The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has strongly condemned the extrajudicial killing of 16 travelers in Uromi, Edo State, while warning against retaliatory violence targeting Southerners in Northern Nigeria.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, MBF Spokesman Luka Binniyat denounced inflammatory threats from individuals claiming to represent Northern interests in response to the killings.
Recalled that the victims, were allegedly armed hunters, traveling from Port Harcourt to Kano when they were attacked by a mob that accused them of being kidnappers.
“The MBF strongly condemns the unlawful killing of any Nigerian citizen, including those who lost their lives in Uromi,” the statement read. “However, we categorically reject any attempt to use this tragic incident as a pretext to unleash violence against Southerners residing in Northern Nigeria.”
The forum assured that the Middle Belt would not become a battleground for reprisals, emphasizing that it remains a safe haven for all law-abiding Nigerians. It urged community leaders and youths to remain vigilant and prevent any attempts to instigate violence, calling for anyone with such intentions to be handed over to authorities.
The MBF also reaffirmed its commitment to justice for all victims of violence across Nigeria. The statement highlighted the ongoing security challenges facing Middle Belt communities, citing persistent attacks by armed herdsmen with little government intervention.
” We hope that the swift response to the Uromi killings would serve as a precedent for broader action against criminal elements terrorizing the region.
“Thousands of our people remain in captivity, and vast portions of our land are still under the control of violent outlaws—primarily Fulani militants,” the statement noted.
“Justice must be served across the board.”
The MBF concluded by reiterating its support for the ongoing investigation into the Uromi incident and calling for a fair and decisive crackdown on all forms of criminality across the country.
There is growing confusion within the ranks of the Anambra state chapters of the All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA, the All Progressives Congress APC and the Labour Party LP over modalities and guidelines for the conduct their respective gubernatorial primary elections this coming weekend.
The three major political parties have fixed their primary elections this Saturday though there are no stipulated guidelines for the said elections .
The All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA which has only Gov Charles Soludo as the only aspirant is said to have concluded arrangements for affirmation hence ultimately endorsing the candidacy of the Governor.
The All Progressives Congress APC in the last one month has been deeply emeshed in unending crisis following the outcome of the ward delegate Congress which ended in both confusion and protests.
The party has seven aspirants contesting for the ticket of the party and as at the time of this report non of the aspirants are yet to receive the guidelines for the election.
Most aspirants contacted declined comments on the grounds that most members of the Primary election committee are being expected to return from pilgrimage and are yet to meet and brief them .
“I cannot say anything for now because they are being expected to return from pilgrimage and most likely meet in Abuja before addressing us ” said one of the aspirants.
Another aspirant lamented that;
“We are not even in the know of the type of primary election that they want to conduct and we have not seen any guideline or time table and that is the bane of the APC in Anambra state ”
At the headquarters of the labor party in Awka non of the officials was on seat to speak on the Saturday primary election which has only two aspirants; Chief George Moghalu who defected from the APC and John Nwosu .
But the Public Relations Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC in Anambra state Mrs Ugoma Lechukwu confirmed receipt of the notice letters from the three political parties adding that the Commission has been duely inform about the Saturday primary elections .
“Yes we are aware of the primary elections to be conducted by the three political parties and we are set to attend and monitor the primary elections “she said.
Ahead of the conduct of the gubernatorial primary election of the All Progressives Congress APC in Anambra state one of the front line contenders Sir Paul Chukwuma has described the crisis on the party over candidacy as a mere distraction contending that those financial inducements by some aspirants are momentary .
Chukwuma further contended that those fueling confusion in the party are only out to detail the fucus of the party towards clinching the number one seat at the Government House Awka .
