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By Madu Obi The governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has conveyed his earnest congratulations to the new security service chiefs recently appointed by President Bola Tinubu Governor Soludo, in his goodwill message, commended the appointments of General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General W. Shaibu as the Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as the Chief of Naval Staff, as representing a pivotal step towards strengthening the security architecture of our great nation. The governor expressed confidence in the leadership, expertise and experience the seasoned military professionals bring to their new roles at this critical time when the nation is facing security challenges. He added that it is imperative for the service chiefs to engage with all stakeholders to ensure a unified approach to tackling insecurity in Nigeria and secure the lives and properties of all Nigerians. The governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Anambra State government to support the federal government and the newly appointed security chiefs in their efforts to combat insecurity in the Southeast, as well as foster a peaceful, safe environment for all citizens. He also described the appointments as well-deserved and wished them great success in their new roles for a safer Nigeria.

By Madu Obi One suspected armed robber was killed by the Anambra State Police operatives when they repelled an attack on Ezinifite Community in Nnewi South local government area on Monday. The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga said the attack was successfully repelled following a swift response and resistance from combined security team of the Police and Agunechamba Vigilante operatives in the area. According to the PPRO, the joint security team engaged the assailants in a gunfire exchange, leading to the neutralization of one of the attackers, while the others escaped into a surrounding bush with suspected bullet injuries. He said that the operatives also recovered one pump-action gun from the scene, as well as the body of the neutralized suspect. Ikenga stated that the offensive and intelligence follow-up operations are currently ongoing in collaboration with Police tactical teams to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects. Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu has commended the vigilance and bravery of the local security architecture and assured residents that the command remains fully committed to securing all communities, especially as the November 8, 2025 governorship election approaches.

By Madu Obi The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State command, Ikioye Orutugu, has continued his statewide strategic engagements on election patriotism and community security awareness, with visits to Ihiala Area Command and Oraifite Divisional Police Station. During the engagements, the CP interacted with some stakeholders, including the President General of Ihiala Community, Commander Agunechemba Vigilante Group, the Youth Chairman of the community, and a representative of the Local Government Chairman and officers and men of the Police command operating in the respective jurisdictions. CP Orutugu commended the people of Ihiala and Oraifite for their courage, civic responsibility, and continued cooperation with security agencies, noting that the communities have demonstrated resilience and collective resolve by refusing to allow criminal elements to influence political participation or disrupt community stability. He reiterated that the Police cannot take the glory alone for the safety in the area and warned that all local vigilantes of any kind are not part of the election security. According to him, the Police remains committed to safeguarding lives and property and ensuring that the forthcoming November 8, 2025, governorship election is conducted in a peaceful, secure and credible atmosphere. He emphasized that patriotism during elections means rejecting intimidation, resisting fear-based narratives and participating freely in the democratic process. While addressing officers and men under the Area Commands, the CP charged them to maintain discipline, professionalism, courtesy and high operational standards, stressing that policing must remain people-centered, intelligence-driven and rooted in the protection of human rights. The Commissioner further assured that the joint security framework remains active and will be reinforced and expanded across communities to prevent criminal infiltration and sustain peace before, during, and after the election. He called on the people to remain law-abiding, vigilant and proactive in providing credible information that can support ongoing security operations, urging anyone with useful information to report to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency contact lines.

