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By Madu Obi Problems being encountered by voters during elections in Nigeria came to the front burner at a training workshop in Awka on Thursday, with emphasis centering on ways of giving proper voter education to women voters. The training, which was organized by the Nigeria Women Trust Fund, was funded by the European Union, EU. Participants were drawn from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and Civil Society Organizations, CSOs, The Programme Officer of the Nigeria Women Trust Fund, Malliya Manu, said the training is aimed at getting women to participate effectively in the electoral process. "With the senatorial election coming up on August 16 and governorship on November 8, in Anambra, we want to mobilize grassroot women, CSOs and faith- based organizations that would step down voter education to more women at the rural communities so that they will come out in their numbers during the elections. Each of the women trained by us will further step it down by training 50 more women in their areas to get a good reach across the state. It's also aimed at curbing voter apathy often witnessed in the country. In selecting the participants, we worked directly with INEC and Social and Integral Development Center, SIDEC, which is a local CSO in Anambra State. According to Manu, INEC provided 20 women, while SIDEC provided 10 for the training, adding that the participants are influential women who have interest in the nation's electoral process. One of the resource persons, Venezia Gregory, said that essentially, the objective of the training was to familiarize the participants with voter education and its role in the electoral process Additionally, the aim is to provide participants with the necessary knowledge to conduct Voter Education Forums at the local levels." The training identified problems associated with voting which include double registration, difficulties related to transportation, resource limitations, limited number of resource persons required to carry out voter education, among others. She said: "Voter and civic education is crucial for ensuring that all voters, regardless of gender, understand their rights. obligations and the political system. It is important that voters are well-informed about the issues they are voting on and know how and where to cast their ballots in every election. For an election to be successful and democratic, voters must be aware of their rights and responsibilities, have the knowledge to vote legally. and actively participate in the electoral process. In Nigeria, where geopolitical zones and states may face fragility, conflicts of post-conflict situations, and where elections can have a significant impact on citizens and the country's future, voter and civic education becomes even more essential Voter education is also essential to assist election administrations in conducting free, fair, effective, and credible elections. It provides voters with the necessary information to cast their ballots on the designated voting day(s) and increases awareness of the importance of voting. By educating voters, citizens develop attitudes, behaviours, and knowledge that strengthen democracy This education helps in organizing and engaging voters in supporting political parties or causes, promoting peaceful elections, accepting election results, and fostering tolerance towards competition and opposition." She noted that while education alone cannot sustain democracies, it plays a vital role when citizens are supported by a responsive and democratic state. According to her, an educated citizenry can even compensate for deficiencies in administrative preparations for an election. "The focus of voter education is to encourage and prepare voters for active participation in elections. It covers topics such as the connection between fundamental human rights and the right to vote, voters’ roles, responsibilities, and rights, as well as more complex information about voting and the electoral process. Voter education should target everyone, including men, women, and persons with disabilities. It should emphasize the right to vote and foster an inclusive electoral process where women and people with disabilities are encouraged to participate in the governance process" Gregory said.

By Madu Obi Former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, on Thursday replied the Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo who banned him from visiting the state unless he ( Obi) obtained clearance from him, stressing that he is not afraid of visiting any state. Obi spoke at Onitsha where he presented a cheque of ₦50 million to his alma mater, Christ the King College (CKC), for infrastructural development. The donation, made in collaboration with some fellow Old Boys of the school, was aimed at supporting educational development and improving learning conditions at the institution. CKC, founded in 1932, had produced three governors namely, Dr. Peter Odili of Rivers State, Peter Obi and Willie Obiano, who both governed Anambra State. Speaking during the presentation, Mr. Obi said: “I am not afraid of visiting any state in Nigeria, particularly when the purpose is to support causes that contribute to nation building, such as education, health, and poverty alleviation." He emphasized that his visit to Benin, which he would repeat if need be, was solely to support the development of healthcare services and expressed disappointment that such an act was politicized “I went to Benin to invest in a better life for the people. If they have good doctors and nurses, life will be better for them. What I expect the governor to do is to complement efforts aimed at improving society,” he added. On the donation to CKC, Obi noted that the gesture was motivated by gratitude to the institution that shaped the formative years of both himself and the other Old Boys who contributed to the donation. “This school helped form the values I and many others still hold dear today - discipline, moral grounding, and academic excellence. Supporting it is a way of giving back,” Obi said. He used the occasion to call on fellow alumni of CKC and other schools to support their alma maters in whatever way they can, noting that the burden of educational development should not rest on government alone. The Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, also an Old Boy, who received the donation on behalf of the school, commended Obi and the other Old Boys for their commitment to education and nation-building and offered prayers for them and urged others to emulate their example. Also speaking at the event, the Senior Prefect of the school, Master Ejike Ekene, expressed gratitude to Mr. Obi, describing him as a role model and an inspiration to students.

