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By Madu Obi The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the deregistration of African Democratic Congress, ADC, and four other political parties for failing to meet constitutional requirements. The other affected parties are the Action Alliance, AA, Accord Party, African People's Party, APP, and Zenith Labour Party, ZLP. Justice Peter Lifu, who presided, ruled that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, must deregister them for failing to secure 25% of votes in the last general elections, which is a constitutional requirement. Justice Lifu dismissed all preliminary objections by the defendants and barred INEC from allowing the five parties to contest subsequent elections, including the 2027 election. The suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026 was filed by Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators. The Attorney-General of the Federation was joined as plaintiff, while INEC was named the 1st defendant. The forum had argued that the parties lacked the electoral spread and performance required by law, contending that parties must secure at least 25% of votes in prescribed elections to remain registered. Urging the court to deregister the parties, the forum said that none of the defendants effectively countered the arguments. This ruling came barely few hours after the ADC announced the confirmation of Chief Rotimi Amaechi, the former governor of Rivers State, as Alhaji Atiku Abubakar's running mate for 2027 election.

By Madu Obi The wife of the governor of Anambra State, Mrs Nonye Soludo, has ordered immediate transfer of the 10 - year old boy who was brutalized by his guardian in Awada, Obosi, to a better health facility for optimum treatment. The boy's guardian, a nursing mother, was said to have used hot pressing iron to severely burn his skin over the suspicion that he allegedly took a piece of meat from her soup pot. The boy was said to be unconscious at the time neighbours saw him and subsequently reported the incident to security operatives who arrested the woman and took the boy to a health facility for treatment. Reacting on the incident, Mrs Soludo said: "I'm deeply saddened and disturbed by the horrific abuse suffered by the 10-year-old boy in the hand of his guardians in Awada, Obosi. "No child, whatever their crime, deserves to endure such cruelty, and as a mother, I find the images and reports from the incident deeply troubling. "Following this development, I've spoken with the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, and appealed that the child be moved from his current hospital to a more suitable medical facility where he can receive optimum treatment, specialized care, and every support necessary for his recovery." Mrs Soludo also pledged to take full responsibility for his rehabilitation and ensure that he is given every opportunity to heal physically, emotionally, and psychologically. She requested that all those connected to the heinous act be brought to justice, including the arrest of the suspect's husband, to answer for a crime that occurred under his roof. "Those responsible must face the full weight of the law. Anambra State, under this administration, maintains zero tolerance for any form of abuse against children and women, and I will personally follow up on this case to ensure that justice is rightly served. "We must all remain vigilant and speak up whenever we witness abuse, because every child deserves protection, dignity, and love", she said. She commended those who spoke up and brought the heinous act into limelight.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State Police command has recovered 60 suspected trafficked children in Anambra State and taken 60 other cases of child abuse to court in the last five months. The command also lamented the increasing cases of sexual molestation by fathers against their daughters, warning that the law must take its course. The command gave the figures when the chairman of a nongovernmental organization, NGO, Beecharity Outlook Foundation, Dr Paul Nwosu, paid a visit to the state Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, as part of activities to mark the 2026 International Day Against Child Labour. According to the command, it is worrisome that many children are being exposed to indecent scenarios, including parents sleeping with their children at tender ages, adding that this month alone, the police recorded about four of such cases. Giving details, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of State Criminal Investigation Dept (SCID), DCP Wan Mantu Chongs said: "Yesterday we had one case. A father started sleeping with his daughter when she was 12. Now she is 15 or 16. "It was not the first. We had a father sleeping with his daughter that was barely 10 or so. And so, for me, it's more challenging because it is far above child labour. It is despicable and unbelievable". "At the state CID, we’ve had a series of cases and we are doing our best to manage them. For instance, just in the last one month, we recovered about 60 children that have been trafficked; sold into circumstances that they don't know, and they’re of minor ages, some between the ages of one and 10. And that tells the challenges that we face. "These children are exposed to a series of dangers. There’s a case we had. A woman adopted two children and subjected them to inhuman and despicable treatment and inflicted injuries on them. "Parents sell their children just for a piece of cake, and those who adopt them subject them to so many challenging experiences". According to him, efforts are being made to convince parents on the need to send their children to school, instead of sending them out to become labourers. He said that because of the unfortunate security and economic situation the country has found itself, some parents hide under such excuses to justify their action of sending their children out to hawk when they should be in school. The CP, Orutugu, while addressing members of the NGO, said that looking at where the country is coming from and where it is going, he feels like shedding tears. According to him, the society seems not to have a deliberate policy of promoting the rights of the child, noting that a child who hawks while his mates are in school, would grow up feeling inferior. "A few days ago, a child boldly went to a DPO and told him that he does not want to stay where he's staying again. And when the DPO questioned him, it was found out that he was brought from Enugu to a particular home where he's doing child labour. And the boy was just eight years old. Assuming that did not have the idea to go to a police station