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By Madu Obi An Anambra politician, Hon. Ernest Okafor, who regained his freedom from kidnappers after payment of ₦16 million ransom by family, lost his brother shortly after his release. Okafor, from Awa in Orumba North local government area, who was a former aspirant for the House of Representatives, was abducted in front of his house on his return from a political event on August 16. But as the family was rejoicing over his release, his elder brother, Chief Okwuchukwu Okafor, who, until his death, was the chairman of Market 3, Eke Awka, and leader of the Eke Awka Task Force, could not survive the tension and trauma of the ordeal. “The kidnappers demanded millions, and the family had no choice but to pay. Sixteen million naira was eventually delivered before he was set free. But the celebration of his safe return was overshadowed by tragedy of his elder brother's sudden death. The passing of Okafor has plunged the Awka business community into mourning, with traders describing him as a fearless defender of the market and a man of the people," a family member said.

Enugu State Gov. Peter Mbah exchanging pleasantries with Mike Ozekhome SAN By Iheanyi Chukwudi Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah has been commended by lawyers and participants at the ongoing Annual General Conference (AGC), of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), in Enugu, in the to for what they described as his transformative leadership in the past two years. Leading in the commendations on Tuesday shortly after the Governor’s presentation on “Leadership and Transformation,” where he showcased Enugu State, sharing practical strategies he was applying in overcoming barriers and unlocking Enugu’s opportunities, is legal luminary, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN). Ozekhome who said he was familiar with the state over the years stated that it would be evil for anyone to deny the obvious transformations under Governor Mbah. He said, “I come to Enugu every day. So, I am not a stranger at all to Enugu State. It will be difficult for me to deny that I have not seen some groundbreaking projects. To deny your transformative leadership will be sinful, and I do not want to be a sinner." He wondered how Mbah was able to “do these great things in a highly politicised environment infested by political buccaneers, and in an environment where there is more politicking than governance." For another lawyer, Senator Dino Melaye, Mbah has emerged as a pacesetter in good governance in two years. He said, “I am particularly and personally impressed with the Governor of Enugu State because all these things have been done in two years. I only can see that you think out of the box. Melaye praised the Governor for putting competence above political considerations in the recruitment of his team, saying, “Also, I am impressed with your expertise in the recruitment process, in appointing your political appointees. The intellectual sagacity displayed by them is too much. It gives hope that Nigeria can be fine again. It contributes a lot to the progress you are achieving and have achieved." Earlier in his presentation, Governor Mbah observed that transformational leadership demanded the audacity to envision something beyond low expectations, insisting that such leaders must ground their work in vision, values, and a disruptive strategy to achieve the desired results. “Our vision was to grow Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, to reduce the poverty headcount to zero, and to make Enugu the preferred destination in Nigeria for business, for tourism, and for living. We imagined a state that, within eight years, would be completely unrecognisable from the one we inherited." Ḿbah explained that such humongous vision and targets could not be wished into existence, hence the state’s huge investments in drastic crime reduction and the building of infrastructure to power business, tourism, and investment. He said, “None of our visions and targets would have been possible without security. So, from the outset, we built a tech-driven, intelligence-led security architecture anchored in our Command and Control Centre. “With round-the-clock AI surveillance across our neighbourhoods, integrated response units (DRS), and community partnership, Enugu has recorded an over 80% reduction in violent crime. “This stability is the bedrock upon which investment, jobs, and society can grow.”

By Iheanyi Chukwudi Fiery Warri-based legal practitioner, John Aikpokpo-Martins on Monday led a group of lawyers to visit their colleague and Labour Party Member-Elect, Hon. Barr. Bright Ngene, at the Enugu Correctional Centre. The visit is the aftermath of a peaceful protest by a cross section of Enugu residents who are unhappy with the continued incarceration of Ngene whom they voted to represent them in the Enugu State House of Assembly. Ngene was declared winner of the Enugu South Urban rerun election held recently, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) but had been in detention. Aikpokpo-Martins who led volunteer lawyers to the Enugu Correctional Centre after the protesters stormed the International Conference Centre Enugu, venue of the NBA Annual General Conference had Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Kunle Edun, in his company. The protesters today described Ngene as a “politically imprisoned” candidate and called for his freedom. Meanwhile, Aikpokpo-Martins had at the visit expressed concern that Ngene is “being denied access to justice by the legal profession itself.” The visit of the lawyers has given the people joy and hope that it might make justice possible for the lawyer and lawmaker-elect.

