Author: Editor
Lawrence Nwimo, Awka Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has condemned the recent gunmen attack in Ihiala, Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State. At least seven persons were killed last Monday during the attack by gunmen on security operatives and unarmed civilians conducting burial ceremony in Umuike, Ubahuekwem Ihiala town. The assailants opened fire at the gathering, targeting security operatives stationed near the Local Government Headquarters as they fled the scene. Following the incident, Soludo had, Friday, announced a N10 million bounty for information leading to the capture of each of the gunmen responsible for the attack. During a condolence…
Ugo Nosiri, Owerri The Police Command in Imo State says it has initiated investigation to ascertain the facts surrounding the alleged killing of a young man in Amaimo Ikeduru LGA by a parish priest. Report says the Parish Priest of St Columbus Catholic Church in Amaimo in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, shot and killed a young parishioner who threw pyrotechnics popularly known as fireworks into the church on 31st December during the crossover service. It further stated that the priest mistook the sound of the fireworks to be that of invaders and in a bid for self…
By Zainab Suleiman Okino The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has persistently drawn sharp criticism for its glaring lack of proactivity, blatant politicisation of investigations, and troubling predilection for media trials of alleged offenders. This unfavourable perception isn’t merely speculative—it has been repeatedly validated by the commission’s embarrassingly faulty prosecution strategies, resulting in the collapse of seemingly watertight cases, particularly those involving high-profile politicians. While the recent mass arrest of 792 cybercrime suspects might suggest a departure from the organisation’s historically politicized operations, we must approach this development with measured scepticism. The commission’s trajectory since its establishment in 2003…
By Azu Ishiekwene Perhaps three will be the lucky number. After at least two previous failed attempts, a peace deal between Israel and Hamas might be reached by January 20 or in the early days of Donald Trump’s second term. Or… It’s a matter of perhaps, with a big P. Optimism is a rare commodity in a region with the longest-running conflict and the largest river of bad blood. Yet, after over 450 days of war with its predations, traumas and devastations, a bit of optimism is not a bad thing. In that spirit, I accepted the Israeli Ministry of…
Lawrence Nwimo, Awka Obeledu community in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State has celebrated its 2024 Mass Return, a colorful event that showcased the community’s rich culture, longevity, and unity. The event, which held at the Central School field featured the celebration of 60 octogenarians, who were honoured for attaining the remarkable age of 80. The octogenarians, comprising men and women, were classed into their own ‘Itoogbo,’ a special age grade created for them. Speaking at the event, President General of Obeledu, Engr Kenneth Echendu, congratulated the octogenarians and commended them for their remarkable achievement. He noted that the…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia The wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti, has gifted the first baby of the year, Master Chiudo Favour, N500,000. The Governor’s wife also donated N300,000 each to other three new borns during her visit to the Aba South Primary Health Care Centre on January 1. Mrs Otti further presented 50kg bags of rice, sets of beverages, baby clothing, and other essential items, to each of the families, and reaffirmed her husband’s commitment to maternal and child welfare. Addressing the crowd that gathered when she visited the facility, Mrs Otti emphasised Government’s focus on improving healthcare…
Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki The Board member representing South-East zone in the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Kenneth Ugbala, has said that roads in the region have been receiving good attention under President Bola Tinubu. He stated this in his Okoffia hometown, Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, while interacting with journalists. He dismissed the insinuation that the zone was being neglected in road construction by the Federal Government. He noted that Enugu/Onitsha road was under construction including 9th mile/ Gboko/Makurdi road and some other roads within the zone. Ugbala, a former Secretary to Ebonyi State Government, noted that…
Benson Ezechime, Enugu The Police Command in Enugu State says it nabbed no fewer than 130 armed robbery and 100 kidnapping suspects in 2024 in Enugu State. The Command also nabbed 55 murder suspects and more than 111 suspects for unlawful possession of firearms in 2024. Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, revealed this in a statement he signed and made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Enugu. The Commissioner said that additionally, 226 suspects involved in cultism and 450 others linked to various crimes such as burglary, stealing and fraud were also nabbed in 2024. He said,…
By Okechukwu Chuks Ironkwe As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu showed his love for deepening democracy at the grassroots, by gifting total autonomy to Local Government Areas; and every state started conducting Local Council elections, it is imperative to reflect on the essence of grassroots governance as the foundation of any thriving democracy. Democracy, in its purest form, is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. For this noble ideal to take root and flourish, its foundation must be built on a robust and inclusive grassroots governance framework. Without this, democracy risks becoming a distant concept…
Ben Ezechime, Enugu The United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide, has appeal to the Federal Government to set free Nnamdi Kanu, as New Year gift to Ndigbo and Nigerians. The group made the appeal in a New Year message jointly signed by its Director-General, Justice Alpha Ikpeama and the Director, Media and Publicity, Prof. Obasi Igwe, on Wednesday in Enugu. The statement also called for the release, exoneration and rehabilitation of Kanu, his colleagues, and other political prisoners in Nigeria. According to the message, there should be no appearance of plea bargain or special conditions imposed on Kanu for his…