By Madu Obi Two years after a whistleblower, Nnamdi Emeh, who was an IT consultant to the Anambra State Rapid Response Squad (RRS), made startling revelations against some police operatives, the 26 - year old member of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, is still in detention. Emeh was arrested after he made the allegations of extrajudicial killings, organ harvesting, and extortion against some senior police officers in Anambra State, to which he was dragged to court and despite an order by a Federal High Court for his release, Emeh is still behind bars. Worried by Eme'h plight, the Executive Director, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, RULAAC, Okechukwu Nwanguma, wondered why the police report on the matter had remained a secret two years after submission, insisting that members of the public deserve to know the truth. According to him, silence in the matter by the police may be read as complicity. The RULAAC boss called on the National Judicial Council, NJC, the civil society, the media, the legislature, and international partners to pull all relevant levers of accountability, regretting that the Nigerian public has watched institutional rot spread unchecked because the right buttons were not pushed. He said: “While the police pretend to investigate, whistleblowers like Nnamdi Emeh are punished. Even after being declared wanted and arrested on vague allegations, he was held without trial for weeks and has yet to receive fair judicial treatment. The same officers he accused have neither been suspended nor charged. The investigation panel submitted its report long ago, yet the outcome is hidden from the public. Instead, the whistleblower is the one paying the price for daring to expose a death squad operating under state cover. This is not merely an internal disciplinary matter for the Nigerian Police. It is a test case for the Nigerian justice system, civil society, and democratic accountability. The demand is simple: release Nnamdi Emeh as ordered by the court. Prosecute the officers if they are found culpable. Publish the investigation report and discipline any judicial officer aiding in obstructing justice." Nwanguma warned that the Nigerian Police cannot continue to operate as a state within a state, insisting that the culture of extrajudicial executions, organ harvesting, illegal detention, and extortion, enabled by silence from above, must end. “The police authorities know these things happen. They've received dozens of petitions. They simply benefit from the rot and therefore do nothing, but we will not be silent,” he said.

Chief Olisa Metu By Madu Obi Former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, has called on President Bola Tinubu to call some state governors to order for exhibiting unconstitutional and undemocratic actions. In a statement, Metuh expressed dismay over recent actions by certain governors, including the alleged barring of a Nigerian citizen from visiting Edo State. He described the move as a gross violation of fundamental human rights and a dangerous precedent in a democratic society. Metuh said: “I have been recuperating from a spinal procedure, but was disturbed to read that the elected Governor of Edo State, otherwise a decent and distinguished senator, has banned a fellow Nigerian from visiting his state. We first encountered such undemocratic behaviour from a governor in the North Central zone. We remember Governor Bola Tinubu, who built an all-inclusive government in Lagos and welcomed all Nigerians, irrespective of their background. These recent actions by some governors, if left unchecked, threaten to erode the very democratic principles you once fought so bravely to protect.” "Sadly, many of our leaders have kept mute—perhaps out of political correctness or fear of reprisals. But beyond personal ambitions, the protection of our democracy and the rights of every citizen must remain sacrosanct”. Metuh warned that such actions, even if rooted in political loyalty, contradict the fundamental principles of democratic governance and breach citizens’ inalienable rights to freedom of movement, association, and expression rights, as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. He urged President Tinubu to uphold his democratic legacy by resisting and reversing any emerging trend that undermines the nation’s constitutional order. “I most respectfully call on Mr. President, as father of the nation and chief custodian of our constitutional democracy, to check this disturbing trend and call these governors to order. Let Nigeria truly belong to all citizens, and let liberty be guaranteed in every part of our land,” Metuh stated.

