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By Madu Obi A former Senator that represented Anambra North District, Chief Emmanuel Anosike, has been elected Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State. Anosike emerged through a consensus, with Chief J.C. Okeke as Vice Chairman and Chief Obi Okpala as Secretary. The Chairman of the Anambra Congress Committee and Returning Officer, Rear Admiral William Kayode (rtd), supervised the exercise. He stated that the election was conducted in line with Articles 14 and 20 of the APC Constitution, which provide for the use of consensus in electing party officers. He described the congress as free, fair, and credible, noting that Sen. Anosike and other members of his Executive Committee were duly elected. Senator Uche Ekwunife, who was Chairman of the Congress Harmonization Committee said the goal of the exercise was to elect competent party executives capable of driving the APC to victory, adding that stakeholders at ward and local government levels were involved in the selection process. The former executive led by Chief Basil Ejidike, was earlier dissolved through a motion moved by Chief Olisa Metuh and seconded by Dr. Onuora Okonkwo, paving the way for the new leadership. In his acceptance speech, Anosike described his election as a call to serve and promised inclusivity for all party members. “We shall ensure all members are carried along. This is a new dawn for the party in the state. We also pledge to deliver President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections", he said . Anosike acknowledged the support of Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State in managing the party in the South East. The former Chairman of the party, Ejidike urged party members to support the new executive, assuring that the party would continue to grow from strength to strength.

By Madu Obi Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has reopened the New Motorcycle Spare Parts Market, Nkwo Nnewi, after one week of closure following the refusal of the traders to open on Monday. But another market, the Nkwo Ogbe Ihiala, was shut on Monday for the consistent refusal of the traders to open. The Special Adviser to the governor on Trade and Markets, Chief Evaristus Uba had during a visit to the market last Monday, observed low turn out, indicating that the traders did not obey the state government's order abolishing Monday sit at home. It was gathered that the state government lifted the closure after the chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Area, Hon Echezona Anazodo visited the market and found huge compliance among the traders. Anazodo said: "I'm happy to observe that traders complied with the order to resume for business. I want to believe that if there was even half of this turn out last week, the market would not have been shut down. But now that most of you have complied, we will go round the market and seal the shops of traders who failed open. We don't want a situation where the entire market would be shut down just because of few traders. Instead, those traders should bear their brunt themselves." Meanwhile, the Ihiala market was shut for one week after government officials discovered that the entire market was under lock and key.

By Madu Obi Awka-;The wife of the governor of Anambra State, Mrs Nonye Soludo, has called on Nigerians to treat each other with dignity, noting that respect is the soul of human beings. In a message to mark the Zero Discrimination Day, Mrs Soludo said that avoiding any form of discrimination is one way of making the society better. Her message reads: "True love sees no differences, only hearts filled with compassion and genuine desire to make others feel loved, valued, and respected. Respect is the soul of human dignity. Discrimination, on the other hand, is a language of barbarism and hate. Do the best you can to always treat people with dignity, irrespective of their beliefs, class, creed, or physical conditions. That’s one way to make our society a better place for all of us." She also called on Nigerians to stay focused, consistent, and honest in whatever they are doing as they enter the month of March. "Take good care of yourself, and always remember that it takes a healthy body and sound mind to live a happy life. I hope this beautiful new month brings you life-changing accomplishments and amazing opportunities", she added .

By Madu Obi The dreaded shrine of Anambra State-based native doctor, Mr Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, has finally been destroyed by the Anambra State government following a judgment delivered by a High Court sitting in Awka. The court had, in addition to sentencing Nwangwu to prison, directed immediate destruction of the shrine. The destruction was supervised by the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, Prince Ken Emeakayi and was carried out by operatives of Agunechemba security outfit. The vast shrine, containing native pots, pictures of persons, moulded images, clothes, and other objects, were dismantled piece by piece and later set ablaze.

By Madu Obi A former Deputy Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Afam Obi, is dead. In a statement released on Saturday, the family said the late lawmaker passed on after a life marked by dedication to public service, integrity, and community development. The statement described the deceased as a respected leader, devoted father and a pillar of strength in his community, whose contributions to governance and grassroots development left an enduring impact on the people. “With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Rt. Hon. D. B. Afam Obi, former Deputy Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly A respected leader, devoted father, and pillar of his community, he dedicated his life to service, integrity, and the advancement of those around him," the statement read. "His legacy of quiet strength, wisdom and commitment to the growth of society would continue to inspire generations. We are grateful for the outpouring of support and condolences received during this difficult time,” the statement read. The family said funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.

