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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.

By Madu Obi Anambra State has gained 10 additional oil wells it successfully reclaimed from Delta State following the resolution of a boundary dispute. The state government is also planning to establish a modular refinery at Osomala, Ogbaru local government area. The oil wells were previously credited to Delta State which had a long-standing boundary disagreement with Anambra State. Managing Director of the Anambra State Solid Minerals Development Company and Chairman of Anambra State Petroleum Energy Resources Limited, Professor Charles Ofoegbu, a verification exercise conducted by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) confirmed that the wells rightfully belong to Anambra State. It was gathered that once the report receives official approval, Anambra will start receiving revenue from the oil wells located along the state's maritime boundary with Delta State. The development is expected to increase the state’s 13 per cent oil derivation revenue from the federal government. Meanwhile, the planned modular refinery to be established at Osamala, Ogbaru is expected to process petroleum products, including diesel and it is expected to create employment opportunities, and stimulate economic growth in the state.

By Madu Obi Following the recent attack on Mr Peter Obi and other chieftains of Action Democratic Congress, ADC, in Benin City, Edo State, members of Obi's support group, the Obedient Movement, have warned opposition politicians not to push the group to the wall, saying that nobody has a monopoly of violence. FCT Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Comrade Daniel Dumije, at a press briefing, said the group would no longer tolerate a situation where Obi's life is threatened for no justifiable reason. "We have taken time to investigate what happened in Edo State, what led to it, those behind the dastardly act, their subsequent threats, and what is likely their next move. That is why we did not rush out with a statement immediately the incident happened. Now, armed with the knowledge of what played out, we, the members of the Obedient Movement wish to sound this note of warning to those who have taken it upon themselves to turn this country into another Somalia by unnecessarily provoking the peace-loving millions of Obedient Movement members worldwide by threatening or attacking the person of our principal, H.E. Mr. Peter Gregory Obi. We urge them to have a rethink and save Nigeria from the unimaginable consequences of their wicked and callous action. It is a well-known fact that no person or group of persons has a monopoly on rascality and violence. We are not political thugs or motor park touts; we are men and women of great means, upwardly mobile, and with a great sense of responsibility. We have decided to stop the rape of our country by conscienceless and wicked individuals masquerading as leaders by any means possible. We will achieve this through every peaceful means. But if we are pushed to the wall, we can assure those doing the pushing that we will never look for a way of escape. Instead, we will definitely pay the cowards in their own coin because Nigeria belongs to all of us", Dumije said. He also called on those he accused of intimidating the Obedient Movement through violence to know that further attacks or threats against Peter Obi will no longer be treated with silence or without consequences. According to him, those who think they could use their present positions in power to intimidate, oppress or silence the opposition must have a rethink because it will never work for them this time. "The vision is clear and the mission is settled. We the Obidents believe strongly in the personality, credibility and ideology of Mr. Peter Obi, and we will continue to stand by him; stand with him; and stand for him until our New Nigeria mission is accomplished", the group stated.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State executive council has approved the release of over N777 million for some strategic projects across the state. Among the projects are N164.4 million as cost overrun on the construction of an IAAF standard 5-lane spray system track and natural grass pitch in Ekwulobia Stadium Complex in Aguata local government area, N72.7 million for road marking and installation of thermoplastic speed bumps along the 10.043 km newly constructed Afor Nkpor-Eke Obosi Road in Idemili North local government area. N122 million for the supply and installation of 10 formatted 40 ft containers in multiple locations across the state as a temporary accommodation for security personnel. Other projects approved are N172.2 million for the building an asphalt surface on the internal dual carriage driveway at the International Convention Center, ICC, Awka, N176 million for the building an asphalt surface on the service lane to the State House of Assembly and the state High Court Complex, Awka. N72.6 million for road-marking and installation of thermoplastic speed bumps along the 10 km newly constructed Afor Nkpor-Eke Obosi road. The Council also evaluated and welcomed the sentence of the Anambra native doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu, known as Akwa Ọkụkụ Tiwara Akị, and the destruction of his shrine and Oke Ite pots as part of the fight for what it described as the state's moral and social rebirth. According to the state Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, the Council saw the fight as a significant step toward to re-establish Anambra's social and moral order, reiterating that the Igbo philosophy of hard work is the foundation of the state’s efforts at social and moral rebirth. Meanwhile , the state EXCO has approved three primary events for the swearing-in of Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim for their second term on March 17, 2026. The three events, for which several subcommittees have been set up, are an interdenominational service on Sunday, March 15; a swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, March 17; and a thanksgiving service on Sunday, March 22.