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By Madu Obi African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential aspirant , Mr. Peter Obi has expressed deep concern over the recent decision by the United States of America, USA, to evacuate its embassy staff from Nigeria, describing the move as a troubling signal of worsening insecurity and declining global confidence in the country. In a statement posted on his social media platforms, Obi warned that the development should be treated as a national emergency, particularly at a time when Nigeria is striving to attract foreign investment. According to Obi, Nigeria currently ranks fourth on the Global Terrorism Index and has continued to experience escalating violence, loss of lives, and persistent threats to communities. He lamented what he described as a failure of governance, arguing that political maneuvering has taken precedence over the safety and welfare of citizens. The U.S. directive, he noted, reflects growing international concern about Nigeria’s fragile security architecture. Obi also referenced reports of the killing of a senior military officer in Borno State, describing it as a further evidence of the dangerous conditions facing both civilians and security personnel. He also lamented that many Nigerians can no longer live, work, worship, or travel safely, warning that such an environment undermines national development and investor confidence. Reiterating that the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property, Obi acknowledged that leadership failures over the years have placed immense pressure on the nation’s armed forces, who continue to make significant sacrifices. Drawing a historical parallel, he likened the current political class to Nero, accusing leaders of being distracted by politics, while the country grapples with deepening insecurity and cautioned that without safety and stability, there would be no nation left to govern or future to contest for political offices.

By Madu Obi The convener of APGA Media Warriors Forum, Evang Chinedu Obigwe, has accused suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, who confronted Governor Chukwuma Soludo during a town hall meeting in London, of being the sponsors of insecurity in Igbo land. The meeting was organized to update Anambra indigenes in diaspora on Governor Soludo's developmental achievements. However , a group of people reportedly created tension at the arena and accused the governor of inaction over the plight of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. In a statement, Obigwe faulted the allegation, noting that most of the so-called agitators were sponsors of insecurity in Anambra State, which Governor Soludo has fought hard to eliminate. According to the statement, criminal elements masquerading as IPOB members were the people that terrorized eight local government areas in the state, forcing residents to flee their communities. The statement read in part: “The attention of the APGA Media Warriors have been drawn to a report that Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State was confronted by a group of people claiming to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB. “They accused the governor of not making efforts at securing the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and also accused him of sponsoring the attacks and killings of youths in the area. Against this backdrop it has become instructive that we state the following points for the purposes of clarity and brevity. At the inception of Soludo’s administration, he had appealed to criminal elements leaving in the forest to come out under his amnesty program and be rehabilitated. Soludo urged them to hand over their arms and join in the development of Anambra State which lasted for months. Those who accepted the offer were reintegrated into the society and those that had been in detention were granted bail. Above all, Governor Soludo also visited Mazi Nnamdi Kanu at the DSS facility where he described the Monday sit at home order as illegal and also described the killings and kidnappings in Igbo land as unacceptable to him. Despite these honest and deliberate moves by the governor, those miscreants operating under the guise of IPOB held eight local government areas of Anambra state under siege. People fled their homes and the economy of the entire South East was criminally being sabotaged to say the least. Consequent upon this lawlessness that pervaded in the state as it where, Governor Charles Soludo introduced and launched the Operation Udo Ga Chi which is made up of the Agunechemba Security Squad, as well as all the Service Commands in the state, aimed at putting an end to the carnage in Anambra State.” Obigwe added that it is indeed most regrettable that some fifth columnists and uninformed people chose to protest against the restoration of sanity, peace, security and rule of law in Anambra state. “Most of these perceived agitators have not come home in the past ten years for fear of being kidnapped or killed and their relatives have continued to advise them not to return home. It is indeed clear that those that came to confront Soludo at the town hall meeting are those sponsoring the killings, arsons and insecurity in Anambra State as they have actually lost their deposits in this bloody and deadly enterprise. These fifth columnists are apparently the real enemies of Anambra and indeed Ndigbo, given the fact that they are protesting against the peace and tranquility that our people are currently enjoying. We challenge them to come home in order to have a first hand and on the spot assessment of the peace in Igbo land than making very bogus and false claims", the statement concluded.

