The Anambra State Police Command has announced the arrest of a 40-year-old man in connection with an ongoing investigation over the sudden death of his son.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the State, SP Tochukwu Ikenga announced this in a statement issued to newsmen on Friday. He disclosed that the suspect, Mr. Alfred Bassey, who hails from Cross River State, was alleged to have forcibly the 7-year-old son from the mother, and had been living with him in an uncompleted building at Trans-Nkisi Layout Onitsha.
The Police Spokesman, however, said that, on 11th December 2024, the body of the child was found in a soakaway pit dug in the abandoned uncompleted building after his father left him there for an unknown destination.
Continuing, SP Ikenga said the suspected lifeless body of the child was recovered from the pit and taken to the hospital where he was confirmed dead by a doctor, leading to the arrest of his father as a principal suspect, by the police operatives attached to the 3-3 Divisional Headquarters.
“The State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, saddened by this development, admonished parents to prioritize the well-being of their children against any difference they may have had with their spouse, to avoid exposing them to emotional and psychological trauma and/or death.
“He further directed the immediate transfer of the Case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, for a more detailed investigation,” SP Ikenga concluded in the statement.
Civil Society Organizations have called for strong commitment from stakeholders, public and private individuals to help sustain the fight against Gender Based Violence in Ebonyi state.
The groups made the call at a -1 day symposium organised by USAID Nigeria State Accountability, Trasparency and Effectiveness (State2State),in commemoration of 16 Days of Activism against GBV 2024, in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state.
The theme for 2024 was tagged, “Towards Beijing +30: Unite To End Violence Against Women And Girls.”
Gender Based Violence is any harmful act that is perpetrated against a person’s will, and that is based on one’s gender; Example- child marriage, female genital mutilation, digital violence, intimate partner violence, and rape.
On the objectives of 16 days of activism campaign, the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion, GESI Specialist, for State2State, Ejiro Okotie stated “to raise awareness, spark advocacy for change, and eliminate GBV.”
Sharing his experience, Coordinator Youth Hub Africa, Austine Onwe, disclosed that some persons still have different view/perception about GBV issue. He noted that some maybe campaigning against it, while being a perpetrator and nobody knows, or someone admits doing the job because he was told to do it, or so as to get paid. He however condemned such perception while urging individuals to show commitment towards ending GBV in the state.
Onwe emphasized the need for Community Based Initiative, where everyone including women, girls, children and persons with disability are involved in decision making.
Speaking on the way forward, the state Coordinator GBV Task Force, Barr. Faithvin Nwanchor, and Executive Director, Initiative for Gender Inclusion and Transformation Advocate, IGITA, Lorrieth Nwafor called for advocacy to relevant stakeholders, increase investment in GBV prevention and response program, implementation of VAPP Laws in the state.
Adding her voice, Rev. Mrs Flora encouraged participants to educate/create awareness this festive period, to various groups in their communities about GBV.
The Chairman/CEO of the Chisco Group and Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Anambra State Security Trust Fund; Chief Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu, has withdrawn from the proposed conferment of Mayor Ndịgbo on him, slated to hold on December 16 at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos State.
It would recalled that the media space and some blogs have been recently awash with certain flyers and publications in circulation, announcing that the Chisco Boss, Chief Anyaegbu (popularly known as Okeiyi Amichi) will be recognized and conferred with the title of Mayor Ndịgbo by Igbo people across the globe.
The flyer and the publication, which penned down the Chairman/CEO of the Airpeace Airlines, Barr. Allen Onyema as the Chairman of the Occasion, also emphasized that Ndịgbo from different walks of life have chosen Dr. Anyaegbu for the said honor as Mayor Ndịgbo in recognition of his honesty, uprightness, integrity and unwavering love for the Igbo Nation.
Among the expected guests were former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan; former presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi; business moguls Arthur Eze, Aliko Dangote and Emeka Offor; as well as governors of the five southeastern states.