According to a massage to the delegates and members of the party Chukwuma noted that;
“Amidst the noise, distractions, and inducements that often accompany such critical moments, I ask you to look beyond the short-term promises and propaganda and make a decision that will safeguard the future of our great party and secure the future of Anambra. I humbly present myself, Sir Paul Chukwuma, as the only candidate best positioned to lead our party to victory and deliver a prosperous, fair, and secure Anambra State”
“I have stood with this party from the beginning—not because of what it offers me, but because of what I know it can offer the people of Anambra”
“My dedication to APC has been unwavering unlike others who have hopped from party to party, seeking personal gains. As a former Zonal Youth Leader and National Auditor, I have worked tirelessly to ensure our party thrives. I am not just a candidate but a dedicated and loyal servant of APC, committed to strengthening our party’s values and ensuring that Anambra’s future aligns with our ideals”
“Over the past three years, I have dedicated myself to repositioning and rebuilding APC throughout Anambra. I have forged connections with party members, executives, and stakeholders across all 21 local government areas”
“I have earned the trust and respect of our grassroots. With this broad support base, I can confidently say that our party will march into the November elections united, energised, and poised for victory”
“My candidacy is solid, and you can be sure that we will face no distractions. Our focus will be clear – the road to victory and the people’s trust”
“I am young, vibrant, and physically fit to endure the rigorous campaign. I also have the financial capacity to support a successful and sustainable campaign, ensuring APC is well-prepared to face the challenges of this election”
“This election is more than just a contest for political office; it is a defining moment for the APC and Anambra’s future”
“,I ask you, esteemed delegates, to rise above the noise, the distractions, and the empty promises. Let us not gamble with Anambra’s future. Let us not risk the unity of our party”he said.
The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Alhaji Mohammed Sani, has issued a stern warning to Nigerians, urging them not to solely rely on the military, police, and other security agencies for protection. In a recent public address, Sani emphasized the need for citizens to take proactive steps in safeguarding themselves and their communities against the growing threat of terrorism and other criminal activities across the country.
Sani stated, “The responsibility of securing the nation is not solely on the shoulders of the security agencies. It is essential that every Nigerian mobilizes and plays an active role in defending their lives, families, and properties against terrorist elements and criminals. The situation calls for a united effort where we all contribute to national security.”
The DSS chief’s comments come in the wake of increasing security challenges, including terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and violent crimes that have plagued various parts of the country. While the Nigerian military and police forces have intensified their operations to combat these threats, Sani acknowledged the limitations faced by these agencies in providing 24/7 protection to every individual in the vast and diverse nation.
He also highlighted the importance of community collaboration, urging Nigerians to report suspicious activities and support local security initiatives. “The fight against terror is a collective responsibility. We must come together to protect our nation, as the security agencies cannot be everywhere at once,” Sani added.
The call for self-defense comes as Nigerian authorities continue to face heightened criticism over their handling of security challenges. Citizens, especially in rural areas, have often complained about inadequate security presence, leading to calls for more efficient law enforcement and better-equipped security forces.
Nigerians across various states have expressed mixed reactions to the DSS chief’s remarks. While some have welcomed the idea of community-led defense initiatives, others have expressed concerns about the potential dangers of vigilantism and the need for better coordination with official security forces.
The federal government has yet to comment on the DSS chief’s statement, but it remains clear that the call for greater citizen involvement in national security is likely to stir debates across the country.
As the security situation continues to evolve, many Nigerians are left questioning how best to balance self-defense with law and order, and what role security agencies should play in ensuring the safety of all citizens.
In a show of solidarity and respect, the Billiri Local Government Area (LGA) chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) paid a courtesy call to the Acting Chairman of the SDP in Gombe State, Adamu Abubakar Modibo, yesterday, to extend their Sallah greetings and congratulate him on his appointment.
The delegation, led by the Billiri LGA SDP Chairman, Ibrahim Ubale, comprised of the LGA Executive Committee (EXCO), ward chairmen, women leaders, youth leaders, and elders of the party. During the visit, the elders, represented by Comr. Molta Lamido Tal, expressed their appreciation for the party’s leadership and its efforts towards uniting and strengthening the SDP in the region. Mrs. Hannatu, representing the women, also extended her congratulations and support for the new leadership.
Comr. Molta Lamido Tal shared with the SDP Chairman the Billiri LGA’s upcoming plans for Easter events and the party’s commitment to community engagement. In response, the Acting State Chairman, Adamu Abubakar Modibo, expressed his gratitude for the visit and assured the Billiri stakeholders of his unwavering support for their initiatives.
“I am truly honored by this visit. I assure you of my commitment to supporting the success of our party as we work towards the 2027 elections in Gombe State and across Nigeria,” Modibo said, emphasizing the importance of unity and strategic planning for the upcoming political cycle.
The Sallah homage was a timely gesture, underscoring the growing collaboration within the SDP as it prepares for future challenges. The party leadership has made it clear that strengthening the party’s base and focusing on community-driven efforts will be key to its success in the 2027 elections.
The visit concluded with a mutual commitment to continue working together for the advancement of the SDP’s ideals and to ensure that Gombe State remains a stronghold for the party in the years ahead.