By Madu Obi The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has dismissed the allegation by political opponents that Governor Chukwuma Soludo promised cash-for-votes, saying that they are concocting such lies because they have read the handwriting on the wall concerning the November 8 governorship poll. National Coordinator of the APGA Media Warriors Forum, Chinedu Obigwe, in a statement, said the opponents were resorting to such blackmail in a desperate bid to score cheap political points. Describing the allegation as a fabricated tissue of lies, he urged voters to ignore those seeking to distract the electorate. According to him, Governor Soludo never instructed anyone to pay voters, but rather announced what APGA describes as a motivational reward for wards that perform well in the election — a scheme the party insists is not the same as inducement or vote buying. He argued that the Electoral Act criminalizes voter inducement, but does not outlaw post-election motivational rewards, reiterating the governor’s confidence in a resounding victory based on his administration’s record of performance. Obigwe said the exercise is meant to energize party faithful and reward grassroots mobilisation, but not to purchase votes. His statement read: “Childish blackmail cannot save them on November 8. The opposition will suffer a decisive defeat because the governor’s achievements are a redevelopment that cannot be covered with bare hands. The truth is that Anambra opposition elements have clearly read the handwriting on the wall. They have seen their defeat ahead of the forthcoming November 8th governorship election and resorted to the use of childish blackmail against Governor Soludo to score cheap political points. Governor Soludo did not at any time promise cash for vote; rather, what the governor did was that he turned the November 8th governorship election to a healthy competition for APGA faithful in the 21 local government areas of Anambra State. He promised a motivational reward for any ward that takes 1st , 2nd and 3rd positions in all the the local government in the state. He did not tell anybody that he will give them cash to vote for APGA. The Electoral Act 2022 did not criminalize motivational reward after election. Rather the Electoral act criminalized voters inducement which is, giving someone money to vote for you. Governor Soludo is confident of clinching a well deserved victory in the November 8th governorship election because of his administration's achievements in the state. The governor has done marvellously well in the state and his good works can as well be likened to a 9 months old pregnancy that cannot be covered with bare hands."

By Madu Obi Ahead of the November 8 gubernatorial election in Anambra State, the Bishop of Ihiala Diocese, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Rt Rev (Prof) Israel Okoye, has reminded the electorate that the date is the choice of the tomorrow they yearn for in Anambra State. Delivering his address at the 3rd Session of the 5th Synod of the Diocese, at St Stephen's Church, Ihiala, Bishop Okoye said although the preparations for the election are on course, it has, unfortunately, been observed that the strategy of populating campaign venues with a rented crowd, preparatory to paying for their votes, is rife. According to him, election periods are supposed to provide the electorate the opportunity to interact with prospective electoral candidates with a view to assessing their campaign manifesto and provide an enlightened basis for ascertaining the candidates that are better equipped to advance the course of development in the interest of the citizens. He said: "Desperate politicians and their allies exploit the widespread unemployment and hunger in the land to turn vulnerable members of the electorate into political objects that are purchased, deployed for a defined purpose, and dispensed with after an election. That inhuman practice, masquerading as electioneering politics in the Nigerian political culture is, in fact, a deliberate dehumanization of vulnerable citizens. People who vote for candidates because they have been paid a paltry sum, sometimes as low as N2,000 or less, have been turned into political toys. To such people, they do not sincerely care if their votes count or not. We urge all the candidates to be issue-based in their electioneering campaigns. All those singing hypocritical heroic songs in favour of individuals seeking electoral support, do so at the expense of the wellbeing of the people. It is an ill-wind advancing the state of poverty, unemployment, parochial chauvinism and frustration via the electoral process. We, therefore, urge all the candidates, their political allies, and those that have turned either their voters’ cards or public offices into commodities for the highest bidder, to be mindful of the repercussions of their debased actions. No sensible person can afford to supervise his own liquidation. We have the option of going for the best at our disposal, based on our rational assessment, or we go for contraction with woes. God forbid that we shall allow whatever pittance that characterize electoral campaigns to rob us of a brighter future." Bishop Okoye also spoke on the spate of defection by politicians in the name of freedom of association and fundamental human rights, lamenting that Nigerians are being negligently taking for granted by politicians that have supposedly received their votes to serve in government on the platform of clearly defined political parties. These politicians, he stated, are now selfishly transferring the mandates they received from the electorate to other political parties where, they believe, their self-regarding interests will be assured. It is ironic that in spite of the judgements of competent Nigerian courts that votes are cast for political parties and not for the individual candidates, elected candidates transfer the mandates they possess on behalf of their political parties to other political parties without the approval of the parties that provided the platforms on the basis of which they contested for the offices they occupy. "We have witnessed with utter dismay, the defection of state governors, members of state and national assemblies, and local government legislative and executive officials from one political party to another. "The reasons they have consistently articulated to rationalize their self-serving political adventure are basically insulting to the Nigerian electorate", the cleric further said. Bishop Okoye argued that the issue of aligning with the political party that produced the president of Nigeria in order to benefit from the federal government, makes nonsense of the country's multi-party system and principles that are expected to differentiate a political party from another. He said further: "No doubt, the formations that are regarded as political parties in Nigeria are basically associations that provide platforms for peripatetic or internally displaced politicians. They are bereft of principles, people’s trust, people-oriented leadership, and similar other virtues. As long as they have at their disposal, large number of people, particularly youths that are willing to be rented for self-serving purposes, they will continue to take Nigerians for granted as they plan and execute their self-regarding agenda. Relying on technicalities to tolerate the flagrant abuse of the mandate of the electorate is not only disheartening, but also a time bomb. Nigerians must rise in defence of their today and future being toyed with by parasitic politicians. It may be utopian to expect parasitic politicians to desist from sucking the blood of unsuspecting Nigerians. "Until Nigerians are ready to extricate themselves from chauvinistic postures and alignment with politicians that offer them pittance in order to subject them to socio-economic and political bondage, there cannot be any meaningful transformation in the country. It is pertinent to note that any political party that is celebrating frequent reception of politicians that have decamped from rival political parties is unwittingly laying the fragile foundation for its own political tornado. In that way, the cycle of political instability and failure of governance will continue. This is not sustainable."