to report, he would have been trapped into the hands of wicked people. "Every child has a right to medical care, welfare, good food, good housing, but have we deliberately, as a people, as a government, as a movement, as a society, provided for that Nigerian child? "We have to activate law enforcement to call the parents to order and if possible, prosecute them so that others will see that parents are being prosecuted for allowing their children to go into child labour", the CP said. He urged the elites to realize that whether they like it or not, at some point in their development and evolution, these children will meet. Briefing the CP on the activities of the NGO, Nwosu said the organization has, for the past eight years, remained steadfast in advocating for the protection of children and the elimination of child labour and child abuse. "Every child found hawking on the streets, instead of being in school, every child forced into exploitative labour, and every child denied the opportunity to dream and develop his or her potential, represents a loss not only to the child, but to society as a whole. "We believe the Nigeria Police Force is a critical partner in the protection of vulnerable children. We therefore seek stronger collaboration with your command in identifying, preventing and responding to cases of child labour and child abuse across Anambra State. "Together, we can create a safer environment where every child is protected, educated and empowered to become a productive citizen. "As we reflect on this year's International Day Against Child Labour, let us remember that children do not have a voice strong enough to defend themselves. They depend on responsible adults and institutions to speak and act on their behalf. The future of our society is sitting today in our homes, classrooms and communities. If we fail them today, we endanger tomorrow. "Let us therefore join hands to ensure that no child is robbed of childhood, denied education, or forced into labour. Every child deserves not a burden to carry, but a dream to pursue", Nwosu said. He explained that through advocacy, public enlightenment, community engagement, and partnerships with stakeholders, the organization has consistently championed the rights of children to education, protection, dignity, and a brighter future.

By Madu Obi The speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Dr Somtochukwu Udeze, has recounted the state lawmakers' experience while passing the landmark Anambra Homeland Law signed into law by Governor Chukwuma Soludo last year, saying they had to keep themselves indoors for weeks to be able to concentrate, nurture and come up with an ideal law. Addressing reporters at the legislative chambers in Awka, Udeze recalled that a day before the passage of the law, there were threats from many quarters, with some people vowing to take legislature to court. According to him, some of the legislators were even afraid, adding that he had to encourage them to go ahead and pass the bill because it was in the best interest of the state. Describing the landmark law, which have birth to the Agunechemba security outfit in the state, Udeze said: "Before we enacted the law, the lawmakers went on a sober reflection of what was happening in Anambra State. We found out that the only way we could tackle the problem of insecurity was to have a law. "Before the law came into existence, our hotels were not being monitored, our communities were not being guarded, the Presidents General and the traditional rulers were not in total control of their areas. When the law was eventually passed, most of the judges in the state called me to appreciate what we did. And after the signing of the bill into law by the governor, the battle against fake doctors and fake pastors began and that was the genesis of the security we are enjoying in Anambra today. With the plan of the governor to make Anambra a destination for investment, we must protect the state and the investors. So the law was targeted to save the state and help the executive to deliver the promises made to the people." He also described the local government administration law as another controversial law passed by the assembly, recalling that over the years, there had been several amendments of the local government administration law of the state, but the one of 2025 provided the answer to the real administration in the local government system. Defending the law, he said the three tiers of government must depend on each other for the smooth running of the state. "When that law was passed, many people raised issues, but we are happy that most states in the country are copying the Anambra State local government law", he said . He added that among the special features of the law is the inclusion of the Accountant General for local government, which was not there before. He, however, said that there is need to adjust the constitution as it concerns the management of the local governments, explaining that what the Anambra State legislature did was to provide answers to the provisions made by the Supreme Court. He added: "There's no way the primary healthcare and the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, can function effectively without the cooperation of the other tiers of government, particularly as they were the provisions of the constitution. At any point in time, these areas must be taken into consideration by all the tiers of government. So what we did was to look at the existing law and then decided to have a consolidated account and pull resources together to ensure that salaries, retirement benefits and gratuities are paid regularly at that level of government." The Speaker also used the occasion to restate the independence of the state legislature, insisting that the Anambra State House of Assembly is not a rubber-stamp institution. "The House is independent, but not autonomous. We work in synergy with the executive arm in the overall interest of the people, but that does not mean that we merely endorse every proposal placed before us by the executive," he said. Reviewing the performance of the 10th Assembly over the past three years, Udeze disclosed that about 44 bills were passed, while more than half of them have been signed into law by the governor. "Once any committee finishes with its work, I have another small committee to look critically at the work of the main committee and once that small committee says it is good, the law is good to go. That is why any law we pass here cannot be faulted anywhere. Although sometimes the opposition would want to find fault, but at the end of the day, they will come to appreciate that it is for the good of the state", Udeze stated.

