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.
Distinguished legal luminary and trailblazer, Mrs. Amaka Ezeno, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Planning Committee for the 4th edition of the highly anticipated Anambra Man of the Year (AMTY) Awards. This marks yet another feather in the cap of the outstanding lawyer, celebrated for her groundbreaking achievements, including being the first female Chairman of an NBA branch in Anambra State.
The AMTY Awards, established in 2020, has grown into one of the most prestigious platforms for recognizing and honouring Anambrarians who have made remarkable contributions to society across various fields.
Previous awardees include eminent personalities such as first Nigerian Clegy to become a senior Advocate, Revd Fr. Dr Edwin Obiorah ,SAN, Dr Adaora Umeoji, Prof. Ifeoma Egbuonu, Prof. Philomena Igbokwe, Hon Justice Nkem Izuako(Former Judge, United Nations Dispute Tribunal, Nairobi, Kenya) Chief Dr. Chika Alexander Okafor, Dr. Emeka Uzoeto, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, Mr. Nonso Okpala of VFD group, Dr Emeka Obegolu,SAN, Chief Ugochukwu Okeke, Engr. Eloka Ejeh, Mr Val Ozigbo, Pastor Sam Obiorah,Mr Alexander Ejesieme, SAN, Azubike Emodi, Ikenna Ifejiofor, Arnold Ekweoba and Pharmacist Sam Ubachukwu, among others.
According to Mr. Chiedu Okafor, Co-Founder of the AMTY Awards, Mrs. Ezeno was chosen for her unflinching dedication to excellence, as well as her proven track record of leadership in various endeavours.
Mrs. Amaka Ezeno, a legal powerhouse, is the Principal Partner and Founder of The Law Zoomers, a firm renowned for its outstanding service and impact in the legal sector. With over 25 years of private legal practice under her belt, Ezeno’s journey began as the Managing Counsel of several law firms before establishing her own. Today, The Law Zoomers boasts a robust team of 14 lawyers, including three partners, and has mentored over 35 alumni who have excelled as firm owners, magistrates, and managing solicitors across the globe.
Beyond private practice, The Law Zoomers holds legal retainerships with prominent institutions such as Nnamdi Azikiwe University and serves a diverse clientele of organizations, companies, and individuals both within and outside Nigeria.
An alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, and the Nigerian Law School, Abuja, Mrs. Ezeno was called to the Nigerian Bar in September 1999. She currently serves as the Chairman of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Anambra Chapter, and holds a plethora of prestigious roles, including her recent co-option into the National Executive Council of the Nigerian Bar Association by its president, Mazi Afam Osigwe. Additionally, she is the Alternate Chairman of the NBA National Litigation Committee for the South East region.
Mrs. Ezeno’s professional affiliations are equally impressive. She is a member of Commonwealth Lawyers Association, General Council Member of Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution Development and Conflict Management, Association of Professional Negotiators and Mediators and a facilitator with the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitration. In 2011, she was appointed a Notary Public by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, further cementing her legal stature.
Mrs. Ezeno’s involvement in the AMTY Awards is not new. In 2023, she was recognized as the AMTY Most Inspiring Woman of the Year, a proof to her extraordinary achievements and inspirational leadership. These astounding and outstanding successes in different fields and spheres unarguably position Ezeno as a perfect match for her recent appointment to Chair the planning committee of the 4th AMTY Award ceremony, as one good turn deserves another.
The upcoming AMTY Awards ceremony, scheduled for January 2025 at the Stanel Dome, Awka, promises to be a grand celebration of excellence. Categories include Man of the Year, Woman of the Year, Public Servant of the Year, Industrialist of the Year, Real Estate Person of the Year, Innovator of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Inspiring Political Leader of the Year, Brand of the year and many others, designed to spotlight the achievements of Anambra’s finest.
In her acceptance speech, Mrs. Ezeno expressed enthusiasm for the role, stating: “I am honoured to take on this role, and I look forward to working with a talented and dedicated team of like-minds to ensure the success of the AMTY Awards. The event, as we already know, is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the hard work and dedication of those who strive to make a difference in society, with Anambra State in focus.”
The planning committee for this year’s event comprises a distinguished team, including Prof. Uche Ufoaroh (former Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, UNIZIK); Dr. Emeka Odogwu (Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Anambra State Council), and Dr. Smart Ezuma (Founder, UDUF Africa), among others.
With such a formidable team led by Mrs. Ezeno, expectations are high for an event that will not only celebrate excellence but also set a new standard for award ceremonies in Anambra State, the South-Eastern and beyond.
