By Madu Obi Presidential hopeful of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. Peter Obi, has blamed Nigeria’s vulnerability to global economic shocks on the country’s failure to maintain strategic petroleum reserves. In a statement shared on his social media platform, Obi said recent tensions arising from the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, have pushed up global oil prices, which quickly translated into higher fuel prices in Nigeria. He noted that petrol, which sold for less than ₦1,000 per litre a few weeks ago, now costs over ₦1,200 per litre, while diesel has risen from below ₦1,000 per litre to more than ₦1,500 per litre. According to Obi, the rapid increase demonstrates how quickly external shocks affect Nigeria because the country lacks economic buffers. He explained that many countries—whether oil-producing or not—maintain strategic petroleum reserves that can be released during disruptions in the global oil market to stabilize supply and prices. Nigeria, he added, however, does not have such reserves, meaning the impact of global market changes is felt almost immediately. Obi argued that the situation reflects a broader problem of inadequate national planning, stressing that countries that plan ahead create safeguards against economic shocks, while those that fail to plan remain vulnerable. He noted that the lesson remains clear, which is that when a country fails to plan, it has effectively planned to fail.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State House of Assembly is to review some state laws described as obsolete, especially those inherited from the military. The Speaker of the House, Hon Somtochukwu Udeze said the affected laws have never been properly domesticated into democratic statute, while some are incompatible with obligations under international treaties which Nigeria had ratified. According to him, some of the laws include those on data protection, community development, environmental regulation, rights of persons with disabilities, among many others, adding that a committee will be set up to look into them.. The Speaker, who was addressing his colleagues during a retreat, said the essence of bringing them together was to produce specific legislative targets and empower the lawmakers with a roadmap on which laws they intend to review before the end of the legislative year. It was also aimed at discussing new bills they intend to originate from within the House, and the capacity support needed to accomplish things at the highest standard. During the retreat, a former Clark of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Mr Pius Udo spoke on Budget Driven Oversight , Executive Perspective. Professor M. Umenweke presented a paper on Deepening Democratic Governance and Constitutional Reform, while the Deputy Clark of the Delta State House of Assembly presented a paper on "Budget Driven Oversight: a Legislative Perspective." The theme of the retreat is "Strengthening Democratic Governance through constitutional reviews and budgetary oversight: the role of state legislatures"

By Madu Obi The house to house inspection by Environmental Health Officers has been reintroduced in Anambra State as part of measures to improve sanitary situation across the state. The state branch of Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria has also set up a seven - member Ethics and Disciplinary Committee to monitor and regulate activities of its members and evolve way of generating revenue for the state. President of the Association in Anambra State, Iyk Obasanya, who announced the initiatives during a meeting in Awka, expressed worry about the declining sanitary situation in parts of Anambra State, particularly Onitsha, and directed all Environmental Health Officers in all the local government areas of the state to be up and doing. Obasanya said: "The house to house inspection by Environmental Health Officers will commence soon for residential houses, business houses and offices to ensure that cleanliness is strictly maintained. During the inspection, we will be impounding expired products being sold brazenly across the state as people's lives are jeopardized by the consumption of such expired products. We also intend to set up sanitation mobile courts to make the public to be alive to their responsibilities. Our work is preventive and that is why we must sit up to support Governor Chukwuma Soludo's campaign for a liveable and healthy Anambra State We must change the narrative and this time around and it won't be business as usual". He urged all the directors in the 21 local government areas to be sending reports to the newly inaugurated ethics and disciplinary committee on the misbehavior of members across the state, adding that all environmental health practitioners are free to send reports as whistle blowers. "We have ethics of our profession and we must protect those ethics. If our members derail from the ethics, they should face the disciplinary action", he added. Speaking after their inauguration, the chairman of the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee, Dr. Emma Obiano, explained that in addition to protecting Environmental Health profession, the committee will be handling grievances of members. He said: "We have 23 - point code of conduct and any breach of the ethics is to be handled by the committee. In the course of our training, we were thought the rules we must observe and we have to observe these rules. The disciplinary committee will also handle grievances members have against each other. The idea is to protect our profession and make it grow. Other people can also alert the committee of any misdemeanor by members of our profession and such reports will be looked into. Activities of private practitioners will also be ex- rayed. Government activities as they concern the practice of Environmental Health profession will form the duty of the committee. The committee will meet all the directors and stakeholders in government, including Commissioners, to work out areas of cooperation and assistance, to ensure the smooth operation of the disciplinary committee. One major takeaway is that we have closed the old chapter of indiscipline in our profession and have begun a new phase". He said that the committee will also handle the issue of revenue as the profession is expected to be generating revenue for government.

