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By Iheanyi Chukwudi A group of Gabonese military who announce the coup in the country on Wednesday putting an end to President Ali Bongo’s regime has given reasons for their action. The officers and soldiers who appeared on the nation’s television cancelled the results of Saturday’s election which Bongo was declared the winner but the opposition argued was heavily disputed. The coupists in a statement read out by one of them on Gabon 24 television channel but translated from French said, “Our beautiful country, Gabon, has always been a haven of peace. Today, the country is going through a serious institutional, political, economic and social crisis. “We are therefore forced to admit that the organisation of the general elections of 26 August, 2023 did not meet the conditions for a transparent, credible and inclusive ballot so much hoped for by the people of Gabon. “Today, the country is going through a serious institutional, political, economic and social crisis. We are therefore forced to admit that the organisation of the general elections of 26 August, 2023 did not meet the conditions for a transparent, credible and inclusive ballot so much hoped for by the people of Gabon. “Added to this is irresponsible and unpredictable governance, resulting in a continuing deterioration in social cohesion, with the risk of leading the country into chaos. “Today, 30 August, 2023, we - the defence and security forces, gathered as the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) on behalf of the people of Gabon and as guarantors of the institutions’ protection - have decided to defend peace by putting an end to the current regime. “To this end, the general elections of 26 August, 2023 and the truncated results are cancelled. The borders are closed until further notice. “All the institutions of the Republic are dissolved: the government, the Senate, the National Assembly, the Constitutional Court, the Economic, Social and Environmental Council and the Gabonese Elections Centre. “We call for calm and serenity from the public, the communities of sister countries settled in Gabon, and the Gabonese diaspora. “We reaffirm our commitment to respecting Gabon’s commitments to the national and international community. People of Gabon, we are finally on the road to happiness. “May God and the spirits of our ancestors bless Gabon. Honour and loyalty to our homeland. Thank you.”

By Madu Obi THE process aimed at boosting internet connectivity across Anambra State has begun, with the laying of fibre ducks in the various communities. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Mr Fred Agbata, who spoke at the launch of Kodex Africa, emphasized the need for people in the tech ecosystem to embrace the programme, which he described as key for success in the technology space. “The agency’s commitment to fostering the culture of collaboration is undoubted, which is why we would continually explore interesting areas of collaboration with as many persons as possible,” Agbata added. He encouraged more hubs to sign up with the Innovation Support Network, ISN, so that they could collectively build a thriving tech ecosystem in Anambra State. In his speech, the Managing Director, Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency, ANSIPPA, Mr. Mark Okoye stressed the need for identification of the challenges within the ecosystem, as well as finding ways to surmount them to be able to optimize the myriad of opportunities therein. Okoye said: “We must continue to collaboratively push out positive narratives about us with one voice so that soonest, all the negative stories will fizzle out. “We are at the beginning of something great, and we owe it to ourselves to create a thriving, more productive and sustainable ecosystem." “We also need to evolve new funding models to further support start ups within the ecosystem, so that by next year, we can launch a crowd funding platform for start ups in Anambra State”. Also speaking, the Director of Partnerships with the Innovation Support Network, ISN, and the founder of ROA hub in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Mr, Charles Emembolu expressed excitement about the launch and the prospects it holds for the tech ecosystem in Anambra State. Emembolu also encouraged more hubs to join ISN in other to expand their networks and experience new and faster ways of achieving great feats within the ecosystem. "In today’s digital world, you need to have an open mind and imbibe the spirit of collaboration in other to grow; there are lots of tech skills but most people find it hard selling them out there, hence the need to come together” he stated.

By Madu Obi THE management of Guinness Nigeria Plc virtually relocated to the industrial town of Nnewi, Anambra State during this year's celebration of the town's New Yam festival. The Marketing and Innovation Director at Guinness Nigeria Plc., Mark Mugisha, at the epoch -making occasion, assured that his company will continue to partner with the people of Nnewi to promote the rich culture of the area. “Guinness, as a brand, is deeply rooted in culture, and therefore we are keen on the celebration of the passion that enables our audience to create timeless experiences together, where they shine brightest", Mugisha said during the ceremony. The Nnewi New Yam festival is an annual thanksgiving festival usually held in August, which symbolizes the end of a harvest and the beginning of the next farming cycle. This year, the partnership between Guinness and the people of Nnewi reinforced the commitment and support for a rich cultural heritage and vibrant expressions. The celebration showcased the stunning colors of the Anambra people, the beautiful cultural feats of dance and music, as well as local delicacies and energetic performances of the people of Nnewi. Amidst dancing and entertainment, the people of Nnewi expressed their delight that Guinness joined them in the celebration of the long-standing tradition of the New Yam festival.