By Madu Obi The Senator representing Anambra Central senatorial zone and a chieftain of African Democratic Congress, ADC, Chief Victor Umeh, has accused the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Joash Amupitan, of deliberately sabotaging the party . Speaking during the party's stakeholders meeting ahead of its planned Anambra State congress in Awka, Umeh said it was surprising that the chairman of an electoral body, who is not just a lawyer, but a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a law professor, claimed not to know that internal party matters are not justiciable. "The controversy over the ADC leadership is very simple and straightforward. We are talking about the court making an order in the leadership of African Democratic Congress, and people are busy discussing the order made by the court, which INEC, headed by a professor of law and a senior advocate of Nigeria, feigned ignorance that no court in Nigeria has jurisdiction to entertain any matter bordering on internal affairs of a political party or leadership of a political party", Umeh said. According to him, the Supreme Court has delivered judgment a number of times in the past on this, adding that the oldest was in 1983. He added: "The Supreme Court stated it that courts do not answer political questions. Issues concerning internal affairs of political party are not justiciable, including leadership of a political party. In other words, you can't bring to court such issues since 1983. Then last year, for example, the Supreme Court in the case in the appeal brought by Senator Nenadi Usman against Julius Abure and the Labour Party, emphasized again that court has no jurisdiction to determine the leadership of a political party, or to get into any dispute involving internal affairs of a party or leadership of a political party. That was delivered on the 4th of April, 2025. Then this year, we, the National Assembly, amended the Electoral Act, and in Section 83, subsection 5 of the Electoral Act 2026, as amended, said that no court in Nigeria shall entertain jurisdiction to hear any matter or suit concerning internal affairs of a political party. Is there any ambiguity in this? So, whether the Federal High Court of Justice Nwite made any order or raised any issue, it cannot stand. And the Court of Appeal that made the damning order that INEC wants to rely on, to say now, 'oh, the order is that we should return to status quo and nobody should do anything', that will render the trial court proceedings nugatory. The same Court of Appeal has no jurisdiction, because the matter in dispute is, who are the leaders of ADC? Is it David Mark and Rauf Aregbshola, or Nafiu Bala Gombe? So the Federal High Court has no jurisdiction and the Court of Appeal has no jurisdiction. Even Supreme Court has no jurisdiction by this explanation. So they now made that order and INEC lapped on it to begin to say that there are issues in ADC. That is murder. What they committed is murder and is unacceptable. They cannot do that. Nigeria is a country that is governed by laws, and the instances I have given you now show clearly that the two courts have no reason to meddle into this matter, and INEC that is acting on it is mischievous." Umeh said Professor Amupitan knows that the two courts have no jurisdiction to entertain the matter and wondered why he is acting on it.

By Madu Obi The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has congratulated Christians on the sacred occasion of Easter, describing it as the cornerstone of Christian life. In his goodwill message to mark the occasion, Governor Soludo stated that having passed through the lenten season, Easter is a profound evidence of the triumph of light over darkness, hope over despair, and life over death. "The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just a historical event; it is a timeless symbol of redemption, renewal, and the boundless possibilities that emerge when faith is steadfast and uncompromising", the governor said. The season, he added, calls upon all Christians to reflect deeply and recommit to the virtues that Easter embodies, which are selfless love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and reconciliation. "Christ’s journey to the cross and His glorious resurrection remind us that true leadership and citizenship demand putting others before ourselves, bearing one another’s burdens, and choosing the path of peace even when confronted with adversity", Soludo further said. He prayed that as most people gather with their families and friends to rejoice the risen Christ, their hearts should be filled with renewed hope, homes that abound in peace, and the light of the resurrection that illuminate the path towards a more just and harmonious society.

By Madu Obi House of Representatives aspirant for Anaocha/Njikoka/ Dunukofia federal constituency of Anambra State for the 2027 election, Chief Chukwudi Oli, has promised that service and openness to the people will be his watchword if elected into the House of Representatives in next year's election. Oli, a lawyer, is aspiring on the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, a party that is dominating the politics of Anambra State. Speaking in an interview at Nri, Anaocha local government area of the state, Oli said the constituency is very dear to him, adding that having watched successive representatives of the area at the national assembly, they did their best, but they cannot perform beyond their capacities. "I promise to make the difference if I am elected. I've always been intentional in everything I do in life. This constituency is very dear to me. The resources meant for the people will be properly utilized and accounted for. In life, when one aspires to serve, it comes with a whole lot of challenges. My coming out to contest is because I have the capacity to give the people what they need. I don't want to dwell on sentiments; I want to touch lives", he said . According to Oli, "My representation won't be to be sharing tricycles or installing street lights, but will be rooted in building entrepreneurs. We want our youths to have things they'll be doing to sustain themselves on a regular basis. We want our youths to be the real future leaders. I'm the son of a very poor man , but God blessed me and I have been touching lives and I want to continue doing that in public office." Oli added that he had looked around and discovered that all those who want to contest for the APGA ticket with him at the primaries are merely looking for something to hold on to, so as to better their lives. "I will be so transparent that I will be telling the people what accrues to the constituency on a regular basis. There will be regular town hall meetings where we'll decide what to do with the resources of the constituency. I'm going to replicate the one youth, two skills policy of Governor Chukwuma Soludo in our constituency. We want to build something that will outlive the people in the three local government areas where the youths will be acquiring new skills because by doing so, we'll be assisting the state government in its developmental strides. We will ensure that indigent people in our constituency are supported to acquire education to the highest level. I won't concentrate in doing things that will fizzle out over a period of time. I will do for all the communities in the federal constituency what I have been able to do in Nri, my home town. We have to go beyond sharing Keke and sewing machines and motorcycles. We will share those things, no doubt, but they won't be our primary reason for going to Abuja", he said. Oli added that as a lawyer, his experience will come handy in the national assembly in enacting quality laws for the country, adding that with his 21 years experience in legal practice, he won't be going to the national assembly to idle away his time. "My presence in the national assembly won't be business as usual. I will work for the people. I will serve with all I have to make our people happy", he stated.