Students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka have accused politicians of sponsoring crisis aimed at disrupting teaching and learning.
This comes as Barr Olugbenga Kukoyi takes over from Amb Greg Mbadiwe as the new Pro Chancellor of the institution hence sealing of the prolonged leadership crisis in the institution.
Recall that Amb Greg Mbadiwe and members of his Governing Council were dissolved by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu following the battle between the academic staff and the Pro Chancellor over who becomes the substantive Vice Chancellor of the University.
The students also lauded the appointment of Kukoyi as the Pro Chancellor of the school noting that since his emergence peace has returned to the institution.
Staff and students of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, have expressed gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for his foresight in appointing a renowned legal practitioner and administrative egghead as the University’s Pro-Chancellor, crediting his leadership and wisdom for the stability and enormous progress recorded in the university in the past few months.
They also expressed gratitude to the Minister, Dr Tunji Alausa for redeploying Barr Kukoyi to UNIZIK seeing that his coming is akin to a breadth of fresh air.
According to various respondents who spoke to our correspondents, the commendable stability and progress in the university could only be possible due to the synergy between the Pro-Chancellor and the Acting Vice-Chancellor.
According to a student union leader who is also a 300 level student of the Department of Applied Biochemistry, Comerade Uche Nwafor ; the university has never had it so good before the appointment of the current Pro-Chancellor.
“Before this current Acting Vice-Chancellor, we the students were concerned about the safety of our academic pursuits, as it became obvious that some politicians were desperate to contaminate our beloved University with some crude power play and desperate politicking”
“But since the appointment of this current Pro-Chancellor, we have seen the kind of stability that had been lacking in the university for a very long time, and most of us could now go to bed with our eyes closed, as it is very obvious that the management is on the same page with the council, hence, the enormous progress the university has recorded in a very short period.”
A member of the University’s Senate also corroborated these claims, by describing Barrister Kukoyi as the most professional Pro-Chancellor (who goes strictly by the rules) the university has seen in a very long time.
“Indeed, since his coming, most members of the university community have become acquainted with the University Act since he supports his actions with quotes from the Statute”
“We are not very surprised with the success he has recorded in a very short time because, given his background as a lawyer and antecedents we looked forward to some stability and good working relationship, but he has even surpassed our expectations”
“He is the first Pro-Chancellor to physically address the Senate and has even promised to make his interactions with the Senate and critical stakeholders, regular”
“He has worked so harmoniously with the Acting Vice-Chancellor to restore the University’s glory and recover us from the crisis of the recent past. Indeed, the Acting VC in an apparent show of gratitude, admitted that the successes recorded during the 19th Convocation ceremonies were largely due to Barr Kukoyi’s style of leadership”
“We are grateful to President Tinubu for giving us a man, I can confidently describe as the most skillful and professional Pro-Chancellor we have seen in a very long time.” he said.
The Senate President Godswill Akpabio has reacted to fresh allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central, claiming that he attempted to orchestrate an assassination plot against her.
During a rally in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State on Tuesday, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of instructing former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to kill her. The senator further alleged that the current Kogi Governor, Usman Ododo, was also involved in the conspiracy. According to her statement, Akpabio allegedly sought to have her recalled from the Senate and even made arrangements to fund the process.
Akpoti-Uduaghan detailed an alleged meeting between Akpabio and Governor Ododo on March 14, where Akpabio reportedly asked Ododo to initiate her recall despite being advised against it due to her support among the people. She also claimed that Akpabio’s subsequent conversation with Yahaya Bello involved both plans to carry out her recall and a more sinister plot to have her killed. The senator claimed that Akpabio instructed Bello to ensure that the assassination appeared to be a local action, to avoid suspicion in Abuja.
“I didn’t make this public, but I wrote to the IG of Police. And Akpabio told Yahaya Bello… that he should make sure that killing me does not happen in Abuja, that it should be done here so it will seem as if it’s the people that killed me here,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.
In response to the allegations, Akpabio chose not to engage directly with Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims. His media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, issued a statement emphasizing that any comments on the matter would be subjudice, as the case is still in court. Eyiboh further stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions showed a lack of respect for the rule of law.
“There is no way you will comment on it without linking it to the President of the Senate, who is also a party to the suit,” Eyiboh explained. When pressed on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s continued public remarks despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Eyiboh expressed his belief that this indicated a disregard for legal processes, stating, “That shows the level of respect she has for the rule of law herself.”