By Iheanyi Chukwudi A cross section of Enugu residents on Monday stormed the streets of the Coal City in protest against the imprisonment of Mr Bright Ngene, a member of the Labour Party and member elect of the State House of Assembly. Ngene, a lawyer, was recently declared winner of alternation Enugu South Urban Constituency rerun election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He has been in prison for months after he was jailed by a Magistrate Court in the state, in a matter many believed was political. Apparently in need of justice for the lawyer, the residents used the opportunity of the Nigerian Bar Association Annual Conference holding in Enugu to embark on a peaceful protest to draw the attention of Nigerian lawyers to the continued incarceration of one of them in Enugu State. Prior to the rerun of the constituency election and Ngene's subsequent declaration as winner of the election, three previous attempts to hold it ended in fracas. The fourth attempt was almost marred by the altercations between the members of the People Democratic Party (PDP), and the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Hon. Uche Nnaji. However, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Ngene as the winner of the election days later. The protesters, who are seeking his release, described him as a prisoner of conscience, collaborating his wife's earlier statement to newsmen linking her husband's incarceration to political tussle.

By Madu Obi Wife of the Anambra State governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has received the 2025 First Lady of the Year in Healthcare and Child Support award. Mrs Soludo was honoured at the Nigerian Humanitarian Awards & Magazine, following her impactful work through her flagship programme, 'Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo'. Her NGO, which champions community health awareness, maternal and child care and nutrition education, is targeted mainly to support underserved families in both rural and urban areas of the state. The excited Anambra first lady, in a statement said: "What began over 19 years ago as a simple passion has, now transformed into a massive crusade, and I couldn't be any less grateful for the grace of consistency and support. "Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo has come to stay. For each laurel and accolade that come our way, we take them in the manner of greater expectations. This one is special. To all my beloved Healthy Living family, all of you who come out each Saturday morning to workout with me, and to all the beautiful children in Anambra whose life and future have been reassured by what we do, this is for you. You're the pride of what we do."

Late Dr. Harris Chuma-Odili By Madu Obi Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has lamented the death of a media advocate, Dr Harris Chuma-Odiliwho on August, 23, 2025. Chuma-Odili, a native of Ogbunike , was said to have collapsed during a ceremony in the town. "In a statement by the Press Secretary to the governor, Christian Aburime, Soludo described him as a passionate advocate for responsible media practices in the South East region. Dr. Chuma-Odili’s contributions to the field of journalism and media advocacy have had a significant impact on our community, promoting ethics, accountability, and civic engagement. His dedicated efforts in fostering media literacy and empowering citizens through informed discourse have left a lasting legacy that will be cherished by many. The loss of Dr. Harris Chuma-Odili is a profound one for Anambra State. He was a visionary leader who tirelessly championed the cause of truth in journalism and worked diligently to create a more informed and engaged society. His passion for advocacy and commitment to elevating the voices of ordinary citizens serves as an inspiration to us all", the governor said. He extended heartfelt condolences to Chuma-Odili’s family, friends, and colleagues and encouraged citizens of the state to celebrate his life and contributions, reflecting on the impact he made on media and public advocacy during his lifetime.

