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By Madu Obi Hon. Henry Mbachu, the member representing Awka South constituency 1, in the state House of Assembly, has left the Labour Party, LP, and joined the Young Progressive Party. In a video broadcast announcing his move to the YPP, Mbachu said that his decision to join the YPP was reached after careful consideration arising from his assessment of the YPP candidate and his manifesto, which he said, best expresses his desire for a new Anambra State. He pledged to work assiduously for the YPP and the candidate of the party, Sir Paul Chukwuma, for the November 8, Anambra State Governorship Election. Speaking on the quality of YPP’s candidate and his confidence in the party and the candidate’s manifesto, Mbachu said that not only does Paul Chukwuma’s manifesto fit into his own set legislative agenda for his constituents, but also that his candidacy appeals to the youths and has a compelling vision and plan for Anambra State which is comparable to none else. Mbachu also assured his constituents that the YPP is their best option in realizing their collective interest. He added: “I am here to declare to you my defection from Labour Party to the YPP. This decision is made on the foundation of a carefully thought-out way for the good people of Awka and Okpuno, with the best interest at heart,” Hon. Henry Mbachu said. Mbachu further stated that "For the November 8 Anambra State governorship election, I am going to work with the candidate who has presented the best manifesto that suits the people of Awka and Okpuno. A candidate who represents the young minds. A candidate who presented an understandable blueprint on how to develop Anambra from consumption to production. A candidate who has shown me that industries can be built across the state, His Excellency, Barrister Paul Chukwuma. " "He has also assured me that in every facility built in Awka by the government, Awka and Okpuno people will have the option of first refusal from level 1 to level 7. This decision is in the best interest of Awka South,” Hon. Mbachu concluded.

By Madu Obi The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), a human rights group, has petitioned the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police over the killing of Late Inspector Shedrack Amechi, while carrying out his lawful duty at Amaeze, Ishiagu, Ivo local government area of the state. Executive Director of RULAAC, Okechukwu Nwanguma, in the petition, called for prompt, impartial and effective investigation into the incident. According to Nwanguma, information available to the family indicates that Inspector Amechi, attached to the Divisional Headquarters, Abakaliki, was part of a police team on an official assignment to arrest a suspect. The team, he said, was confronted by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who were acting as escorts to the suspect the police went to arrest. He said: "We understand that following alleged instructions from a superior NSCDC officer that the police should not be allowed to arrest the suspect, a confrontation ensued. In the process, one of the NSCDC operatives discharged a rifle, fatally shooting Inspector Amechi. This incident represents not only a devastating personal loss to the Amechi family, who have been denied their breadwinner, but also a serious institutional concern. The avoidable inter-agency hostility and misuse of firearms undermine public confidence in law enforcement agencies and endanger national security. On behalf of the family, we therefore respectfully request that your office ensures a prompt, impartial, and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Inspector Amechi’s death, including the actions of the NSCDC operatives and their superiors." Nwanguma urged the Police to also ensure accountability, by bringing to book, all those responsible, whether directly or through command responsibility to deter future inter-agency conflicts and impunity. "RULAAC also urges the Police to guarantee adequate redress and compensation for the Amechi family, recognizing that the deceased was their breadwinner and his death has left his dependents in a vulnerable state. It should go further to provide institutional assurance to serving police officers that if they lose their lives in the line of duty, their families will not be abandoned by the institution they served. This is critical to sustaining morale and commitment within the Force. We note that the Command has scheduled a meeting with the NSCDC and the family, and that an autopsy has been proposed. While these are steps in the right direction, we urge that they be followed with concrete actions to establish the truth, ensure accountability, and provide justice. RULAAC, acting in its mandate of promoting accountability and the rule of law in Nigeria, will continue to follow up on this matter and expects regular updates on the progress of the investigation. We trust in your leadership to ensure that justice is done and seen to be done in this case", Nwanguma said.

