exceptional performance has already made his second term journey an easy and inevitable one.
Commissioner Chukwuemeka, while describing Soludo as a visionary leader whose initiatives and policies have set Anambra on a trajectory of sustainable development, also took time to recount, with specific facts and figures, some of the governor’s achievements in different sectors and different parts of the state. These, he said, have benefitted both the rich and the poor, the old and the young, and also spreads across the three senatorial zones and twenty-one local government areas of the state.
“From infrastructural development to power, water, health, education, agriculture, environment, economy, human capital development, rural transformation, urban renewal, and other sectors, Governor Soludo has proven beyond doubt that he knows the job and remains the right man to pilot the affairs of our dear state,” he said.
The Commissioner also recounted various transformative and landmark projects executed through his Ministry under the Soludo Administration, including the rehabilitation of water schemes across the state after 20 years of moribundity, the expansion of electrification and streetlighting projects, as well as the promotion of renewable energy solutions, which significantly reduced the cost of governance and the problem of climate change.
While also highlighting the administration’s transformative feats in the education and health sectors, with special references to the massive teachers/health workers recruitment, renovation and upgrading of schools/healthcare facilities across the state, the free education, free antenatal, free delivery, and free postnatal services in the state, and the recent clinching of $1.2 million double awards as Best Performing State in Primary Healthcare in Southeast and the entire country; the Commissioner, emphatically stated that Governor Soludo has upgraded the state’s glory and positioned it as a model for others to emulate.
Ahead of the forthcoming 2025 governorship election in Anambra State, the SFC National Convener said the group is not only optimistic about Governor Soludo’s reelection but also confident that his second term would usher in even greater progress for the state. He assured that the SFC is already mobilizing grassroots support and fostering widespread awareness of the governor’s achievements to ensure a landslide victory at the polls.
“We are not just supporters; we are fans of Soludo’s vision. Our mission is to support and take his message of transformation to every doorstep in Anambra State, ensuring that no one is left behind in this journey of renewal and growth,” he said.
While calling on all Anambra residents to always rally behind Governor Soludo, he further urged them to shun divisive politics and focus on sustaining the current development trajectory in the state.
“This is not just about Soludo; it is about the future of Anambra. We must all play our part in securing a brighter future for our state,” he stated.
Attended by the SFC local government coordinators and the national officers/Think Tank members; the meeting also featured a review of the group’s activities for the ending year, as well as the formulation of strategic plans and initiatives to enhance their operations in the coming year, and the creation/inauguration of relevant committees for their implementation.
The SFC National Convener also charged the group members to always renew their commitments, and continue to be true fans of Soludo in their various wards, local government, and everywhere they find themselves; even as he also commended them for their visible and invisible efforts and initiatives towards advancing the objectives and activities of the group.
The well-attended event, which also marked the official end-of-year gathering of the group, also saw the Convener, Commissioner Chukwuemeka, distribute bags of rice and ‘envelopes’ to all the attendees, further wishing them merry Christmas and prosperous new year in advance.
A criminally-minded lady has been captured by a CCTV camera in Anambra State as she swapped an ATM card of an old woman having sight problem and emptied everything in her account within few minutes.
The incident happened over the weekend at an ATM spot in Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of the State, where the old woman, who is also a widow, was said to have gone to withdraw some money.
According to a source, the old woman, whose name is yet to be ascertained, was having problem operating the machine when it was her turn to withdraw, because of her eye problem that resulted in her poor sight.
The source, however, narrated that a lady who was standing by and presumably waiting for her own turn to withdraw, offered to help the widow to operate the ATM when she noticed she was having difficulty operating it, due to her sight defect.
It was gathered that, in the process, however, she swapped the widow’s ATM card with another fake and expired ATM card after having known her PIN; and then, she smartly left the scene while the old woman was still struggling to operate the fake ATM with her PIN, only for her to start receiving recurring debit alerts on her phone shortly after the lady left.
This was corroborated by a 42-second video of the incident as was captured by the CCTV camera of the bank, and which is currently trending on the social media.
“This widow who was said to be having eye problem went to UBA bank ATM machine in Nnewi to withdraw money. When it got difficult for her operating the machine, this young lady putting on red top and black trouser approached her to help out, but ended up swapping her ATM card.
“Just few minutes later, the woman started receiving debit alerts,” another source narrated, with respect to the video.