This reporter, Izunna Okafor, gathered that AMTY Awards has continued to be a source of inspiration to Anambra’s sons and daughters to strive for greatness by making impact in the society, as it celebrates those who have already made an indelible mark in their respective fields. Under Mrs. Ezeno’s capable leadership, this year’s edition promises to be the most remarkable yet.
What could be best described as a conspicuous and very loud silence has been observed of the Anambra State Government on the sudden and mysterious disappearance of the emeritus Archbishop of the Niger Province and Bishop of Nnewi, Most Rev. Prof. Godwin Okpala, alongside his driver, since over one week ago.
It would be recalled that the respected Anglican, Prof. Okpala, who is nearing 75 years of age, and his driver were last seen on Friday, December 8, when they embarked on a journey to attend a burial ceremony in Umuchu, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
However, reports indicate that since then, the Archbishop and his driver never arrived their destination nor returned, as their whereabouts remain unknown, while all attempts to establish contact with him or the driver have since been unsuccessful.
While speculations abound that the Archbishop and his driver may have been kidnapped by gunmen on their way to the burial, this development not only added to the already existing tension in Anambra state, but has also plunged the Anglican faithful, particularly in the Nnewi Diocese, and his hometown of Adazi-Ani, into a state of deep anxiety and restlessness.
Sources close to the Church disclosed that the Archbishop had set out early on the day of his disappearance, intending to meet up and participate in the burial service of a relation of another bishop. By late in the evening of that day, his absence at the event had become glaring, prompting immediate efforts to locate him. Despite frantic attempts, including contacting relevant authorities, no clues have emerged regarding his whereabouts, those of his driver, or his vehicle.
The Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ndubuisi Obi, who confirmed the ugly incident to newsmen, had issued a heartfelt appeal for intercessory prayers on Saturday, the following day, urging the faithful to seek divine intervention for the safe return of the Archbishop and his driver.
Police, in their own response when contacted for inquiries on the disappearance and alleged kidnap of the Archbishop and his driver, told journalists that they did not have any such report before them.
However, despite these reactions, the tension and restlessness sparked by this ugly incident, and the efforts being made, the Anambra State Government has yet to say ‘Pịm’, issue any statement or provide an update on the matter, barely ten days after its occurrence. This loud silence and the conspicuous disinterest of the government on the matter have also drawn criticisms from concerned citizens, who believe that the government’s lack of response or reaction undermine and downplay the urgency of the situation.
“The silence is both baffling and very disappointing,” said a top cleric and school proprietor when contacted by this reporter, Izunna Okafor.
Elders from Obinagu Achalla of Enugwu-Agidi community in Njikoka local government area, Anambra state, has commenced peace process to end 70 years old communal land dispute with their neighbouring Ezinano village-Awka, in Awka South local government area of the State.
The elders said they were tired of holding grudges with the people of Ezinano over the land in contention.
Nigerian Pilot gathered that the disputed land “Agu Nawgu’ where about 14 Journalists narrowly escaped death a year ago, when police operatives deployed to the area reportedly fired gun shots at Awka indigenes who were protesting the occupation of their land by the operatives, has been in Court since 1954.
Speaking further while briefing Journalists, on the peace initiative at Enugwu-Agidi community, on Friday, the elders Obunagu-Achalla took turn to narrate their ugly experiences that necessitated the peace moves.
Ichie Wilson Okeofor, 98 years old said that, ” We need peace because we have suffered for this land since 1954 when the case was instituted in London. We have spent money over litigation and finally decided to engage into peace negotiations with Ezinano community.
“We are no longer interested in shooting and maiming over land matter but has finally wish to unite with Awka people. Those people that are trying to thwart this peace initiative know themselves in the community and they gain much through this selfish approach.”
Ozo Ozoemena Obiora Okeke, 72 years, narrated his bitter experience when some of the indegenes that don’t welcome the peace approach started threatening his life.
” I have been kidnapped by Fulani herdsmen sent by those that reap from the troubled water. At this point, we invited Ozo Jeff Nweke with his people to our place and he told us that this land we are fighting for does not worth anybody’s life. He said that we should stop harassing people with Fulani herdsmen and police. There and then, we sought for peace between Ezinano and Obunagu-Achalla communities.
Those people that don’t want this peace initiative to stand may face severe consequences when we decide to drag them to Alusi shrine.”
Also speaking, Elder Cyprian Odogwu, 89 years, stated that they have spent fortune over fighting for the land without gaining anything.
” Until the spirit of God came upon some of us and we decided to have round table discussion to broker peace with Awka people. Unfortunately, there are some people that are hellbent not to achieve this peace initiative. Those people are responsible for selling our land anyhow without accounting for them.
“You know, there are people in every
society who benefit when there is crisis in the land. However, we separated ourselves from those trouble makers and solicit for peace with Awka people for our future generations.” Odogwu said.