The allegations have further escalated tensions between the two senators and have prompted calls for thorough investigations into the claims. Security agencies have reportedly been notified, and it remains to be seen how the legal and political consequences of these claims will unfold.
This developing story is sure to attract further scrutiny as it touches on both serious criminal accusations and the ongoing political maneuvering in Kogi State.
Mele Kyari has finally been kicked out of office as the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in what has been described as a long-awaited overhaul in the nation’s oil management sector, following a public outcry.
Confirming the overhaul in a statement made available to newsmen, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said the President also dissolved the NNPCL Board and appointed Mr. Bayo Ojulari as Kyari’s replacement, effective from Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
According to him, President Tinubu also appointed Ahmadu Musa Kida as NNPC’s new non-executive Chairman, replacing Pius Akinyelure, and also announced Adedapo Segun as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Continuing, Onanuga said, the President, in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), also appointed six non-executive directors from each geopolitical zone, who include: Henry Obih representing the south-east, Bello Rabiu from the north-west, and Yusuf Usman from the north-east. Others, he said, include Babs Omotowa, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), for the north-central, Austin Avuru for the south-south, and David Ige for the south-west.
He further announced that the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Lydia Shehu Jafiya, and Aminu Said Ahmed of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources will represent their respective ministries on the new Board.
Onanuga cited need for “enhanced operational efficiency, restored investor confidence, and a more commercially viable NNPC” as the reason Tinubu invoked his powers under section 59(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 to carry out the sweeping reconstitution and shake-off
“This restructuring is aimed at repositioning NNPC Limited for greater productivity and efficiency in line with global best practices. We are taking bold steps to transform the company into a more commercially driven and transparent entity,” he stated.
He reiterated that the changes are with immediate effect, adding that the new Board has been handed a strategic action plan, which includes a “review of NNPC-operated and Joint Venture Assets to ensure alignment with value maximisation objectives”.
It was further gathered Onanuga that Tinubu, who has prioritised investment-driven reforms in the oil sector, highlighted that since 2023, his administration has attracted $17 billion in new investments and is now targeting $30 billion by 2027and $60 billion by 2030.
According to him, the government also aims to raise crude oil production to two million barrels daily by 2027 and three million by 2030, alongside a gas production goal of 8 billion cubic feet daily by 2027 and 10 billion cubic feet by 2030.
“Furthermore, President Tinubu expects the new board to elevate NNPC’s share of crude oil refining output to 200,000 barrels by 2027 and reach 500,000 by 2030,” he added, further stating that the administration has prioritised domestic refining capacity to reduce reliance on fuel imports and strengthen Nigeria’s energy security.
Concluding, he said “President Tinubu thanked the old board members for their dedicated service to NNPC Limited, particularly their efforts in rehabilitating the old Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, which enabled them to resume petroleum product production after prolonged shutdowns. He wished them well in their future endeavours.”
This reporter, Izunna Okafor, gathered that the new Group CEO of NNPCL, Ojulari, who hails from Kwara State, obtained a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
He started his career at Elf Aquitaine before joining the Shell Petroleum Development Company in 1991 as an associate production technologist.
His expertise spans petroleum process engineering, strategic planning, and field development, having worked across Europe and the Middle East.
In 2015, he was appointed Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO).
Until his latest appointment, he was executive vice-president and chief operating officer at Renaissance Africa Energy Company, leading a consortium that recently acquired Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) for $2.4 billion.
On his own side, Kida, the new non-executive Chairman of NNPCL brings over three decades of experience in the oil and gas sector. Also a graduate of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he earned a degree in Civil Engineering, he has a Postgraduate Diploma in Petroleum Engineering from the Institut Francaise du Petrol (IFP) in Paris.
He began his career at Elf Petroleum Nigeria before moving to Total Exploration and Production, where he rose to become Deputy Managing Director of Deep Water Services in 2015. He most recently served as an independent non-executive Director at Pan Ocean-Newcross Group, before his latest appointment by President Tinubu.
It would be recalled that many independent groups, including the Arewa Democratic Front (ADF), has repeatedly called and mounted pressure on President Tinubu to sack, arrest and investigate Mele Kyari as NNPCL Boss, citing many reasons, such as incompetence, inefficiency, corruption, 6 trillion PMS subsidy debt and persistent fuel crisis, among others.
The groups had further demanded that Kyari, after sack, be held accountable for his actions and, if found guilty, be prosecuted and made to face the fullest weight of the law.