By Madu Obi Minister for Works, Dave Umahi has assured Nigerians that all roads being constructed by the regime of President Bola Tinubu would last for 100 years. Inspecting the ongoing construction of the Enugu - Onitsha expressway, Umahi stated that road construction in the country is no longer business as usual, as the era of the use of asphalt had gone. According to him, most road constructions are now done with concrete for a long lasting. He said that the Awka - Enugu express road funded by the tax paid by the MTN, would be completed on record time . "I am impressed with the work being done by the construction company which is using concrete to do about 23 km of road. The first 20.km have been completed and we have concrete road that will last to the next 100 years", the Minister said. He explained that the sustained inspection of road projects across the country is to ensure that Nigerians get value for their tax payers money. He charged the people of the South East geopolitical zone to be appreciative of the massive road projects being executed by President Bola Tinubu administration. The quality of what the President is doing would remain a legacy, so I ask the South East people to stand with the President and support him Before now, this road was so terrible and people were on social media talking all sorts of things, but now that the road has been done, we want you to go to social media and thank the President and be grateful to God. "If you appreciate what a man has done, he would do more and South East would be on the rise", Umahi stated.

By Madu Obi Gov Chukwuma Soludo's daughter, Adaora, has been appointed woman leader of the City Boys Movement In Anambra State. The Anambra State media office of the Movement confirmed the appointment in Awka. The development came few days after one of the top officials of the City Boys Movement, Obi Cubana, visited Gov Soludo in Anambra State.

By Madu Obi Two magistrates and 24 other judiciary workers in Anambra State have been dismissed over various alleged acts of misconduct. The Executive Secretary and Permanent Secretary of the State Judicial Service Commission, Mr. Stanley Mbanaso, disclosed this to journalists in Awka, said the disciplinary action formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen discipline, integrity and impartiality in the state’s judiciary. He said: “We have taken firm and proactive measures to ensure that corruption and all forms of malfeasance are eradicated from the system. “In the recent past, the Commission has compulsorily retired some magistrates and dismissed or suspended others. They include members of Customary Courts and staff of the judiciary found wanting. It is a continuous process.” He said that the Commission operates a standing three-man Investigation and Disciplinary Committee to probe allegations against judicial officers and workers, explaining that the committee is headed by the oldest non-statutory member of the Commission, while the Executive Secretary serves as its secretary. The Executive Secretary called on members of the public to report corrupt practices and misconduct in the judiciary, pointing out that such complaints must be supported with credible evidence. He also advised the general public to submit petitions backed with affidavit evidence, adding that this is necessary because some individuals sometimes make frivolous and unsubstantiated allegations against judicial officers.” Mbanaso explained that while the state Commission investigates complaints against magistrates, customary court officials and judiciary workers, petitions involving High Court judges are forwarded to the National Judicial Council in Abuja for appropriate action. He also raised concerns over the shortage of judges and magistrates in the state, noting that the situation was hampering the timely dispensation of justice. “There are not enough judges and magistrates in Anambra State, In the past, we had about 40 serving High Court judges. Today, we have only 29.” "The state currently has about 64 magistrates to serve 35 magisterial districts across the 21 local government areas. This number is grossly inadequate. The Anambra state judiciary ranks second only to Lagos State in the volume of pending High Court cases, yet Lagos has about 50 judges compared to Anambra’s 29. Once all necessary facilities are in place, we are hopeful that Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo will approve the appointment of more High Court judges That will help decongest the courts and enhance speedy dispensation of justice", he added. According to him, increasing the number of magistrates was also critical to improving access to justice at the grassroots. “It is a work in progress. Our goal is to ensure discipline in the judiciary and provide the manpower needed to guarantee quick and efficient justice delivery across the state", Mbanaso concluded.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State Police command has commenced the combat and armed drills training for Police Constables as part of ongoing efforts to enhance operational capacity and sustain safety across the state. In addition to the armed drills the trainees were being exposed to comprehensive lectures designed to strengthen their tactical knowledge and professional competence. The training also featured an interactive engagement with the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Emmanuel Simon Bretet, who addressed the trainees and formally introduced them to the school management and instructors. The AIG outlined the guidelines for the training and emphasized discipline, professionalism, and dedication throughout the exercise. The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga said the training is aimed at equipping the officers with the necessary combat readiness and operational skills required to effectively discharge their duties in line with global best practices.