Governor Soludo with members of COOU governing council after their inauguration in Awka By Madu Obi Governor Chukwuma Soludo has inaugurated the eighth governing council of state -owned Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), with Professor Peter Onwualu as chairman. Other members of the council include Igwe Dr. Chris Oranu Chidume, Prof. O. J. Ogbuagu, Chief Christopher Ndubuisi and AIG Chris Ezike (Rtd). The rest are Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha– Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A. C. Nweke– Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration & Environmental Sustainability), Prof. Obiora Ejiofor– Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) and Prof. Sylvia Okonkwo– Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development & Uli Campus Affairs), Prof. Matthias O. Ananti, Prof. Ogonna Ifebi Prof. Nkeiruka Orji, Prof. MaryJude Igbodika and Dr. Chukwunonso Ekesiobi. Addressing the council members in Awka, Governor Soludo acknowledged the gravity of their appointment, emphasizing that their tenure arrives at a pivotal moment for the institution. He said: "You have a lot of heavy lifting to do. I am confident that with the new leadership of the council, you will provide nothing short of excellence. Work with the greatest level of integrity, conscientiousness, and passion. Consider what is best for the university and the generations unborn; we are all birds of passage. What is important is, while you serve, what changed for the better? That is your guiding principle. Take the university to realize its manifest potential. With the calibre of men and women of such knowledge, expertise, and ‘fire in the belly,’ you will succeed." Soludo urged them not shy away from addressing the systemic challenges that necessitated their appointment, noting that the preceding council was dormant for inexplicable reasons. He expressed concern regarding what he called the integrity of recent academic recruitment processes in the institution, adding that he had to do his own due diligence. The governor expressed full confidence in the new leadership to reverse the trends, stating that with Professor Onwualu as chairman and Pro-Chancellor, the problems are solved. Responding on behalf of the new council, Professor Onwualu affirmed the council’s commitment to transformation. He said: "This will be a different council. We intend to make COOU one of the top three state universities in the country. The problem of weak institutions is a Nigerian problem, but we will make COOU a very strong university. We covet the governor’s support to make this happen."

By Madu Obi Awka, the capital of Anambra State, has been admitted into the African Development Bank, AfDB, continental cities programme, which is a major urban development initiative designed to prepare rapidly growing African cities for large-scale infrastructure investment. Managing Director of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Dr. Osita Onuko, said a team from the bank will arrive Anambra State on Sunday as part of ongoing engagements to actualize the programme. Onuko said the process began in 2024 when ACTDA applied for inclusion in the continent-wide initiative aimed at strengthening urban planning systems, institutional capacity and investment readiness in emerging African cities. According to him, the Urban and Municipal Development Fund (UMDF), acting on behalf of the AfDB, formally confirmed Awka's admission into the programme in September 2025 after evaluating the city's development prospects under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Soludo and assessing the state's institutional framework and commitment to urban development. Onuko said the programme targets rapidly expanding secondary cities where infrastructure development and urban planning have struggled to keep pace with rapid population growth. He explained that following a competitive procurement process conducted by the AfDB, a globally recognized urban development and infrastructure planning firm, ACCIONA, was selected as the programme's technical consulting partner. ACCIONA, he added, will work with ACTDA to undertake a comprehensive city diagnostic study and develop a City Action Plan that will serve as a roadmap for future bankable infrastructure projects and investment opportunities in Awka. Onuko said the visit would commence with a guided tour of the capital city and a formal kick-off meeting involving the state's technical leadership. He added that the meeting would produce agreements on the programme's work plan, identify key investment priorities such as sustainable mobility and green infrastructure, clarify institutional and data requirements, and establish implementation and communication frameworks. He said that the visit will include extensive data gathering, stakeholder consultations and technical assessments, expressing optimism that the exercise would help shape Awka's urban investment pipeline, enhance project preparation capabilities and position the state to attract substantial financing for critical infrastructure development. Onuko described Awka's inclusion in the African Cities Programme as a significant milestone that would strengthen the city's long-term development strategy and accelerate its transformation into a modern, sustainable and investment-ready capital city.