However, this was followed by an emerging controversy that trailed the occasion, sparked by reactions from some prominent groups and Igbo elites, including Igwe Alfred Achebe (the Obi of Onitsha and proposed Royal Father of the Day at the said occasion) and the apex Igbo sociocultural organization, the Ohaneze Ndigbo, who dissociated themselves from the proposed event, saying that they were not aware of it, did not know anything about the said ‘Mayor Ndịgbo’ title, and would not be part of the occasion. This was further accompanied by other reactions and counter-reactions from other Igbo elites and groups which trailed the said occasion and the proposed title conferment.
In a latest update obtained in Friday, December 12, by this reporter, however, it was gathered that the proposed conferee, the Chisco Boss, has decided to step back from the said event and the title conferment.
This was confirmed in a press release personally signed by the Chisco Boss himself, in which he said the decision came after a careful reflection.
While expressing his deepest gratitude for the honour of being selected as a to-be Mayor Ndi-Igbo, Chief Anyaegbu, however, said that recent developments had brought to light the politically charged nature of the title, hence, his decision to step back from the opportunity, as it does not align with his personal mission of fostering peace, collaboration, and strengthening bonds across Igbo land and the country at large.
The statement partly read: “I want to express my deepest gratitude for the honour of being selected as Mayor Ndi-Igbo. It is truly humbling to have been considered for such a significant and important position.
“After careful reflection, I have decided to step back from this opportunity. Recent developments have brought to light the politically charged nature of this position. While important, it does not align with my personal mission of fostering peace, collaboration, and strengthening bonds.
“This was not an easy decision, and I deeply regret the timing. Please know that my respect for Ndi-Igbo and the unity of Nigeria remains steadfast, and I am committed to supporting its goals in other capacities.
“I sincerely thank you once again for the opportunity, and I look forward to collaborating with you in the future to uphold shared ideals for the betterment of humanity. I deeply regret any inconvenience this unexpected withdrawal may have caused, particularly to my dear friends, esteemed traditional rulers, religious leaders, prominent business leaders, especially the Diaspora community who have made significant travel arrangements to attend this event.
“I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to the planning committee, led by Chief Tony Obinugwu, with the assistance of Chief Solomon and other dedicated members, who generously committed their time and resources to this project. Your efforts are truly valued.”
It would be recalled that Chief Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu, an Amichi Anambra-born philanthropist and successful business mogul is one of the top Igbo elites reputed for their integrity, uprightness, honesty, and unwavering love for the Igbo nation and the country at large.
The Benue State Command said they have arrested a lecturer at the Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, (JOSTUM), formerly Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi (FUAM), Dr Smart Ichor, in connection with the kidnap of Mrs. Susan Anyagh.
Mrs. Susan Anyagh is the wife of the Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Joseph Sawuaan Tarka University Makurdi (JOSTUM) Comrade Paul Anyagh.
The Commissioner of Police CP Hassan Yabanet, in a statement made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Friday, said that “On the 7/12/2024 at about 0900hrs information was received at Police Headquarters, Makurdi, that Mrs. Susan Anyagh, wife of the chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Joseph Sawuaan Tarka University Makurdi (JOSTUM) chapter was kidnapped along Otukpo road, Makurdi and taken hostage in her car that was being driven to an unknown destination.
“In quick response, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State command, Cp. Steve Yabanet, immediately ordered all patrol officers and check points to ensure her rescue and arrest of kidnappers involved.
“At about 1300hrs another information was received along Yandev-Ugbema road that the said victim was attacked by her assailants and left unconscious by the road side.
“She was identified and rushed to Primary Healthcare Clinic, Ameladu for treatment.”
The statement signed by the Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Catherine Anene said the victim started responding to treatment, gained consciousness and narrated her ordeal.
She stated that while she was driving from NNPC mega fuel station, Kanshio area of Makurdi where she went to collect money from her customer, she was flag down at Otukpo road by persons who claimed to be in need and she stopped to render help.
She said they quickly jumped into her car and pointed a gun at her, ordered her to drive towards Wurukum area.
