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By Madu Obi There is heightened tension at Ngene Okwuazu area of Umueri, Anambra East local government area of Anambra State, following a serious land dispute between two prominent indigenes of the community. The dispute, between Chief Okwuji George Ndive and Chief Sam Emeka, the brother of the traditional ruler of Umueri, Igwe Bennett Emeka, is already before the police as efforts by the elders of the community to resolve the matter have not yielded any fruit. In the petition addressed to the Divisional Police Officer, Otuocha Police Station, Ndive accused Emeka of embarking in acts of intimidation and destroying materials he kept on his land for a building project, all in an attempt to forcefully acquire his land. He said that despite the resolution passed by the Elders Council and signed by the chairman, Engr Mike Jideani and secretary, Chief Patrick Ndevi, directing Emeka to stop the claim, he has continued to use all kinds of tactics to cause confusion. Ndive's petition to the Police reads: "I was the first person to build a residential house in the Ngene Okwuazu area of Umueri. When I moved into my house in 1985, there was no one living there. Because I was the first settler in that area, the water front there was named after me as Okwuji’s Beach. Samuel Emeka attempted to build shops beyond his premises and Umueri Council of Elders destroyed those shops. In spite of the unanimous verdict given by Chaa, Akababa and Tana Age Grades in my favour, on the 9th of November, 2025 he (Emeka) along with some thugs, brought a caterpillar and scattered the 10 big trips of sand which I had dumped in front of my premises. He took that action in order to gain access to my fence. Earlier in the year, Chief Emeka had conspired with some people in the Physical Planning Unit of Anambra State to mark my fence for demolition as he had already taken a substantial part of the road earmarked by Umueri Community leaders. However, concerned bystanders, neighbours and relatives threatened a show-down on that faithful day and he quickly left. He is doing all these because he felt that I am incapable of reclaiming my land. Due to his action, all the materials I kept at the building site have been stolen. I pray the Nigeria Police to investigate the veracity of this matter and if it is established that Sam was wrong in blocking the space created by Umueri, in illegally conniving with officials of Anambra East Local Government Area and Physical Unit of Anambra East Local Government Area, then the Police should handle the matter according to the laws of Nigeria." Ndevi said he spent N200,000 with the assistance of the traditional ruler of Umueri to rebuild his fence, which was destroyed by Chief Emeka. But Emeka denied the allegations, saying that it was Ndive that is creating tension in the area. He said: "The road in question passes through the entire Umueri to the river so that people can access their land along the road. "When it was the turn of my age grade to assume leadership in the community, I was made the vice chairman and Ike Mokwugwo was the chairman. Later they conspired against me and I was not allowed to make contributions during meetings. They later imposed N200,000 fine on me because I insisted that the leadership should be for only those residing at Otu Umueri. My gate and seven shops I built in the area were destroyed and the culvert was covered. They told me that the traditional ruler, who happens to be my younger brother, was aware of their action. They also imposed another fine of N250,000 on me on the allegation that I blocked the road. When they said that it was the Igwe that directed them to take the action, the royal father told me that he only asked them to close the culvert when they complained that it was affecting the free flow of traffic. He told me that he never knew they would destroy my property. I threatened to sue them but Igwe advised me not to go to court as he was sure the matter would be settled amicably, reminding me that those people might actually be after him. Igwe later set up a panel which decided that there should be access road but urged me to forget about my property that was destroyed. He also urged me to withdraw the matter from court. The chairman later died and as the vice, I assumed the position of the chairman. For the two years I was chairman, I surveyed the area and those whose property blocked the access road were identified. Land and survey officials also came there and marked all the property blocking the area. I was surprised when he claimed that he brought ten trips of sand when it was only one trip. I contributed N500,000 to make that road motorable. I did not touch his house. I did not pull down his fence. What happened was that after the caterpillar finished working on the road, part of his fence collapsed the following day. I agreed to repair the fence for him when he went to Igwe and asked him for money and the Igwe did. He is insisting that I must not build my house there, as if I am not from Umueri."