Okechukwu Nwanguma; Director RULAAC By Madu Obi As Nigeria marks another Democracy Day, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Center RULAAC, a nongovernmental organization, has raised the question of whether there is truly anything to celebrate, arguing that it should be measured by the positive impact on the citizens. The executive director of RULAAC, Okechukwu Nwanguma, acknowledged that while Nigeria has maintained civilian rule continuously since 1999 and celebrating the resilience of Nigerians who resisted military dictatorship, the sacrifices of the heroes of June 12, and the fact that democratic space still exists, it should not be an excuse for complacency. According to him, while Nigerians celebrate the courage of citizens, journalists, civil society organizations, labour unions, and pro-democracy activists who fought for the restoration of democratic governance and continue to defend democratic freedoms, it cannot be measured merely by the conduct of elections or the existence of elected governments. Nwanguma said: "Democracy must be judged by the extent to which it improves the lives of citizens, protects their rights, guarantees justice, and ensures accountability. "Thirty-three years after the historic June 12 election and twenty-seven years after the return to civilian rule, many Nigerians continue to face poverty, insecurity, corruption, unemployment, and exclusion from governance. Human rights violations persist. Security agencies are too often implicated in abuses rather than protection. Civic freedoms are increasingly threatened by intimidation, arbitrary arrests, misuse of cybercrime laws, and attempts to silence dissenting voices. Public confidence in democratic institutions has been eroded by electoral controversies, weak accountability mechanisms, and the perception that public office is more about access to power than service to the people." He argued that the enduring significance of June 12 lies not in annual ceremonies, but in its democratic ideals, noting that election should represent a Nigeria where the will of the people prevails, where votes count, where institutions are trusted, and where leaders derive legitimacy from genuine popular consent. "The real challenge before Nigeria is whether we are moving closer to or farther away from those ideals. Democracy Day should, therefore, be more than a celebration; it should be a moment of honest reflection and national recommitment to the principles of accountability, rule of law, human rights, inclusion, and electoral integrity. The heroes of June 12 did not struggle merely for civilian government; they struggled for a democratic Nigeria founded on justice, freedom, and accountable governance. The best way to honour their sacrifice is not through speeches or symbolic recognition alone, but by building institutions that protect citizens, respect rights, ensure that every vote counts, and hold power accountable. Until democracy consistently delivers justice, security, dignity, and opportunity for all Nigerians, June 12 will remain not only a day of celebration but also a reminder of promises yet to be fulfilled", he stated.

Governor Soludo and government officials during his tour of Nnewi By Madu Obi Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has vowed to adopt strategies that would make Nnewi regain it pride position as a dominant industrial hub of the state. Speaking during a tour of several parts of the city in a move described as a diagnostic mission to identify infrastructure bottlenecks that have hindered the growth of the town, Soludo said his administration would target neglected sites and underutilized land in the area, with a view to transforming the city into a modern, high-functioning urban center. At the popular Nkwo Nnewi Triangle where a multi million naira shopping complex has remained abandoned for 17 years, the governor expressed frustration at the reasons for the stagnation. "It is unacceptable that public assets intended to drive commerce have been left to rot for nearly two decades. We are, therefore, here to draw a line in the sand. This facility will no longer be a monument of neglect as we will move swiftly to restore it to productive use to serve the people of Nnewi", he said. Apart from the shopping mall, the governor also inspected the Post Office vicinity and the High Court premises, explaining that his vision is to integrate those legacy sites into a cohesive, contemporary urban plan that would enhance accessibility and elevate the standard of public service. While interacting with stakeholders in the town, Soludo scouted locations for strategic housing developments, noting that providing high-quality residential infrastructure is essential to sustaining Nnewi’s expanding workforce and maintaining its competitive edge as a commercial hub. He articulated a broader vision for the city, emphasizing that his administration is aggressively mapping out underutilized open spaces. The goal, according to him, is to repurpose it for public parks, recreational areas, and new commercial ventures. "Our strategy is simple: we are unlocking the hidden value of Nnewi. By converting dormant open spaces into vibrant public parks and productive facilities, we are not just fixing buildings; we are stimulating local commerce and reclaiming Nnewi’s rightful place as the premier industrial nerve center of the region", the governor added.