By Madu Obi The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has sworn in 18 Commissioners whose nominations were recently confirmed by the State House of Assembly, urging them to see their appointments as a call to rigorous work, sacrifice and public accountability. The governor, who performed the ceremony at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House, Awka, charged the officials to deliver optimal service to the people and prioritise the “Anambra spirit” of excellence. He also called on them to shift their focus from the traditional celebration of political appointments to selfless public service and strict adherence to their oaths of office. Soludo described the new appointees as part of his “Solution 2.0” team, emphasizing that their appointments were strictly a call to rigorous work, rather than personal celebration. He told them: “I welcome you all to the ‘Team Solution 2.0’. See your appointments as strictly a call to rigorous work, sacrifice and public accountability, and not personal celebration. “I admonish you to immediately focus on the task of governance and be reminded that the decisions you make will directly impact the lives of over nine million residents of Anambra State. Each of you has been carefully vetted through a thorough process, and we were very intentional in selecting everyone on this team. We charge you to run your respective ministries with a high level of prudence and synergy.” He urged them to immediately focus on the task of governance, reminding them that the decisions they make would directly impact the lives of over nine million residents of Anambra State. The new Commissioners are Ben Odoemena (Agriculture); Chukwukadibia Okoye (Budget and Economic Planning); Udoji Amedu (Culture, Entertainment and Tourism); Dr Ekene Ogugua (Education), Clem Aguiyi (Environment); Dr Afam Obidike (Health); Dr Law Mefor (Information and Value Reorientation); Prof. Offornze Amucheazi, SAN (Lands); and Vin Ezeaka (Local Government and Community Affairs). Others are Prof. Charles Ofoegbu (Petroleum and Mineral Resources); Chijioke Oseloka Ojukwu (Physical Planning and Urban Development); Casmir Agummadu (Power); Okey Ezeobi (Works and Infrastructure); Eddy Ibuzo (Transport); Esther Onyekesi (Women Affairs and Social Development); Patrick Aghamba (Youth Development and Sports); Henry Arinze (Housing); and Nonso Chukwuma Ebonwu (Commerce). The Commissioner for finance and the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General had earlier been sworn in, bringing the total number to 20. Also inaugurated were the Managing Director of the Anambra Road Traffic Agency, Emeka Okonkwo; the Managing Director of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, Dr Ossy Onuko; the Managing Director of the Information Communication Technology Agency, Fred Agbata; and the Managing Director of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Obi Okonkwo.

By Madu Obi The fate of many All Progressives Congress, APC, national assembly aspirants in Anambra State is still uncertain as most of the results of the House of Representatives primaries conducted on Sunday are yet to be released. As a result, many aspirants on Monday besieged the party's state secretariat in Awka with complaints, just as those who claimed victory in their constituencies were hovering around to ensure that their results were not upturned. A visit to the secretariat at about 2.00 pm, showed that officials of the party were still in a meeting and materials for the conduct of the Senatorial primary scheduled for Monday were yet to be distributed. Some of the Senatorial aspirants and their agents were seen moving in and out of offices in the secretariat. Meanwhile, controversy is still trailing the result of Idemili North and South federal constituency, where Dr Kingsley Ezekwelu is claiming victory with over 1800 votes. While supporters of Ezekwelu were in jubilation and looking beyond the primary, his closest rival, Dike Igboekwe, has cried foul. Igboekwe has already submitted a petition to the party, demanding the cancellation of the results from the area over alleged irregularities. In the petition addressed to the House of Representatives Appeal Committee chairman and copied to the APC national chairman, the NWC, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and the Anambra state chairman of the party, among others, Igboekwe alleged that there was no voting process, no accreditation of voters, no official result sheet, no counting of votes and no observance by INEC officials at the venues of the primary. According to him, what happened in the area was that those who gathered for the primary in various places were later informed that results had been declared and winner announced. "The actions of those involved amount to electoral fraud, manipulation and misrepresentation of the will of the people. These actions undermine democratic principles, violate electoral guidelines and deny eligible participants their constitutional and organizational rights", his petition read in part. He called for a thorough investigation and for disciplinary action to be meted against those found culpable.