By Madu Obi Former Secretary to the Anambra State government, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, has returned to active politics and has picked the membership card of the African Democratic Congress, ADC. He registered in his ward in Ogbaru local government area and was issued with card number 406. Obaze served as the SSG under Peter Obi and later contested for the governorship of the state on the platform of the People's Democratic Party, PDP, After the 2018 governorship election, the former diplomat went into full-time consultancy and later withdrew from active politics. For the November 8, 2025 Anambra gubernatorial election, Obaze supported the candidate of the ADC, Mr. John Nwosu In a statement, Obaze wrote: "Eight months ago, I disengaged from partisan politics and from my erstwhile political party on grounds of principles. "Today, I wish to announce that I'm now a proud card-carrying member of ADC. We walk the talk. We must rethink and reunite Nigeria. Much work lies ahead.". His principal, Peter Obi, has already stated that he is part of the ADC alliance for the 2027 presidential election.

By Madu Obi Two people reportedly died and several others injured following fireworks explosion during Christmas carnival in Umuchu, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State at the weekend. The explosion was said to have occurred near the main stage of the event during the celebrations, forcing the guests to scamper for safety. The fireworks were allegedly packed in cartons and were meant to be disposed of at the event. According to an eye witness, one of the victims, identified only as Ugochi, reportedly died on the spot, while another was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she also died. There were fears that the death toll might rise, as many of the injured persons who sustained serious burns and deep cuts are in serious danger. “The knockout exploded like a bomb. Those closest to the stage collapsed immediately. The sound was deafening, and chaos erupted everywhere as people screamed for help", the eye witness said. A trending video showed thick smoke in the hall and many people fleeing the venue, while the injured ones were rushed to hospital for medical attention. Before the Christmas, the Anambra State Police command had issued a statement prohibiting the use of knockout and other explosives during the yuletide celebrations. Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, while announcing the ban, said the command would deploy robust security measures to ensure that residents and visitors enjoy a peaceful celebration.

By Madu Obi The people of Ezi Umunya village in Oyi local government area of Anambra State have staged a peaceful protest at the council headquarters, Nteje, to express their rejection of the caretaker committee allegedly nominated by the Anambra State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Town Union Matters, Hon. Tonycollins Nwabunwanne. The protesters said the unilateral nomination without consulting the people of Ezi Umunya or other relevant stakeholders was unacceptable. Speaking on behalf of the community, Mr. Uchenna Nwankwo said the villagers were aware of an existing court ruling and were not opposed to the government’s decision to set up a caretaker committee, adding, however, that their objection was strictly oi the composition of the committee. According to him, the individuals allegedly nominated by the Commissioner are parties to an ongoing legal dispute in the community, a development, he added, should disqualify them from serving in such a sensitive position. “Ezi Umunya has remained peaceful in the last few years under the leadership of Chief Emmanuel Okwundu. The names on the list are the same people who previously caused unrest in the village, fled for about three years, and have now returned to take over leadership and continue from where they stopped,” Nwankwo alleged. He further stated that Ezi Umunya operates a zoning formula in the selection of its leadership and warned that the Commissioner’s alleged sole decision could undermine the arrangement and trigger fresh crisis in the community. Nwankwo appealed to the Anambra State government and the Oyi local government council to intervene and rescue the community from what he described as the Commissioner’s high-handedness, warning that insisting on the disputed caretaker committee list could plunge Ezi Umunya into avoidable conflict.

By Madu Obi Chinua Soludo, the son of the Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, paid unscheduled visit to three hospitals in Anambra State on Christmas Day, during which he cleared the hospital bills of many patients, in the spirit of the season. The visit took him to St Joseph's Hospital, Adazi Nnukwu, Anaocha local government area, General Hospital, Nnobi in Idemili South local government area and General Hospital, Ekwulobia in Aguata local government area. Mr. Soludo’s outreach at St. Joseph Hospital impacted more than five patients whose bills were cleared, including a patient who had been detained after her discharge and who had her bill of N933, 500 paid. At Nnobi General Hospital, a patient who had been treated for acute malaria was billed over N120,000 and the bill was promptly cleared, and the patient went home to share the joy of Christmas with the family. Chinua Soludo also extended his Christmas hospital outreach to Ekwulobia General Hospital, where 10 women were assisted with their bills and transportation fares. This gesture of kindness by Soludo's son was warmly received by beneficiaries and their relatives, who offered prayers for divine blessings and God’s protection upon him. During the visit, he not only cleared outstanding hospital bills, but also gave transport fares to facilitate their smooth return to their homes to join their families to celebrate Christmas. Some of the beneficiaries described the gesture as a huge demonstration of humanity by Chinua Soludo, adding that it was a rare act of love, which is the hallmark of the Christmas season. Recall that around this time last year, Chinua Soludo was at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Awka, on a similar outreach and cleared the hospital bills of tens of patients.