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State government is to embark on proper education of prospective tax payers as part of measures to shore up the state's Internally Generated Revenue, IGR. The exercise will be carried out by the state Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, in collaboration with the Anambra Internal Revenue Service, AIRS. The Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Law Mefor, who spoke during a visit to the Chairman of AIRS, Mr Ikeazor Okonkwo, at the Revenue House, Awka, said the exercise would aim at achieving tax compliance and enforcement in the state. “It has become very necessary to strengthen you, given the fact that people don't like paying taxes. So, instead of starting with enforcement, we should first talk to the people and persuade them before the enforcement, Mefor said. According to him, many Anambra residents, especially in rural and informal sectors, lack adequate knowledge of taxation, adding that they have not been educated enough on the issues of tax. He added: "Many people, particularly those in the informal sector, have quite a small economy. They have to be taught why their tax, no matter how small, is important to help the governor to deliver on the major projects and policies that will turn Anambra into one smart megacity. When you see the level, the magnitude of work being done by the Solution Governor, you will see that money is, indeed, needed. Anambra is not really a rich state and the fact that Governor Soludo is doing so much with so little, is born out of his intentional and transformational leadership and extremely prudent economic management.” Mefor proposed a full-blown media campaign to educate the citizens, with a joint team of the ministry and AIRS staff to drive it. In his response, the AIRS chairman observed that getting the people to carry out their tax obligations requires a two-pronged approach. He explained that AIRS would not introduce new taxes or increase rates, but would implement existing laws, including the Nigerian Tax Act 2025. "For us to get the kind of money that is required to execute projects that Mr Governor has excellently put together, people need to pay their taxes", Okonkwo said.

By Madu Obi The newly established Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission, ASERC, has set machinery in motion to ensure improved power supply and break the monopoly enjoyed by the distribution company in the sector. At a ceremony in Awka, the chairman of ASERC, Professor Frank Okafor said the four regulatory instruments that would reshape electricity supply in the state are business rules, customer protection regulation, investment in the power sector and utility investment that would boost the infrastructure. Officials of Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission with other government functionaries during the signing of the power regulatory instruments in Awka The signing ceremony, which was witnessed by major stakeholders in the power sector, stipulated areas the state -operated First Power Distribution Company and other would -be distributors should adhere to. Governor Chukwuma Soludo had in April this year, signed into law the Power Regulatory bill passed by the House of Assembly, thus giving birth to the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission, ASERC) . According to Okafor, who signed the instruments, the objective is for consumers and other stakeholders to know their rights in the power sector. He said that the signing also marked the beginning of a well structured collaboration between the commission and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources. He said: "The objective is for people to know their rights in the power sector. The business rules stipulate the guidelines which must be obeyed by the stakeholders; the customer protection regulation, which is to protect the interest of customers and defines the rights of the customers and that of the service provider, including the application for licenses for participants to ensure orderliness in the power sector. The other one is investment in the power sector, which outlines the challenges would -be investors are likely to encounter and the procedure to follow; while the last is utility investment which shows the long time benefits for the investor. The commission will ensure standardization and quality in the sector, while the regulation will provide operational framework needed so as to win the confidence of investors. The regulation will also protect consumers by ensuring that they are not abused. This is indeed a roadmap to where the state is aiming to be in the near future." Okafor explained that before preparing the draft, members of the commission visited the major cities of Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi and Ekwulobia and got the views of the people on the new regulations. He made it clear that with the signing of the documents, there would not be any monopoly in the sector as other investors are encouraged to join and compete. According to him, any group in the sector that thinks it would be enjoying monopoly will be making a grave mistake, adding that the idea is to enable people have alternatives and then decide which one to buy energy from. Commenting the commission for releasing the instruments, the Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation,Dr Law Mefor said Governor Soludo has made deliberate efforts to increase energy supply in the state, bearing in mind the legacy projects his administration has planned to execute in the state. The projects, he stated, include the building of an airport city, which is not just having a second airport in the state, but the presence of an organized ecosystem around the new airport city that will be power driven. Mefor said there is also the proposed Anambra State industrial park and the Awka City Park that will compete with the best in the world. Mefor added: "If there should be a more meaningful life, it is about electricity. If we must transform our state to a smart city as envisioned by Governor Soludo, there must be adequate supply of electricity. Electricity is therefore the foundation of the new Anambra that Soludo is building. It is the availability of adequate electricity that will make Anambra a destination point". The Commissioner for Power and Utilities, Mr. Casmir Agummadu described the signing of the instruments as a stepping stone to a sustainable power supply in the state. "We look forward to working with the commission to ensure that we meet the aspirations of the people of Anambra people and lead the state to industrial growth", he said.