By Madu Obi A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Joemartins Uzodike has said that the best option for the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, is to honourably resign from his position, claiming that he has already failed Nigerians even before the election. Reacting to INEC’s withdrawal of recognition of the Sen. David Mark-led leadership of ADC, Uzodike, a lawyer, described the pronouncements of Amupitan on the matter as disgraceful and mischievous According to him, the interpretation of a court order by INEC under the chairmanship of Amupitan, who is a professor of law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), showed the Commission's bias, as he relied on an order submitted to INEC by an individual, thereby displaying deliberate ignorance of the law and pretending not to know what status quo antebellum meant, or where it should be applied. Uzodike said the action of the INEC chairman had brought serious embarrassment to the legal system following his reliance on a court order to create a leadership void in an opposition political party. He also frowned at a situation where Amupitan is interpreting an individual as a faction, arguing that Nafiu Bala neither has a secretary, nor leads any executive committee “I have been around in this country since independence and I have been actively part of many elections in Nigeria, I make bold to say that an electoral umpire has never descended so brazenly and carelessly into the arena as we have now. The chairman is a professor of law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. How can he not interpret the meaning of status quo antebellum, which means go back to where you were before you came to court. At what point was ADC before Nafiu Bala went to court and who was the chairman at that time ? The court simply said whosoever was there should continue before the matter is determined, but Amupitan’s INEC is saying ADC does not exist. The INEC chairman has failed the law; he has shown he is not capable of presiding over our electoral affairs without bias. He should therefore resign,” Uzodike said. He said Amupitan should have been concerned about saving and strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, rather than serving the interest of a few who wished to destroy it, adding that his TV interview also showed he was acting under intense pressure. “From his demeanor on TV interview, it is clear that the INEC chairman is not a man of himself. For someone who has risen to the position of Deputy Vice Chancellor of a university, a professor and SAN, he should be a man of honour,” he added.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State Police Command has expressed serious concern over the growing trend of some security operatives concealing their identities while providing protection to Very Important Personalities (VIPs) within the state, describing the action as a big threat to security. It is a common sight in the state to see vigilante operatives wearing masks while patrolling or mounting checkpoints. Reacting on the development in Awka, the Command noted that while security duties often require tactical discretion, the act of masking identities without proper authorization raises significant security concerns. Such practices, it observed, not only pose a potential threat to public safety, but also undermine trust, accountability, and the integrity of inter-agency collaboration. Worried by the situation, the Commissioner of Polic, Ikioye Orutugu insisted that identifiable security personnel remain a critical component of coordinated security operations, especially in an environment that demands synergy among various agencies. "The use of masks by operatives, particularly in non-operational or public-facing assignments such as VIP protection, makes it difficult to verify legitimacy and could be exploited by criminal elements to perpetrate unlawful acts under the guise of security duties" the CP said. He called on all security agencies operating within the state to ensure that their personnel are properly identified at all times while on routine or protective duties, except in clearly defined tactical operations sanctioned by appropriate authorities. He assured that Anambra State Police Command remains dedicated to upholding professionalism, accountability, and public trust in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe By Madu Obi The leadership of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has called on the Senate President, Goodwill Akpabio, to declare Abia South senatorial seat vacant following the defection of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe from APGA to the African Democratic Congress, ADC. In a communique issued after the party's National Working Committee, NWC, meeting in Awka, the party commended the Senate under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio for standing firm in defence of democracy and constitutional order regarding what it described as the unlawful defection of Senator Abaribe from APGA. "The NWC calls on the Senate leadership to invoke relevant provisions of the Constitution and declare his seat vacant, in light of his betrayal of the mandate entrusted to him by the people of Abia South Senatorial District", the communique read in part. It commended the leadership of the National Assembly for the prompt passage of the Electoral Act, 2026 and President Bola Tinubu, for granting immediate assent to the bill. According to APGA, the enactment will guarantee certainty in the electoral process and further strengthen the preparations of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 General Elections. "The NWC further notes and commends the innovative introductions in the new Electoral Act, particularly on the mode of primary elections by political parties and the digitization of membership database of political parties. APGA firmly believes that such innovative provisions align with global best practices and further strengthens internal party democracy. NWC however tasks the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that its revised timetable for 2027 general elections aligns with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026", the communique further stated. While noting the challenges posed by the ongoing Electronic Membership Revalidation and Registration Exercise, the party assured of their prompt resolution, calling on its members and intending members, as well as all progressives, to take advantage of the window of opportunity provided by the exercise to register. The party also congratulated its national leader and Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, on his swearing-in ceremony for a 2nd term in office as Governor of Anambra State. "NWC notes that the governor's developmental strides in Anambra State resulted in the massive victory recorded by the party during the last gubernatorial election in Anambra State. NWC urges Governor Soludo to continue to devote his strength towards fulfilling his campaign promises to Ndi Anambra in a bid to realizing his ambition of making Anambra a livable and prosperous smart mega city", it further said.