However, when the youths and women were interviewed, they unanimously supported the peace move, praying for wisdom to end the crisis that have led to economic stagnation and destruction of properties worth million of naira in the area.
It was discovered that at some quarters of the community, the indegenes are pointing accusing fingers at some prominent personalities for trying to frustrate the peace initiative.
When contacted through phone call, the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Michael Okeke- Uche said it would be subjudice for him to comment on the matter as the land case is still in court.
Anambra East Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Chinweze has calmed frayed minds seething for vengeance as a result of the killing of a 54-year old farmer, Ikeabali Onwuesi from Mgboko Igboezunu in Aguleri quarter of the Area some five months ago. Onwuesi was shot by suspected gunmen in his farms leading to his death while a few others escaped with wounds on the fateful day in connection with face-off between members of Mgboko Village in Igboezunu Aguleri and Irugege Kindred in Umudiana Umueri, both in Anambra East Local Government over an age-long disputed land. The shooting, it was learnt was initially mistaken for inter-community warfare until the clearer picture reportedly showed that a suspected leader of a gang on self-serving land grabbing mission had orchestrated the sporadic shootings which caught Aguleri farmers napping. The killing jolted youths into taking up arms for counter offensive and reprisal, forcing natives of both sides to flee to neighbouring communities in Omor in Ayamelum, Umuoba-Anam in Anambra East and Nteje in Oyi Council Areas of the State respectively until the timely intervention of the then Transition Committee Chairman of Anambra State, Chinweze. According to a source, Chinweze, accompanied by security operatives had stormed the camps of the youths from the two warring communities and cautioned them against the dangers of taking up arms over the killings. We gathered that the agitated youths were later to discover that the dastardly act was not an issue of hostilities but that of land grabbing and heeded tonthe plea of the Local Government Council Chairman. Based in the new development, the youths were believed to have cooperated and saw to the arrest of the suspected killer by the police , acting on a tip-off by vigilance group.
It was further gathered that Chinweze convinced the youths that reprisal was not the best option. Consequently, both camps agreed that all arms distributed to the youths should be returned to the local community Vigilante Services in the two towns under the supervision of the two Presidents- general of the affected communities
They also agreed to lay down their arms to allow the then already planned Local Council Elections hold, after which a stakeholders’ meeting of the two Communities would be convened on the way forward to end the matter in perpetuity. We gathered that, after the Local Council Chairmanship election was held freely and fairly, the victorious Chinweze who initiated the peace overtures, tenaciously kept to his promise and actualized the peaceful Stakeholders meeting of the two affected communities, leading to identification snd delineation of respective villages’ boundaries and amicable land sharing by the two families.
Speaking after the recent peaceful reconciliation and resolutions of land dispute, Chinweze recalled that when few months ago when the crisis erupted, he insisted there must be no more communal clashes of any kind between communities in the Council Area under his watch. The Council boss said he had previously been visiting the communities with his gospel of peace and reconciliation , using the strategy of restriction of boundary demarcation issues to only the two immediate families or clans at the border area. The Anambra East Local Council boss hailed the two villages, reiterating that there is no alternative to peace and unity.
“Our local government, which was the pioneer local government in the old Anambra setting, has continued to move backward in terms of development, despite all the sacrifices and our connection and access to air, water, and land routes to other parts of the country and beyond. ,”This is because of many communal clashes. Now, we have resolved that peace must have its place in Anambra East, and I can assure you that any two communities or families that cannot resolve their border issues will leave us no choice but to invite the state government to use the land for any project that will benefit both communities. I’m also glad to announce that this very boundary shall be separated by a road which we shall gladly call Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo Road,” he said.
He also assured both villages that if either side has any issues needing to be addressed by the Boundary Committee, they should put it in writing and bring it forward for consideration in their next sitting Chinweze attributed the success of the peace resolution on the close working relationship he established with the traditional rulers and town union Presidents-general in Anambra East Local Council Area.
Iñ his words of appreciation, the President-general of Aguleri Community Assembly, Barr. Rolex Ilokasia, a lawyer commended the Chinweze for his commitment towards making the historic boundary demarcation exercise a reality, and called on both Mgboko and Umudiana to sustain the peace and understand it could only be attained by sacrifices from both sides.
Also, the Chairman of the Mgboko and Umudiana Peace Committee, Igwe Sir George Ekwealor, who spoke on behalf of the community rulers from Umuoba-Anam, Mkpunando and Enugu-otu Aguleri respectively commended the resilience of the Anambra East Mayor. “We have had many local government chairmen in the past, but none were as committed to achieving peacet and reconciliation in Anambra East as Hon. Ifeanyi Chinweze,” Igwe Ekwealor said.
