Search Results

By Madu Obi The Anambra State government has vowed to find killers of an Awka- based businessman, Martin Onyekesi, and ensure that justice is served. The only son of the state Women Leader of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Martin was abducted from his home at Ezinifite village, Okpuno, Awka by gunmen and after killing him, dumped his dead body at Amawbia, despite payment of ransom by his family. Worried by the incident, the state government has promised to ensure justice is served on those behind the dastardly act, assuring that security operatives have already swung into action to find the killers. The state Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, during a condolence visit to the mother of the businessman, Mrs. Esther Onyekesi, said government would stop at nothing to get to the root of the matter. Mefor, who described the fish dealer's death as dastardly and heart-wrenching, sympathized with the deceased's mother, assuring her that the state government is with her in search of justice, while sustaining and strengthening security in Anambra State. He said: "This incident is an affront to the state government's new security architecture. Police are already on the heels of the perpetrators and have issued a statement on the matter after recovering the vehicle in which they drove him away. Nobody can commit such a dastardly act in Anambra State and get away with it. We'll fight and get him justice. The mother will get justice; the family will get justice, and Anambra will get justice. It's a very painful loss for all of us, and the government is always challenged when things like this happen because it's an affront to the new security architecture put in place by the Solution Government led by Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo. The new security architecture has been remarkably trying to deal with all manner of criminality, and whoever lives in Anambra will attest to the fact that security has tremendously improved since the new security architecture was put in place and launched by Governor Soludo on February 18, 2025. Between then and now, security has dramatically improved to the point that all the areas that are challenged have been receiving the needed attention. And whoever is constituting a security challenge in Anambra now knows that they have the government's new security outfits—Agunechemba and Operation Udo Ga-Achi—to contend with". In the meantime, the state joint security operatives have recovered the victim’s navy blue Toyota Corolla, along Ukwulu/Igbariam road, which the assailants used to escape the scene after shooting him. According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has directed all tactical and intelligence units to redouble their efforts in tracking down those responsible for the abduction and subsequent killing of Onyekere. "Preliminary investigations revealed that the assailants had trailed the victim before launching the violent attack, during which the deceased was shot on the leg and forcibly taken away. He was later found lifeless, sparking public outrage and deep concern among residents of Awka. While condemning the killing, the CP has assured that the criminal elements behind this cowardly act will be brought to book. He further stated that the Police owe it to the family, the people of Anambra, and the memory of the deceased to ensure that those responsible face the full weight of the law", the PPRO said.

By Iheanyi Chukwudi The Nigerian Army has gifted an industrial water borehole built to check chronic lack of water in Ohodo community, Igbo-Etiti Local Government of Enugu State, to the community. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, while inaugurating the industrial borehole on Saturday, said it is a high-impact project meant to “give back to the society." The COAS, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division Enugu, Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, said the project was meant to honour the former Commandant of Nigerian Army Ordnance School, Maj.-Gen. Patrick Eze (rtd), a native of the community. He explained that the COAS Special Intervention Civil-Military-Cooperation Projects were meant to support retired Army Senior Officers’ communities and appreciate their communities for their illustrious son's sacrificial service to the Nigerian Army and the nation. “The idea of Chief of Army's Staff Special Intervention Civil-Military-Cooperation Projects was conceived as part of efforts to support the communities of Nigerian Army senior officers, who through years of service and dedication attain the rank of Major General. The concept of the COAS Special Intervention Projects is to give back to the people as essential partners in progress and we have over 200 projects scattered all over the country done with consultation with the communities. The top notch basic amenities are provided to complement rural development efforts of the state government and communities as they serve to bring solutions to pressing needs, ameliorate hardship and enhance the people’s quality of life," Oluyede said. In his address earlier, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, said the industrial water borehole was meant to provide clean drinking and domestic water for the people of Ohodo community. He described Maj. Gen. Eze as a professional officer with an indelible and enviable service record to the nation spanning over three decades as well as being instrumental to successes recorded during his service. He said, “This project was executed by Maj.-Gen. P.I. Eze (retired), has a 30 KVA sound-proof generator, electricity supply, solar-powered security lighting, solar-powered digitalised security surveillance cameras, overhead tankers and multiple dispensers among others." Responding, elated Maj. Gen. Eze commended the COAS for approving and funding the project and using him to bring the solution to the long time challenge of lack of potable water to his community and “making Ohodo people happy." The situation he said was “so bad that during the dry season my community people buy 1,000 litres of tanker water for N50,000." Also thanking the COAS and the GOC for the “high-impact project,” the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Hycient Eze, assured 100 per cent community protection for the facility. The monarch said, “We appreciate the Nigerian Army coming to bring a solution to the age long challenge of our community, as we bear great financial burden to get water. One of the indigenes, Mr Nicholas Agbo, thanked the Nigerian Army for reducing the hardship the community people face daily in getting water, adding: “The Nigerian Army is the only messiah we know." The event witnessed the handing over of keys of the facility to the community’s traditional ruler and presentation of gift items by the wife of Maj.-Gen. Eze, Mrs Regina Eze, to widows in the community.

PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga By Madu Obi Supporters of the the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, and those of All Progressives Congress, APC, have clashed at Agukwu Nri, Anaocha local government area of Anambra State, over alleged destruction of the billboards of the governorship candidates of the two parties for the November 8 election. Both parties had events in the town and their supporters were seen at the popular square in the town dancing with their flags. Suddenly, the charged atmosphere turned violent and supporters started pulling down the billboards of their opponents.. While APGA, led by a legal practitioner known as Ezeafia was hosting the governor of the state and APGA candidate, Prof Chukwuma Soludo for the flag off of a road construction in the town, the governorship running mate of APC, Senator Uche Ekwunife, was also hosting her party's supporters. Trouble was said to have started when some supporters of APC accused those of APGA of allegedly bringing down billboards of their party for non payment of signage fee. According to an eyewitness, the altercations escalated, leading to the intervention of the police operatives present. Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu has ordered thorough investigation into the matter. According to the PPRO, both parties have already been invited to the state police headquarters to explain their level of involvement in the incident. A statement by Ikenga said: "The State Police command swiftly intervened and restored calm following a report of the political squabble. The incident reportedly arose after supporters of an opposing political party allegedly pulled down three campaign billboards belonging to another party leading to a brief disturbance in the area. Parties involved in the matter were immediately invited for a peace meeting aimed at de-escalating the tension. However, a mutual agreement was reached to replace the removed billboards without delay, despite claims that the removal was due to non-payment of signage fees." Ikenga said the CP has urged political actors and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and within the ambit of the law. The CP, he added, has further directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Political Desk to ensure that they uphold the already agreed pact by the parties, or to carry out a more discreet investigation.

By Madu Obi The African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Anambra State mobilized effectively for the visit of the national chairman of the party, Senator David Mark, as he attended the burial of Justice Emmanuel Nri Ezedi, former Chief judge of the state, who quashed the impeachment of former Governor Peter Obi by the state House of Assembly. Obi, as well as the governor of the state, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, legal luminaries and politicians from within and outside the country, were present at the burial service presided over by the Archbishop on the Niger and Anglican Bishop of Awka, Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim at St James Church, Nri, Anaocha local government area. Hundreds of ADC supporters, waving the party's flag, received Mark at the Chinua Achebe Airport from where the motorcade drove to Nri for the burial. They were led by the ADC governorship candidate for the November 8 election, Mr. John Nwosu, his running mate, Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu and other party officials. It was not clear if the meeting of Mark and Obi at the airport was a coincidence, but both drove in separate cars to the venue of the burial. ADC supporters were, however, excited to see the two political giants together, with some speculating that it was an indication that they would work together in the ADC coalition. Mark did not speak at the ceremony, but Obi, who reacted on his official X handle, narrated how the judge rose above arbitrariness to reaffirm justice and fairness by returning him to his seat. "I remember vividly the period of my impeachment. At that critical moment, even without any personal acquaintance with me, Justice Nri Ezedi courageously rose above sentiment and external pressure. His judgement was not only of law over arbitrariness, but also a reaffirmation of justice in its purest form." he wrote. Obi described the late judge as a towering figure in the legal profession and one of the finest jurists of his generation. According to him, without any personal acquaintance, the late Justice courageously rose above sentiment and external pressure and delivered a ground-breaking judgment. In his sermon, Archbishop Ibezim reminded the congregation that death is waiting for everyone, irrespective of their status, noting that it only what one did during his lifetime that he would be remembered for. He said that Justice Nri Ezedi practiced law courageously, recalling many landmark judgments he delivered as a jurist.