By Madu Obi The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, has urged electricity consumers in Anambra State to report any official of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, asking them to buy or pay for transformers, cables or poles, to the commission for prompt action. Addressing electricity consumers from all parts of Anambra State during a town hall meeting in Awka, the NERC Commissioner in charge of Stakeholders Management, Hajiya Aisha Mohammed, informed the consumers that the report must be documented so that it could be traced. Mohammed, who was represented by the Head, Consumer Protection in NERC, Dr. Zubairu Babatunde, said that there should be no coercion on any consumer to purchase such materials because they are investments of the Distribution Company. He said: "NERC oversees the entire electricity supply in the country and regulates the operations of DISCOS. We also ensure that customers are not short- changed and that customers, on the other hand, do what they are legally permitted to do in terms of electricity consumption. If they are not satisfied with the services provided by DISCOS, they should use the appropriate channel to complain. We also ensure that all issues concerning supply of electricity are resolved in line with the provisions of the law. The Commission has been moving from one state to the other to talk to the consumers in the presence of the DISCOS, to see how their services are received by the people, and resolve operational deficiencies. Essentially, we are here to listen to your complaints and for officials of EEDC to respond to those issues." During the meeting, such issues as metering, billing, corruption in the system, regularity of supply, among others, were exhaustively discussed, while NERC officials who would be in the state for three days, were supervising the process of meter acquisition on the spot. During the period, consumers who needed prepaid meters were assured that they would get them within the three days NERC officials would be in Anambra State. The Chief Information Officer of EEDC, Dr Idika Okechukwu, who represented the company's Managing Director, said that meter laboratory has been established in Onitsha, assuring that henceforth, any consumer who pays for meter would have it installed within 72hours. He, however, observed that most buildings in Anambra State are not properly earthed due to the use of unqualified people in wiring houses. He said that of the 1,365,400 electricity consumers in Anambra State, 750,000 have been metered, adding that EEDC has no choice than to comply with NERC regulation on metering. He also explained that by the end of this month, EEDC will have offline bill payment system, noting that it would no longer be necessary for customers to be going to EEDC offices for payments.

By Iheanyi Chukwudi No fewer than 10 persons have been confirmed dead and 10 others injured in two separate fatal road accidents that occurred today, in Enugu. The fatal accidents occurred along the Ozalla/4-Corner axis of the dual-carriage Enugu/Port-Harcourt Expressway. Confirming the accidents this night, the Enugu State Police Command said the 10 injured in the crashes are currently hospitalized. Explaining in details how the accidents happened, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe (SP) said, "The first incident, a multiple-vehicle crash, happened at about 9 a.m. on the Enugu inward-bound lane. A Howo truck, inscribed Visco Investment Global and laden with bags of white cement, was en route Abuja from Aba, Abia State, when it collided with a Toyota Corolla car that was attempting to overtake another truck on the same route. A Foton bus and a Daihatsu Hijet mini bus, both driving one-way, were also caught in the collision. Sadly, the truck head and the Toyota Corolla car went up in flames, with five occupants of the car burning to death. A passenger in the mini bus was equally confirmed dead by the attending medical doctor. Similarly, at about 3 p.m. on the same road, another fatal crash occurred. This time, it involved a Sino truck belonging to Global Investment and a tricycle. The truck, laden with cement and driving one-way from Garriki Enugu to Nenwe in Aninri LGA, on the same Enugu inward-bound lane, rammed into the tricycle, leading to the death of its four occupants. They were rushed to the hospital but later confirmed dead. Ten other persons, injured in the separate crashes, are currently receiving medical attention." Ndukwe said the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, while mourning the tragic loss of lives and commiserating with the families of the deceased, directed the State Motor Traffic Department to carry out a diligent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accidents. "The CP describes the crashes as avoidable and strongly cautioned drivers to exercise utmost care, especially during these Ember Months, when road traffic usually increases and accidents are more frequent. He reminded motorists that no journey is worth the loss of lives, urging them to shun recklessness, obey traffic rules, and prioritize safety over speed to prevent further tragedies."