By Madu Obi The government of Anambra State has urged people residing within the flood- prone areas of the state to take proactive and appropriate measures in handling the impending flood to avoid loss of lives and property. Many communities in the state are already feeling the heat of the flood, which has led to premature harvesting of crops resulting in monumental losses. A statement by the press secretary to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Christian Aburime, also urged the people to be fully at alert and endeavour to support each other in time of need. The state goverment's statement read: “As the annual release of excess water from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam is upon us, there is a looming threat of severe flooding that could endanger lives, homes, and livelihoods in vulnerable areas in Nigeria. “It is crucial to be aware, be informed, and be prepared in the face of this potential disaster. “According to the National Emergency Management Agency, the Cameroon authorities have lately issued their annual dam water release alert, and no fewer than 11 states, including Anambra, Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Cross River, are likely to feel the negative impacts of the opening of the dam. “The Lagdo Dam, located in Cameroon, annually releases excess water to manage its reservoir levels during the rainy season as we are in now." “This discharge often leads to an increase in the water levels of the Benue River and its tributaries, which could subsequently lead to devastating floods in adjacent downstream areas, including Anambra State." "Last year’s catastrophic incident served as a painful reminder of the destructive power of these floods, as many communities in our state experienced unprecedented destruction and losses." “Naturally, the safety of Anambra people under the able leadership of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo is of paramount importance at all times." “In order to avert a reoccurrence of last year’s disaster and in preparation for this year’s flood event, the government has taken proactive measures to mitigate the impact of potential flooding." “To this end, a special flood committee led by the Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim has since set in motion the contingency plans and risk management mechanisms". The statement added that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) had already sent early warnings to all the people living in riverside and flood-prone areas to immediately relocate to the safe Internally Displaced Peoples (IDP) camps provided by the state government. “Specifically, those residing in usually affected local government areas, such as Ogbaru, Ayamelum, Anambra East and West, Onitsha North and South, Awka North, Idemmili South, Ekwusigo and Ihiala, have been duly advised to relocate without further delay." “Our elderly citizens, women and children are to be specially helped to move to the safer IDP camps, along with their properly secured assets, household items, farm produce, livestock and so on." “Also, the sensitization and creation of awareness are in full swing as the Transition Committee Council chairmen in the affected LGAs have been mandated to link up with all the churches, markets and other high concentration points within the flood-prone areas to dispense the right information." “The state Ministry of Information is also broadcasting the impending flood alert on appropriate media channels." “As the evacuation of affected residents takes off, flood plains are seriously being watched to monitor the levels of water rise and also to sound the alarm once the rise becomes critical." “It is very imperative for those living in flood-prone areas to follow evacuation orders without delay." “And should there be a need for emergency services when the flood arrives, the state’s emergency response teams are on high alert and are equipped to provide immediate assistance in case of flooding." “The response teams will promptly handle various situations and provide support to affected individuals and communities. As responsible and vigilant citizens, our cooperation is most crucial at this time in averting a disaster." The state government further advised the people to keep calm and stay updated with accurate information from official sources to avoid misinformation and confusion. “Families are to be supportive of one another, while communities and neighbours should work together to offer assistance to those in need of evacuating or preparing for the flood." “In all, let us all remember the lessons learned from the devastating floods of last year and take proactive measures now to ensure the safety of ourselves, our families, our livelihoods, our property, and our communities." “By staying informed, cooperating with government efforts, and acting responsibly, we can collectively overcome this challenge and minimize the impact of the impending flood," the statement added.