By Iheanyi Chukwudi World Igbo National Union (WINU), has condemned in strong words the alleged silence of the Imo State Government, on the gruesome killings of innocent Igbo civilians at Umualaoma Arondizuogu in Ideato North Local Government of the state, describing it as unacceptable. Consequently, WINU has called for the immediate arrest of Asari Dokubo and all individuals involved in violent acts in the South East region. The Union demanded for the conduct of a thorough investigation into the said killings to bring the perpetrators to justice. In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Ifeanyi Uwakwe, WINU also called on all South Eastern Governors to take proactive measures to enhance community safety. The violent and tragic incidents, according to the Union came to public attention through a heart-wrenching video that surfaced on July 24, highlighting not only the loss of life but the increasing insecurity faced by communities In the South East region. Condemning the alleged silence of the Imo State government on dastardly act, the Union said, "The silence of the Imo State government on this urgent matter is disheartening and unacceptable. It is imperative that government authorities issue a formal statement condemning these actions and reinforcing their commitment to the protection of lives within our communities. We also call on all South Eastern governors to take proactive measures to enhance community safety. This should include sponsoring local vigilantes and installing security cameras in strategic locations to bolster effective policing. Such initiatives are critical to combatting the rising threat posed by Fulani terrorist invaders who are infiltrating our neighborhoods. We urge youth in all communities to remain vigilant and monitor the activities of non-citizens in their areas. Security is a collective responsibility, and we must work together to thwart any attempts by foreign invaders to undermine our safety and well-being." On it's call for Dokubo, WINU said, "We express serious concern regarding Alhaji Asari Dokubo's recent claims of responsibility for the killings of Igbo youths in Imo and Anambra States. His continued freedom following such admissions is alarming and raises questions about accountability and law enforcement. "We call for the immediate arrest of Asari Dokubo and all individuals involved in these violent acts. The Department of State Services (DSS) must take decisive action to ensure that justice is served. "WINU firmly asserts that we will not tolerate any form of extrajudicial killings or violence in Igbo land. The systematic oppression of our people must end. We will remain vigilant and actively seek justice for our community, ensuring that no more lives are lost senselessly." Meanwhile, the Union expressing its deepest condolences to the families affected by the heinous act, and assured of its solidarity with the people of Ideato.

