Author: Editor
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia One of the distinguished Nigeria Army Generals, and accomplished Igbo sons, Major Gen. Ijioma Nwokoro Ijioma (retd.), will today (Thursday, July 31), feature on Ikengaonline town hall meeting. The former United Nations Sector South Command cum Nigerian Contingent Commander in Darfur Sudan, will speak on the theme: “Ndigbo and the Politics of 2027.” This is contained in a statement by the Editor-in-Chief of the South-East focused accountability on-line media platform, Uche Ugboajah. The explosive monthly meeting scheduled for 7:00 pm (WAT), will be co-anchored by US-based prolific writer and medical doctor, Dr Osmund Agbo; and veteran Journalist…
Our Reporter, New York Distinguished British-Nigerian historian, Max Siollun, has described the ongoing efforts by the National Assembly to amend the 1999 Constitution and create new states as an exercise doomed to fail. In an exclusive interview with Rudolf Okonkwo on 90MinutesAfrica, the internationally acclaimed expert on Nigeria’s military and political history argued that what Nigeria needs is neither more states nor a new constitution, but rather a new kind of “national reorientation.” Siollun, author of several bestselling historical analyses of Nigeria’s political and military trajectory, explained that many of Nigeria’s existing states are economically unviable and would naturally resist…
By Sam Amadi What is the relationship between changing the name of Charley Boy Bus Stop and falsely accusing Mr. Peter Obi of working for Abacha and therefore being tarnished? The answer is simple: they are Igbo. Let us make it clear. Last week, a local government in Lagos State changed the name of a famous bus stop in Gbagada, Lagos, from Charley Boy to Olamide Baddo. Charley Boy is the showbiz maestro known for his fierce social criticism and artistic excellence. He was once the “king of the boys” in Lagos before relocating to Abuja. He is an icon…
Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki There is widespread outrage in Ebonyi State following the suspension of over 87 government officials, including commissioners, by Governor Francis Nwifuru on Monday. The suspensions, initially announced as punishment for failing to attend an “important state function,” were later revealed to be related to the burial of the mother of one of the governor’s close friends and political allies. Background Ikengaonline had earlier reported that the officials were sanctioned for failing to attend what was described as a significant government function over the weekend. Those affected include 25 commissioners, 14 senior special assistants, 24 special assistants, and…
Our Reporter, Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has categorically dismissed speculations surrounding the sale of the Port Harcourt Refinery, stating it remains committed to the completion and retention of the facility as a core national asset. Speaking at a company-wide town hall meeting held Tuesday at the NNPC Towers in Abuja, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, stressed that the refinery is not for sale. He clarified that this position is not a policy reversal but the result of in-depth technical and financial reviews currently underway on the Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri refineries. Ojulari…
Our Reporter, Abuja Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has once again identified leadership failure as the country’s greatest burden and primary obstacle to development. In a statement issued via his X handle on Wednesday, in response to the recent statement by the U.S. Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria over the alleged prolifigate handling of the economy by the Tinubu-led government, Obi insisted that unless Nigerians confront this core challenge, the nation will remain on a downward spiral. He called for an urgent overhaul of the current “retrogressive system” and advocated for the emergence of leaders with “competence,…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia The immediate past National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, has revealed that he was offered three ministerial slots as an inducement to reject a coalition with key political figures from other platforms. Speaking at the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Tuesday, Nwosu said the offer was aimed at derailing efforts to form a united political front ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, he declined to name those behind the move. “I was approached with promises of automatic ministerial appointments,” he said. “They offered me three slots—one for myself and two…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Immediate- past Deputy Governor of Abia State, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, has declared that Gov. Alex Otti, has “already earned himself a second term in office” by his performances so far in the office. The former Deputy Governor made the declaration while addressing newsmen after a private visit to Otti at his private residence at Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area. Oko Chukwu who was former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s Deputy, said his visit had nothing to do with politics but purely borne out of his conviction that truth must be acknowledged. The former Speaker, Abia State…
By Zainab Suleiman Okino When the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was formally presented to the public on July 2, there was palpable excitement in the air as it was perceived as a possible replacement for the floundering and lacklustre opposition represented by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP), whose members have been defecting in droves to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Nigerians waited to see the reenactment of the 2014 merger of three major political parties—Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP)—that formed the APC. That coalition…
By Uzor Maxim Uzoatu Nigerian leaders must be taken to task for making the country look quite small through their clannishness. The powers-that-be of Nigeria take great pleasure in describing the country as the “Giant of Africa.” A towering giant is not expected to have very small-minded leaders. A giant with the feet of clay is an object of derision. A little mind can hardly ever make great things to happen. If ever Nigeria is to reach the range of its potentials the country must enjoy a leadership as large as her ambition. Obviously the country has become a butt…