By Madu Obi The National Peace Committee, NPC, chaired by the former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, through its secretariat ,The Kukah Centre, has identified expected flashpoints ahead of the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State. Of the 21 local government areas of the state, seven, namely, Awka South, Awka North, Ihiala, Nnewi South, Idemili North, Orumba South and Ayamelum, were said to be areas that need special attention. The listed local government areas are either prone to the activities of separatist movement and kidnappers, or associated with cultism and political thuggery. At the European Union-sponsored stakeholders validation forum organized separately for the three senatorial zones of the state as part of a broader initiative to support peaceful, inclusive, and credible gubernatorial election, the Kukah Center urged the stakeholders to be alive to their responsibilities to avoid election violence. The support came through the EU’s flagship democracy programme, European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN), which aims to support the government’s efforts in strengthening democracy in Nigeria. At the Awka meeting, the stakeholders also looked at the reasons for the low voter turnout during elections and suggested ways to improve voter participation. Diverse groups, including electoral bodies, security agencies, political parties, traditional and religious organizations, civil society groups, the media, as well as youth and women networks, aired their views and expressed commitment to ensure the success of the Anambra governorship election. Addressing the participants, Deborah Obafemi of the Kukah Center, reminded them that they could help shape a peaceful electoral process that restores public confidence, promotes participation, and strengthens democracy in Anambra State. "As we are all aware, Anambra is approaching a pivotal moment with the upcoming off-cycle election. The forum is not just a meeting; it is a call to collective responsibility. We are here to validate findings from a comprehensive context analysis, share insights, identify risks, and most importantly, co-create actionable solutions that reflect the realities and aspirations of Anambra people. We believe that peace building and electoral credibility must be built from the ground up, with your voices, your leadership, and your commitment" Obafemi said. The traditional ruler of Nawgu, Dunukofia local government area, Igwe George Okaa-Onwuogu, in his address, said since about 75% of the electorate reside in the rural areas, more attention should be placed there in terms of voter education. He said: "We the traditional rulers are at the grassroot and have been trying our best to educate our people on the need to play mature politics. For the forthcoming election, we will tell our people what to do, and how to behave during the election. Sometimes the politicians try to embarrass the traditional ruler of the community by virtually pressurizing him to force his subjects to vote for him and it also good that politicians who usually do all the things were part of this meeting and we hope they would change their behavior before, during and after the election. We must preach and ensure that peace reigns because election should not be a do or see afair. We're more prepared for a peaceful and credible election than the politicians." The Monarch commended the Kukah Center for the enlightenment programme, advising, however, that it should also monitor the election and make recommendations to ensure that the efforts were not in vain. Another traditional ruler, Igwe Emeka Ilouno of Ifitedunu observed that rules are not in short supply in the country, adding that the problem is implementation. "Voter education is necessary to help douse the current tension in the state ahead of the polls. We need to carry the voters along and using the traditional rulers, there will be more confidence in the system" he stated. Managing Director of Anambra State Civic and Social Reformation Office, Sir Chuka Nnabuife said there is so much expectation and anxiety concerning the election because many key actors are not performing their duties as they ought to. According to him, voter education should not be left only for the INEC and National Orientation Agency, NOA, adding that faith -based organizations and town union leaders should also enlighten the people. "This is August and women are holding their annual meetings and they are not talking about the election which is just few months away", he noted