By Madu Obi A political pressure group loyal to Anambra State Governor, the Anambra Patriots for Soludo (APS), has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. The national convener of APS, Mr. Okechukwu Ezeobi, made the group's position known during a meeting in Awka, where he said members would mobilize support to ensure Tinubu wins the 2027 presidential election in Anambra State. Ezeobi added that the group would begin consultations with political stakeholders across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to create a pathway for the emergence of a president from the South-East after the tenure of Tinubu and a successor from the North. According to him, the group's position is based on political calculations, not emotions, adding that it would be the turn of the North to produce the next president after Tinubu’s second tenure. He noted that supporting the current political arrangement could strengthen the chances of an Igbo candidate emerging later. “We are in support of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) government led by Professor Chukwuma Soludo. From the time of Mr Peter Obi as governor, APGA has always supported the government at the centre, and we will continue with that tradition. But we want to chart a new path that will make the South-East more inclusive in Nigeria’s politics. We will mobilize across the South-East and Nigeria at large to support the eventual emergence of an Igbo president,” he said. Ezeobi also noted that while the Igbo possess significant economic influence in Nigeria, the region has yet to translate that strength into political power. “We, the Igbo, have economic power but lack political power. We are working to change that,” he added. The National Chairman of APS, Ozo Ejiamatu Enekwechi, said the assembly was convened to appreciate members for their support for Soludo during the 2025 governorship election. Enekwechi added that the group would continue to support good governance and accountability while working to reposition Nigeria politically. The organisation also unveiled its office in Awka, assuring that it would collaborate with individuals committed to impactful leadership and accountability.

By Madu Obi Worried by the near total public power blackout in Anambra State, electricity consumers in the state have planned a statewide protest to drive home their frustration. The organizers of the protest, under the auspices of Electricity Consumers Rights Initiative and Electricity Consumers Rights Network, have already written the state governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo and visited the state Police headquarters and the Department of State Service, DSS, intimating them of their plan. The protest, which will take place on March 14, is expected to take off from Ekwueme Square close to the Government House. In the letter addressed to the governor, the convener, Comrade Osita Obi, said the aim is to draw urgent attention to the persistent challenges faced by electricity consumers in the state and to compel the relevant electricity distribution authorities to address the issues. Their demands include Improvement of electricity supply across Anambra State, which has remained grossly inadequate despite the financial burden placed on consumers; immediate installation of prepaid meters for electricity consumers and the complete stoppage of estimated billing, which is currently being carried out arbitrarily and without proper computerized metering systems. They are also demanding immediate suspension of the electricity band tariff regime, which they say, has imposed additional financial hardship on consumers without corresponding improvement in electricity supply, and what they described as extortion, over-billing, and exploitation being perpetrated by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) and First Power against electricity consumers in the state. Obi said the consumers are mindful of the upcoming swearing-in ceremony marking the commencement of the governor's second term in office on March 17, assuring, however, that as ardent supporters of Soludo's government, they would not engage in any action that could portray his administration in a negative light. "We wish to assure Your Excellency that this rally will be conducted peacefully and in an orderly manner. Adequate mechanisms have been put in place to ensure discipline among participants and to prevent any undesirable elements from hijacking the rally or causing public disturbance", he said. . Meanwhile, the state Police command has urged the organisers to adopt constructive dialogue and engagement with the relevant authorities responsible for electricity regulation and distribution, rather than resorting to street protests that may disrupt public order. A statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed that an hour-long meeting was held with the organizers on Monday at the Anambra State Police Command, Awka over the issue. Ikenga said that during the discussions, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Ibrahim Ezekiel, acknowledged the concerns raised by the group regarding electricity supply. He said the command, however ,emphasized the importance of peaceful and lawful channels in addressing grievances and encouraged stakeholders to pursue institutional means of resolving the issues affecting residents. "The Anambra State Police Command reassures the public of its commitment to maintaining law and order while promoting peaceful engagement between citizens and relevant authorities", the PPRO stated.