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State Police command has expressed concern over what it described as the growing trend of individuals aggressively and obstructively recording Police officers while they are carrying out legitimate law enforcement duties, thereby provoking them with insults and creating unnecessary hostility in public spaces. In a statement in Awka, the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga said such conduct may compromise public safety and undermine ongoing law enforcement efforts. The Police spokesman said: "The command acknowledges and respects the constitutional rights of citizens to record public officers in the discharge of their duties. However, such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law. "The Police reiterates that the act of recording should not degenerate into harassment, intimidation, stalking officers with cameras, verbal abuse, physical confrontation, or any form of obstruction capable of interfering with lawful operations. The command notes that when officers are distracted, insulted, or obstructed during active duty engagements, it negatively impacts their ability to effectively and safely discharge their lawful responsibilities, especially in sensitive security situations". According to him, in many advanced societies, citizens understand the importance of balancing accountability with respect for law enforcement boundaries, while utilizing lawful channels to seek redress where necessary. He urged members of the public, content creators, and social media handlers to remain law-abiding, cooperate with security agencies, and avoid actions capable of obstructing officers in the discharge of their duties. "The command remains committed to professionalism, accountability, and respect for the rights of all citizens while continuing to ensure the safety and security of Ndi Anambra", Ikenga said.

By Madu Obi The All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has cleared eight persons, including former Senator Stella Oduah, former House of Representatives member, Chief Jerry Ugokwe and Chief of Staff to former Governor Willie Obiano, Chief Primus Odili, for participation in the party's primaries ahead of the 2027 elections. Others cleared are former member of the House of Representatives, Chief Dozie Nwankwo, former Deputy Governor,John Emeka, immediate past Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Dr Alex Obiogbolu, the incumbent Senator for Anambra South, Chief Emma Nwachukwu and an Nnewi businessman, Mr. Patrick Ubajaka. While Oduah, Odili, Emeka and Obiogbolu will slug it out for the Anambra North ticket, Ugokwe, Nwachukwu and Ubajaka will compete for the Anambra South ticket. Dozie Nwankwo is the only person cleared for Anambra Central. For the House of Representatives, 40 aspirants were cleared for the 11 federal constituencies, while 107 aspirants were cleared for the 30 House of Assembly seats. Among those cleared for the House of Assembly is the Speaker, Somtochukwu Udeze who represents Ogbaru 11 constituency. National Publicity Secretary of APGA, Dr Ejimofor Opara said that cleared aspirants are to collect their nomination forms at the APGA Regional Office in Awka from Monday next week, while return of the completed forms will end on Wednesday.

By Madu Obi The governor of Abia State. Dr Alex Otti, has stressed the need for unity among Nigerians, as he celebrates the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe during his 85th birthday. Speaking during the celebration organized by the Abia State government at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, Otti warned against divisive politics rooted in ethnicity and religion. According to the governor, politicians often attempt to divide citizens by emphasizing ethnic and regional differences, insisting that Nigerians remain one people irrespective of background “We are all one and the same people. When misguided politicians want to divide us, they begin to remind us that you are from here and the other person is from there. We want our young people to know that it pays to be diligent because honour pays. “This is a political period, but we are not bothered. We just do the right thing and keep doing the work we are doing for our people. We will not be distracted,” the governor stated. Otti described the Obi of Onitsha as a selfless leader, a gentleman and symbol of integrity whose life of service continues to inspire generations across Nigeria and beyond. According to him, the celebration was deliberately organized to teach the younger generation that hard work, honour and diligence still pay. He disclosed that his administration is rebuilding the Ojukwu Bunker as part of efforts to preserve the state’s history and cultural heritage, assuring that he would remain focused on governance and economic development, despite political distractions. Other prominent Nigerians, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe representing Abia South and former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, who spoke at the ceremony, commended Governor Otti, for honouring Igwe Achebe. In his remarks, Senator Abaribe described the event as an opportunity to celebrate a legend, noting that Governor Otti recogizes and honours excellence. Former Minister of Education, Dr. Ezekwesili, described the Monarch as an institution and an exceptional personality whose influence transcends traditional leadership. She also commended Governor Otti for hosting the royal father, describing the event as proof that the Monarch is worthy of celebration. Ezekwesili urged Abia people to continue supporting the governor to sustain the state’s transformational agenda. Responding, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, recounted his relationship with Governor Otti, which, he said, dates back to their days at Diamond Bank, where he served as Chairman, while Otti was the Chief Executive Officer. The Monarch described Otti as intelligent and hardworking and thanked him for fulfilling his promise to celebrate him. He also called on Abia people to continue to support the governor, expressing confidence that Otti would take the state to greater heights. "The achievements recorded by the administration within a short period were only the beginning of greater developments ahead for Abia people", Igwe Achebe said. The event featured cutting of cake, photo sessions and goodwill messages.

Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe and the CMD of NAUTH, Prof Joseph Ugboaja commissioning the project By Madu Obi The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Foundation Ltd, a social impact arm of the NNPC Ltd, has handed over a multi-million naira 1.5. Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging System it donated to Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, NAUTH, Nnewi, describing it as a milestone achievement. The equipment, which is critical to optimal healthcare delivery, will serve Anambra and other states in the South East geopolitical zone. The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Bashir Ojulari said the donation is a testament to the company's corporate social responsibility, which the company embarks upon, in addition to managing vast crude oil and gas resources in trust for Nigerians. Ojulari, who was represented by the Managing Director of NNPC Foundation Ltd, Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, said NNPC is committed to doing much more than its investments in the energy industry. She said: "Our social investments are viable currencies that intersect our relationship between providing and managing energy for Nigerians and meeting our stakeholders’ expectations. Nigeria's health sector is faced with a myriad of challenges, including infrastructural and equipment deficit, technology limitations, personnel attrition, funding limitations and a host of others. NNPC Limited’s intervention at NAUTH is timely, as the excruciating management of healthcare will now be eased for both personnel and patients receiving care. Thousands of lives within Anambra State and the entire South-East geopolitical zone will be impacted meaningfully with this intervention in place, reducing time, money and other resources spent in seeking medical attention in far-flung centres, in addition to eliminating the inability to access medical care as a result of the lack of needed resources. The installation of the MRI in NAUTH exemplifies our commitment as our intent is to build enduring institutions, sustainable systems and legacies. This intervention aligns with our conviction that access to quality healthcare underpins human dignity, longevity and economic productivity. As we handover this 1.5 Tesla GE MRI System, I urge the stakeholders to protect the facility from neglect and ensure their sustenance for posterity". Arukwe added that the installation of the facility has opened a new chapter for the health institution as it would significantly bridge the gap in quality and efficient healthcare delivery to Nigerians in the South-East geopolitical zone because, according to her, lack of medical equipment poses an existential threat to efficient and effective healthcare delivery in growing economies. "With the MRI installation, we have addressed the issue of effective diagnosis and treatment, patient referrals to distant locations and the associated risks of travelling to access care at those locations, stress and psychological trauma. Beyond these, NNPC Foundation undertook the project in alignment with its mandate to support quality healthcare delivery, and to demonstrate NNPC Limited’s commitment and responsiveness to contributing to national development. We envisioned this project with sustainability end-to-end, so that we have not just installed the MRI system, but we have additionally ensured training to frontline personnel on the equipment deployment and utilisation for effective healthcare delivery. As the social impact arm of NNPC Limited, the NNPC Foundation undertakes corporate social responsibility programmes under its thematic areas of Health, Education, Environment and Access to Energy. In three years, the NNPC Foundation has its footprint all over Nigeria, delivering impactful and sustainable social interventions",she stated. She said that the Foundation has also delivered free and successful cataract surgeries to over 6,000 Nigerians, including children with congenital blindness, screened over 4,000 Nigerians for cancer, including children for childhood cancer, as a means of early detection for early treatment, carried out medical outreaches on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including maternal and childcare and provided free cardiac interventions The Chief Medical Director of NAUTH, Professor Joseph Ugboaja described the facility as not merely the installation of equipment, but an installation of hope, precision, and excellence in healthcare delivery for the people of Anambra State and Nigeria at large. According to him, the 1.5 Tesla MRI represents a quantum leap in the institution's diagnostic capabilities, noting that Magnetic Resonance Imaging remains the gold standard for systems, and oncological conditions. Ugboaja said: "For too long, patients in our catchment area have had to travel long distances to access this level of diagnostic precision, often at prohibitive costs. With this installation, we eliminate that burden and brought world-class diagnostics to the doorstep of our people. This intervention aligns seamlessly with our 10-year strategic and development plan, particularly our pillar on acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment and processes. More importantly, it aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President and the four-point strategic pillars of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare: improving governance of the health sector, enhancing population health outcomes, unlocking the healthcare value chain, and ensuring health security. To the GCEO and the entire management of NNPC Limited, I say: you have not just donated equipment; you have invested in human lives. You have strengthened our capacity to train the next generation of radiologists, neurologists, orthopaedic surgeons, and oncologists. You have empowered our researchers to explore new frontiers in medical imaging. This MRI will not sit idle-it will work tirelessly, day and night, serving the sick, guiding our clinicians, and advancing our academic mission".