By Madu Obi The Archbishop on the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Revd Alexander Ibezim has been exonerated of the allegation of financial impropriety and irregularities in land transaction in Awka Diocese. Two members of the church, Bonti Onuigbo and a lawyer, had filed a petition questioning some actions taken on behalf of the Diocese by the Archbishop. However, at an emergency session convened by the diocesan board, the members unanimously cleared Archbishop Ibezim of any wrongdoing. In a resolution, the board dismissed the petition, describing it as “false, baseless, and politically motivated,” noting that all land sales in the diocese were transparently conducted and properly documented. The Archdeacon of St. Faith Cathedral, Awka, Venerable Samuel Okonkwo, said the petitioner lacked standing, adding that Onuigbo is neither a registered member of the Cathedral, nor a stakeholder in the Diocese. According to him, internal matters of the Church must be raised by those who are truly part of its life and witness. Financial officers of the Diocese, including the Treasurer, Prof. Clifford Nwanna and Financial Secretary, Mrs. Lovelyn Umeh, presented records indicating that proceeds from land sales were duly paid into the diocesan account. Also, the Secretary of the land committee, Ven. Jason Onyeakagbusi, confirmed that records of diocesan property dated back to the era of late Archbishop Maxwell Anikwenwa, describing the petition as “misleading.” On the allegation regarding staff retrenchment, Ven. B. K. Ofili said rather that the Diocese had, under Archbishop Ibezim, created new institutions that generated employment. He cited the establishment of Paul University, Awka; the Archbishop Alexander Ibezim College of Education, Nibo-Nise; Millennium College of Nursing Sciences, Awka; Renaissance Modern Polytechnic, Mbaukwu; and several schools across the Diocese. Other diocesan leaders, including Prof. Emma Ezenwaji, President of the Council of Knights, and Sir Okey Chukwuogor, affirmed that synod had long ago adopted the policy of treating some diocesan lands as “investment property,” well before Archbishop Ibezim assumed office. “The petition constitutes a false allegation aimed at tarnishing the good image of His Grace, The Most Revd Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim and ridiculing the reputation of the Diocese and the Church of God", the resolution read A senior cleric, Venerable Ifeanyi Umeh, who reacted on the issue, alleged that internal opposition was being fuelled by lingering disputes over land issues involving a certain prominent lawyer in the Diocese He said that Archbishop Ibezim’s efforts to safeguard diocesan property had unsettled some individuals, leading to attempts to discredit him. “Because our Archbishop insisted on transparency, some individuals are resorting to false accusations and blackmail,” Umeh said. “The integrity of the Church remains intact. We stand firmly behind our Archbishop,” a senior member of the church said.

By Iheanyi Chukwudi Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, has expressed happiness over the preparedness of Enugu State to host about 20,000 lawyers for the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) of the association. Already, the Coal City capital of the old Eastern Region, is a beehive of activities as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, firebrand South African politician, Julius Malema, and others converge for the conference which formally opens tomorrow, Sunday. Osigwe, who relished the thrilling moments already being experienced in Enugu, told newsmen yhat the city was a befitting venue for the theme of the conference, “Stand Out, Stand Tall.” The NBA President, who on Saturday led thousands of lawyers in a health walk across major roads in the capital city, described the state as home of hospitality, beauty, and peace. He said, "Enugu is the capital of the South East region and also the home of hospitality, beauty, and peace. That was why we chose Enugu State to host our conference after moving from Port Harcourt. So, we are here in Enugu to enjoy the best that the people have to offer and also have a conversation about building Nigeria and making it an economic giant in Africa. Enugu is set, we are so excited. Our keynote speaker, Julius Malema, is on the ground in Lagos and will touch down here tomorrow (Sunday). Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the former president who will chair the opening ceremony, will also be on the ground tomorrow. We are all set, we are so excited. We are going to make this a never-to-be-forgotten experience, the type that will make you want to come back every time for a conference in Enugu." Also speaking to newsmen, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, assured participants of a memorable experience, noting that Governor Peter Mbah had long prepared the state for large events like the NBA’s AGC. The state government he said had strategically prepared Enugu to host conferences like that of the NBA and many others. He said, "The Enugu State Government under Dr. Peter Mbah, in its design and thinking around tourism, hospitality, and economic growth, had already factored in most of what you are seeing in preparation right now. Even without the NBA’s plan to come, we had already started planning what would happen if the NBA came here, if the Nigerian Society of Engineers came here, or others. Not too long ago, Enugu Air was commissioned; not too long ago, our 100 CNG buses and five modern transport terminals were commissioned. The reconstructed and revamped Hotel Presidential was also unveiled, just to name a few. We want to ensure that when people come here, they move around easily, feel safe, and even love to live here. We are grateful to the NBA for choosing Enugu and believe that they will have a memorable experience during their stay.” One of the lawyers already in the state, Barr. Favour Abraham from Minna, Niger State, said she was looking forward with excitement to a memorable experience in Enugu. She said,, "This is my second time in Enugu. I came here for the NBA conference in 2003. So, it has been 20 years. Today, it is a beautiful city. At least from the airport, we had Enugu State CNG buses actually waiting for us. The people here are hospitable. I can say Igbo people are very warm and welcoming. Enugu has changed, and it is a beautiful city. So, we are here to explore, attend our conference, gain more skills and knowledge, and then enjoy Enugu to the fullest. We have beautiful things like okpa, isiewu, abacha and more. At least we are coming from the North, and we would love to explore the city."