By Madu Obi A 20-year old woman from Ebonyi State has been arrested in Anambra State for delivering a baby and throwing it into a pit toilet. The incident occured at Otuocha, in Anambra East local government area of Anambra State. The suspect, identified as Nwaedoka Chidimma, from Izzi local government area of Ebonyi State, was said to have intentionally carried out the act. The baby was however rescued alive three days after when bystanders heard its cry from the pit toilet. A farmer, Esther Omesi said the suspect had requested to stay with her for few days to enable her engage in a farming job she got in the area. Omesi said: “Chidimma is my friend and was staying with me when she suddenly started acting funny after she complained of stomach upset and went to the pit toilet to ease her self. “After spending time in the toilet, she came out with drops of blood. I quickly invited a nurse who after inspection, revealed that the baby had gone." “I had encouraged her to travel home to her parents and notify them of the development because I thought she had a still birth." “It was on Tuesday morning when we heard a baby’s cry that we quickly used a ladder to rescue the new born baby and subsequently alerted security agencies." Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Ify Obinabo confirmed the suspect’s arrest, adding that the new born was rescued alive from the pit three days after. She said the baby was receiving treatment at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital Amaku, Awka. Obinabo vowed that the suspect would not go unpunished.

By Obi Madu The Senator that represented Anambra Central in the 9th national assembly on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife has been named among 138 - member campaign council for the reelection of Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, fueling speculation that she might have dumped PDP. Another surprise name in the campaign council for Imo is that of Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, who was a presidential aspirant in PDP for the 2023 general elections. The off- cycle election holds on November 11, 2023 in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi states and the various political parties have already kicked off their campaigns after nominating their gubernatorial candidates. The campaign council for Imo State announced by the national chairman of APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, is chaired by the Governor of Cross Rivers State, Bassey Otu, with Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru as co-chair. The council is also co-chaired by Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of House Representatives and Nkeiruka Onyejiocha, Minister of State for Labour. Other notable members are Uche Nnaji, Abiodun Oyebanji, governor of Ekiti; Hyacinth Alia, Benue State governor; Chris Akomas, former deputy governor of Abia State; Nkem Okeke, former deputy governor of Anambra State; Prince Eze Madumere, former deputy governor of Imo State; Dr. Doris Aniche Uzoka, Barr Kennedy Uju Ohanenye, Prof Onyebuchi, Emma Enukwu, Sulaiman Mohammad Argungu, Nze Chidi Duru and Chief Henry Ikoh. Ekwunife, who has a history of changing political parties, has not officially left the PDP, although her body language appears to be indicating that. In her political career, she had gone round PPA, APGA, PDP and now APC if she accepts her new role. After failing in her bid to represent Anambra Central for the third time, Ekwunife accepted the job of Director General of the South East Governors Forum, which has Hope Uzodinma as the chairman. She came third in the election won by the Labour Party( LP) candidate, Chief Victor Umeh, while Dozie Nwankwo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) came second in the poll declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC). In the build up to the February 25, 2023 general elections, Ekwunife campaigned for the presidential candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

By Madu Obi Members of the Aguata branch of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, have expressed excitement over the election of a lawyer, Barr Sly Ezeokenwa, as the national chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA. Led by the chairman, Victor Eze and the Bar leader in Aguata, K.C. Ezeanyika, they observed that emerging national chairman of a major party like APGA is no mean feat. Ezeokenwa is the first lawyer to be elected national chairman of the party. During the visit, the APGA national chairman discussed a number of issues with his colleagues, including legal reforms and participation of lawyers in politics in Nigeria. The excited national chairman said: "I express my sincere gratitude to the NBA Aguata branch for their unwavering support and tireless efforts. Your presence today bears witness to the unity and shared vision that binds us together. "Your unwavering commitment fuels our determination to create a society that upholds the principles of fairness and equality." He reaffirmed his determination to work hand in hand with the NBA in forging a brighter future for Nigeria. In his speech, the NBA chairman expressed immense joy in witnessing one of their own assume the prestigious position of national chairman in a prominent political party in Nigeria. He congratulated Ezeokenwa on his election and assured him of their support.

