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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…

Our Reporter, Abuja  The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Tuesday inaugurated its new National Working Committee (NWC), with newly elected National Chairman, Senator David Mark, pledging a bold new vision anchored on transparency, unity, youth inclusion, and ideological clarity. In his inaugural speech at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, Senator Mark paid glowing tribute to the outgoing leadership of Hon. Ralph Nwosu, whom he described as a patriotic trailblazer whose years of sacrifice laid the foundation for the party’s current structure and aspirations. “I wish to acknowledge the hard work, patriotism, sacrifices and dedication of Hon. Ralph…

By Chinenye Nwaogu The concept of the “state” as an organized political community governed by a constitution or set of rules is an ancient idea. Philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau have all contributed to the understanding of the state’s origins, purpose, and structure. For Plato, the state was a moral organism designed to promote justice and virtue. Aristotle saw it as a natural institution created to enable the good life. In contrast, Hobbes envisioned the state as a mechanism to escape the chaos of the “state of nature,” while Locke emphasized the social contract as the foundation…

Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia The site engineer overseeing an uncompleted three-storey building that collapsed over the weekend in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, has been arrested and is currently in police custody. This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, while briefing journalists at Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting, presided over by Governor Alex Otti. “Last week, an uncompleted three-storey detached building collapsed around the Low-Cost Housing area of Umuahia. Fortunately, there were no fatalities. However, about three people sustained injuries,” Kanu said. He added that the state’s Commissioner for…

Our Reporter, Abuja  Dr Osmund Agbo has raised critical questions about institutional failure, academic misconduct, and the continuing brain drain of Nigerian talent abroad. Agbo made these observations during the July edition of the Diaspora Dialogues, which he co-anchored with two other intellectuals, Farooq Kperogi and Moses Ochonu with the theme,  “What Government Owes Lecturers.” Dr. Agbo, who is also co-publisher of Ikengaonline in criticizing Nigeria’s leadership, accused successive governments of systematically weakening institutions and failing to address persistent national issues such as widespread poverty, underfunded education, and lack of accountability. “Our problem is leadership. It is not just about…

Our Reporter, Abuja  Conversations around the plight of Nigerian university lecturers, the country’s chronic underfunding of higher education, eroded academic standards, and the growing disillusionment among scholars were ignited at the July edition of Diaspora Dialogues, hosted by renowned diaspora intellectuals—Farooq Kperogi, Moses Ochonu, and Osmund Agbo. Themed, “What Government Owes Lecturers,” the programme featured former Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) President, Professor Abiodun Ogunyemi, and Special Adviser on Economic Affairs to President Bola Tinubu, Dr. Tope Fasua. The discussion, triggered by Farooq Kperogi’s viral column “Problem of Paying Peanuts to Professors,” dissected the root causes of Nigeria’s deteriorating university…

Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki Wife of the Ebonyi State Governor, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru, has inaugurated a newly constructed three-bedroom bungalow donated to a widow in Obuchie Amajim Ameka village, Ezza South Local Government Area. The project, executed under her pet initiative — the Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Persons Foundation (BERWO) — underscores her commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable women across the state. The house, designed to offer safe and dignified shelter, was built in collaboration with the Ebonyi State Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and other development partners. According to the First…

Lawrence Nwimo, Awka Action Alliance (AA) governorship candidate, Ọzọ Jephat Ezechukwu Nweke, has promised to usher in a new era of governance and change in Anambra State if elected on November 8. Nweke, who made the promise while addressing journalists on Tuesday in Awka, the state capital, said he was tired of seeing the people of Anambra suffer in silence. The guber candidate said he is not a politician with empty promises, but a candidate who represents the common man, the streets, and hustlers.  He claimed to have felt the weight of the broken system and promised to work tirelessly…