Author: Editor
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained the legal basis for the dates fixed for the 2027 General Election, amid growing public concerns over the coincidence of the polls with nationally recognised holidays and observances. In a press statement posted on its official X handle, INEC said the recently released Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 elections were drawn up in strict compliance with existing constitutional, legal and regulatory frameworks guiding Nigeria’s electoral process. The statement was signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee. The…
Ben Ezechime, Enugu The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Enugu State Sector Command, has confirmed the death of 11 persons in a fatal road accident on the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway. The Sector Commander, Mr. Franklin Agbakoba, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Enugu following the crash, which involved two vehicles. Agbakoba said, “The accident occurred at about 6:46 p.m. today, Saturday, at a location adjacent to the FRSC Ozalla Unit Command on the expressway.” He disclosed that the 11 persons who lost their lives comprised 10 males and one female. “A total of 36 persons, comprising 27 males and nine…
Ben Ezechime, Enugu The Enugu State Government says it has surpassed the national measles and rubella immunisation target of 85 per cent, achieving over 101 per cent coverage through field commitment and inter-ministerial collaboration. The Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, made this known in Enugu on Saturday while reacting to the just-concluded national immunisation exercise in the state. Ugwu attributed the success to a comprehensive, team-based strategy involving coordination across the ministries of gender affairs, poverty alleviation, information, education, as well as traditional leadership, religious institutions, and local government structures. The commissioner commended Governor Peter Mbah for his exceptional…
By Chido Onumah Abubakar Malami, SAN, was the Honourable Attorney General and Minister of Justice of Nigeria for eight years under late President Muhammadu Buhari. As Minister of Justice, and one of the youngest minsters in the Buhari cabinet, when he was appointed on November 8, 2015, he prided himself on being the chief law officer of the country. I shall return to this. As the chief law officer, his responsibilities included providing legal advice to the government and ensuring compliance with the law. In a June 28, 2020, essay “Malami: Portrait of a ‘Barrier-in-Chief’” published on the whistleblowing platform,…
Our Reporter, Abuja The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has welcomed the announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fixing February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, describing the early release of the timetable as a positive step for democratic preparation. In a statement on Friday, the party said the early timetable provides political parties, stakeholders and the electorate with clarity for long-term planning ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, the ADC cautioned that the credibility of the elections would not be determined by the timeliness of the schedule alone, but by INEC’s commitment to transparency,…
…Gets N500m support for 2nd term Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Governor Alex Otti of Abia State on Friday unveiled the iconic Omenuko Bridge over the Igwu River, as well as the newly completed 30-kilometre Abam–Ndioji–Ndiokereke–Arochukwu Road executed by his administration. Speaking at the glamorous event, which was well attended by people from across the state, Otti vowed to deploy every arsenal at his disposal to resist any attempt by past leaders, whom he accused of underdeveloping the state, to regain political control. Apparently referring to a coalition of former governors ganging up against his re-election bid, Otti declared that Abia had…
By Owei Lakemfa Information filtered through a few weeks ago, that “a small team” of United States, US, soldiers were in Nigeria. On Tuesday, February 10, 2026 an additional information was that 200 American soldiers are being deployed to provide security for the small team. I am sure that soon these 200 would need a thousand US soldiers to give them cover. The troop numbers are nothing to worry about, except that this was the same story of American involvement in Vietnam. In the 1950s, President Dwight Eisenhower sent 740 troops to that country. A decade later, President John Kennedy…
Our Reporter, Abuja The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially announced the dates for the 2027 general elections in Nigeria. According to a statement released by INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, on Friday, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on February 20, 2027, while the Governorship and State Assembly elections will take place on March 6, 2027. Addressing the press in Abuja, Prof. Amupitan described the announcement as “a significant milestone in our democratic journey” and a constitutional obligation aimed at consolidating Nigeria’s democracy. The elections will cover various positions, including President and Vice President, Governors…
Our Reporter, Abuja The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called on the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, to urgently investigate alleged grave human rights violations by a self-styled vigilante leader in Egwedu Autonomous Community, Atta, Njaba Local Government Area of the state. In a statement dated February 13, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Mr. Okechukwu Nwanguma, RULAAC said it had received disturbing reports of abuses allegedly committed by the vigilante leader, identified as Mr. Chibuike Duru, also known as “Nwagbenta.” According to the rights group, preliminary verification through credible media sources and community…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Stakeholders from Ohuhu, kinsmen of the late Premier of Eastern Nigeria, Dr Michael Okpara, have endorsed Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for a second term in office, describing his administration as one that has rewritten the development narrative of the state. The endorsement was announced during an enlarged solidarity visit by over 2,000 Ohuhu indigenes to the governor at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia. Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Chief Obi Aguocha, said the visit was to appreciate Governor Otti for his long-standing relationship with the Ohuhu people and…