By Iheanyi Chukwudi An Abuja-based legal practitioner, Henry Okeke, has said that Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State's leadership qualities are capable of transforming Nigeria. Mbah, he also said has demonstrated rare leadership qualities that has made his automatic return to office in 2027, a done deal. Speaking on Tuesday, as a guest on Freedom Square TV during a post-event analysis of the just-concluded 2025 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA-AGC) held in Enugu, Okeke address that Mbah's performance in the state has position him as a future presidential material. He said, "Governor Mbah has earned his pride of place among the finest leaders Nigeria has ever produced." Okeke urged Nigerians to begin to look beyond 2027 and consider Mbah for the nation’s top leadership position at the expiration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tenure in 2031. Extolling the Mbah administration for its unprecedented reforms that have transformed Enugu into a model of modern governance, he said, “Governor Peter Mbah has turned Enugu State into a showroom of leadership. He has shown Nigerians that governance is not rocket science. He has built a state where poverty can be defeated, where security is guaranteed, and where young people are inspired to dream and achieve.” The legal practitioner cited the seamless organization of the NBA-AGC, noting that the state remained secure, clean, orderly, and hospitable throughout the conference which attracted thousands of lawyers from across the country. Okeke, who is also the Convener, New Enugu Group, emphatically said, “Governor Peter Mbah’s second term in office is non-negotiable. His performance in just two years has earned him automatic tickets across all political party platforms. Today, you can see political parties wooing him because of his uncommon performance.” Reflecting on the theme of the Freedom Square TV programme, “Reassessing Governor Peter Mbah’s Disruptive Innovation, 2025 NBA Conference and Matters Arising,” Okeke stressed that the successful hosting of the national legal community in Enugu had further underscored the disruptive innovations of the Mbah administration. The Governor’s policies he observed, have elevated Enugu into a destination of choice for conferences, investment, and tourism, while also redefining the expectations of governance in Nigeria. Okeke noted that the impact of the just concluded week-long NBA-AGC, has continued to reverberate across the legal and political circles in the country, with participants still pouring encomiums on the Governor. He said, “Lawyers and non-lawyers alike are unanimous in praising His Excellency for his disruptive innovations. The Enugu of today is not the Enugu of yesterday, and Nigerians are beginning to see a leader who can take the country to its promised land.”

By Madu Obi The Anambra State community security outfit, Agunechemba, has refuted reports circulating in the social media alleging that some youths have sought its collaboration to patrol border towns in a bid to target supporters of convicted Nigerian-Finnish agitator, Simon Ekpa. Describing the reports as misleading and a potential distraction, Agunechemba emphasized that its core mandate remains assisting federal security agencies in combating crime within the state. In a statement, the spokesperson of Agunechemba, Nweke Nweke, clarified that the security outfit has never partnered with any group to carry out a manhunt against any individual. “Agunechemba’s mission is to support established security agencies in maintaining peace, law, and order across Anambra State. Our activities are not tied to any court ruling against any person or group. We operate under a strict code of conduct that prohibits targeting individuals or organizations based on judicial outcomes,” Nweke stated. He further stressed that Agunechemba maintains a consistent, collaborative relationship with recognized security institutions and warned against the spread of statements capable of distracting its personnel from their official responsibilities. While acknowledging that community policing requires collective effort, Nweke noted that although Agunechemba supports youth-driven initiatives to identify and tackle criminal activity, such efforts must be carried out responsibly and within legal bounds. “Community policing is a shared responsibility. While we support initiatives aimed at curbing crime, youths must ensure they do not falsely accuse innocent individuals or involve organizations like Agunechemba in unverified or personal missions,” he said. Nweke cautioned against dragging the security outfit into plans outside its defined mandate. “If the youths are genuinely committed to identifying bad elements in their communities, they should work with the state government and appropriate law enforcement agencies. They must refrain from implicating Agunechemba or misrepresenting its role in their personal agendas. We do not target any specific demographic. Our objective is to maintain law and order in line with constitutional provisions — not to act on any group’s private vendetta,” he added.