By Iheanyi Chukwudi The Enugu State Government has identify human trafficking and modern-day slavery, as one of the most inhumane crimes confronting the world today. Consequently, it has called on global stakeholders to unite in a common cause against the persistent scourge of the phenomenon. Making the advocacy on Friday during a solidarity rally held in Enugu to mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the State Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, said the globe must unite to fight human trafficking. Enih who addressed a diverse audience that included government officials, civil society actors, security agencies, students, and community leaders, drew attention to the 2025 global theme: “Human Trafficking is Organised Crime – End the Exploitation," and stressed that the time has come for concerted, transnational efforts to dismantle the networks of exploitation that thrive on human misery. She said, “Today, on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we stand in solidarity with victims of human trafficking. This crime steals dignity, freedom, and futures—especially from women and children. As we raise our voices, let’s commit to stronger protection, justice for survivors, and a society where no one is left behind." She condemned trafficking as a form of modern-day slavery that strips victims of their basic rights and dehumanises them for profit. The Commissioner noted that the state government has a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of slavery, abuse, and violence that compromise human dignity, and reiterated the government’s resolve to continue working closely with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and other partners to bring offenders to justice. She also called on religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, and local communities to intensify awareness and grassroots mobilisation against trafficking networks. Insisting that ending human trafficking requires more than institutional action, the Commissioner said "it demands a unified front by all sectors of society to prevent the recruitment, transportation, and exploitation of vulnerable individuals, especially underage girls and impoverished families. “Every religious community, every palace, every classroom must become a fortress against trafficking. This is a fight for our humanity." Participants at the rally marched through the streets of Enugu with placards bearing messages like “Stop Human Trafficking Now,” “I Am Not For Sale,” and “Organ Harvesting is Human Trafficking.” The event was both a show of solidarity and a call to action, aiming to awaken collective consciousness and responsibility toward ending the global crime.

By Madu Obi The wife of the Anambra State governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo has said that the highest birthday present she gives to the people every year is visiting hospitals and motherless babies' homes to interact with them. Mrs Soludo spoke at the General Hospital, Okpoko, built by her husband, which she visited as part of activities marking her 55th birthday. She also visited Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital,Awka and Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi and paid hospital bills for people who were discharged, but could not go home because they could not settle their bills. About 500 patients received free eye treatment, surgeries, malaria and tests for diabetes, hypertension, among other ailments. She said: 'This is how I celebrate my birthday every year. I go to hospitals, motherless babies homes. That gives me the satisfaction on this special day. I derive the greatest satisfaction seeing these people happy. I usually don't plan parties during my birthdays because I'm not a party person. If there is any party during my birthdays, it's always friends that organize it, or my husband that organized it. It's good for one to show love to people during occasions like this." Mrs Soludo commended the doctors and other medical staff for doing wonderful job in all health facilities in the state. Speaking at a party organized by some friends at the Government House in Awka, Soludo commended his wife for being a mother to the family. "I join her in thanking Anambra people for celebrating with us. She had planned to visit the hospitals and I never knew there was going to be an elaborate party. The hospital bills she paid during the visit came from people I don't even know. People who had surgeries and those discharged but couldn't pay, were also discharged during her visit. My wife is worthy to be celebrated every minute. My greatest day was the day I won her heart. Thank you for loving me. Since we got married, we celebrate our anniversary every year. If the door of heaven is opened and she's not there, then that place is not heaven. She doesn't say much, but don't be deceived by that because she is a woman of character", Soludo said. The governor said that he lost his mother when he was eight years, adding that his wife has since become the mother of the whole family.

By Iheanyi Chukwudi The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), has identified greed and poverty as the primary drivers of vandalism in the country. Consequently, it has solicited for community participation in protecting the Power installation and deployment of more security personnel to enable the tracking of the illegal resale of stolen tower parts. The TCN Enugu Region, General Manager(Transmission), Dr. Thomas Inugonum, made the call when he led Management team of the Region to seven communities in Agbogugu and Ihe, all in Awgu local government of Enugu state, on a sensitization visit. The seven communities whose leaders in turn pledged to safeguard federal Power Installations traversing their communities include: Aka-anwu, Eziama, Obom and Obodoakpu, in Agbogugu and Enuguoke, Enuguato and Enuguechi in Ihe. Addressing the the people at two different places after paying their monarchs courtesy visits, Inugonum said, "Recall that by February this year, the Security hunters from your communities arrested three Vandals vandalizing Ikot-Ekpene-Ugwuaji 330/132kV Towers line 1&2 were vandalized