By Madu Obi Kinsmen of oil magnate, Prince Arthur Eze, from Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State are demanding the zoning of the next House of Representatives for Anaocha/Njikoka/Dunukofia Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections to them, alleging that the area had been marginalized over a long period. A concerned citizen of the constituency, Mr. Harrison Nwegwu, in a statement, urged political leaders and voters to support a candidate from Dunukofia in the interest of fairness and equity. According to Nwegwu, since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, the federal constituency has been represented only by politicians from Anaocha and Njikoka local government areas. Past representatives in the House of Representatives since 1999 were Hon. Chukwuemeka Chikelu (Anaocha, 1999–2003), Hon. George Ozodinobi (Njikoka, 2003–2007), Hon. Uche Ekwunife (Anaocha, 2007–2015), and Hon. Dozie Nwankwo (Njikoka, 2015–2023), while Ozodinobi currently represents the constituency after winning the 2023 election. Describing the situation as a long-standing imbalance, Nwegwu appealed to stakeholders across the constituency to support Dunukofia in 2027, noting that the move would promote justice, inclusion, and unity among the three local government areas. He added that Dunukofia was ready to present credible and competent candidates capable of representing the entire constituency effectively at the National Assembly.

By Madu Obi Students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) School of Nursing, Nnewi, have taken to the streets to protest what they described as astronomical hike in their tuition fees from N90,000 to N580,000. The increase was said to have been effected after an internal memo reportedly issued on January 23 by the chairman of the board of NAUTH College of Nursing, showing an upward adjustment of students’ school fees. Angered by the development, the students embarked on the protest, on Tuesday, during which they carried placards and blocked the school gate. The students lamented that the hike in fees came at a time they were also complaining about the cost of accommodation in the institution. But the management of the institution has pledged to sit with the members of the board and the students union leadership to sort out all outstanding issues and ensure that peace returns to the institution. The Chief Medical Director of the institution, Prof Joseph Ugboaja, who said the fees are affordable, however, stated that the school authority would dialogue with the students. "We will sit with members of board who proposed the new tuition and also with the students union leadership and sort things out. As for school fees, yes, there was increment, and you know we just had a new board, and the board decided to review tuition, so as to give the students the very best. They proposed N580,000 to us (management), which we approved, but there is still room for us to take a better look at it and harmonize things. Our fees have been very cheap, and even with the increment, we are still the lowest in fees around the South East. So, for someone who was paying N90,000, they will protest the increment, but it is for their own good, so that we can maintain standard. As for other complaints about cost of accommodation, I can say that the institution does not own any. There are mostly private hostels, and the arrangements are between the students and the owners," Ugboaja stated. The Public Relations Officer of the institution, Mrs Chunyere Onwuka, who also spoke on the matter, claimed that the leadership of the students union of the institution was not in support of the protest. Onwuka said: "I don't know those who organized or led the protest, but let me inform you that the adjustment in fees was very moderate. The new fees include their feeding, transportation to postings to Enugu. The hostels they talked about is a private arrangement between them and the owners." She insisted that a comparison of the school fees of the institution and those of other Schools of Nursing around South East showed that ours remained cheap, adding that other institutions pay as much as N800,000 tuition for old students.

