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Protesting Enugwu-Agidi people By Madu Obi A clash between supporters of the traditional ruler of Enugwu Agidi, Njikoka local government area of Anambra State, Igwe Michael Okekeuche and the President General of the community, Hon. Chukwuebuka Onuorah, has heightened tension in the area, forcing the cancellation of the Central Executive Council meeting of the town where strategic decisions would have been taken. Trouble began when some chairmen of the village and abroad branches were allegedly beaten and denied entrance to the town's Civic Centre, the venue of the meeting, on the alleged directive of the PG, a development that led to protests by the youths and women in the area. The PG had alleged that some people who were not delegates to the meeting, had infiltrated the venue, ostensibly to sack him, adding that he had earlier directed security operatives to allow people to attend the meeting upon obtaining appropriate clearance, which is proof of payment of appropriate dues. Supporters of the two persons had alleged abuse of power, including refusal to follow constitutional provisions in adjudicating the town's affairs, land grabbing, brutalization, intimidation of villagers and high-handedness. Some of the protesters, who clad in dark attires, demanded for dethronement of their traditional ruler, while others, comprising women and youths, called for the removal of the PG over alleged abuse of power. Some of the placards displayed by supporters of the traditional ruler read: "Ebuka Onuorah must go", "Ebuka Onuorah uses police to intimidate us" and "Governor Chukwuma Soludo save us from Ebuka Onuorah,". Those in support of the PG carried placards that read: "Ebuka Onuorah is our saviour", "The government of the day must continue", and"Igwe Okekeuche must go." Comrade Emeka Ementa, who is the Awka branch chairman of Enugwu-Agidi Brotherly Union, said that on spotting suspected thugs, he ran away because some of the youths told them that his name was penciled down for punishment. "I heard that the PG created opposition groups across villages and branches and only those he appointed were allowed entrance to the venue for the meeting. I represent both my village and Awka branch, but we were not allowed to be part of the meeting. They claimed that we were indebted to the union, but we actually paid all our dues, and I have forwarded the details to the security and the state government", Ementa said. Also speaking, Hon. Mrs Grace Aghauche, leader of Etiti Village women wing, alleged that the PG organized an election to replace her in the month of June, instead of waiting for the month of December when they normally meet. "Our election usually holds by December, but the PG organized the election by June. This is against our constitution. Again, women elections are not organized by men. We have submitted reports of this and others to the Anambra State Commissioner of Women Affairs," Aghauche added. The villagers said they have petitioned Governor Chukwuma Soludo through the relevant Ministries and the State House of Assembly, pleading that he should be sacked for peace to reign. But Mrs Nneka Offor exonerated Ebuka from the allegations, insisting that the PG was their saviour, while the monarch was the troublesome one. "Ebuka is our leader. We love him. He doesn't engage in land grabbing. We want his government to continue. Igwe is the one causing trouble in our community and should be dethroned for peace to reign," she stated. Lamenting the incident, the traditional ruler said: "We are witnessing what no community should ever endure: allegations of rampant land grabbing, abuse of power by those entrusted with leadership, disruption of sacred burial and funeral rites in Etiti Village, rites that bind us to our ancestors and the imposition of parallel leadership structures. "These actions have brought confusion, provoked unrest, and pushed our peaceful community to the brink. We hereby call upon the Anambra State Government and all relevant security agencies to rise to their constitutional duty: to protect the lives and property of Enugwu-Agidi people, investigate the root causes of the unrest, and ensure that justice is served without fear or favour, and to support the Igwe-in-Council in restoring peace and unity. We are not asking for favours. We are demanding intervention, protection, and fairness, for the sake of our land, our future, and our unborn generations. In line with the powers vested in him by Article 40, Sections 1 and 6 of the Enugwu-Agidi Brotherly Union Constitution, and in accordance with the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law 2007, Section 15, Subsection (I)." The PG, however, denied all the allegations leveled against him, describing the protest as politically motivated. He said that he enjoys overwhelming support of the people of his community to continue to serve as the President General.