By Madu Obi Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has said that he received only N2 billion from the federal government for various interventions to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians. The governor, who made the clarification in Awka during the 9th delegates conference of the Anambra State branch of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), said the state would add its own resources to be able to meet the needs of the people of the state. “We got, so far, N2 billion from the federal government, though the federal government announced the payment of N5 billion per state and we shall use it to add to our own palliatives in Anambra State", Soludo said. Recall that a group under the aegis of South East All Progressives Congress Young Progressives Forum had asked Soludo to give details of the subsidy removal palliatives received from the federal government, lamenting that the entire process was shrouded in secrecy in Anambra State. The leader of the group, Paschal Candle said but for the revelation made by the Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum, after the National Executive Council meeting held on Thursday last week, the people of Anambra State would have remained in the dark about the largesse from the federal government. But Soludo, in a statement, acknowledged that President Bola Tinubu had rolled out an agenda of palliatives as the response of the federal government towards alleviating the adverse effects of the subsidy removal.

By Iheanyi Chukwudi Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP), in the February 25general election, Send. Rabiu Musa Kwankwoso, has been suspended from the party by the Board of Trustees (BoT). The BoT who also suspended members of the National Working Committee (NWC), of the party, said Kwankwoso was suspended for alleged anti-party activities. Stating that the suspension is for six months, the BoT appointed new national officers headed by Dr Agbo Major as Acting National Chairman and Mr Ogini Olaposi as the Acting National Secretary. The BoT Secretary, Babayo Muhammed Abdulahi who addressed newsmen on Tuesday at the end of their meeting in Lagos, accused Kwankwaso of hobnobbing with President Bola Tinubu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Mr. Peter Obi, without the Board’s authorisation. Kwankwaso, he announced, had been stripped of the NNPP national leader status by the board. The secretary of the BoT said the purported suspension of the NNPP founder was a flagrant gross violation of the party’s constitution. He pointed out that Aniebonam had resigned as the BoT chairman and a new BoT Chairman, Dr Chief Tope Aluko was elected with Abdulahi as new BoT Secretary, while High Chief Tony Obioha was elected as BoT spokesperson. Abdulahi said the pre-election Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Kwankwasia Movement, The National Movement (TNM) and National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, (NAGAFF) had been rendered void by the actions of the NWC. Abdulahi said: “The purported suspension of the founder is a flagrant gross violation of the NNPP constitution such that it is tantamount to recklessness and irresponsibility on the part of the incompetent NWC. “The BoT decided that material evidence in the public sector affirmed that Kwankwaso was involved in anti-party activities in various meetings, suggest political discussions with the President, Atiku and Obi without authorisation from the board. “This has earned him six months suspension pending the outcome of investigation by the Disciplinary Committee. “The BOT insisted that the avoidable violation of MoU between NNPP on the one part and Kwankwasiyya, TNM and NAGAFF on the other has no other choice than to withdraw from the partnership. “It is therefore to state clearly that the MoU have been rendered void,” he said.

By Madu Obi THE Anambra State government has set up a committee for the distribution of relief materials to the 2022 flood victims in the state. The committee, which is headed by the Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Chief Paul Odenigbo, has the Executive Director of SEMA, Mr. C. Y Agupugo as the secretary. Other members of the committee are the Special Adviser to the governor on Political Matters, Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, the Commissioner for Local Government, Town Union and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Collins Nwabunwanne and the Transition Committee chairmen of the eight affected local government areas. The LGAs are Anambra West, Anambra East, Ayamelum, Awka North, Ogbaru, Ekwusigo, Ihiala and Idemili South. At the inauguration of the committee at the SEMA headquarters in Awka, Odenigbo commended the state government for setting up the committee as stipulated by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). "The state government is complying with the directive of the federal government- assisted NEMA, which has directed that the relief materials are to be distributed specifically to 2022 flood victims in the state," he said. He urged the local government chairmen to ensure that the items were equitably distributed to the designated people, adding that the state governor had instructed that the items must reach the affected victims in good time. Discussions during the meeting centered on the distribution mode, time frame, how to get the items directly to the beneficiaries, as well as the materials involved. The Special Adviser on political matters to the governor, Obiogbolu said people involved in the exercise need to be accountable for the items to ensure seamless distribution process. "Confidence arises from performance because your past experiences in the distribution of relief items will come to play in this exercise." "Part of the job is making sure that only the people who were affected by the flood are the beneficiaries." "You should also make sure that it is not just one person distributing; there should be a team work and let there be transparency in the exercise." "See to it that the stakeholders in your localities are carried along, although I am not in doubt of your ability in making sure that the distribution is successful’’, Obiogbolu told the chairmen." Commending NEMA and SEMA for considering their respective LGAs the distribution, the Transition Committee Chairman of Anambra East LGA, Dr. Anselm Onuora assured that the items would go through the Ward Emergency Management Committees down the individuals in the various communities in an equitable manner. He, however, pleaded for more items to be allocated to the LGAs in view of the level of destruction by the flood and the large number of the victims.