“Immediately, she looked outside the car and saw her husbands colleague, Dr. Ichor Tersagh Smart of JOSTUM standing by the car, she beckoned on him for help but he turned his back and walked away.
“While moving in the vehicle, her abductors received a call from Dr. Ichor ordering that she should be killed and she became agitated.
“When they sighted a police check point ahead that was checking vehicles, they decided to reverse to a hidden place, they parked the car, brought her out, collected the sum of one million three hundred and fifty thousand naira (N1,350,000 ) she had in the car, opened the car boot and took a vehicle jack which they used to hit the back of her neck and she fell.”
The statement said Ichor has been arrested in connection with the case and investigation is ongoing.
The Commissioner said details of the investigation will be communicated in due time and necessary actions shall be taken.
CP Yabanet has advised all concerned persons to be law abiding and patient with the police as diligent investigation will be carried out to establish the fact in issue.
The victim’s husband and Chairman of ASUU-JOSTUM, Comrade Paul Anyagh, has also confirmed the incident and promised to speak to newsmen at a later time.
The suspect is a lecturer in the department of Microbiology, JOSTUM.
A former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Adoza Bello, on December 13, 2024, apologized to Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, for failing to appear in court for his trial.
Bello, through his counsel, J.B. Daudu SAN, expressed regret for any perceived disrespect toward the court. “My lord, I am apologizing on behalf of the defendant for any perceived disrespect toward the court in the past,” he said.
Addressing the court, the defence counsel clarified that the defendant’s earlier actions were not intended as contempt. “For the record, my lord, I wish to apologize for any impression that the defendant refused to appear before your Lordship. He directed his former counsel to challenge the court’s jurisdiction, which led the matter up to the Supreme Court. This was not an act of disrespect but a procedural move,” he said
Continuing, he stressed that, “The defendant, a two-term governor of Kogi State, holds the court in the highest regard. I assure this honourable court that he will appear for trial on all adjourned dates, barring sickness or death.”
Bello is facing a 19-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and money laundering, contrary to Section 18(a) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended).
One of the charges read: “That you, Yahaya Adoza Bello, Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu (still at large), sometime in February 2016 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired amongst yourselves to convert the total sum of ₦80,246,470,089.88 (Eighty Billion, Two Hundred and Forty-Six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand and Eighty-Nine Naira, Eighty-Eight Kobo), which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of your unlawful activity to wit: criminal breach of trust, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 18(a) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, as amended.”
Other charges include alleged fraudulent transactions involving billions of naira and foreign currency, carried out between 2016 and 2023 through various companies. Bello pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Daudu sought bail for his client, applauding the understanding of the prosecution. “I must express profound respect for my learned silk for the prosecution, Dr. Kemi Pinheiro SAN. He shared a soft copy of the counter-affidavit before today’s proceedings, and we agreed to avoid unnecessary arguments. We urge the court to grant bail on reasonable terms and conditions,” he said.
Responding, Pinheiro praised the defence counsel’s professionalism. “I must acknowledge the integrity of J.B. Daudu SAN. We have worked to streamline the proceedings and reduce the burden on your Lordship. The EFCC is a professional, not a persecutorial body. However, the decision to grant bail and its conditions are entirely at the court’s discretion,”he said.
Pinheiro also noted the defendant’s apology, adding, “Let it be on record that the defendant has apologized through his counsel.”
Justice Nwite, while delivering his ruling, emphasized his independence. “Neither party will guide me on what to do. However, given the assurances by J.B. Daudu SAN, I am inclined to grant bail. But for these assurances, my ruling might have been otherwise,” the judge stated.
The court granted Bello bail in the sum of ₦500 million, with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must own properties within the court’s jurisdiction. Bello is also required to deposit his international passport with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court, submit recent passport photographs, and swear an affidavit of means.
Until the bail conditions are met, Justice Nwite ordered that Bello be remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Kuje and adjourned the trial to February 24 and 28, as well as March 6 and 7, 2025, for continuation.