By Madu Obi The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL), the umbrella body of youth groups drawn across the country's six geopolitical zones, has expressed deep outrage over the continued harassment, intimidation, and violent attacks against Nigerians residing in South Africa, warning that enough is enough. Leader of the group, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, described the attacks as unacceptable, unjustifiable, wicked, barbaric and a direct assault on African unity, brotherhood, and shared history. "We remind our South African brothers and sisters that Nigeria stood firmly with them during their darkest days. From diplomatic pressure to material and moral support, Nigerian leaders and citizens, including foremost nationalists, played a significant role in the struggle against apartheid and the eventual liberation of South Africa. That legacy must not be repaid with hostility and violence. It is, therefore, shocking and deeply disappointing that Nigerians—who contributed to the fight for freedom—are now being targeted and treated as enemies", Ibem said. He urged the Government of South Africa to act immediately by protecting Nigerians and other African nationals within its borders. He also called on the government to identify, arrest, and prosecute the perpetrators without delay and take concrete steps to prevent further xenophobic violence. According to him, failure to act decisively will compel Nigerian youths and stakeholders to begin coordinated lawful advocacy for economic and diplomatic measures, which may include calls for a reassessment of the operations of South African businesses like MTN and other firms in Nigeria and a broader review of bilateral engagements. "Let it be clear: Nigerians will not remain silent while our citizens are attacked abroad. We believe in African unity, but unity cannot exist where injustice thrives. This is a defining moment. South Africa must choose the path of justice, protection, and mutual respect", Ibem said.

By Madu Obi Presidential aspirant for the 2027 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi has criticized what he described as lack of empathy and the quality of national leadership exhibited during the recent presidential visits to violence-affected areas in Nigeria. Obi spoke on the recent visits by President Bola Tinubu to Benue State in June 2025, where he stopped at the Government House without proceeding to communities affected by deadly attacks and a similar occurrence in Plateau State, where his ended at the Jos airport rather than at the impacted areas. According to Obi, such actions fall short of the expectations of leadership in times of crisis, arguing that true leadership requires more than official appearances. “For citizens who have just lost loved ones, homes, and their sense of safety, being addressed from an airport tarmac, is profoundly inadequate,” he stated, stressing the need for physical presence, empathy, and direct engagement with victims. Obi warned that the president's approach could deepen the sense of abandonment among Nigerians who have endured repeated cycles of violence without meaningful protection or justice. He called for urgent action and a clear commitment to addressing the insecurity affecting communities, particularly in Plateau State and maintained that leadership must be both visible and tangible in moments of crisis. "Standing with victims, listening to survivors, and acknowledging their grief could make a lot of difference," he added.