Iheanyi Chukwudi As the world celebrates this year's Christmas, the Anglican Bishop of Enugu, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ike has called on Nigerians both leaders and the led, to allow the Prince of Peace to reign, in their lives and the country. Prof. Ike noted in his Christmas message that Christmas brings an unquantifiable amount of good tidings of great joy to all mankind that should be replicated in every home. Consequently, he has urged President Bola Tinubu, to, in the spirit of Christmas, help ease tensions in the South-East by pursuing a political settlement for the imprisoned leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu. Noting that the level of injustice being promoted in the country was dividing Nigerians along religious and ethnic lines, Bishop Ike said, "Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. The recent sentencing of Nnamdi Kanu has further divided the nation along ethnic lines, with many believing that justice was neither done nor seen to have been done. The debate has shifted from guilt to perceptions of political and tribal bias. "Questions abound as to how a man narrowly escaped the death sentence for words spoken, while known murderers who brandish weapons and post their crimes online are being negotiated with and photographed alongside top government officials. Although mercy was cited as the reason for commuting the sentence to life imprisonment, this does not reflect the mercy Christ exemplified in John 8, nor does it align with government standards of pardon evident in recent amnesty lists. The President is therefore encouraged to pursue a political settlement for Nnamdi Kanu, as this would help ease tensions in the South-East." Further decrying the disunity in the country, the cleric lamented that the body language and actions of government officials were fueling disunity in Nigeria. According to him, comatose healthcare, poor economy and increasing insecurity had worsened the situation of Nigeria and heightened disunity. Noting that Jesus Christ came to preach the gospel to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind and to set at liberty those who are oppressed, he said, "The coming of Jesus Christ is therefore especially relevant in seasons such as this, as Nigeria grapples with multifaceted challenges. Many of our people did not live to see this Christmas. Our healthcare system is comatose, the economy remains unstable, oppression and injustice pervade the land, and insecurity looms large. Many Nigerians are not only spiritually poor but physically hungry. Those who escaped death by hunger have remained captives in the dens of kidnappers, while their families are heartbroken and losing hope in the nation. The activities of Islamic jihadists and their enablers have become tools in the hands of the devil, aimed at eliminating the Christian population in our land." On the issue of Christian genocide, the Bishop affirmed it's reality and said, "We beseech Nigerians to cease debating the existence of this genocide, because no definitive solution can begin when we remain in denial of the diagnosis. No Nigerian deserves to die at the hands of terrorists. Now that the international community is paying closer attention to Nigeria, our leaders must realize that the music has changed—and the dance must also change. The President, in the spirit of Christmas, should make every effort to unite Nigerians, especially as social media has become a platform for fanning embers of disunity. The body language and actions of government officials have often fueled this division."

Some of the orphans during the party at Government house, Awka By Madu Obi The wife of the governor of Anambra State, Mrs Nonye Soludo has hosted children from 33 orphanage homes in Anambra State for a Christmas party. The event, which took place at the banquet hall of the Government House, Awka, was part of her resolve to put smiles on the faces of the children. In the past, Mrs Soludo used to visit them in their various orphanages, but decided to host them this year at the seat of government to make a difference. Mrs. Soludo, while thanking those in charge of the various homes, called on them to always give the adolescent ones among them listening ears whenever they approach them, especially on issues concerning their bodies and development. According to her, it has become very pertinent for children, especially female adolescents, to be open and express themselves to their parents, caregivers, and guardians on issues relating to changes in their bodies and interactions with the opposite sex. The governor's wife took out time to have one-on-one interactions with the teenagers among the orphans, apparently to encourage them to feel free and open up whenever the need arose. She also called on members of the public to regularly visit children in orphanage homes to show them love and care, adding that the inmates of the homes would surely appreciate such visits, especially as most of them do not have families to cater for them. "These children depend on the kindness of others and I encourage everybody to visit them from time to time. "I have been visiting them, and I always want to put smiles on their faces. For this Christmas, I needed to give them a sense of belonging, which was why I invited all of them to the Government House to celebrate with them", she said. Mrs Soludo said that she derives joy from making the children happy and ensuring they have fun, reminding Nigerians that part of the Christmas celebration is to extend the spirit of the season of love to everyone, irrespective of their background in society. The governor's wife stated that the state government is paying special attention to the welfare of the children, adding that all of them are currently in school under the state government’s free education programme. “The state government is doing well in ensuring that they are raised in a responsible manner. Honestly, the government is always helping. We should all remember them, visit them, and offer one form of help or another,” she stated. To the children, Mrs Soludo urged them to always open up and discuss any issue they may have with their caregivers. “Please, open up and discuss with those managing you about anything you want. Even if it means calling me to discuss with you", she told the children. Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Ify Obinabo, thanked the wife of the governor for caring for the children. According to Obinabo, Governor Soludo and his wife have remained at the forefront of promoting the Child’s Rights Law, which seeks to ensure that children are protected at all times, regardless of their background. The excited children presented Christmas carols/renditions and entertained guests.