Since the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came into office nearly a year ago, there have been several attempts to disrupt the flow of governance as well as the laid-out policies of the young administration. Some of the tactics adopted include deliberate targeting and demonization of key functionaries of the government, perhaps to put them on their toes.
Over the past few months, several key figures appeared to have been selected as objects for a campaign of calumny – ironically by using the Tinubu government’s stated aversion to corruption to malign these officials. It is in this wise that the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, Arc Sonny T. Echono, could be said to have found himself among the select few.
The commentaries of reform-minded Nigerians to the Tetfund’s painstaking efforts in changing the trajectory of our public tertiary institutions are appreciated. This was visibly clear during the recent TETFund Research Fair and exhibition hosted in Abuja, which highlighted the nation’s most significant advancements in science and technology.
By bringing together researchers, entrepreneurs, and the general public, bridging the gap between academic research and practical application, showcasing technologies poised to impact industries and drive economic growth. With free admission for all, the fair represents a pivotal opportunity to witness and engage with Nigeria’s top innovations. However, the denigration of Tetfund by some few individuals recently is unacceptable and grossly un-charitable.
A case in question is the; the recent allegations by Mrs. Patricia Yakubu, the APC Adamawa State Woman Leader, accusing TETFund of supporting the APC Adamawa Chapter with funds to run its affairs, are nothing but baseless fabrications aimed at tarnishing the reputation of Arc. Sonny Echono, the Executive Secretary of TETFund. These claims are unfounded, defamatory, and indicative of an attempt to drag an institution of national importance and its esteemedtey leadership into a purely political squabble.
The baseless allegation of Tetfund sponsoring APC in Adamawa state and the promoters of such news stands logic on the head in the sense that Tetfund as a critical intervention agency in the education sub-sector doesn’t award contracts. It is the beneficiary institutions that undertakes all the procurement procedurals as stipulated by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), thereafter awards contract to the most qualified vendor.
Even Last year, President Tinubu lauded the agency for its foresightedness and dedication to service delivery. The president gave the commendation during the commissioning of projects funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund in public tertiary educational institutions in the country.
The President, who was represented by members of his cabinet and other top government functionaries at the different beneficiary institutions across the country, expressed delight at the various projects which he said would further enhance teaching and learning and improve academic standards in the institutions.
President Tinubu assured that his administration would continue to provide necessary support towards making Nigerian educational institutions globally competitive for economic and technological development of the country.
Similarly, the National Assembly under the leadership of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas has stated that it would continue to provide necessary support to TETFund through the enactment of legislations that would further advance tertiary education in Nigeria.
The commissioned projects include those at the University of lbadan and The Polytechnic Ibadan, worth over N650million and N1billion respectively.
The projects are the Department of Architecture building, Faculty of Technology Building at the University of lbadan, and Faculty of Business and Communication Studies Building, Faculty of Financial Management Studies Building and Faculty of Science Building at The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
In Gombe State, 11 projects valued at over N4.5 billion were commissioned by the Minister of Transportation, Alhaji Saïdu Alkali at Gombe State University. At the Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi commissioned three projects worth over N1.5 billion.
The Kwara State University, Malete, was beneficiary of three commissioned projects, namely the Senate Building, the College of Engineering Workshop Extension and the Centre for Sustainable Energy Building.
Similarly, projects worth N873.6 million were commissioned at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University and Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic in Bauchi State; while an array of projects worth N2billion were inaugurated at the Federal University of Technology, Abeokuta and Tai Solarin College of Education.
The raft of support to tertiary education by the Echono leadership was also recognized by the leadership of the 10th Assembly who also participated in the inauguration exercise. The lawmakers expressed excitement that since the enactment of the TETFund Act in 2011, the Fund has performed exceptionally in the provision of physical infrastructure, support for academic staff training and development, book publication, ICT, Research and Development amongst others in public tertiary educational institutions across the country.
Beyond improving infrastructure at various educational institutions across the country, Arc Echono-led TETFund is also taking steps to help fresh graduates secure jobs as a way to address mass youth unemployment in the country.