Protesters against Agunechemba at Awk By Madu Obi The governorship of the Young Progressives Party, YPP, for the November 8 Anambra election, Dr. Paul Chukwuma on Friday led hundreds of people, mainly youths, on a peaceful protest in Awka against the operatives of Agunechemba security outfit. Some of his party members, including thedeputy governorship candidate, Uzu Okagbue, were part of the protest. Carrying placards with various inscriptions, the protesters matched through the UNIZIK temporary site along the Enugu - Onitsha expressway, through the popular Aroma junction and joined the Zik's avenue to the state Police headquarters, where they were addressed by a senior Police officer. Chukwuma said the peaceful march was facilitated by a nongovernmental organization known as Make Anambra Great Again, MAGA. He said: "We embarked on this peaceful walk in Awka as a way of expressing the ills that we are currently facing in Anambra State, espetially the level of insecurity, rascality, as well as the criminality of endorsing these vices by the state government. As an Anambra person, I felt that it aligns with my position on what is going on.in the state. The response the police gave us was quite comforting as they agreed with us that they are already looking into some of the anomalies caused by operators of the state-controlled security outfit. They also confirmed to us that the attack on the corps member at Oba, Idemili South local government area, is being looked into and assured us that the perpetrators are still in police custody." According to him, the people of Anambra State are worried that the operators are arming themselves with prohibited weapons, which, he said, the police have promised to look into because they are not supposed to carry such arms. "We are giving the police the benefit of doubt and the good thing was that most of the issues we raised were already before them. They agreed that the level of criminality taking place in the organization is appalling" he stated. He said further: "This state belongs to all of us and we are not going to allow anybody to see himself as being above the law. We must be guided by the rule of law in everything we do. This is not about Paul Chukwuma, but it's the concern of Anambra people and Nigeria. We know that other Nigerians will be waiting to hear from credible Anambra people concerning this matter and from people who can rise up and speak the minds of the downtrodden". He also urged the state Police command to step up its activities, noting that President Bola Tinubu has made funds available for the smooth running of every state.

By Iheanyi Chukwudi Nigerian First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Friday urged politicians to place the interests of the electorate above party allegiance in the discharge of their duties. Speakingb at a stakeholders' meeting organised by her Renewed Hope Initiative, held with traditional rulers and religious leaders in Lagos, the First Lady stressed that public service should be rooted in commitment to the people, not merely loyalty to political platforms. “Our priority as leaders must always be the welfare of those who elected us, not just the interests of our political parties,” she said. The meeting, which brought together key community influencers, focused on strengthening grassroots engagement and fostering unity for national development through the Renewed Hope Initiative. The First Lady also reaffirmed her commitment to 0supporting policies and programmes that promote peace, development, and the well-being of all Nigerians.

By Iheanyi Chukwudi Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, on Friday berated the Federal Government over its proposed N142 billion for construction of bus terminals. The former Anambra State Governor, said the difference between the success and failure of development in any nation “is how you prioritise your scarce resources.” Federal Government announced that it had earmarked the sum of the N142 billion for the bus terminals project, with one in each of the six geo-political zones. In a statement he issued on Friday, Obi stressed that the government’s plan further affirmed the lack of competence, lack of focus and poor leadership. He said, “In the 2024 budget, which is the operational budget today, the entire budget of all the teaching hospitals across all the federal universities in the country, as well as the federal psychiatric centres, is under N100 billion, yet the government has approved N142 billion for bus terminals. This is disturbing, considering that Health is one of the most critical areas of development, which is deteriorating and remains grossly underfunded. WHO recently reported that over 20 million Nigerians are living with mental health issues." Obi therefore, stated that, “This is not only a misplaced priority but a tragic irony of our country. This is not governance."