Author: Editor
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…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia The Chairperson Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), 82 Division Chapter, Hajiya Nafeesat Bisola Dada, has inaugurated different projects executed by the Commander 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Olusola Diya, at Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barrack, Ohafia, Abia State. The projects include the renovated Garrison Regimental Sergeant Major’s (RSM) House furnished to give comfort and satisfaction; the Quick Response Force (QRF) accommodation upgraded and furnished with an ante room for recreation and entertainment as well as conveniences for the use of soldiers of the QRF. Other projects inaugurated were tailoring, hair dressing, soap making and catering departments,…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, has said that the National Youth Conference which he had hinted of, would eventually hold by the first quarter of 2025. The President disclosed this in his New Year broadcast to the nation. Recall that the President had shortly after the #EndBadGovernance protests in 2024, promised to convene a youth conference to give Nigerian youths opportunity make inputs on how the country could be better run. He said: The Youth Confab will begin in the first quarter of 2025, a testament to our commitment to youth inclusiveness and investment as nation-builders. The Ministry…