This the agency is doing by implementing the recommendations from its Graduate Employability Benchmark programme conducted in partnership with the International Finance Corporation, IFC, to reduce unemployment rate in Nigeria.
This was motivated by the report of the IFC on Nigerian educational institutions, which indicated that the aggregate average score of Nigerian benchmark institutions across the five dimensions of employability namely relevance of learning, governance and strategy, employer engagement, career services/guidance, and alumni management stood at 2.3 out of 4.0. This is a little above 2.2 which represents the average of institutions benchmarked globally.
Indeed, the agency was deliberately refocusing its intervention activities to support learning outcomes and employability of Nigerian graduates. The new approach came on the heels of an approval by the Federal Ministry of Education of a strategic and operational plan to refocus TETFund entrepreneurship intervention for employability and innovation.
With Echono’s innovative and result oriented leadership, it is not surprising that various stakeholders in the education sector have spoken warmly about the transformational activities of TETFund.
In a recent statement affirming its support for TETFund and its management, the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, commended TETFund for being a “driving force” behind the advancement of higher education in the country.
Drawing from his extensive experience as a former Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service, the Executive Secretary has doubled his efforts in transforming TETFund into a beacon of excellence in tertiary education funding.
TETFund, according to Professor Lilian Salami the former vice chancellor university of Benin, stated recently that Tetfund under Echono has been driving educational reforms across tertiary institutions in Nigeria and has returned sanity to the sector.
Echono’s detractors might want to reflect on an old wise saying: “It is not in the nature of worms to teach eagles how to fly.’’ Though the dogs might continue to bark, it would not stop the caravan from moving on to its destination.
The managers of TETFUND are experienced, focused and dedicated to making a positive impact on their mandate. They are already making remarkable impacts and no amount of skullduggery by faceless charlatans would make them deviate from this mission to rescue Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
TERSOO ADAGHER
A Public Affairs Analyst, writes from Abuja.
Anambra State has once again demonstrated its excellence on the national stage by clinching two prestigious awards at the National Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge. The state emerged as the Best State in the Southeast zone and the Overall Best State in Nigeria, winning a total prize of $1.2 million.
The awards were presented during a grand ceremony held in Abuja, where Anambra State was recognized for its exceptional performance and commitment to primary healthcare delivery. The state received $500,000 for being the best in the Southeast zone and an additional $700,000 for its outstanding performance as the overall best in the country.
The National Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge is an initiative designed to enhance governors’ commitment to human capital development and primary healthcare. It seeks to mobilize state resources, promote accountability, and foster innovation for gender-specific health outcomes. The program is powered by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum in collaboration with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Aliko Dangote Foundation, the Federal Ministry of Health, and UNICEF.
Meanwhile, reacting to the good news, the Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo expressed immense pride and gratitude for the recognition, attributing the achievement to the collective efforts of healthcare workers, officials, and the entire Anambra community.
The Governor, who was also physically present to receive the prize, also described it as a reaffirmation that Anambra is indeed the Light of the Nation, even as he further reassured that his administration would continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the state remains a beacon of hope and development in Nigeria.
“I am excited to share with you the fantastic news that our great state, Anambra, has just won two prestigious awards at the National Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge!
“We have emerged as the Best State in the Southeast zone and the Overall Best State in Nigeria! This is a testament to our collective efforts in prioritizing the health and well-being of our people…
“…This achievement would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our healthcare workers, officials, and the entire Anambra community. I extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you,” the Governor wrote on his verified social media handle on Friday.
The Governor further revealed that the prize money will be judiciously utilized and strategically invested in further enhancing and strengthening the state’s healthcare system. According to him, the funds will be used to boost healthcare infrastructure, procure essential medical equipments, and further improve access to quality and affordable healthcare services in Anambra.
“I am proud to announce that we have been awarded a total of $1.2 million in prize money, which will be utilized to further strengthen our healthcare system…
“As your Governor, I remain committed to our vision of creating a livable, clean, and prosperous Anambra. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our state remains a beacon of hope and development in Nigeria. May Anambra continue to win!” he added.