By Madu Obi Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has tasked women and youths under the aegis of the City Boy Movement to mobilize effectively for the victory of President Bola Tinubu in next year's election. Addressing women coordinators of the City Boy movement who interacted with him at the Light House in Awka, Soludo said that women and youths hold the essential key to driving meaningful development in the country, urging them to be active in strategic political participation. Reflecting on the 2023 election, Soludo noted that President Tinubu secured victory without significant support from the Southeast and urged them to mobilize effectively to ensure a successful second term victory for the President. The governor, whose daughter, Adaora, is the state women coordinator of the City Boy Movement, expressed excitement at the visible activities of the women’s wing of the movement thus far and commended their active participation in the organization. He advised that their objective in politics should be to maximize benefits for the society, explaining that his administration is intentionally focused on fostering greater participation of women and youths in his government. "You should be active participants in shaping the narratives. You should not wait for somebody to build your future for you. We are in the new age when we take women for who they are and not seeing them as mere support groups", he said. He encouraged them to curate their future according to their vision, framing his efforts as a social crusade and a push for a legal framework aimed at re-engineering society toward a more prosperous future. According to him, the future of generations to come is currently at stake, stressing that the movement must operate with a clear understanding of their role in coordinating for Anambra State. Soludo also expressed his desire that Ndi Igbo should avoid wasting their votes in future electoral cycles, urging members of the movement to begin to play politics with their heads. "In politics, individuals do not receive what they deserve, but rather what they bargain for", he noted, adding that in a democracy, the primary currency for the bargain is the vote". Urging them to mobilize resources and strategize effectively, Governor Soludo pledged his absolute and total support to the group, affirming that they have a significant role to play, assuring that he will back their initiatives to the best of his ability. Speaking on behalf of the group, the Women Coordinator of the Anambra State Chapter, Adaora Soludo, emphasized that the movement’s primary objective remains the active promotion and support of the Tinubu-led administration. She pointed out that the group is strategically positioned to serve as a bridge between the government and the people to ensure that the administration’s developmental policies are understood and felt at the local level.

By Madu Obi Two policemen were feared dead when suspected hoodlums attacked the convoy of the Chief of Staff to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Dr Ben Nwankwo along the Amansea - Ufuma road. Dr Nwankwo was not hurt during the attack that reportedly took place on Sunday night. The state Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has already issued a 48-hour ultimatum to all police formations and operational units to track down and arrest the attackers. The CP gave the directive during an emergency security meeting held at the State Police Command Headquarters where senior officers and heads of operational units were briefed on the urgency of the situation. Orutugu described the assault as a direct attack on the authority of the state and vowed that it would not go unanswered. “I want you to fish out the attackers and the killers of our officers. I demand immediate action to apprehend those responsible for this heinous act. I want results. The people of Anambra State must know that the police are fully in charge and ready to protect them", the CP said. According to him, criminal elements would no longer be allowed to exploit the cover of night to carry out violent attacks in the state, adding, “This kind of killing cannot happen under my watch. We must bring the perpetrators to justice and put an end to their activities." He stressed that he would not remain silent while officers under his command continued to lose their lives in the line of duty, insisting that the slain officers must be avenged through swift operational action. Orutugu also raised concerns over emerging criminal tactics, noting that intelligence reports indicated that some attackers now disguise themselves in police and military uniforms to carry out illicit operations and urged the general public to be vigilant. The CP further cautioned motorists and commuters using the Amansea–Ufuma Road, describing it as a vulnerable and isolated route that has increasingly become a hotspot for criminal ambushes. “The Amansea–Ufuma Road is a particularly isolated route. Commuters and members of the public should exercise caution while using the road, as it has, in recent times, become a den of criminal elements,” he said. CP Orutugu, however, reassured residents of the state that the Command remains fully committed and operationally prepared to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of lives and property across the state. He expressed confidence that decisive breakthroughs would be achieved within the 48-hour window, noting that intensified intelligence-led operations had already commenced.