By Madu Obi The former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has described some of the so-called Yahoo boys as “geniuses who need redirection.” He made the remark while addressing a large gathering of young people during the Golden Health Conference held at the Archbishop Patterson Auditorium, All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha. The conference, themed “Money Beyond Wealth,” brought together students, professionals, and youth leaders to discuss the moral, social, and economic dimensions of wealth creation. Obi noted that while money is an important tool in human progress, it constitutes only a small part of true wealth. According to him, “Money becomes real wealth only when it is earned through ethical means and used to uplift both the individual and society in an edifying manner.” He condemned the inordinate pursuit of money, particularly the activities of cyber criminals commonly referred to as Yahoo boys. Obi observed that despite their moral misdirection, many of them possess rare intelligence and creativity that, if properly guided, could drive innovation and national development. “Looking at what they do and there is no doubt that many of them are geniuses. The challenge before us as a society is to redirect them—to channel their ingenuity into productive ventures that will not only dignify them but also edify society" he said. Lamenting the state of moral decay in the country, Obi attributed much of it to leadership failure and the bad examples set by those in power. “We cannot build a healthy society when those in authority glorify greed, celebrate impunity, and promote corruption,” he remarked. He further stressed that rebuilding the nation must begin with restoring integrity in public life. “Getting it right as a nation must include getting it right in politics. When political leadership fails, every other sector suffers", he added. Encouraging young people to embrace productivity and hard work, Obi revisited a past controversy in which he was misquoted regarding night vigils. Clarifying his stance, he said: “There is nothing wrong with night vigils. What I said was that while Friday and Saturday nights can be for vigils, the other nights should be for productive work. We must build a culture that values creativity, diligence, and enterprise.” He urged the youths to learn from the success stories of global innovators, many of whom started as young dreamers with little support. Citing Indonesia as an example, Obi explained how its government empowers young entrepreneurs through functional ministries, financial support, and innovation hubs, which he added is a sharp contrast to Nigeria’s neglect of its creative youth population. Recounting his meeting with the author of Why Nations Fail, a Nobel laureate, Obi said the scholar told him that nations and companies often fail not because they do not know what to do, but because they refuse to do what is right. “That is the story of Nigeria. My passion is not so much to become President, but to see Nigeria work—to see a nation where justice, productivity, and merit are enthroned. We live in a country where leaders want the people to fast while they themselves feast like Lucullus", he said. He admonished Nigerians, especially the youth, to rise above religious fanaticism and tribal sentiment. His words: “Do not be fanatical about religion, because no religion buys bread cheaper than another. Do not be tribal, because no tribe buys food cheaper than others. Nigeria is a great country, but we have failed to realize our greatness because we have failed to do the right things.” Speaking at the event, one of the convenners of the conference, Rev. Ifeanyi Molokwu, described Obi’s presence as “a divine blessing and a moral tonic for the youth.” He commended him for his consistency in promoting integrity, prudence, and purposeful leadership across all sectors of national life.