By Madu Obi Presidential hopeful and former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi,has vowed to challenge the recently passed 2026 Electoral Act in court, alleging that it was deliberately designed to manipulate the outcome of the 2027 general elections. Obi made the declaration in Awka during the flag-off of the membership mobilisation, registration and revalidation exercise of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Anambra State. The former Labour Party presidential candidate said the provisions of the new law were skewed in a manner that could facilitate electoral manipulation. “All the laws being hurriedly churned out now are simply aimed at enabling them to snatch the 2027 presidential election and run away with it, but this time, we will catch them", Obi said. He also warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against interfering in the internal affairs of political parties, adding, “A referee does not determine the rules, choices or line-up of players in teams or clubs." "I urge the electoral body to remain neutral and concentrate on its constitutional role of conducting credible elections", Obi added. He called on members and supporters of ADC across the state to register at their respective wards, urging them to mobilize others to join the party. “Go to your wards and register. Be fishers of men,” Obi charged. Chairman of the occasion, Senator Ndii Obi, said that ADC would provide a platform where no member would be oppressed, stressing that the party’s immediate goal is to ensure Obi’s electoral success. He urged party faithful in the state to unite and work together, noting that Anambra must once again, demonstrate why it is regarded as the “Light of the Nation.” Also speaking, the Chairman of the ADC Registration Committee in Anambra State, Hon Ben Nwosu, described the registration drive as a “task force operation” aimed at strengthening the party’s grassroots presence. Nwosu disclosed that the first tranche of membership cards would be distributed across the 21 local government areas of the state. The National Organizing Secretary of ADC, Chinedu Idigo, emphasized that the registration process would be conducted both online and manual and advised prospective members to complete their online registration before proceeding to designated centres to collect their membership cards. Idigo further revealed that the party would adopt the direct primary system in electing its candidates, adding that additional membership cards would soon be delivered to the state. In his remarks, the ADC candidate in the November 8 ,2025 Anambra Governorship poll, John Nwosu, described the event as the beginning of Obi’s journey to the presidency. “This is a day of joy. The journey of Obi as president begins today,” he said. He urged members to close ranks and avoid internal divisions, warning that failure to deliver victory in the coming elections would amount to a wasted opportunity. The Senator representing Anambra Central, Senator Victor Umeh, described the occasion as historic, especially as it came shortly after the ADC great declaration in Enugu on December 31,2025 and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to support his presidential ambition.

By Madu Obi The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, has formally registered as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Anambra State. Obi registered in his hometown, Agulu in Anaocha local government area. Also joining the party formally is the Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Chief Victor Umeh, who completed his registration and received his membership card at his country home in Aguluzigbo also in Anaocha local government area of the state. Their registration was witnessed by key stakeholders of the party in the state, including Senator Ben Obi, the National Organizing Secretary of ADC, Chinedu Idigo; member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Hon Afam Ogene; member representing Anambra East/Anambra West Federal Constituency, Peter Anekwe; and member representing Awka South/Awka North Federal Constituency, Professor Lilian Orogbu. Others present were the party’s candidate in the last November Anambra State governorship election, John Nwosu, his running mate, Dr. Ndubuisi Nwobu, as well as hundreds of party members and supporters. Before the commencement of the registration exercise, a total of 48,900 membership cards were distributed to party leaders across the 21 local government areas of the state for onward distribution to the 326 wards to facilitate grassroots membership registration. Speaking at the event, party leaders including Ben Obi, Umeh and Orogbu called for aggressive mobilisation of members across the state to strengthen the party’s structure. They also pledged their support for Obi’s presidential bid in the 2027 general election and urged party faithful and residents of the state to rally behind him. Umeh specifically noted that Anambra State has about 2.8 million registered voters and called on them to support Obi’s presidential ambition in 2027. Meanwhile, the party’s National Organizing Secretary, Idigo, assured members that the national headquarters of the party would provide additional membership cards to accommodate the growing number of prospective members.

By Madu Obi The former governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi, has said that no individual or group has a monopoly of violence, insisting that nobody can stop him from visiting any part of the country. Obi was reacting to the Benin City incident and the subsequent threats circulating in the social media warning him against visiting certain parts of the country during a visit to Peter University, Achina, Anambra State. "I am a Nigerian and I am free to go to any part of this country. It is a constitutional right that nobody can take away from me. But let me make it clear, nobody has a monopoly of violence", he said. He explained why he travelled to Rivers State despite a strong warning that he should not step foot in the state, adding that such threats did not deter him from honouring an earlier invitation shortly after the Benin incident. Obi, who has declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alleged that there had been orchestrated efforts to keep him off the 2027 ballot , insisting that such moves would not deter him from pursuing his ambition. “ I’m not desperate to be the President of Nigeria, but I’m desperate to see Nigeria work. Nigeria has collapsed and is already lying on the ground. Nigeria is not working because many rich Nigerians are greedy. They have everything they need, but are still scavenging for more. No matter what they do, I must contest the election. Let them declare a free and fair contest, bring the ball to the centre of the field and declare it started, and let us see what happens. With their 30 governors, they should make the election free and fair,” Obi said. He maintained that the country’s system was skewed against the poor and reiterated his belief that Nigeria should be a place where opportunities are open to all citizens. “We want a country where the son of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody,” he said. Obi also explained his decision to leave the Labour Party for the African Democratic Congress, citing prolonged leadership disputes within the party and what he described as the refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize court judgments. “You all know that I’m now in ADC. People have been asking why I left LP. We had been in court over the leadership of the Labour Party and secured favourable judgments, but INEC refused to recognise them. When I left on December 31, the same orders they were rejecting were suddenly recognized in January,” he said. He alleged that certain constitutional amendments were being considered to frustrate his political ambition.

