Author: Editor

By Azu Ishiekwene Boarding announcements were not an issue when I used to commute in Lagos by danfo, the ubiquitous yellow buses, or molue, the mass-transit lorries, which were improvised for public transportation. The conductors often had a melodious and entertaining way of calling passengers that was enjoyable to hear. They called out in a drawl, accompanying each announcement with a warning for passengers to board with their change in hand or risk a “forced marriage,” which meant giving a fixed sum, usually a bank note, to two or more passengers to share at disembarkation. Flying is a luxury –…

Ben Ezechime, Enugu The World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched a strategic partnership with the Enugu East Local Government Council on the  Universal Health Coverage Scheme (UHC). As part of the initiative, the WHO also presented an award to the council Chairman, Mr Beloved-Dan Anike in recognition of his efforts in expanding grassroots healthcare. The organization through the South-East Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Chukwumuanya Igboekwu, commended the chairman for enrolling more than 5,000 vulnerable residents into the scheme. He noted that ESUHCS was a key pillar of Gov. Peter Mbah’s health reform agenda. Igboekwu highlighted that Anike was the first local…

Ben Ezechime, Enugu  The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Enugu State Command, says it has deployed personnel to worship centres, recreation spots and all public areas in Enugu State ahead of the Eld-el-Kabir celebration. The Commandant of NSCDC Enugu State Command, Dr Elijah Willie, in a statement on Thursday in Enugu, said that the Command had deployed hundreds of personnel both in uniform and in plain clothes to ensure a safe and hitch-free celebration. According to Willie, this proactive measure is part of our commitment to safeguarding lives, critical infrastructure, and maintaining public order throughout the Eld-el-Kabir holiday…

Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki  The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have disagreed over claims that the former governorship candidate of the main opposition party is set to join the ruling party.  Chairman of the APC in the state, Stanley Okoro Emegha, had claimed in an interview that Mr Ifeanyi Odii, who was the 2023 governorship candidate of the PDP, was set to join the APC soon. Mr Emegha also said the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Prof Ifeanyi Odoh and the Senatorial candidate of Labour Party, Linus Okorie, will…

Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia The Department of State Services has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to stop Political Economist, Professor Pat Utomi, from pushing ahead with his alleged plans to hold rallies in support of his proposed formation of shadow government. The secret police, in a fresh application filed on Wednesday through its lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), requested the court to restrain Utomi and his associates from making public comments or engaging in rallies concerning the proposed formation of a “shadow government.” DSS told the court that “intelligence reports indicate that although Utomi is currently out of the country,…

Lawrence Nwimo, Awka Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has denied allegations that he consulted a native doctor regarding his reelection prospects in the November 8 governorship election in the state. Soludo described a viral video and publications making the rounds as “totally false” and “maliciously fabricated.” According to a statement by the Governor’s Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, a video clip circulating online was taken out of context.  Aburime said the clip was from a recent meeting with Anambra-based content creators, where one of the creators performed a native doctor skit as part of an entertainment performance. He clarified that…

Ben Ezechime, Enugu  The Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says the use of non-kinetic operational approaches will enhance general human security as well as build peaceful and resilient communities. Musa said this at a two-day Human Security and Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Workshop held at 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu. The workshop is being organised by Defence Headquarters in collaboration with British Defence Staff. Represented by a Director of Civil Military Relations, AVM Olushola Akinboyewa, the CDS said that the military was adopting better strategies to strengthen its non-kinetic operational approaches. According to him, in a…

Ben Ezechime, Enugu  The Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, has intervened in the lingering leadership crisis at the Abakpa-Nike Timber market, and has ordered the conduct of elections to elect chairman of the central committee for the market. According to Dr Chinedu Mbah, the Senior Personal Assistant (SPA) to the governor on Markets, the governor also directed for the conduct of elections in all the markets in the state. The SPA disclosed this at a peace meeting with the Abakpa-Nike Timber market traders union, Enugu East local government area. “The governor has directed that there should be election in…

Lawrence Nwimo, Awka The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final list of candidates that will contest in the 2025 Anambra State gubernatorial election. This is even as the Commission has confirmed that four political parties changed their candidates for the upcoming election in the State. The political parties are Accord, African Action Congress, Labour Party and the New Nigeria Peoples Party. Recall that the Commission recently published the personal particulars of candidates that emerged from primaries conducted by political parties for the election. A statement issued by INEC, led by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the…

Ben Ezechime, Enugu. Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State has transmitted an Executive Bill to the Enugu State House of Assembly to checkmate criminal activities among native doctors and herbalists in the state. Mr Uche Anichukwu, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on External Relations, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Enugu. He said that the proposed legislation was entitled, “Maintenance of Internal Security, Vigilance and Order.” Anichukwu said that the bill also outlawed money rituals otherwise known as ‘okite,’ criminal bulletproof charms, otherwise known as ‘odeshi.’ According to him, the bill equally outlaws illegal use…