By Madu Obi In a show of gratitude, Anambra business mogul and APGA chieftain, Chief Ebuka Onunkwo, has surprised his supporters and party leaders with ₦100 million gift in appreciation of their support to him. The event, which took place at his country home in Ihembosi, Ekwusigo local government area, brought together APGA local government officers, ward executives, and his committed campaign team, all of whom were visibly moved by the symbolic and generous gesture. The oil magnate and CEO of Seahorse Lubricant Industries Ltd thanked his team for what he described as “unshakable loyalty and sacrifice” during his senatorial campaign. Onunkwo stepped down from the APGA senatorial race following the party's decision to support Emmanuel Nwachukwu, for the election which will take place next month. "I may have stepped down, but I have not stepped aside from APGA’s progress. My commitment remains unshaken,” he told APGA members. Chairman of Ekwusigo local government area, Mr. Chimezie Obi, described Chief Onunkwo as the backbone of the party in the area since 2006.” “He made my emergence as Mayor possible. He is a selfless leader and a pillar of the party,” Obi declared.

By Madu Obi The interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman has reacted to the recent meeting between Julius Abure-led faction of the party and the Vice-Presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 general election, Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, insisting that the visit did not alter the Supreme Court judgement on the leadership of the party, which recognizes her. In a statement signed on her behalf by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Ken Eluma Asogwa, Usman said that Abure remains suspended from the party. The statement read in part: "While Dr. Baba-Ahmed, like every Nigerian, is entitled to his personal opinion and freedom of association, it is imperative to state that the leadership question within the Labour Party has been conclusively settled by the Supreme Court of Nigeria. For the sake of clarity, and to avoid further distortion of facts, the Labour Party wishes to reiterate the unequivocal verdict of the apex court as delivered on 4th April 2025. At page 47 of the judgement. While the party respects the right of Dr. Baba-Ahmed and other members to hold personal views, it is important to remember that the acceptance of and adherence to the finality of the judgements of the Supreme Court has never been, and will never be a matter of choice, but compulsion. The Labour Party is bound by that finality and expects all members to align accordingly. This unambiguous ruling of the Supreme Court - Nigeria’s highest judicial authority - effectively nullifies any claim by Barr. Julius Abure to the office of National Chairman of the Labour Party. It also upholds the leadership of Senator Nenadi Usman, who was the appellant in the said matter and upon whose appeal all reliefs sought were granted." The statement acknowledged Dr. Baba-Ahmed’s stated intention to foster reconciliation within the party, noting that that in itself is commendable. Asogwa, however, argued that such efforts must be rooted in truth, guided by respect for the rule of law, and anchored on the existing legal realities. According to him, "Only a united Labour Party can effectively confront and offer a credible alternative to the APC-led federal government and its failed governance trajectory." He urged all members of the party to remain calm, steadfast, and resolute, assuring that the leadership of the party was reaching out to all aggrieved members in the interest of lasting reconciliation and progress.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State government has approved the release of the sum of N2,835,150,000 for the empowerment of youths trained in various skills. The approval was made during the 15th Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) meeting, held at the Light House in Awka, Anambra State. The skills acquisition programme, which is in its second batch and codenamed 'One Youth Two Skills', is a scheme whereby each youth learns two skills, after which the beneficiaries are empowered with seed capital to start their own businesses. The state Commissioner for information, Dr Law Mefor, said the assessment of the first batch of the trained youths showed that it was a success, adding that government is set to make the second cohort even better. He said: "The State Executive Council has reviewed the success of Cohort 1 of the Soludo administration's flagship youth empowerment program. 7,163 out of 11,000 trainees excelled in 65 skill areas. Additionally, 235 apprentices from the local enterprise development of 21 local governments in the state were successful." According to him, over 1,000 millionaires emerged from the graduates of the first cohort, and funds for the empowerment of Cohort 2 have been approved, and ready for release. Mefor said that altogether, the council approved the release of a total of N2,835,150,000 allocated for the projects. The details, he added, include; N2,588,520,000 for One Youth Two Skills business financing scheme, N141,900,000 for One Youth Two Skills cooperatives start-up, N73,230,000 for graduation and certification, N31,000,000 for One Youth Two Skills mentorship scheme and N500,000 for consolation to a deceased family. Mefor said the council also awarded other contracts, including the Awka City Park project to provide environmental, aesthetic, and recreational benefits to the Awka capital city, along with social, health, and economic benefits, explaining that work on the Awka City Park project has already commenced.

Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu By Madu Obi A Federal High Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State, had affirmed the nomination of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu as the candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, for the November 8 Anambra governorship election. Ukachukwu was dragged to court by one of the governorship aspirants of the party, Mr Valentine Ozigbo, citing irregularities during the party's primaries. Ozigbo had petitioned the court to nullify Ukachukwu’s candidacy, arguing that he was not legitimately qualified to contest the primary election. The court presided over by Justice Evelyn Anyadike held that Ozigbo was unable to prove conclusively that Ukachukwu was not eligible for the primary election which was held on April 5. The court held that while there were discrepancies worthy of concern in the documents presented by Ukachukwu, it lacked the jurisdiction to substitute one candidate for another. “The court cannot interfere in the internal matters of a political party where the plaintiff has not provided incontrovertible proof of the date of membership, nor shown that the party acted outside its constitutional powers", the judge said. Reacting to the judgement, Ozigbo reiterated his commitment to justice, adding, however, that he would consult with his lawyers on the next steps to take. "We are consulting with our lawyers and we will decide on our next step. I did not fight this case for myself; I fought for Ndi Anambra; I fought to protect the soul of our democracy, and that fight is far from over,” he said. Ozigbo’s legal team had argued that Ukachukwu’s membership registration was altered retroactively to beat the eligibility deadline. According to Ozigbo, “This was not just about form-filling, it was about principle. It was about saying no to criminality. Unfortunately, the court blinked.” Reacting to the judgement, counsel for APC, Shedrak Ayo said: "When you look at the complaint of the plaintiff (0zigbo), you will discover that it fell short of the clear provisions of Sec 285,(14a) and Sec 84(14) of the Electoral Act. Sec 285(14)a, states that complaint must arise from the issue of Constitution, the Electoral Act and the party guidelines, but the entire content of the suit fell short of these copious provisions. In his comment, Joseph Mola Mathew standing in for Chief Olushola Oke(SAN), counsel for Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu said: "The position of law is clear, that any issue bothering on the membership of a candidate is a domestic affair of the relevant political party. "So, to that extent, no court has any jurisdiction in that. We were actually surprised when we read the process filed by the plaintiff which bothered squarely on membership. It's therefore not surprising that the court in its judgement stated the position of law especially the Supreme Court, that no one has jurisdiction to dabble into membership of political parties." He also noted that it's a trite law that where the National Working Committee (NWC) of a party has cleared a candidate, no member has the jurisdiction to challenge same. National convener of Anambra Equity Movement (ANEM), Hon Tony Ezekwelu while welcoming the judgement, urged party members and supporters of Prince Ukachukwu to be magnanimous in victory, saying that they are members of one APC family. Meanwhile, supporters of Prince Ukachukwu have been rejoicing over the judgment. While the case going on, Ukachukwu was touring the 21 local government areas of the state, to thank delegates of the party for voting him as candidate of the party. He is billed to commence full campaigns in August, a source within the campaign structure of the candidate said.

By Madu Obi The panel of inquiry set up by the Anambra State government to look into the protracted crisis in Ogwuaniocha, a community in Ogbaru local government area, has confirmed that peace has finally returned to the community. Speaking shortly after the peace talk held at the Old Government House, Awka, the chairman of the panel of inquiry, Justice Calagne Anigbogu said the panel was set up to restore peace between two rival youth groups in the community who were in enmity for years. The crisis led to destruction of property and loss of lives and, among the victims of the crisis was the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Oliver Nnaji, who was kidnapped in 2021 and is still missing. According to Justice Anigbogu the panel interacted with the youths, adding that they were able to come together as one body of Ogwuaniocha Youths to settle the rift between them. "Peace has returned finally, and we are impressed. What the youths presented to us was part of our terms of reference, because the government asked us to access the impact of the crisis and what is expected to do to have lasting peace and progress in the community and that's what we have achieved," Justice Anigbogu emphasized. He, however, said that they will still access the damages done, with the help of the technical committee made up of estate surveyors and valuers and quantity surveyors, who would do proper evaluation, to guide government to ameliorate the losses through the provision of palliatives. The president of the youths of the community, Uche Onyedi, while presenting the letter of peace resolution to the panel, commended the state government for the intervention. He pleaded with the state government to help in flushing out some elements in the community who, according to him, are living in the forest. He stated that life has been unbearable for them, adding that they need assistance in the area of provision of infrastructure to enable them resettle properly.