By Madu Obi Awka- The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, has urged students to develop the habit of saving their money in licensed banks for their financial safety in future. At a programmme to mark the World Savings Day at Capital City Secondary School,Awka, Anambra State, officials of NDIC said the aim is to encourage students to develop the habit of saving money even at young age. A manager in the communications department of NDIC, Phoebe Ugot, while addressing the 100 students selected for the enlightenment programme, said the essence is to teach students the culture of saving, instead of mismanaging funds at their disposal. "We want to remind you that you can save money in the banks for your future even as students. The message we are spreading is for you to save money you are given by your parents and other people. But you should not go and steal your parent's money to say NDIC asked you to save. You can also save the money you make during holidays and whatever money given to you as gifts. Such savings must be in a bank licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN", she said. She also emphasized on the need for students to acquire skills that can help them earn income during holidays, and warned against stealing just to save. The secretary of the Anambra State Post Primary Schools Commission, Mrs Benedicta Anago, who represented the state Commissioner for Education at the event, commended NDIC for motivating the students to save, noting that it would make the students responsible. "If you start saving little by little, it will help you in future. You have to deny yourselves those things you spend money on which are merely wants, and not needs. You have to make it a point of duty to save even as students because saving means planning for the future" Anago said. The Enugu Zonal Director of NDIC, Mr. Chidi Nwankwo said that the organization decided to take the World Savings Day celebration to schools to teach young Nigerians the benefits of savings. He took the students through the various kinds of banks in the country, emphasizing the need to avoid getting involved with unlicensed financial institutions. "There are some people who prefer to keep their money in the house and that habit is risky because thieves can steal it. But if you save money in a bank insured by NDIC, your saving is always intact no matter what happens to the bank", Nwankwo stated. The Principal of the school, Mrs Amaka Onyeka commended the Anambra State government for selecting the school for the programme. "We're honoured to be chosen to represent Anambra on the importance of saving money by young people and our school will spread the good news to other students in the state", she said. Some of the students said it was indeed an eye opener for them, adding that henceforth, instead of buying things that are not necessary, they should open accounts and save their money little by little because nobody knows tomorrow. The programme with the theme, “Beyond Savings: Building Financial Resilience”, was designed to introduce students to essential money management skills and help them understand how to earn, save, and invest responsibly.

By Madu Obi Soldiers of Operation Eastern Sanity have dismantled multiple camps of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB ,and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, ESN, at Orsumoghu, Ihiala local government area of Anambra State. During the two- day operation, the soldiers recovered large quantities of weapons and explosiveness, as well as suspected Biafra paraphernalia A statement by the Nigerian Army said the operation was carried out jointly with other security agencies, including air support from the Nigerian Air Force. According to the statement, the coordinated operation is aimed at restoring lasting peace and security in the South East geopolitical region. Items recovered include pump-action guns, locally made dane guns, assorted rifle magazines, rifle working parts, belts of ammunition, cutting machines, IED-making materials, Biafran currencies and musical equipment belonging to a Biafran Army Band. Also recovered were a Biafran flag and a Biafran Army Headquarters flag. The statement added that the flags were destroyed and the Nigerian flag hoisted in the area. "The most significant find was a fully operational Improvised Explosive Device, IED, fabrication facility, which was carefully exploited and dismantled before being destroyed. Several IED-making items were recovered from the sites. These include, several welding machines, drilling machines and filling machines, several car batteries, one electrode welding handle, twelve locally fabricated guns and rifle components, as well as other IED equipment", the statement said.