Chukwuemeka Agbata, MD, Anambra ICT Agency By Madu Obi The Managing Director of Anambra ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Agbata has said that the state’s journey towards becoming a digital hub in Nigeria is seriously underway, noting that the foundation has been laid, strong and unshakable, by a single, daring choice. Speaking during an interaction with journalists in Awka, Agbata observed that one of the biggest hurdles to broadband expansion across Nigeria, has been the prohibitive cost of Right of Way charges, which are the fees telecom operators must pay to lay fibre-optic cables across state-owned land. This, he said, drastically slows down digital infrastructure rollout, thereby denying people access to internet. "In 2022, one of the earliest and boldest steps taken by Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, on assumption of office, was the removal of the Right of Way (RoW) charges for laying broadband fibre across Anambra State. At the time, it seemed like a quiet policy move, but in reality, it laid the foundation for the state’s ongoing digital transformation journey. The logic behind this move is simple but powerful. By waiving RoW charges, the administration sent a clear message to telecom operators, broadband providers, and investors: Anambra is open for digital business. That single decision has paved the way for fibre-to-home deployment, the expansion of 5G infrastructure, and faster, more reliable internet across communities, ultimately boosting the ease of doing business," Agbata stated. He said that one of the most visible testaments to the visionary policy is the ongoing roll-out of the “Solution Free Wi-Fi” initiative, which is democratizing internet access for students, traders, civil servants, and everyday citizens, alongside the digitization of government processes that are making service delivery faster and more transparent. He added: "What seemed impossible a few years ago is now a lived reality: Teachers are being equipped with digital tools, enhancing lesson delivery and preparing students for a technology-driven future. Civil servants now work with smarter systems, making the civil service more efficient, transparent, and responsive to citizens, while young innovators are finding an enabling environment to create solutions and businesses that improve lives and shape the future. What began as a policy shift has cascaded into practical, people-centred benefits that are redefining how Anambra learns, works, and governs. This backbone is also unlocking new opportunities in telemedicine, e-learning, smart agriculture, and more. In short, the Soludo-led administration’s decision aligns perfectly with the governor’s vision of building a liveable and prosperous megacity, anchored on technology. More notably, Anambra’s forward-thinking move aligns it with both national and global best practices." He observed that states like Lagos, Ekiti and Kaduna that reduced or eliminated RoW fees also saw significant surges in broadband penetration and digital services. "Anambra’s decision places it firmly within this league of forward-looking regions, positioning the state as not just a beneficiary of technology, but a driver of digital growth in Nigeria. This is not just about cables in the ground, it’s about creating an ecosystem where technology thrives and opportunities multiply. Anambra is proving that the future truly belongs to states that embrace technology, not as a slogan, but as a strategy", Agbata stated.

By Madu Obi The Labour Party, LP, governorship candidate for the November 8 Anambra election, Dr. George Moghalu, has said that the result of the gubernatorial election will play a major role in the 2027 presidential election. Speaking at Umunze and Nwafija in Orumba South local government area and Agulu in Anaocha local government area as he began his campaign tour of communities in the state, Moghalu told the people that if they truly desire an Igbo president, Anambra must make a bold statement by voting for LP in November. "Our leader, His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, needs his own state to stand firm in 2027, and the whole country, especially Obi’s supporters, are watching Anambra State. Whether one likes it or not, Obi has awakened the political consciousness of Ndi Igbo and brought us back to the national political table. Fortune can only be delayed, but not denied; all powers belong to God and He gives it to whom He pleases,” Moghalu said. He urged the people to remain vigilant, warning that many politicians would return with money to buy votes during the governorship poll. “Do not mortgage your future for ten thousand naira. Vote your conscience, vote for Labour Party, because Peter Obi’s journey to the presidency begins with Anambra governorship election,” he added. He assured Anambra people of purposeful leadership, vowing never to fail them, and declared that he will not pass through this generation unsung but will deliver projects and policies that posterity will always remember. Promising to end insecurity in the state if elected, Moghalu lamented that "Agunechemba security outfit which is expected to protect the people, has instead become a source of fear because the operatives are untrained and unregulated.” Our vigilantes must be trained, documented, equipped with technology, and properly funded", Moghalu said. He assured that his administration will conduct credible local government elections, adding that the era of governors interfering with LG allocations will end under his watch.