Anambra State Commissioner for Budget & Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake By Madu Obi Anambra State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake has built a Primary Healthcare Center at Nawfia, Njikoka local government area. She has already handed over the keys to the facility to the state government, which has already furnished it. National Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA,Mazi Ejimofor Opara, who shared the story, described it as a testament to the power of leadership that is all about mobilizing people, not deceiving or coercing them. Opara said: "When Governor Soludo commissioned the upgrade of Primary Health Centres across Anambra State, Nawfia had only one PHC in Ward 2, leaving Ward 1 with limited access to healthcare. The existing facility was overstretched, but that didn't deter the community. "Enter Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, who took the initiative to build a new PHC in Ward 1 through her own contributions and those of her friends. On October 23, 2025, she handed over the keys to the government, and the Anambra State Government swiftly equipped and staffed the facility. The community also played a vital role by providing the land for the structure." According to Opara, "This is a shining example of Governor Soludo's Public-Private-Community-Partnership (PPCP) in action. The handover was followed by a 2-day free medical outreach, touching lives and bringing hope to the people. "This is what leadership is all about – taking responsibility, mobilizing the people, and getting things done."

By Madu Obi Residents and stakeholders of Atani and Okpoko in Ogbaru local government area welcomed Governor Chukwuma Soludo with open arms when his campaign train arrived the area. The occasion was not just a ceremonial one; it served as a platform for Governor Soludo to engage directly with the people and rally support for his administration’s initiatives. Addressing the crowd in Atani, the governor described community involvement as crucial for the success of any development initiative. "Together, we can enhance our infrastructure, education, and healthcare services in this region", he told the people amidst cheers. During the visit to Ogbaru, the governor toured parts of the bustling streets of Okpoko, an area he transformed from being the biggest slum in the South East, to a modern residential area. At St. Lwanga Catholic Soludo took a moment to reflect on the security challenges that plagued the region prior to his election. "When I assumed office, the state of insecurity was alarming, but through our collective efforts, we have made significant strides toward restoring peace and stability.” Assuring the people of continued progress, Governor Soludo said, "My administration remains steadfast in prioritizing sustainable development and inclusive governance. Together, we will build a stronger, healthier Anambra." The people echoed the governor’s sentiments, with each speaker affirming the tangible impact of his leadership. In fact, the collective enthusiasm and commitment from both residents and leaders exemplified a community ready to engage and work hand-in-hand with their government for the common good. The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, who is from Ogbaru observed that Governor Soludo has transformed the area for the better. "His commitment to the people is evident, and we, as community leaders, pledge our unwavering support", Hon Udeze said. A stakeholder in the area, Chief Emma Obi, added, "The changes we have witnessed under Governor Soludo's leadership go beyond infrastructure. He has brought hope back to our communities, and we stand with him in this journey." Also speaking, Mrs. Apolonia Ezenwa, and ChuChu Onyema, among others, emphasized that Governor Soludo's victory in the area has been assured, adding that they are in total support of his government and future aspirations for them. The event culminated in a significant show of support when a cheque for fifty million naira was presented to Governor Soludo as a campaign contribution, further solidifying the bond between the state government and its people.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, has debunked the allegation that Governor Chukwuma Soludo would order the arrest of Catholic Bishops after winning the forthcoming governorship election. Some political parties were said to be behind the allegation, which the state government said, is a mere figment of their imagination. In a statement, Mefor urged Anambra people to disregard the false report and always demand virtual evidence before sharing such inflammatory stories. He said: "The attention of the Anambra State government has been drawn to a fabricated story circulating in some media outlets, alleging that Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo plans to arrest and jail Catholic Bishops and priests after his reelection. We categorically state that this report is entirely false, baseless, and malicious. This fabrication is a clear example of misinformation and fake news designed to create tension and undermine the peaceful atmosphere in the state. Obviously, this is a handiwork of shadow opposition who has dwelt essentially on propaganda for want of campaign materials. They are advised to face their fizzling campaigns." He assured the public, particularly the Catholic Church of which Soludo is a staunch member, and its leaders, that Governor Soludo has no such plans or intentions. According to him, government respects the rights and freedom of all citizens, including religious leaders. He, however, stated that the state government remains committed to continuing the fight against fake native doctors, and fake clergymen and women, which, he added, has resulted in 'Oso Soludo', insisting that it must be sustained. He also said that the Anambra State government will collaborate with the Federal Government to fish out and rid the state of certificate forgers.