with Tower numbers 359-362 and carted away with what they vandalized. Not too long on the same Ikot Ekpene-Ugwuaji 330kV line 3&4, Towers no. 360 & 363 were also vandalized again, two weeks on the same Ikot Ekpene-Ugwuaji 330KV line 1 & 2 was vandalized again, this time, on tower no. 365. All in Agbogugu Communities. If we don't rise up to protect these power Installations, a time shall come when the hoodiums will do a Vandalism that will collapse more than 8-10 towers because the towers are in Cascade. It has a connecting link from one tower to another tower. Recall that when such Incident happens, lives and properties will be lost, only God know when It will be rectified because it is not a small problem and kindly recall, that the money we should have used to do fresh Project will end up for reconstruction of Projects thereby taking us back. I believe that greed and poverty Is the primary drivers of Vandalism, recall that the activities of the Vandals lead to Grid instability, Tower collapses and expensive repairs and these practices can also be termed as sabotage with severe safety and environmental risks. Community participation in protecting the Power installation and deployment of more security personnel to enable the tracking of the illegal resale of the stolen tower parts as solutions to the menace is very necessary if really we want to safeguard what is serving us. I therefore encourage the citizens to report any suspicious activities around TCN’s Installation to the GSM numbers we will share after the occasion. I humbly appeal to the Traditional rulers, local Government leaders and the President General of the Communities to educate their communities, the youth in particular on the hazards of vandalism and pledge Government support in securing critical infrastructure." Inugonum who expressed worries that electricity distribution companies had been using vandalism as an excuse for their poor distribution of power to many communities, stressed that the development was the main reason the company sought the assistance of the communities in protecting transmission lines, towers and other power installations. He said, "It's because of this vandalism that we're here to beg you to talk to the youths to help protect this infrastructure so that whenever you don't have electricity, you know the people that are responsible for that. I say this because we always have 24/7 electricity in our transmission stations, waiting for the DISCOs to distribute them to your homes. But they always attribute their failures to vandalized power infrastructure." The communities through their monarchs, Presidents general and youth leaders expressed their readiness to partner the transmission company to ensure that the installations in their areas were not tampered with. The community leaders including the traditional ruler of Obom Agbogugu, Igwe Sunday Orji and the President General of Ihe clan, Solomon Anichukwu, promised to direct their vigilante groups to mount surveillance on the infrastructure traversing their communities. They however, asked for a partnership with TCN to ensure that the job of securing the areas were done appropriately while the company treats them as they treat other communities. They urged TCN to always prevail on the security operatives to ensure prosecution of suspected vandals, and avoid the temptation of granting them bail only for them to return to terrorise the communities. *Enugu Govt Calls for Global Collaboration to End Human Trafficking, Modern Slavery* The Enugu State Government has made a clarion call to global stakeholders to unite in a common cause against the persistent scourge of human trafficking and modern-day slavery, describing the phenomenon as one of the most inhumane crimes confronting the world today. This advocacy was made on Friday by the State Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, during a solidarity rally held in Enugu to mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Addressing a diverse audience that included government officials, civil society actors, security agencies, students, and community leaders, Mrs. Enih drew attention to the 2025 global theme: “Human Trafficking is Organised Crime – End the Exploitation”, stressing that the time has come for concerted, transnational efforts to dismantle the networks of exploitation that thrive on human misery. “Today, on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we stand in solidarity with victims of human trafficking. This crime steals dignity, freedom, and futures—especially from women and children. As we raise our voices, let’s commit to stronger protection, justice for survivors, and a society where no one is left behind,” she declared. Mrs. Enih condemned trafficking as a form of modern-day slavery that strips victims of their basic rights and dehumanises them for profit. She further stressed that the state government has a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of slavery, abuse, and violence that compromise human dignity, and reiterated the government’s resolve to continue working closely with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and other partners to bring offenders to justice. The commissioner also extended a rallying call to religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, and local communities to intensify awareness and grassroots mobilisation against trafficking networks. According to her, ending human trafficking requires more than institutional action—it demands a unified front by all sectors of society to prevent the recruitment, transportation, and exploitation of vulnerable individuals, especially underage girls and impoverished families. “Every religious community, every palace, every classroom must become a fortress against trafficking. This is a fight for our humanity,” she urged the public. Participants at the rally marched through the streets of Enugu with placards bearing messages like “Stop Human Trafficking Now,” “I Am Not For Sale,” and “Organ Harvesting is Human Trafficking.” The event was both a show of solidarity and a call to action, aiming to awaken collective consciousness and responsibility toward ending this global crime.