It would be recalled that the Anambra State healthcare sector has witnessed massive transformation and recorded many applaudable strides in recent time under Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the most recent of which include his approval of free registration, free antenatal care, free laboratory examinations, free drugs, and free delivery for all the pregnant women, in all government hospitals in Anambra, irrespective of the person’s state of origin.
This, according to a recent report by the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme (ASHIA), has resulted in delivery of over 15000 babies delivered with zero mortality in Anambra, among other testimonies that accompany the Governor’s giant strides in the healthcare sector.
It is no longer news that what has been described as an attempted murder occured in the once-peaceful Ebenator community in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, leaving a young man critically injured with gunshot, with others missing, and many more reeling from the trauma of an unprovoked attack from government officials.
The incident, which occurred at a sand mining site in Ọfara Ime River Ebenator has continued to generate reactions and raise serious concerns about the conduct of government operatives and the deafening silence of the Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Felix Odimegwu, who allegedly sent the government taskforce and the operatives that went for the operation where they acted harrowing scene that played out like a Hollywood thriller.
The eyewitness accounts have it that around midday on Tuesday, December 10, heavily armed men stormed the mining site, firing sporadically into the air and unleashing terror on unsuspecting workers. Driving in bus, Sienna, and Hilux vehicles, the armed men, who masked their faces and dressed in black, claimed to have been sent by the State Ministry of Environment to enforce the state government’s ban on illegal sand mining. However, this enforcement quickly turned into a nightmare, with the sound of gunshots echoing through the community and sending everyone scrambling for safety.
Among those caught in the chaos was Uzochukwu Okafor, a young man and son of the Women Leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Nnewi South, who was dangerously shot by the said taskforce; while some other persons were reportedly beaten, arrested, and taken to undisclosed locations. Witnesses further revealed that vehicles, motorcycles, and personal belongings of the people were confiscated during the raid, leaving the community to grapple with fear, outrage, and unanswered questions.
The circumstances surrounding the raid have since sparked a chain of reactions and counter-reactions, especially as the community members said the same local government authority that initially ordered them to stop mining activities at the site also later gave them the approval, authorization and go-ahead order to resume operation after duly following the necessary processes, meeting the necessary conditions and getting the necessary certification, as was recommended by the local government. This, the people said, made them to resume operation at the site, few days after which the armed men stormed in Sienna vehicles and opened fire at the site.
These claims have cast a shadow of suspicion on the real motives behind the attack, with many questioning whether it was a legitimate enforcement exercise or a politically motivated vendetta, given a widely speculated hostility and suspected power tussle existing between the Nnewi South Local Government Chairman and the Environment Commissioner, who both hail from the same local government.
In his reaction to the incident, the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Van George Ezeogidi, who said he had no prior notice about the operation, has come out to say that he got calls from the Councillor of Ebenator Ward, Hon. Chekwube Igweme, who informed him that some armed and masked men stormed the community. This, he said, made him to mobilize to the area, on the process of which he intercepted the men along the road at Osumenyi (a neighbouring community) where they informed him that they were sent from the Ministry of Environment.
The local government Chairman who disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday through his media aide, Ezemazi Apostle Chuks, however, did not say anything about the alleged hostility and power between him and the Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Odimegwu. But the statement served as a confirmation that the masked armed men who shot the community youth at Ebenator were sent from the Ministry of Environment.
Surprisingly, however, amidst the swirling accusations, public outcry and attempted murder by his men, the silence of the Environment Commissioner on the whole matter has been particularly glaring and much louder than the gunshot itself. He has not only refused to pick calls from the journalist since after the incident, but has also ignored his messages of inquiry about the his Ministry’s involvement in the operation and the actions of his men. Who could ever imagine that for a matter so grave as this, a principal and concerned authority would choose to remain suspiciously silent and ignore inquiries ? Beholding these, one can rightly conclude that the Commissioner’s silence is not only puzzling but also profoundly troubling, as it raises questions about his stewardship and responsiveness as a public servant.