By Madu Obi Stakeholders appointed by the Kukah Center, Abuja, which is the secretariat of the General Abdulsalami Abubarkar - led National Peace Committee, has identified the black spots in various communities in the 21 local government areas of Anambra State ahead of the November 8 governorship election. The Early Warning, Early Response, EWER, stakeholders were appointed as agents of the Center during a training workshop in Awka. Of the three senatorial zones, Anambra South remains the area with the highest threat to a peaceful election, with the discovery that the strategy adopted by non - state actors, proliferation of unlicensed guns, social media misinformation and likely infiltrators from the nearby Imo State, may disrupt the smooth conduct of the election in the area. According to stakeholders from the zone, some communities, including Mbosi, Isekke, Orsumoghu, Lilu, might not participate in the election as they have remained deserted for a long time, despite efforts by security operatives to reclaim the area. Orumba North and South, also part of Anambra South, for instance, have places that habour gunmen in their bushes, while Ekwulobia in Aguata is also known as a center for non- state actors, who often spread false information to frighten people. In Anambra North, the early warning team noted that the issue of flooding in Anambra West, Anambra East, Ayamelum and Ogbaru, as well as cult activities in Oyi and herdsmen attack in some part of the Omambala area, are major threats to the election. For Anambra Central, the zonal team observed that cult groups, which are rampant in Awka South, Idemili North and Awka North, may be used to disrupt the election. Also identified as a likely problem that can affect the election is the rivalry between some traditional rulers and the Presidents General, PGs, in some communities and the problem has created division among the people along political lines. Among communities where such rivalry exists are Nri, Alor, Awka and Nawfia. They urged leaders in the zone to find ways of solving the problem before the election, especially when the zone is positioning itself to take over the governorship in 2030 after the turn of the Southern senatorial zone. These problems, the the three senatorial zones observed, may contribute significantly to low turnout of voters during the election. An official of Kukah Center, Deborah Obafemi, said after the presentations that members of the Early Warning, Early Response, EWER, can transform the negative situations to positive before and during the election, going by the training they have received. According to her, Anambra is one of the states with mobilized local structure for conflict resolution, advising them to apply traditional mechanisms to quell disputes at the grassroot level. "EWER is not just about detecting conflict; it's also about collaborative act to prevent it. The success of the Anambra election and the peace it is expected to generate depends on how well the stakeholders collaborate" she said. Also advising the stakeholders, the Project Officer at the Kukah Center, Asabe Ndahi said: "We have begun the task to ensure credible election. Be proactive and resilient as you return to your communities to begin the work."

By Madu Obi Anambra State has been named among top three global transformative tech hubs, following the performance of Solution Innovation District (SID) at the just-concluded International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) in Beijing, China. The state's first lady, Mrs Nonye Soludo, said the Solution Innovation District (SID) stood tall among transformative initiatives from more than 80 countries. According to her, the huge recognition was specifically for the success of the “Anambra Digital Tribe” model, which is Professor Chukwuma Soludo administration's bold vision of building a one million digital yribe and positioning youths as drivers of digital innovation and economic prosperity. "Wins like this are not just mere validation of smart visions but a reward of our ultimate ambition of leading Nigeria's digital future right from the home soil. Anambra is building strongly on each block of opportunity, and the Solution Innovation District is doing a fantastic job to get us right where we want to be. I'm happy for this global recognition. It's a positive signal for startups and techies to believe in the great future right ahead. Anambra is rising! The future looks great", Mrs Soludo stated.