By Madu Obi The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 election and former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has presented a cheque of N4.741 million to cover the National Examination Council, NECO, fees for 148 inmates taking school certicate examination in the four Correctional Centers in Anambra State. Obi, who visited the NECO office in Awka unannounced, presented the cheque to the Anambra State coordinator of NECO, Mrs Emilia Njoku as examination fees and other logistics for those taking the exams this year. The 148 inmates that benefited from the intervention include 50 from Awka Centxer, 36 from Onitsha, 25 from Nnewi, and 37 from Aguata. Obi explained to the staff of NECO that the intervention became necessary after representatives of inmates from the four Correctional Centers visited him in Onitsha to share their plight. According to Obi, although NECO had approved their participation in the examinations, a letter of undertaking from a guarantor was required to enable payment of the fees, adding that he immediately provided the letter guaranteeing payment. He added that he later shared the intervention in the social media, which made the Nigerian Friendship Association, USA, through their non-profit foundation, the Friendship Association Education Assistance, Inc., to reach out to him and expressed their desire to assist. He said he was deeply inspired by their generosity, noting that collective goodwill can restore dignity and open doors to opportunities, not only for this year, but also for future candidates. "The payment of the NECO fees will be continuous", Obi stated. Obi stressed that education remains a critical tool for rehabilitation and reintegration. Drawing from his recent visit to California State University, Sacramento, USA, where he observed rehabilitation-focused programmes for disadvantaged and formerly incarcerated persons, he reiterated that correctional centres should function as true centres of reform, with education at the core of their mission. The Anambra State Coordinator of NECO, Mrs. Emilia Njoku, expressed surprise at the unannounced visit of Mr. Peter Obi, adding that the staff were surprised when a convoy of vehicles arrived the office, only to discover that Obi, uninvited and without prior notice, had come to present a cheque covering NECO examination fees for 148 inmates in correctional centres across Anambra State. Mrs. Njoku recalled that previous appeals to several individuals and organizations to assist in paying the NECO feed were unsuccessful, adding that she was pleasantly surprised that Obi voluntarily wrote the undertaking and paid the full amount.

By Madu Obi Idemili South local government area has won the 2nd edition of Nonye Soludo Volleyball competition with a cash prize of N750,000. It defeated Njikoka local government team, which came 2nd and received N500,000, while Anaocha local government area defeated Aguata local government team to clinch the third position with the prize money of N250000.. Sixteen teams participated in the competition initiated by the wife of the governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo with the aim of discovering budding talents and promoting Volleyball across the 21 local government areas of the state. Stephine Nwadinobi from team Idemili South was named the best attacker at the competition, while Cynthia Uzuegbunam of Njikoka got best setter. Also, Chinecherem Nwazupu of Anaocha was rated the Most Valuable Player, while Njikoka local government was rated the best behaved team. Aguata went home with best coach in the competition. Presenting the awards, Mrs Soludo commended the organizers for doing excellent job and promised to increase the prize money so as to encourage volleyball players in the state. The chairman of Anambra State Sports Development Commission, Patrick Onyedum appreciated Mrs Soludo for instituting the tournament, noting that many players discovered during the competition can make the national volleyball team. "With constant training and improvement of facilities, many of these players can go places", he said.

By Madu the Police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu , Anambra State, have arrested five suspects claiming to be members of a vigilante group. Items recovered from them include two pump-action guns, five live cartridges, one ash coloured shuttle bus, face masks, plate number and other incriminating items at Ring Road, Nibo, Awka South local government area. The suspects, all males, include Solomon Saddah, Okolocha George Kaosisochukwu, John Obi Ogwaju, Chukwuemeka Chisom Ikenwa and Eze Obinna Joshua. The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said in a statement that during interrogation, the suspects admitted their involvement in criminal activities, and revealed how they operate in a shuttle bus under the guise of vigilante personnel to commit the havoc. According to Ikenga, the suspects are currently cooperating with the Police and providing information that will assist in uncovering other criminal collaborators and networks. He assured the commitment of the State Police command towards ensuring the safety and security of lives and property, urging residents to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information during the festive period.