By Madu Obi Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has sent three more names to the state House of Assembly for screening. The new nominees are Arc. Henry Arinze - Commissioner designate for Housing and Mr. Nonso Chukwuma Ebonwu for Commerce. Also sent to the House for confirmation is Dr. Ezeaka Augustine Uwaeme as Executive Secretary, Anambra State Health Insurance Agency, ASHIA. The Speaker of the House, Somtochukwu Udeze received the list on Wednesday and referred the names to the House Committee on Screening and Election Matters; Governor Soludo had earlier sent the first batch containing 18 names to the House and it was gathered that they have been screened and are ready for confirmation.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State Police command has arrested a domestic staff who allegedly murdered his employer and Bishop of End-reconciliation Ministry, a pentecostal church in Asaba, Delta State. Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, at a press briefing in Awka, said the suspect was apprehended while attempting to dispose the victim’s Toyota Prado Jeep at Nkpor, Idemili North local government area of the state. According to CP Orutugu, the breakthrough to his arrest followed a swift intelligence-led operation by Police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu. He added that another individual said to be the buyer of the stolen vehicle was also arrested. He stated that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, who also served as the Bishop’s driver, allegedly conspired with yet-to-be-identified criminal elements to murder the cleric before fleeing with his Prado Jeep to Anambra State for sale. "Police operatives, acting on credible information, tracked and intercepted the suspects in Nkpor, successfully recovered the stolen vehicle, and took them into custody for further interrogation", Orutugu said. He added that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal gang involved in the incident with a view to fully unravel the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate murder. Orutugu advised residents of Anambra State to exercise due diligence in the recruitment of domestic staff, drivers, and other household employees. He also urged members of the public to properly profile and verify the identities of persons employed in their homes and establishments, while also remaining vigilant to their suspicious behaviours and activities. The Commissioner further assured the public that the command remains committed to proactive policing, intelligence-driven operations, and collaboration with sister security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has expelled 30 of its members who dragged the party to court. The decision to expel them was taken during the state executive meeting of the party presided over by the deputy chairman, Hon. J. C Okeke in Awka. The state publicity secretary of the party, Dr Valentine Oliobi, who briefed reporters after the meeting, said the party also ratified the election and disciplinary committees for the chapter. He listed members of the state disciplinary committee to include Senator Margery Chuba-Okadigbo as chairman, with Dr Mrs Chioma Ejikeme, Dame Jessie Balonwu, Dr Amobi Nwokafor, Ichie Mike Ejezie, Barr C N Madubueze as members, while Sir Chris Chikwelu Jr will serve as Secretary. Similarly, the Primary Election Committee has Hon Izu Okeke as Chairman. The members are Mrs Ifeyinwa Okonkwo, Engr Osita Oraegbunam, Chief Joe Ofokansi, while Comrade Carl Mbanefo will serve as Secretary. He said: "The 30 people that took the party to court were expelled in line article 21, sub section 5 of the APC constitution. The party can only listen to them if they withdraw the case they filed against the party." According to him, the surprising thing was that some of the people who took the party to court were aspiring to the House of Representatives and had even obtained nomination forms. At the meeting, the 21 local government chairmen of the party were inaugurated and they will subsequently inaugurate the ward officials in their areas. Oliobi said the party has also deemed it necessary to appoint a director to be in charge of security. He added that the screening committee from Abuja had screened the House of Assembly aspirants, adding that all the 30 aspirants were cleared, while all the eleven federal constituencies in the state have all their aspirants cleared.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State Police command says it has commenced investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of an 80- year old Igweship aspirant in Nkpor, Idemili North local government area, late Chief Paul Onwualu. Wife of the deceased, Mrs. Anthonia Onwualu had alleged that her husband was beaten to coma by the police , taken away and died before getting to the hospital. According to her, the police, in the company of some persons opposed to her husband’s Igweship aspiration, had stormed their residence and beat him into a coma before whisking him away. The policemen, who came from the Force Criminal Investigation Department, FCID, Abuja, were said to be heading to Ogidi Police Station to detain him, only for the man to die on the way. In a statement, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga assured that the matter is being handled with the seriousness it deserved to ascertain the facts surrounding the unfortunate incident. The PPRO said the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has urged residents to remain calm and allow the ongoing investigation to run its course and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to transparency, professionalism, and the protection of lives and property.