Engr. Dave Umahi ( middle) during the opening of Enugu- Onitsha expressway By Madu Obi Minister of Works, David Umahi, has opened the completed sections of the Enugu–Onitsha expressway to ensure easy movement during the Easter period, describing it as a major turning point for transportation and commerce in the South East geopolitical zone. Speaking during the exercise at a spot close to the Onyeama Mine in Enugu, Umahi recalled that before the intervention of the current administration, commuters and freight operators spent over seven hours traveling between Enugu and Onitsha, resulting in high transportation costs, delays in goods delivery, and reduced economic productivity. He described the road as the most important route in the Southeast, noting that although the contract was awarded years before 2023 when President Bola Tinubu assumed office, the project was abandoned for nearly eight years with minimal progress. According to him, the road was initially executed under a tax credit scheme involving MTN and construction firm RCC, but suffered prolonged setbacks until President Tinubu directed its acceleration and redesign. Umahi stated that Federal Government reviewed the original ₦202 billion contract, retaining part of it and redesigned some sections for reconstruction, using reinforced concrete pavement. The redesigned section, he added, valued at about ₦150 billion, is being constructed to higher durability standards similar to those adopted for the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, adding that the total reconstruction cost of the Enugu–Onitsha road has exceeded ₦350 billion, reflecting both the scale of work and the government’s renewed commitment to infrastructure delivery. The minister explained that the first 15 kilometres of the concrete section are 97 percent completed and have been opened to traffic to ease movement during the Easter period, stating that an additional 18-kilometres stretch is under construction towards Anambra State, while work is ongoing on a separate kilometers segment from the 2nd Niger Bridge axis. He directed the contractors handling the asphalt portions of the road to adopt reinforced concrete for the remaining 23 kilometres, citing its longer lifespan and lower maintenance costs. “Asphalt fails over time, but concrete can last for between 50 and 100 years with little or no maintenance,” Umahi stated. He emphasised that, upon completion, at least 50 percent of the highway would be constructed with reinforced concrete, a move expected to significantly reduce lifecycle costs and ensure sustainability. He noted that the upgraded highway would enhance trade flows between key commercial hubs, reduce vehicle operating costs, and boost small and medium-scale enterprises that depend on efficient logistics across the Southeast. Umahi also listed other ongoing federal infrastructure projects in the region to include sections of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway which is nearing completion, the dualization of the Enugu–Abakaliki road, and the reconstruction of the Afikpo–Abia–Okigwe corridor under a tax credit scheme. Others include upgrades of the Aba–Port Harcourt road, construction of access roads and bypasses linked to the Second Niger Bridge, with multiple flyovers and interchanges aimed at easing congestion and improving urban mobility. He said that collapsed bridges along the Enugu–Onitsha corridor have been rebuilt and fitted with solar-powered lighting systems, aligning with the government’s broader highway illumination initiative to improve safety and security.

By Madu Obi The Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, in collaboration with the Anambra State government and Chambers of Commerce in Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi, have unveiled a partnership aimed at driving innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth in the state and beyond. The Director of Unizik Business School, Professor Pius Okoye, said in Awka that the partnership seeks to ensure that research outputs from the University are aligned with the needs of the industry, while government policies remain responsive to the realities of businesses across the state. Themed, 'Anambra Triple Helix Matrix: University, Industry and Government Alignment', he described the partnership as a tripartite model, which would foster economic growth by turning research into commercial products, provide students with practical skills, and bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world market needs. According to Okoye, UNIZIK Business School has, over the years, been in the forefront of championing practical business-oriented models that lay much emphasis on case studies, real output and business incubation. He said, *This maiden UBS quarterly roundtable is geared towards collaborating with Anambra State government in consummating the mandate of His Excellency, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo towards industrialization of Anambra State by sensitizing industry leaders, Small and Medium Scale Enterprise owners, Artisans and innovators. It allows UNIZIK Business School to take innovations out of the lab and into the market; transforming theoretical research into usable technology and commercial products. It is believed that this collaborations will enable universities to design curricula based on industry needs, providing students with practical hands-on skills, internships, and mentoring that boost employability. The alignment is recognized as crucial for regional economic development, as it fosters an ecosystem where university researchers, entrepreneurs, and established firms share ideas. As Anambra advances on this path, the collaboration between Nnamdi Azikiwe University, the Chambers of Commerce, and the state government offers a clear blueprint for inclusive economic growth. With sustained commitment and strategic execution, the Triple Helix Matrix will not only drive innovation but also secure long-term prosperity for Anambra people." He commended the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Bond Ugochukwu Anyaehie, who, he added , his research capacity and human capital management, serve as catalysts for innovation. The occasion brought together the academia, industry, and government stakeholders to explore the power of university -industry-government collaboration.