By Madu Obi As the November 8 Anambra State governorship election draws near, a research by ElectHER, a Pan-African non-partisan organisation advancing gender-inclusive democracy, has shown that women are very likely going to dominate the electoral process based on available data In the report released after an advocacy programme in Awka, the organisation, which received support from the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN), observed that women will form the substantial part of the electorate in the November election. According to the organization, the recently conducted voter registration exercise showed that 97,832 (58%) were women, while 70,355 (42%) were men. "While Nigeria's overall women representation in public service remains low, Anambra State stands out as one of the country's most progressive states in terms of women's political participation and leadership since the start of the Fourth Republic in 1999. The state's record stands as one female governor (2006-2007), four female senators,12 female House of Representatives members and six female Ministers. Why this matters for the 2025 election is that the legacy of visibility signals opportunity as Anambra women enter the polls with a strong precedent, though the structural and institutional barriers remain", the report noted. The organization, however, observed that despite Anambra's relatively historical record, female representation at the top of the ticket remained low in 2025, with only two out of the 16 governorship candidates being women. "The higher percentage of women as deputy governorship candidates (37.5%) of male- led tickets suggests that the political parties may be leveraging these positions to balance gender optics, rather than enabling women to lead tickets", the report added. ElectHER’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Ibijoke Faborode, however, expressed worry over the security situation ahead of the election. Her report said in part: "The security landscape in Anambra ahead of the November 2025 election is already showing signs of tension, with gendered risks particularly evident. Based on reported security incidents, triangulated against ElectHER voter sentiment data, where residents in some LGAs highlighted fear of violence and community insecurity as major deterrents to voting, a Red - Amber - Green security assessment has been developed across Anambra's 21 LGAs, with red indicating high risk, amber moderate risk and green low risk. To deliver a credible, inclusive and violence-free election, coordinated action is required from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, security agencies, and political parties. ElectHER urges INEC to scale up adhoc staff recruitment beyond its planned 26,000, to match the expanded voter register, as well as dismantle bottlenecks in accessing PVCs. The electoral body should also strengthen voter education by directly diseminating materials, especially to women, to ensure adequate gender representation in the deployment and mobilization of electoral officers, such that there should be at least one female official per polling unit. " For security agencies, there should be proactive deployment to identified flashpoints, with gender- sensitive protection measures, including female security presence and rapid response systems to address the issue of intimidation of female staff, candidates and voters. " Political parties should align their campaign messages with voter's top concerns , which include security, job creation and healthcare, while embracing visibility of female candidates and ensuring inclusivity within campaign structures to reflect electorate expectations." . As part of the advocacy, officials of ElectHER visited some organizations, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), where the State Commandant, Maku Olatunde reiterated the Corps’ readiness to secure the electoral process before, during, and after the polls. He promised that female officers would be deployed in sufficient numbers, noting that inclusivity in security operations is vital for credible elections.

By Madu Obi The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Anambra State, has inaugurated a 22- member state campaign council for the November 8 governorship election in the state, with the party's candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu boasting that the party has quality people that can take APC to the Government House. The campaign council was inaugurated by the South East deputy national chairman of APC, Dr Ijomah Arodiogbu. During the ceremony, four sitting members of the state House of Assembly, dumped their political parries and joined the APC. The lawmakers who declared for APC were Hon Augustine Ikedoji representing Nnewi North,who was elected on the platform of Young Progressives Party, YPP), Hon Patrick Okafor of the Labour Party who represents Onitsha North, Hon Paul Oti representing Orumba North and also of LP and Hon Patrick Udoba (Anambra West, who was a member of APGA. Addressing members of the council, the APC candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, said the party had gathered men and women that will take the party to where God has destined for it. He said: "When God wants to deliver people, he sends men and women. With these people in the campaign council, we will make it to government house in Awka. I want to say that Government House Awka is possible. But we cannot win this governorship election without working hard and from what is happening in our party, it means we are working hard. It is becoming clear to me that APC will take over the government of Anambra, but we must work because faith without work is in vain." Reeling out his plans for Anambra State if he wins, Ukachukwu added: "We are going to declare emergency in agriculture and other enablers that will make the state to grow from where it is now to the top. We have the revenue that can take our state's development index to the top. "Anambra is an industrial and trading state and making industries work in Anambra will be my priority. It cannot work unless you make the inputs that can make them work and one of the things that can make industries work is security. If the state is secure, investors will come. The market for the products is there, but the only thing lacking is the enabling environment. We have already done studies that will help us fight insecurity and once we come into office, these plans will begin to work. It is not an issue of trial and error. Once security is in place, we will develop a power plant that will serve the whole state, especially when our state boasts of large deposits of oil and gas. If we have an ideal environment, all our people establishing their manufacturing companies elsewhere will come home to invest. We will provide water in all our major cities of Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi and equip our hospitals in such a way that they will become attractive for those who need to obtain quality treatment." According to Ukachukwu, the money the state is getting is enough to develop every part of the state, adding, "I assure our people that sixty percent of our income can develop our state."

By Madu Obi Nnamdi Azikiwe University, (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, has expressed worry over the poor response of its students to the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme, lamenting that only about four percent of its student population have so far applied. Chairman of the university’s NELFUND committee, Professor Stephen Ufoaroh, said in a memo that out of over 66,000 students’ data already uploaded to the NELFUND portal, only a fraction has taken the next step to register. The loan scheme, designed specifically for indigent students, comes with zero interest rate and no collateral and the beneficiaries stand to enjoy direct payment of their tuition fees to the university, as well as a monthly upkeep allowance of N20,000 into their bank accounts. Describing it as disheartening, Ufoaroh said that the institution has fulfilled its own obligation, adding that it is left for students to seize the opportunity. He lamented that students from South Eastern states have not shown enthusiastic interest in the programme, warning that they could be denying themselves the chance to complete their studies with less financial stress. “We must not allow this opportunity to pass us by. This is a national initiative to help students go through school. Let’s register now and worry about repayment modalities later,” he appealed.