By Madu Obi The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC presidential aspirant for the 2027 election and former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi has described Nigeria as a rich nation that was looted into poverty by bad governance and elite mismanagement. In his remarks during the national convention of the NDC in Abuja, Obi said more than 140 million Nigerians are living in multidimensional poverty, while worsening economic hardship, rising insecurity and deepening unemployment show systemic failure by the political leadership. According to him, tens of millions of young people remain unemployed or underemployed, while Inflation continues to crush families. "Businesses are shutting down. Farmers can no longer safely access their farms. Mothers whose children went to school are no longer sure that those children will return home safely,” he said. Warning that Nigeria is drifting dangerously and is increasingly perceived globally as a failing state due to weak institutions and poor governance, Obi blamed the situation on what he called "years of deliberate sabotage by political actors who prioritize personal gain over national development". He observed that Nigeria’s democracy is under threat, accusing some political actors of abandoning democratic principles for intimidation, manipulation and electoral malpractice. “What we are witnessing is not politics; it is a systematic assault on democracy and the will of the people,” Obi said. He said that it was legal disputes that forced him and some allies out of the Labour Party and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), prompting their realignment with the NDC. Obi thanked the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Senate President, David Mark, for providing “democratic accommodation” for him and others during the political uncertainty. He also commended former Bayelsa State governor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson for hosting the NDC convention. Calling for national renewal, Obi urged Nigerians to unite beyond ethnic, religious and political divides, and to rebuild the economy through agriculture, manufacturing and youth empowerment. “With competent, compassionate and transformative leadership, we can defeat insecurity, reduce corruption, create jobs, tame inflation, improve education, and restore hope to millions of Nigerians,” he stated, noting that despite the challenges, he remains optimistic that a New Nigeria is possible.

The traditional rulers of Anaocha local government area with Barr Oli By Madu Obi Traditional rulers in Anaocha local government area of Anambra State have unanimously endorsed Barr. Chukwudi Oli as their preferred aspirant for the Dunukofia, Njikoka and Anaocha Federal Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 elections. Oli will be contesting the election on the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, which is the ruling party in Anambra State. The royal fathers reached the decision after a series of consultations, describing Oli as a visionary leader with the capacity, experience, and grassroots connection needed to effectively represent the people of the constituency at the National Assembly. They noted that his contributions to community development and youth empowerment have continued to distinguish him among other aspirants. Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Anaocha traditional rulers council Chairman, Igwe Christopher Okpala said their endorsement would soon be made official through a formal document to further demonstrate their collective support and commitment toward Oli's aspiration. According to the royal fathers, Oli possesses the leadership qualities required to attract meaningful development and quality representation to the Federal Constituency. Reacting to the endorsement, Oli appreciated the royal fathers for the confidence reposed in him, describing their support as a strong motivation to continue working for the unity, progress, and advancement of the people of Dunukofia, Njikoka, and Anaocha under the platform of APGA.