By Madu Obi Former chieftain of the Zenith Labour Party, ZLP, in Anambra State and Medical Director of Princeton Specialist Hospital and Orthopedic Center, Awka, Dr. Amaechi Nwachukwu, has rejoined the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), citing Governor Chukwuma Soludo's performance as his reason. Nwachukwu has also pledged his support for Governor Soludo's re-election bid. In a statement, Dr. Nwachukwu, who was the ZLP candidate for Oyi/Ayamelum federal constituency in the 2023 general elections, cited Governor Soludo's numerous good works and dividends of democracy he has provided for the people of the state. He said: “Mr. Governor, your works since assuming office in 2022 are intimidating and visible. I once had an impassable road that led to my father's house in Umunya, which was abandoned by successive governments. But today, you made the construction of the road possible, awarding the contract from Awkuzu to Umunya, and it was completed ahead of schedule. If I were to enumerate your good works, I might not do justice to them because they are numerous." "As a member of APGA now, I pledge to ensure an all-round win for Soludo's re-election bid in Oyi local government area and I ay promising to deliver all 15 wards in the area to the governor. I can assure you that I will ensure that in Oyi, no single ward will lose the November 8 guber election. It will be an all-round win in all the wards in the area”.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State Police command says it is seeking useful information about a minor allegedly involved in cult initiation in the state. Although the command did not state the town or community where the incident happened, the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the Police intercepted a disturbing video circulating in the social media showing a group of young boys engaging in an unlawful cult initiation ceremony involving the said minor. According to the PPRO, the state Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu has ordered operatives to identify the victim and ensure his safety and wellbeing. A statement by the PPRO read: "Preliminary review of the footage suggests that the incident may have taken place within a community in Anambra State, and the acts portrayed in the video are not only criminal, but also deeply offensive to public morals, safety, and the protection of minors who remain one of the most vulnerable groups in the society. Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State command, CP Ikioye Orutugu has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident. He has also directed specialized operatives of the Anti-Cultism Squad, Juvenile Welfare Unit, and the State Intelligence Department to work collaboratively to verify the authenticity and origin of the video, Identify the victim and ensure his safety and wellbeing. They are also expected to identify and apprehend all individuals involved or complicit in the act" Ikenga said the CP condemned in strong terms, any form of child abuse, including indoctrination, harassment, psychological grooming, or forced initiation, warning that such acts will not be tolerated under any circumstance in the state. He called on members of the public with credible information that can assist the ongoing investigation, to come forward. Voluntary information, he added, may also be reported through the contact channels - 112, 07039194332, or the PRO on 08039334002. The command assured that the identity of informants will be protected and all reports treated with utmost confidentiality, adding that the police command remains firmly committed to protecting children, combating cultism, and enforcing the law decisively to ensure safety and peace.

By Madu Obi The wife of the governor of Anambra State, Mrs Nonye Soludo, has called for sustained efforts to ensure that the issue of polio is completely eradicated and consigned to history. In a message to mark this year's polio day, Mrs Soludo observed that although the world had done much work to kick the virus out, routine vaccination must continue so as not to jeopardize the health of the children. She said: "As we join the global community in commemorating World Polio Day 2025, we should not only look back at our efforts, commitment, and successes. Most importantly, we should appraise our involvement in the journey leading up to this moment and renew every effort to protect every child in Anambra State from this preventable disease." According to her, despite the immense successes that had been achieved in kicking Polio out of the homes and communities, "we must not let our guards down for any reason". "To consign polio to history forever, we must make sure that we sustain the vaccination war and reach every child, no matter where they are. For parents, civil society organizations, community, and religious leaders, you need to show a renewed commitment to this campaign. The growing phobia and apathy towards the polio vaccine need to end. The government will always do its part, but the buck stops at your tables. Polio vaccine is safe, healthy, effective, and free. Every child must get adequately vaccinated to stay free from the dangerous disease. Of course, we've won the war against Polio, but no child must still be left unprotected", Mrs Soludo said.