By Madu Obi The wife of the governor of Anambra State, Dr Nonye Soludo has embarked on a medical outreach as part of programmes to mark her 55th birthday. At the outreach programme, which took her to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital,Nnewi and the newly built General Hospital, Okpoko, 100 patients benefited from free surgical intervention,l, while 300 received free eye care. There were also free medical treatment and screening for hypertension, diabetes, malaria and respiratory tract infection. Celebrating his wife to mark the occasion, Governor Chukwuma Soludo described her as his queen. Recall that while celebrating her husband during his 65th birthday last week, Mrs Soludo also described him as her king. In a note by the governor, which he posted on his social media handle, Soludo said he couldn’t have imagined going through life without Nonye.. He wrote: “I really do not see this aging thing with you. For all I care, your beauty is ageless and your energy is fadeless. You were made specially for me, and I couldn’t have imagined going through this universe without you. Everyday, I thank God for blessing me with such a great soulmate. Happy birthday Nono; the children and I celebrate you today in a very special way. May your paths continue to shine brightly. I love you both now and always!”

By Madu Obi The media adviser to Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, In the 2023 general elections, Mr. Val Obienyem, has described the petition by LP member, Abayomi Arabambi to security agencies, alleging that Obi, alongside the Nigeria Labour Congress President, Joe Ajaero; Senator Victor Umeh; and members of the Nenadi Usman- led LP are plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government as a joke taken too far. Wondering why the man has not been arrested, Obienyem said the allegation is not just absurd, but dangerous. According to him, coup plotting is not child’s play, adding that it is a serious national security offence. "To casually accuse citizens - especially prominent and responsible figures - of attempting to topple a democratically elected government is not only reckless but seditious in itself. In a functional society, such an accuser would be arrested immediately to give a fuller account of what he knows", Obienyem said. He noted that if his allegation carries any weight, then the security agencies must take it seriously by interrogating him thoroughly, identifying his sources, and presenting evidence. He added that if it is mere political mischief, he must be made to face the full consequences of peddling such a dangerous falsehood. "A coup is not a term to be bandied around like a political insult. It is treason. To accuse someone of it, especially in a democratic society, is to risk social unrest, undermine confidence in our institutions, and endanger lives. This is not politics; it is lunacy dressed in propaganda. Nigeria deserves better than this brand of politics. We must not allow desperation and factional rivalry to blind us to the red lines of national stability and security", he said.