By Madu Obi The National Coordinator of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Media Warriors Forum, Mr Chinedu Obigwe, has said that no amount of propaganda by the opposition will push the people of Anambra State into what he described as a “suicidal mistake” of voting against Governor Chukwuma Soludo in the November 8 governorship election. In a statement in Awka, Obigwe dismissed what he termed “childish propaganda” being peddled by the opposition, insisting that the Soludo administration enjoys the confidence of the people. “All that the opposition is banking on to win the governorship election is blackmail. But the truth remains that their propaganda cannot sway the electorate into making the suicidal mistake of voting for them. The people of Anambra State are happy with Governor Soludo’s divine mission, and no amount of cooked-up propaganda can stop his re-election on November 8. Not all governors can do what Soludo is doing. Some would have chosen to be flying in a chopper, but he decided to be driving through difficult terrain so as to feel the pains of the people and ensure their sufferings are alleviated,” Obigwe noted. He faulted the video circulating online showing Governor Soludo’s convoy driving on the bad portions of the Enugu Otu road, in Anambra East local government area, explaining that the governor’s decision to drive through the road was for him to inspect the ongoing 28.1km Enugu Otu–Aguleri road project and commission the newly built General Hospital in the area. According to him, the road project, which cuts across Enugu Otu, Mkpunando and Eziagulu Otu Aguleri communities, is being executed in three phases, with the first 8.1km phase already 95 percent completed. He said that the governor has given assurance that the second and third phases will be delivered without abandonment. Obigwe commended Governor Soludo for constructing a new General Hospital for the people of Enugu Otu, a project he said the community did not request for, but which the governor considered necessary out of empathy for their health needs. Describing Soludo as a “humane leader delivering governance with empathy,” he urged Anambra electorate to return the governor to office for a second term to consolidate ongoing development projects across the state.

By Madu Obi Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has said that he will hand over the governorship of the state to another governor that will be elected from Anambra Central after his tenure, stating that the rotation of the governorship seat among the three senatorial districts has been officially institutionalized and should be upheld in future elections. Governor Soludo made the declaration during an endorsement rally for his candidacy for the November 8 election and the return of Hon. Ifeanyi Ibezi, a former member of the House of Representatives, to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), at Abatete, Idemili North local government area. He recalled that Anambra North handed over to Anambra South senatorial zone, which he represents after eight years, assuring that on completion of his eight years, it will be the turn of Anambra Central Senatorial district, which will have the opportunity to govern for another eight years. While welcoming Ibezi back to APGA, Soludo said that APGA serves as the umbrella for all progressives in Anambra State, adding that the party is synonymous with Anambra. "Anambra is APGA, and APGA is synonymous with Anambra", he said. He noted that his re-election campaign has evolved into a grassroots movement, with communities actively taking ownership by organizing endorsement rallies at their own expense. "We are going round the state welcoming major people back into the fold. APGA has never been more united and stronger than it is today", the governor added. Expressing confidence in a resounding victory for APGA across the state's 5,720 polling units and 326 political wards, Soludo addressed the longstanding electoral challenge in Idemili North, which has the highest number of voters yet consistently produces low turnout He urged communities in the local government to demonstrate their voting strength and break the paradox in the upcoming November 8 election. He also assured the people that ongoing developments in the area will continue as Anambra continues to rise. Secretary to the State Government and Director General of the Soludo-Ibezim campaign organization, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, highlighted some of Governor Soludo's initiatives in Idemili, including the construction of two smart schools, recruitment of teachers, among others and expressed optimism for an APGA victory. Also speaking, APGA National Chairman, Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, and State Chairman, Barr. Ifeatu Obiokoye, welcomed Hon. Ibezi back into the party, expressing their satisfaction that with his return, APGA has become the dominant party in the area. Top government officials, including the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ifeanyi Okoma, Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, special adviser on youths, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, Mayor of Idemili North, Mr. Stanley Nkwoka, assured the Governor of victory at the polls. Others at the occasion including the mayor of Idemili South, Mrs. Amaka Obi, former chairman of Idemili North, Chief Okey Muoaro, and former Commissioner for Information, Chief Tony Onyima, all assured the governor of their support for his re-election bid and victory of APGA in the area. The people also presented N20 million cheque to support the governor's campaign.