By Madu Obi The deputy governorship candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) for the November 8 Anambra State election, Uzu Okagbue, has raised fresh concerns about insecurity in the state. Okagbue spoke when he joined residents of Umudioka and Ogidi to celebrate the cultural festivals of Mkpikpa and Nwafor. “Let us be honest with ourselves: the enduring beauty of our culture is being dimmed by the pressing failures of governance. At the heart of this is insecurity, an evil that has not only shattered lives, but also crippled our economy and cast fear over even the most sacred communal celebrations. There are signs of subdued enthusiasm, reduced crowds, shorter processions, and the visible caution among elders as tell-tale signs of a state held hostage by fear. This is precisely why Sir Paul Chukwuma and I are not just committed to politics, but are committed to purpose. A core plank of our vision is the restoration of security across Anambra—not for show, not for applause, but so our communities can breathe again." According to him, "Anambra does not lack potential, it suffers from misdirection. We must fix leadership. We must restore safety. The night may be long, but morning is coming. A new dawn is possible, and real, shared, sustainable joy is coming". Okagbue, who described the festivals as a vivid reminder of the people’s heritage and resilience, however, lamented that the vibrancy of the events was tempered by a growing climate of fear fueled by insecurity across the state.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State Police command has arrested a female student of Enugu State University of Technology, ESUT, Chinecherem Nwaokoye and her boyfriend, Chinecherem Aronu for allegedly orchestrating a self-orchestrated kidnap incident of Miss Nwaokoye, designed to extort money from the victim’s own family. Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the state Police command said that acting on an intelligence-led investigation of a disturbing report of alleged abduction of the ESUT student, they stormed a lodge located at Nnamdi Azikiwe University,UNIZIK Temp Site, Awka, where the victim was found alive and in the company of her male accomplice. According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Chinecherem had earlier contacted her family, informing them that she was returning home from school, but never arrived. Ikenga in a statement said: "Her phone remained switched off throughout that day. On Wednesday, 9th July 2025, her family received a call from an unknown male voice who claimed responsibility for her kidnap and demanded a ransom of ₦10,000,000. "After negotiations, the ransom was reduced to ₦3,000,000, and a part payment of ₦1,000,000 was later paid into the victim’s bank account." The PPRO said that upon interrogation, the two confessed to staging the kidnap as a plot to extract money from the victim’s family. He stated that the female suspect, Nwaokoye, admitted masterminding the plan after watching a movie, adding that the intention was to give the money to her boyfriend to start a business. The state Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has already directed that the suspects be charged to court without delay. While condemning the incident, Orutugu described it as a clear sign of deepening moral decay among some youths in the society. He warned that the command will not tolerate such criminal deception and called on parents and guardians to pay closer attention to their children's activities and peer group influence on their children.

By Madu Obi The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has condemned the attack on the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the November 8 Anambra State election, Hon Jude Ezenwafor, calling for the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators. Ezenwafor was shot by gunmen in Abuja on Friday, along with two other occupants of his vehicle, while returning home after an appointment and he is said to be in a critical condition in the hospital. President General of COSEYL, Mr Goodluck Ibem, in a statement, said the group is deeply disturbed by the rising spate of violence, intimidation, and lawlessness that threatens the peaceful political landscape of the country. "We demand that the relevant authorities provide adequate security for all candidates and establish measures to curb the rising tide of political violence. The rule of law must prevail, and those who seek to undermine our democratic principles through violent means must face the full wrath of the law. As a coalition representing the voice of the youths in the South East, we stand firmly against any act of violence. We call on all our members, supporters, and the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities", the group said. While praying for the quick recovery of Ezenwafor, COSEYL President General observed that his commitment to serving the people of Anambra State deserves to be protected and respected. "It is imperative that law enforcement agencies take immediate action to investigate this incident. We call for the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators behind this dastardly act. This must serve as a clarion call for our security agencies to step up their efforts in ensuring the safety of all candidates, political party members, and citizens as we approach the Anambra 2025 gubernatorial elections", Ibem added.