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has reportedly ordered the arrest of six commissioners and a local government chairman over alleged contract violations.
The officials are accused of breaching the terms of constructing 140 housing units for the Izzo and Amaze communities, which were displaced by the Ezilo/Ezza Ezilo communal crisis in Ishielu Local Government Area, according to Vanguard.
The affected commissioners include Professor Omari Omaka (Tertiary Education), Victor Chukwu (Environment), Ifeanyi Ogbuewu (Culture and Tourism), Uchenna Igwe (Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters), Moses Ekuma (Health), and Felix Igboke (Project Monitoring).
Additionally, the Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area, Mr. Timothy Nwachi, has reportedly been suspended.
The state government reportedly declared the commissioners wanted before their eventual arrest.
Commenting on the development, Ilang Donatus, Chairman of the State Executive Council Committee on the Izzo and Amaze Housing Project, stated that the action was taken due to the officials’ and contractors’ failure to adhere to contract terms.
Donatus noted that the officials are delaying the housing project, which Governor Nwifuru had planned to commission in celebration of his second anniversary in office.
Donatus emphasised the governor’s frustration over the slow pace of construction, noting that the housing initiative was designed to provide relief to victims of communal crises.
He was quoted as saying, “The governor is not happy over the pace of the work, which ought to have been completed. The government has decided to clamp down on the contractors and commissioners who were mandated to supervise those projects.
“As you can see, our governor is a man with a passionate heart, he likes giving succour, hence the building of those houses for the victims of the communal crisis. He is not happy that the project is delayed and has ordered to arrest of all the commissioners who are supposed to ensure the speedy completion of the housing units.
“The commissioners arrested were: Professor Omari Omaka, Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Commissioner for Environment, Victor Chukwu, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Ifeanyi Ogbuewu, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Matters, Uchenna Igwe, Commissioner for Health, Dr Moses Ekuma, Commissioner for Project Monitoring, Felix Igboke and the Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area, Mr. Timothy Nwachi.”
Adding to the concerns, Mrs. Maria Okohu, Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Mobilization (Ebonyi Central) and a member of the Executive Council Committee, described the situation as an act of sabotage.
She stressed that failure to complete the housing project on schedule undermines the governor’s development agenda for the state.
In response, the state government has vowed to continue its crackdown, warning that further arrests will be made until all implicated commissioners and contractors are held accountable.
Reports also suggest that the Nigerian police have issued invitations to several officials who were not present during the committee’s enforcement visits.
Upon inquiry, Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, stated that he had no knowledge of the arrest or detention of the accused commissioners and the suspended council chairman.
When questioned about whether the Command had invited the officials following the governor’s directive, the police spokesperson responded, “We don’t have any commissioner in our custody. I’m not aware of any invitation and I have asked and I was told we don’t have any commissioner in custody. I will still ask about the invitation but for now, I don’t know anything of such.”
Contrary to speculations making rounds on social media, the Anambra State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon. Tonycollins Nwabunwanne, has clarified that Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo did not sack the immediate-past National President of the Anambra State Association of Town Union (ASATU), Barr. Titus Akpudo.
The clarification comes on the heels of media reports alleging that Governor Soludo had forcefully removed Barr. Akpudo from office and renamed ASATU to Anambra State Town Union Council (ASTUC) during an ASATU event held on Saturday, March 29, at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia. The reports also claimed that the renaming was done out of anger, supposedly to sever any association with the purportedly ousted leadership.
However, setting the record straight in an exclusive interview with this reporter, Izunna Okafor, Commissioner Nwabunwanne described the reports as baseless, misleading, a complete misrepresentation of the facts, and the handiwork of mischief makers bent on causing confusion and spreading unfounded rumors. He noted that Governor Soludo neither sacked Akpudo nor forcefully changed the name of the group.
According to him, the Governor only acted in line with the constitutional realities following the expiration of Akpudo’s tenure as the National President of ASATU in December and the postponement of election of new leadership, eventually slated for the last Saturday
“Noboby sacked Akpudo. His tenure expired. They were supposed to conduct the election since December. You know, they postponed it and said that the election would be conducted this last Saturday,” the Commissioner explained.
The Commissioner, however, explained that the election could not take place that day as planned, due to some internal issues and wrangling within the association, hence, necessitating an interim leadership arrangement to avoid leaving the position vacant.