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike has said that the various projects initiated by the wife of the governor of the state, Mrs Nonye Soludo, has impacted positively on the lives of most families in the state. Obidike, who is also the Coordinator of the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, an Initiative of the governor's wife, while addressing journalists at the Government House in Awka, listed a number of interventions the state’s First Lady has been implementing since her husband assumed office over three years ago. He listed key achievements under the Healthy Living initiatives to include appointment as Insecticide Treated Nets, ITN, Ambassador by the Malaria Consortium, resulting in the free distribution of over 3.8 million Insecticide-Treated Nets to households across Anambra. The provision of the nets is critical protection against malaria, which is the leading cause of death among children and mothers, establishment of Healthy Living clubs in more than 800 primary and secondary schools, as well as fostering a culture of wellness and healthy habits among young people through cooking programmes, quizzes, and competitions that educate families on nutrition and health. Other projects, Obidike added, include provision of free cervical cancer screening and treatment to thousands of women, offering of free corrective surgeries to children born with cleft lips and palates. Still projects like the implementation of statewide free vaccination campaigns against rotavirus, measles, and polio, safeguarding the health of the state’s children and distribution of over 14,000 packets of Nonye’s Healthy Living pap to malnourished children in Primary Health Centers, with recovery rates exceeding 50% and introduction of anti-shock garments to prevent maternal deaths during childbirth. Obidike said: "Her programmes are driven not by headlines, but by the heartbeat of a malnourished child, the silent cry of a young girl lacking sanitary products, the quiet dignity of an elderly woman receiving her first multivitamin, and the hope of youth learning vital skills. The First Lady’s dedication has positively impacted mothers, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and every community in the state, culminating in her winning the prestigious First Lady Award of the Year in Nigeria for healthcare and child nutrition. She is making a profound impact through what may appear as small acts of kindness, but performed with enormous love and dedication. Since inception of the present administration, Her Excellency has consistently prioritized the health and wellbeing of Ndi Anambra, and today the tangible results are manifesting in the lives of the people that reflect measurable and significant impact. The First Lady’s outreach to orphanages and special homes, exemplify her commitment to the most vulnerable members of society. Her engagement with youths across all 21 LGAs, inspire countless young people to pursue healthy, productive lives. The Anambra State Skilled Women Training Programme, which empowers women by training them in traditional, male-dominated skills such as solar engineering, paint manufacturing, and Keke mechanics are wonderful innovations. To date, over 6,000 applications have been received, with more than 100 women already trained in the various areas. Also, pad banks initiative has been established by her in over 350 secondary schools, ensuring that no girl misses class due to menstrual challenges. Similarly, more than 26,000 elderly citizens have received free multivitamin supplements to promote healthy aging, alongside dignity kits distributed during flooding emergencies. The Nonye Soludo Healthy Living Initiative has also enrolled over 1,000 persons with disabilities into the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme, demonstrating a commitment to equity and inclusiveness and she has awarded lifetime scholarships to brilliant but indigent children across the state, thereby fostering educational opportunity. In an effort to promote food security and backyard farming, Mrs. Soludo has donated and distributed over 15,000 packs of hybrid seeds to encourage home gardens." He noted that it was in recognition of her outstanding contributions that she was conferred a doctorate degree in Public Health and Child Nutrition by Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU). According to Obidike,the Healthy Living Schools Garden Competition has further nurtured agricultural innovation among students. Describing Mrs Soludo as a virtuous and compassionate woman dedicated to improving the lives of Ndi Anambra through the flagship initiative, Obidike said her accomplishments resonate deeply, embodying timeless compassion and dedication that remind Anambra people of the transformative power of genuine humanitarian service. "For the first time in the state’s history, Her Excellency secured a strategic partnership with the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON, through the Renewed Hope Initiative, unlocking new opportunities for thousands of Ndi Anambra. Mrs. Nonye Soludo may not wear a habit or walk the streets of Calcutta adorned with expensive jewelry or clothes. Instead, she walks humbly through the markets of Onitsha, the schools of Aguleri, and the homes of Ndi Anambra, establishing her presence through genuine service,” Her legacy is not written in stone, but in the lives she transforms. In her, we see the making of another Mother Teresa. In her, we see leadership that heals. In her, we see the soul of Anambra. "Let us celebrate her not only for what she does but for who she is: a mother to the forgotten, a light to the underserved, and a quiet force of transformation. Ndi Anambra, let us stand firm. Let us protect this progress so that Anambra continues to shine as the light of the nation", Obidike stated.