In a democracy, silence from public officials in the face of such a serious incident is more than just a communication failure—it is a tacit endorsement of the impunity itself. By choosing not to address the matter, the Commissioner inadvertently sends a message that such violent actions are acceptable under his watch. This silence also erodes public trust, as it suggests a lack of empathy for the victims and their families, who are left to bear the brunt of a tragedy that could have been avoided. As at the time of this publication, the victim shot by the Commissioner’s taskforce is still lying in pains in the hospital, while the perpetrators move freely and unquestioned.
Evidence abounds that this is not the first time the Anambra State Ministry of Environment (under Commissioner Odimegwu) has found itself entangled in such allegations of terror and brutality. Just recently, in October, operatives from the Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA), a Agency under the Environment Ministry, were implicated in another attempted murder and brutalization of Mr. Okechukwu Akaneme, a journalist and former Chairman of Onitsha Chambers of Commerce, who they mercilessly brutalized even to the extent that they broke his spinal cord, during an enforcement at Onitsha. Currently also, Mr. Akaneme, who was rejected by many hospitals, is presently lying at the mercy of death at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Memfys Specialist Hospital, Enugu.
However, despite the public outcry that trailed the incident and the several calls from groups and members of the public for investigation and appropriate disciplinary actions against the taskforce members involved in the act, the Environment Commissioner has also remained suspiciously silent.
Coincidentally even, it was on the same Tuesday, December 10, when the Anambra State Government announced its undertaking to pay the twenty million naira (N20m) medical bill of the first victim, Akaneme, that the taskforce from the same Ministry shot another person and brutalized many youths in Ebenator community, in the guise of enforcement.
Reports have it that even while this trends, the concerned authorities have paraded the five youths they whisked away from the community during the operation and labelled them illegal miners, even despite the claims that they got their authorization and go-ahead order from the local government, which was also the same authority that initially told them to suspend operations.
So, if I mask, are these masked armed men really enforcing government’s order? Is the government fighting itself here? Or are the Environment Commissioner and the Local Government Chairman using innocent youths and the peaceful community of Ebenator to advance their speculated hostility and power tussle?
In all these, and whatever the case be, one thing is clear: Silence is not an option. Commissioner Odimegwu owes the people of Ebenator, and indeed all of Anambra State, an explanation. His suspicious silence has been interpreted by many as his usual smart tactic to let such controversies die a natural death.
Some others, in their reactions, have also said the incidents paint a disturbing picture of a government that appears indifferent to the plight of its citizens, while the Commissioner’s silence and inaction in both cases have also led many to question whether the Ministry of Environment is operating as an independent entity or as a lawless force answerable to no one.
Unarguably, the 1974 theory of the “Spiral of Silence” by Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann aptly describes Commissioner Odimegwu’s approach to these crises, as, by refusing to address the allegations or condemn the actions of his operatives, he is effectively enabling further abuses. Does he not know that silence, in this context, is complicity, and inadvertently emboldens/inadvertently encourages those who perpetrate these acts, trusting that they will not be questioned, or held accountable, probably even if they had shot the victim dead during the said enforcement ?
With the rising cases of brutality being reported of various government agents and the accompanying silence, one can say indeed that Anambra State is at a crossroads. The government must decide whether it will continue to tolerate lawlessness and impunity or take bold steps to restore public trust. Commissioner Odimegwu’s silence is a disservice to the people Mr. Governor swore to serve. The Solution Government of Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, must rise to the occasion and practically solve this as he solved some other pressing infrastructural needs of the state —not by words or clearing of the hospital bills of brutalized victims, but with decisive actions that demonstrate his commitment to justice and accountability.
The people of Anambra deserve better. The victims of these heinous acts deserve justice. And the silence of leaders in the face of such atrocities must never become the norm. After all, nobody is more Anambra than the other!
Izunna Okafor write from Awka, Anambra state capital.