By Madu Obi The West African Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA), a nongovernmental organization, is to partner Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, to ensure security and peace on campus. Speaking when officials of WAANSA visited him in Awka, the Vice Chancellor of UNIZIK, Professor Ugochukwu Anyaehie, described security as fundamental for any organization that seeks to achieve set goals and objectives. Noting that the greatest form of security is preventive, Anyaehie affirmed that his administration would always support measures that guarantee peace and security in the institution. "UNIZIK, as an institution, aligns with the objective of WAANSA Nigeria in promoting peace and orderliness in tertiary institutions in the West African subregion", the VC said. Anyaehie thanked the group for the visit and their role in tackling security challenges across educational institutions in West Africa. The Regional First Vice-President of WAANSA, Mr Martin Igwe, who led the team, explained that the visit was to discuss with UNIZIK management, ways of promoting peace in the institution, and nipping in the bud any form of violence, to enhance security in the university. According to him, WAANSA Nigeria is a network of non-governmental organizations in West Africa working towards sustaining peace, eliminating pockets of violence and halting the menace of illegal proliferation of small arms within the West African subregion. He said that the organization is already liaising with the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Committee of Vice-Chancellors on ways of identifying threats of insecurity capable of distracting and disrupting academic activities in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Igwe congratulated Prof. Anyaehie on his appointment as the Vice-Chancellor of UNIZIK, expressing hope that his track record and achievements elsewhere would bring to bear in the running of the university. Present during the courtesy visit were the Director of Programme of WAANSA Nigeria, Chidi George-Okoli and Administrative Secretary of WAANSA Nigeria, Diane Lawrence.

By Madu Obi A public commentator and political writer, Dr. Valentine Obienyem, has vowed to formally petition any country to which Mr Reno Omokri is posted as Nigeria’s ambassador, urging the host government not to accept his letter of credence. Omokri, a former presidential aide, was among those nominated by President Bola Tinubu for ambassadorial positions and had since been screened by the Nigerian Senate. In a letter addressed to the President of prospective host country and copied to its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Internal Affairs, Obienyem raised what he described as “grave concerns” about Omokri’s suitability to represent Nigeria diplomatically. According to Obienyem, the objection is based on Omokri’s “publicly documented conduct and long-standing behaviour,” which he argued, demonstrate instability, shifting loyalties, and an excessive tendency towards personal advancement, rather than national interest. He warned that accepting Omokri as ambassador could, in his view, pose risks to bilateral relations. The letter focused on Omokri’s past public commentary on Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with Obienyem recounting that in the period preceding and during the 2023 presidential election, Omokri was an outspoken critic of Tinubu, participating in protests and using strong language on social media to question the President’s fitness for office. He further recalled instances in which Omokri mocked Tinubu’s health, referring to him as a “London patient”. The letter also referenced Omokri’s past claims regarding Tinubu’s academic records and allegations of corruption, noting that these statements were made publicly and without caveat at the time and provided links to videos and social media posts which, he said, demonstrate these positions, emphasizing that his account is based on Omokri’s own published words. Obienyem noted what he described as a dramatic reversal after the election, recalling that Omokri had publicly declared that he would never work with Tinubu. He characterized such an arrangement as contrary to his “principles and DNA”. According to the letter, Omokri later became an open supporter of the President, endorsing his policies, defending key decisions, and aligning himself with the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”, noting that this shift has attracted widespread public attention and controversy in Nigeria. The letter further stated that Omokri’s ambassadorial appointment has been protested by citizens, civil society groups, and commentators across the country, all questioning his suitability for diplomatic office, adding that the decision to proceed with the nomination despite these objections has deepened public unease. Obienyem noted that another major concern is Omokri’s alleged pattern of sycophantic behaviour, arguing that this tendency could lead to exaggerated or misleading representations to host governments in an effort to gain favour, thereby undermining trust and accurate diplomatic communication. He advised host governments to exercise caution and to decline acceptance of Omokri’s letter of credence. He described his intervention as an act of patriotism, warning that accepting Omokri could expose both Nigeria and the host country to reputational risk. “This is not a personal matter, but a question of public responsibility and the integrity of diplomatic representation", the letter stated. Obienyem said he is prepared to supply further documentation of Omokri’s public statements upon request, adding that his objections will be raised whenever and wherever Omokri is posted.