By Madu Obi The Digital Force, a pressure group within the All Progressives Congress (APC), has come in defense of the Anambra State governorship candidate for the November 8 election, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, over alleged N billion land deal in Abuja. A recent viral video showed Prince Ukachukwu being harassed by some people who alleged that he is indebted to them to the tune of N1billion. In a statement signed by its team leader, Mr Ikeagwuonwu Chinedu Klinsmann, the group threatened legal action against those who alegedly made the allegation and circulated the video. According to Ikeagwuonwu, defamation of character is not free speech, but a criminal offense, adding that Evang. Ukachukwu’s legal team reserves the right to pursue appropriate remedies against the collaborators. He said: "The land transaction in question was governed by a duly signed Installment payment agreement between Evang. Ukachukwu (vendor) and Zoe New Dawn Nigeria Ltd, chaired by Chief Stephen Achema Akpa (purchaser), executed on 11th August, 2022, covering Plots 7 and 8, Cadastral Zone E29, Lugbe East, Abuja, valued at N6billion. The agreement clearly provided for staggered payment: an initial deposit of N1.75billion, followed by structured instalment to complete the purchase price. But Mr. Stephen Akpa could not come up with this initial deposit as he paid only N850million and requested access to the plots without completing the payment. It also stipulated that any refund of deposits would only become due if and when the vendor (Ukachukwu) successfully resells the property to another buyer." The group contended that most businesses are structured such that if the buyer fails to make complete payment, he would only get a refund when the property has been resold, noting that most businessmen have lost money in such deals, but in the case of Mr Akpa, he was promised his money once the property was sold. It decried lack of due process in seeking a refund by Akpa, who, according to him, instead of approaching an authority, resorted to self help. Ikeagwuonwu insisted that the APC candidate is a man of impeccable integrity, who has built his name over the years and known as a philanthropist, businessman and employer of labour.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State Police command has reacted to a trending video on social media, alleging that one of its officers is aiding kidnapping and violent crimes in the state. Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga stated categorically that the video is not only false, mischievous, and malicious, but also a calculated attempt to tarnish the image of the Nigeria Police Force and demonize the said officer. "For the avoidance of doubt, the officer featured in the video is an Assistant Commissioner of Police, who is not serving in the Anambra State Police command. The officer remains one of the pride of the Force in character and crime-fighting. We urge the public to note that, compared to the past, Anambra State has continued to record remarkable progress in the fight against violent crimes, particularly kidnapping. This achievement is the result of the collective efforts of Ndi Anambra working hand-in-hand with security agencies to condemn and resist criminal activities in the State. The sacrifices of our security operatives in safeguarding lives and property are not in vain. We therefore call on the general public to disregard the misleading video and remain resolute in supporting lawful security efforts", the PPRO said. He warned that the command shall invoke the relevant cybercrime laws to ensure that the originators of "this malicious content" does not go unpunished.

By Madu Obi In a fulfilment of his campaign promise, Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo returned to Nzam in Anambra West local government area during which he commissioned the newly constructed 13-kilometer Nzam road. Before now, the headquarters of Anambra West local government could not be easily accessed due to lack of motorable road. Speaking at the local government headquarters after visiting various markets and locations in the area, Governor Soludo declared that the barrier has finally been overcome, allowing residents to commute on a tarred road. He highlighted other fulfilled commitments made by his administration since coming to office, stating, "I made a promise accompanied by a significant consequence during the last gubernatorial campaign. Today that promise has been fulfilled as we can now drive into Nzam in September." He commended prominent figures from Anambra West who have joined his political party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, which he likened to a religion in the state. The Governor emphasized that his current focus is on project inspection, commissioning, and launching initiatives, as he is committed to an agenda with a set timeline. "We are on a mission of transformation and development, reaching out to those who have been overlooked and neglected," he said. The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne, remarked on the significant changes in the political landscape, noting that every local government area has benefited from the democratic dividends in less than four years under Governor Soludo's leadership. During the event, the state chairman of APGA, Barrister Ifeatu Obiokoye, welcomed new members from other political parties who joined the party.