By Madu Obi Awka- The governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, for the November 8 Anambra election, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu has described himself as a child of circumstances, saying that he is coming at a time the people were yearning for good leadership. He also faulted the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for fielding a candidate for the Onitsha North 1 State Constituency bye-election to replace the late Hon Justice Azuka, who was kidnapped on December 24, while returning to his hometown Onitsha for Christmas celebration. Reviewing his recent thank -you- tour to the 21 local government areas of the state to appreciate them for nominating him as the candidate of APC for the election, Ukachukwu added that he is also a child of season and time. He said: "When things are not the way they should be, God remembers His people and sends a messenger. I believe that this is the time for Anambra to move from where it is. When Anambra is called the 'Light of the Nation', it is not because someone wanted to speak English. That name came from the fact that Anambra was a shining light for other parts of Nigeria. Time was when traders from other parts of Africa were coming to Onitsha to buy goods, but that has stopped because of insecurity. Anambra is now a shadow of itself Over time, we had people who came to rule our state and after that, they leave because they have no stake here, while those of us who have carried the burden of Anambra have not been given the opportunity to govern the state." According to him, he established 12 companies in Anambra State, lamenting that they are not functioning because the experts that were supposed to run them left the state because of insecurity. Ukachukwu said he never intended to be part of the 2025 election process because the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah had a wonderful plan for the state, adding that he had assured the late Senator of his support to become the governor before his death. He said that unfortunately, things turned out the way they did, noting that it was after his death that he decided to continue with the vision of the late Senator, especially when all his followers urged him to become governor to execute the programmes of Senator Ubah. "The journey started with the party primaries and out of 2640 delegates, I was able to score 1565 votes. During my thank -you -tour of the local governments, the enthusiasm, joy, shouting and expression of hope of the people, were alarming. People held back tears and they told me that Anambra has, at last, got someone that would solve their problems", he stated. On the August 16 bye-elections that will take place in Anambra South and Onitsha North 1 state constituency, Ukachukwu wondered why APGA should field a candidate to replace a lawmaker murdered as a result of insecurity in the state. The Labour Party and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have teamed up to field the wife of the late LP lawmaker on the platform of ADC, while APGA is fielding Ifeoma Azikiwe to replace the late lawmaker. "How do they feel about all the people who have died as a result of insecurity in Anambra? Hon Justice Azuka died as a result of the inability of government to provide security, and now APGA is fielding another candidate to replace the man who died because of insecurity. They do not care about people's security as politics is more important to them. If you die as a result of insecurity by their government, they will just move on. Security is very paramount, and we will use various methods to safeguard our people when we take over the state," he said.

By Madu Obi The Labour Party (LP) has constituted an interim executive committee to oversee and reposition the party in Anambra State ahead of the November 8 governorship election. In a statement jointly signed by the Interim National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Esther Usman, and the Interim National Secretary, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, the party announced that the new leadership has been mandated to strengthen its structures and prepare for upcoming political activities in the state. The committee is headed by Okoye Peter as Chairman, while Jerry Nnubia is the Secretary. Other members of the team include John Odili (Vice Chairman 1), Donatus Odaba (Vice Chairman 2), Pius Okeke (Vice Chairman 3), Frank Ejike Chidebelu (Vice Chairman 4), Chidalu Ike (Vice Chairman 5) and Lactricia Njideka Uju, Esq. (Vice Chairman 6). Also appointed are Ngozi Jane Cele-Okafor (Assistant Secretary), Joseph Udeh (Treasurer), Obinna Onwuemena (Assistant Secretary 2), Obinna Obiechina (Financial Secretary), Tony Okafor (Publicity Secretary), Ifeanyi Nweke (Organising Secretary) and Chika Azike (Auditor). The rest include Emma Uduaka, Esq. (Legal Adviser), Onochie Theresa (Woman Leader), Raph Chukwuzubelu, Esq. (Youth Leader), Iloabachi Martins (Deputy Youth Leader 1), Nwude Tina (Deputy Woman Leader 1), Ifeyinwa A. Ezenwa (Deputy Woman Leader 2), Flora Ibe (Deputy Youth Leader 2), Nzeli Joseph Ifeanyi (Deputy Youth Leader 3) and Loreta Chukwuka (Deputy Woman Leader 3). According to the statement, members of the interim state executive committee were enjoined to see this as an important assignment and a sacrifice in the process of rebuilding the party. During the inauguration of the new executive in Awka, the state chairman, Peter Okoye, expressed gratitude to God for guiding the process of restoring authentic leadership to the party in Anambra State. Present at the event was the Acting Chairman of the Labour Party in Ebonyi State, Igiri Innocent, who formally handed over letter of appointment to the newly constituted executive, headed by Peter Okoye. Igiri declared that the question of legitimacy in the leadership of the Labour Party in Anambra was now settled and praised Senator Nenadi Usman for her steadfastness and refusal to compromise. He urged the newly inaugurated executive members to justify the confidence reposed in them and make the national leadership proud.