By Madu Obi The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has readjusted the date of the next Presidential and National Assembly polls to January 16, 2027. Under the revised timetable, the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections were also rescheduled to take place on Saturday, February 6, 2027. The dates represent a notable departure from the Commission’s earlier plan, which had originally fixed the presidential ballot for late February and the state-level elections for March, 2027. . It was gathered that the adjustment was a direct consequence of the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the subsequent enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, which has altered the time governing Nigerian elections. A statement from the Commission explained that the new legal framework necessitated a complete review of the previously announced dates for the elections National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee of the Commission, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the schedule was reviewed and realigned to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework introduced by the 2026 Act. The Commission also said that the shift in the general election calendar has also impacted off-cycle polls, adding that the Osun State governorship election, which was initially slated for August 8, 2026, has been moved to Saturday, August 15, 2026. The Commission noted that while some activities have already been concluded for the Ekiti and Osun polls, the remaining ones will be implemented strictly in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026. "Beyond the election days themselves, the new timetable sets an accelerated pace for political parties. The conduct of party primaries, including the resolution of any arising disputes, is scheduled to begin on April 23, 2026, and must be concluded by May 30, 2026. The window for official campaigning is also clearly defined, with Presidential and National Assembly campaigns set to kick off on August 19, 2026, followed by Governorship and State House of Assembly campaigns on September 9, 2026", the INEC National Commissioner said. Haruna emphasized the necessity of discipline among political actors during this transition, warning that “political parties are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these timelines”. "These drastic changes remain consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026.” "The Commission wants to remind the public that the success of the 2027 polls is a shared burden and calls on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people,” he stated.

By Madu Obi Detained Anambra native doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu ( aka Akwaokuko Tiwara Aki) has been sentenced to 12 years imprisonment by an Anambra High Court sitting in Awka. The presiding Judge, Justice Jude Obiora found Nwangwu guilty on charges 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 and sentenced him two years on each count, and struck out counts 1, 2, 9 and 10. Justice Obiora, while handing down the sentences, said because Nwangwu had been in detention for the past 13 months at the facility of Agunechemba in the Anambra State Capital, he would serve only 11 months at the Awka Correctional Center as the sentences will run concurrently. According to the judgment, Nwangwu's controversial shrine at his home town, Oba in Idemili South local government area of the state, is to be destroyed completely and the destruction recorded in a video. He must also sign not to engage in okite practice again and will, after serving the sentence, become a youth ambassador, so as to correct the impression he created in the minds of youths about acquiring wealth through illegal means. The judge also directed that he should use all his social media handles to inform people that he no longer practices okite The judge, who said he opted to fine Nwangwu N20 million each on three other count charges, instead of six years imprisonment as provided by the law, went further to remove the fines, because, according to him, Akwaokuko had shown some remorse while in detention. Although the defense counsel said he would have preferred that Nwangwu serves the sentence at the Agunechemba facility, the judge directed that the sentence should be served at Awka Correctional Center because the Agunechemba facility where he had been detained, does not have correctional facilities. With Nwangwu sentenced, two of his colleagues, Onyebuchi Okocha (Onyeze Jesus), and Ekene Igboekweze (Eke Hit) are still in detention.

By Madu Obi The All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has commenced Continuous Electronic Membership Registration Exercise as part of efforts to shore up its membership across the country. At a news briefing in Awka, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mazi Ejimofor Opara said the nationwide exercise will begin on March 1, 2026, and will take place simultaneously across all 8,809 electoral wards in Nigeria. Recalling that APGA became the first political party in Nigeria to automate its membership registration process in June, 2024, Opara said the pioneering step reflects the party's commitment to transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity, which he added, are values that remain at the core of APGA. According to him, all interested Nigerians are welcome to participate in the exercise, adding that the requirements include possession of a valid voter’s card and two passport photographs. Opara said registration could also be completed either online or through WhatsApp numbers provided by the party, or visit their designated wards to pick the registration form. He said that on registration, members will receive a temporary membership slip, followed by a permanent membership card. He said: "Registration is open to new members nationwide. Existing members who registered electronically do not need to re register. Members who have not uploaded their passport photographs should visit the party’s website or the aforementioned WhatsApp number to update their records. We, therefore, invite all eligible Nigerians to seize this opportunity to join the APGA family and contribute to shaping the future of our great nation. Together, we move forward.”