By Iheanyi Chukwudi At least one male victim has died following a clash between rival groups in Aku community, Igbo-Etiti Local Government of Enugu State. The clash which saw many other people including Police Operatives injured, took place in the community on Monday at about 4pm, over the celebration of Odo Masquerade festival. The State Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe (DSP), who confirmed the incident on Tuesday, said a male suspect has been arrested in connection with the clash and a firearm recovered from him. He disclosed that normalcy has been restored to the community, at the orders of the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State, Kanayo Uzuegbu, who urged the residents of the community to be law abiding. Ndukwe in statement said, “One male suspect has been arrested and a firearm recovered from him, in connection with the clash between rival groups in Aku community of Igbo-Etiti LGA, over the celebration of Odo Masquerade festival, on 28/08/2024 at about 4pm. “The incident led to the shooting and murder of one male victim, and injury of others, including Police Operatives deployed to calm the situation." “Normalcy has been restored, while the Commissioner of Police has ordered the deployment more of Police Operatives, investigation of the case and bringing perpetrators to book. He urges the residents of the community to be law-abiding and cooperate with the Police.”

By Madu Obi THE ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in Anambra State and the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, are blaming each other over non conduct of local government election in the state. While APGA said APC was the cause of non conduct of the election following a court case it instituted against the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission, ANSIEC, APC regretted that Anambra is the only state in the South East that has neither formed democratically elected local governments, nor set a date for the exercise. Since the return of the current democracy in the country in 1999, Anambra had conducted LG election only once and that was towards the end of Mr Peter Obi’s tenure as governor of the state in January 2014. A chieftain of the APC, Okelo Madukaife, expressed surprise at the reason being given by APGA, insisting that there was no court restraining conduct of local government polls in the state. Referring to a statement credited to the state chairman of APGA, Barr. Ifeatu Obi-Okoye that it was the APC court action that is delaying the local government election, Madukaife said: "Obiokoye did not mention the parties, the subject matter of the suit(s), or the specific orders, if any, tying the hands of the Anambra State government on local government election. "Gov. Peter Obi of APGA used that excuse until it suffered self-expiration. Gov. Wille Obiano applied that excuse to corner the resources of LGs. Now Gov. Soludo,who was emphatic about holding LG election in September 2022, as part of election promise, has failed and is finding a leeway in the latest APGA umbrage. "APGA is only trying to defend an unjustifiable plunder that is putting Zik's home state down in the comity of Nigerian states, to the extent that in time, the state may become the last in Nigeria. "Come September 02, 2023, Edo State will repent from the sin that Anambra is older at by electing LG officials. "Yet Anambra State is wasting money paying a set of near unproductive staff of ANSIEC for doing next to nothing, having no board and draining the resources of the state under the colourless leadership of Chukwuma Soludo's APGA." Reacting to Madukaife's comment, the coordinator of APGA Media Warriors Forum, Mr. Chinedu Obigwe said it is a well known fact that the suit instituted by APC that was dragged to the Supreme Court, is the clog on the wheels of Anambra State government's desire to conduct local government election. According to Obigwe, if APC is sincere about its clamour for the conduct of local government election in the state, it should first withdraw the cases it instituted in that respect in the court so that the state government would no longer have any legal impediment in that direction. He said: "Anambra APC cannot use litigation to stop Anambra State government from conducting local government election and turn around to act as if it wants the election to be conducted. "As long as the case is not yet decided by Supreme Court, any conduct of local government election in Anambra is an exercise in futility because it will be declared null and void at the end of the day. "Governor Chukwuma Soludo is a believer of the rule of law and for that reason he will not indulge in a sub -judice action." "In Anambra of today, Governor Soludo has drastically reduced the cost of governance and managing the lean resources at his disposal judiciously." "The resources accruing to Anambra State coffers are being channelled to projects being executed across the state by the Soludo administration".