In his words, “Rather than allowing a leadership vacuum, Governor Soludo appointed Chief Vincent Dike, the President-General of Orifite Community in Ekwusigo Local Government Area, to act in the capacity of National President pending the completion of the constitution amendment after which the proposed election would now hold. So, nobody sacked Akpudo, as alleged.”
Commissioner Nwabunwanne also debunked the claim that the renaming of ASATU to ASTUC was an act of anger or a punitive decision by the Governor. He explained that the change was part of a broader reformation agenda aimed at realigning the association with its original purpose of community governance, rather than allowing it to remain a platform with conflicting interests or being run as an associations that may be driven by personal interests.
The new name, Anambra State Town Union Council (ASTUC), according to the Commissioner, reflects a council that solely consists of active community leaders rather than retired or former PGs. He added that this structure, modeled after the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, ensures that the leadership reflects the current reality of town union governance in the state.
Nwabunwanne noted that the old ASATU structure allowed past PGs and other non-PG members to continue wielding influence and holding positions in the union, leading to internal wrangling and deviation from the association’s mission. He added that the restructuring and remodelling of the union and the constitutional amendment would also help to eliminate controversies, conflicts of interest, and power struggles within the union.
“That’s what we want to do. Just like we have the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council. It’s community governance, not people by association that have different interests; but people that have the interest of the community at heart, that can bring meaningful development. So, we want to go back to the core vision of community governance,” he clarified.
Speaking further, he explained that
Hon. Nwabunwanne also revealed that the decision to amend the ASATU constitution was unanimously agreed upon by the stakeholders, who also saw the need to reposition the union for better efficiency. He noted that part of the proposed amendment would include revising the tenure of officers and restructuring the meeting schedules at state, zonal, and local government levels.
“Some of them argued that while the constitution initially provided for a three-year renewable tenure, it was recently amended to be a four-year single tenure, which Akpudo just served out his own tenure in December. However, some members have expressed divergent views regarding the tenure duration and other aspects of the constitution. That is why they have resolved to review the entire structure and make necessary adjustments,” he stated.
While calling on the members to remain loyal and supportive to the new leadership, he further dispelled the speculation that the Dike-headed leadership was appointed in substantive capacity. He also urged the public to disregard misleading reports, while also calling on the media to always verify facts before publishing.
“The new leadership is there in acting capacity now, because it’s by appointment, and not as substantive leadership as is being speculated in the media reports by the same people who alleged that Governor Soludo sacked Akpudo and appointed Dike as the substantive National President,” he stated.
Commissioner Nwabunwanne also revealed that the appointment of the new leadership follows the rotational formula among the three senatorial districts of the state.
“It’s also important to mention that the union’s leadership is usually zoned and rotates among the three senatorial districts in the state. Previously, it was someone from Anambra North; and recently it was Akpudo from Eziowelle in Anambra Central Senatorial District (whose tenure has now expired); and now, the newly appointed person is from Oraifite in Ekwusigo, Anambra South Senatorial District. And after Anambra South, the power will return to the North, and it continues in that pattern,” he explained, assuring that once the constitution amendment is completed, elections would be conducted to usher in a new substantive leadership.
Hon. Nwabunwanne also took the opportunity to commend Barr. Akpudo for his selfless service and dedication to the union during his tenure, expressing gratitude to the outgoing executive for their efforts in community development and governance. He also expressed optimism that the restructured ASTUC would better serve the interests of Anambra communities.
“I thank him very much. The governor also commended him and his team during the event that day at the Governor’s Lodge. He lauded them for their exceptional leadership and achievements throughout their tenure,” he said, adding that the Anambra PGs also unanimously endorsed the Governor for a second term during the event.
Commissioner Nwabunwanne further urged members and stakeholders to focus on the collective goal of community development, reassuring that the government remains committed to fostering harmony and progress among town unions across the state.
Reports also have it that earlier speaking at the event, Governor Soludo criticized the registration of town unions with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), arguing that this commercialized the unions rather than preserving their original purpose of fostering peace and development in their respective communities.
“The idea of registering town unions with CAC is totally wrong. As President Generals, you were elected by the people to serve within a constitutionally stipulated tenure —just as I was elected as governor. You cannot convert town unions into business enterprises or corporate bodies.
“I am also aware that some President Generals whose tenures have expired are still part of ASATU, which is wrong. Once your tenure ends, you can no longer be a member of the state body, as membership is strictly for serving President Generals,” the Governor was quoted as saying.