By Madu Obi The governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, for the November 8 Anambra election, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, has pledged to prioritize security, economic transformation, and community development, if elected the governor of the state. Ukachukwu, who spoke at Ichida, Anaocha local government area during a visit to the community, assured that he would get the ground running from day One of his inauguration as governor of Anambra State to ensure that Anambra takes its rightful position in Nigeria. "Insecurity remains the state’s biggest challenge and must be tackled head-on. No society thrives where there is insecurity. We must first secure lives and property before securing the economy. Anambra is known for manufacturing and trade and we will encourage policies that support what our people do best", he said. During the visit, Ukachukwu interacted with community leaders, youth groups, women associations and party supporters and pledged to accord them prominent positions in his cabinet, like other citizens of Anambra State. "Everybody will be equal stakeholders in my administration and given a sense of belonging at all times", he assured. Ukachukwu said he would leverage the state’s abundant gas deposits in Ayamelum and other parts of the state to improve power generation and distribution, describing electricity as the key to transforming the economy. He promised to rehabilitate and expand the road linking Nnewi South, Anaocha, and Njikoka, with Ichida at its centre, adding that the project would not only involve repairs but dualization and construction of additional routes to ease movement, open up communities, and significantly boost economic activities across the three local governments. He also vowed to revolutionize agriculture in the entire state through sustainable value chain, noting that farming could provide jobs, ensure food security and tame youth restiveness. Other key areas of focus, according to him, include security, power generation, agriculture, and infrastructure. Earlier the traditional ruler of Ichida community, Igwe Charles Ezeudogu while receiving Ukachukwu in his palace, described him as a worthy son of Anaocha Council area who has distinguished himself in everything he sets his eyes on, adding that he has been a friend and pillar of strength and pride to many Anambra youths worldwide businessmen and families for decades. The monarch added that he and his subjects have no problem pledging their support for him in the governorship ambition and described Ukachukwu as a versatile successful industrialist who has thrived commendably The community's youth leader, Mr Chukwuemeka Ezenwaka, assured Prince Ukachukwu of the full support of the community, stressing that young people's backing as support was principally because of his personality and track record as a versatile investor who does not make empty political promises. Ezenwaka said his people are convinced that Ukachukwu would replicate his widely acknowledged youth-friendly investment model in the state when he becomes the governor. "We will not voting for party symbols; we will be voting for Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu,” he emphasized.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) has fixed Saturday, August 29, 2026, for elections in the state. The exercise will see the emergence of 21 local government chairmen and 326 ward councillors across Anambra State. Chairman of ANSIEC, Hon. Genevieve Osakwe, in a statement, said the exercise is in line with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, and Section 23 of the Anambra State Electoral Law, 2024, which empower the Commission to issue election notices. According to her, all registered political parties are required to collect nomination forms from the headquarters of the Commission located at No. 14/16, Km 8, Awka-Onitsha Expressway, Awka,. She added that the election timetable and schedule of activities would be available for collection at the Commission’s office beginning Friday, November 28, 2025.

By Madu Obi Ahead of the November 8 Anambra State governorship election, the candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Chief George Moghalu has visited the candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Mr. John Nwosu in Nnewi, with speculation in political circle that one of them might eventually step down for the other. Both candidates, who were originally aspirants on the platform of LP, before Nwosu moved to ADC, hail from Nnewi. It was gathered that many political figures from the industrial town are trying to persuade one of them to step down for the other. The Director General of John Chuma Nwosu Campaign Council, Hon Bonny Okoye, who issued a statement after the meeting, said ADC is in the Anambra governorship race to the end. Okoye said: "On Saturday, 30th August, upon his request, the Labour Party candidate, Chief George Moghalu, visited the ADC candidate, Mr John Chuma Nwosu at his country home. Both candidates discussed an array of issues relating to the 8th November Anambra governorship election. They shared the view of the urgent need to replace the incumbent ruling administration in Anambra State. The ADC candidate, Mr Nwosu, made it very clear his intention to run a clean, focused political campaign until the very end. He was of the view that Anambra voters should decide whom they want as governor. Accordingly, the issue of any candidate stepping down for the other was completely off the table." He reiterated that ADC will remain in the governorship race until the very end.

By Madu Obi Police operatives attached to the Anambra State Criminal Investigation Department of the Gender Unit, have secured evidence for the prosecution of three arrested suspects in separate incidents of defilement. The incidents reportedly took place in Eziowele, Oba and Ogidi Divisions of the state Police command. The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement said the Police operatives attached to the Oba Division, arrested one Ihechiluru Okorie over a case of defilement of a 14-year-old girl. He said the suspect confessed to forcefully having carnal knowledge of the victim when she came to barb her hair in his shop. The second incident, he said, happened within the Eziowelle Division, where the Police operatives arrested 28- year old Chidubem Udem over the defilement of a five-year old girl. According to him, investigations revealed that the suspect visited the victim at her grandmother’s house, where he forcefully had unlawful carnal knowledge of her. Ikenga said the victim was immediately taken to the hospital, where a medical examination confirmed a case of defilement. Similarly, Kalu Ilo, aged 30 years, was arrested by Ogidi Police operatives over defilement of a 13-year old daughter of his neighbour who is mentally challenged in Nkpor. The PPRO said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly went to the victim’s house, where he also forcefully had unlawful carnal knowledge of the girl. He added that all the suspects are in custody, adding that they would be charged to court on Wednesday, 3rd September, 2025 The state Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, while reacting on the incidents, strongly condemned the acts and assured the that the command would ensure diligent prosecution to secure justice for the victims. He, however, urged parents, guardians, and community leaders to be vigilant and to promptly report any incident of sexual or gender-based violence to the nearest Police station, assuring that the command remains committed to protecting the rights of children and vulnerable persons across the state.