Author: Editor
…Slams Benue gov for denying Christian genocide Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia Diocese, Archbishop Dr. Raphael Opoko, has decried Nigeria’s attitude towards terrorists ravaging different parts of the country. The cleric, who featured at the November edition of the Ikengaonline monthly town hall meeting, regretted that Nigeria is rather pacifying terrorists instead of frontally confronting them. Archbishop Opoko, who was jointly featured with a Professor of African History at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA, Professor Moses Ochonu, spoke on the theme: “Alleged Genocide, Trump’s Threats, and the Propaganda against Ndigbo.” He queried: “What do you call a situation…
By Owei Lakemfa The military coup on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 that swept away President Umaro Sissoco Embaló did not come as a surprise. Embalo, a retired general who camouflaged as an elected President, was a lawless leader who consistently trampled the country’s constitution under his feet. He had a sense of entitlement and a culture of impunity. In my February 9, 2024 column titled, ‘The civilian coups in Senegal, Guinea Bissau and ECOWAS ambivalence,’ I pointed out that: “There are civilian or constitutional coups in Guinea Bissau and Senegal, yet the regional body, the Economic Community of West African…
Ben Ezechime, Enugu The Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, Enugu State, has debunked a report aired on Arise Television alleging that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), recently killed two of its priests. The report, credited to one Zagazola Wakama, claimed that Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya and Very Rev. Fr. John Igwebueze were murdered by IPOB/ESN operatives. In a statement signed by the Director of Communications, Fr. Emmanuel Asadu, the diocese faulted the broadcast for lacking proper verification. According to the statement, Very Rev. Fr. Igwebueze had been battling a long-term illness…
Our Reporter, Abuja A co-guest speaker at the Ikenga November virtual townhall, Professor Moses Ochonu, has accused President Bola Tinubu of prioritising his 2027 political calculations over taking decisive action against terrorists responsible for mass killings in both Christian and Muslim communities across Nigeria. Speaking during the Thursday townhall themed “Alleged Genocide, Trump’s Threat and the Propaganda against Ndigbo,” the US-based historian said debates over whether the attacks amount to genocide miss the point for ordinary Nigerians, who only want to know “what the government is doing to keep them safe.” Ochonu argued that the administration’s “non-kinetic approach” to terrorism…
Our Reporter, Abuja Professor Moses Ochonu has warned that Nigeria is witnessing “parallel genocides” as deadly attacks on communities intensify across the country, accusing political leaders of exploiting the controversy around the term genocide to avoid responsibility. Speaking Thursday as a guest alongside the Archbishop of Umuahia diocese of the Methodist Church, His Grace, Dr. Chibuzor Opoko, at the November edition of the Ikenga Virtual Townhall themed “Alleged Genocide, Trump’s Threat and the Propaganda against Ndigbo,” Ochonu said Nigerians have failed to form “a clear-cut consensus” on the scale of the violence ravaging the nation. “It is unacceptable that communities…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia President Bola Tinubu has approved the composition of the Nigerian contingent to the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group, following agreements reached during last week’s bilateral meeting between both countries. The move aims to fast-track collaboration with the United States in addressing Nigeria’s worsening security challenges. According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu will lead the Nigerian side, supported by a multi-stakeholder team drawn from key government institutions. The statement listed members of the Joint Working Group to include: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb.…
Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka The Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC) has issued an operational licence to First Power Electricity Distribution Company Limited (FPEDC), authorizing it to distribute electricity across the state. ASERC Chairman/CEO, Prof. Frank Okafor, presented the interim licence to the company on Thursday in Awka, saying the move aligns with Governor Charles Soludo’s commitment to strengthening electricity infrastructure and driving industrialization in Anambra. He recalled that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had earlier transferred regulatory oversight of the state’s electricity market to ASERC, following the October 9, 2025 inauguration of the five commissioners of the state regulatory…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Amid ongoing allegations and denials of Christian genocide in Nigeria, the Diocese of Kaduna, Anglican Communion, on Thursday announced the death of the Priest-in-Charge of Ebenezer Anglican Church, Ungwan Maijero, the Venerable Edwin Achi. The diocese also said it had cancelled its annual Stand Up for Jesus 2025 event in honour of the late cleric. The announcement, made via the Diocese’s official Facebook page, recalled that Ven. Achi was abducted alongside his wife and daughter on October 28, 2025. His death, the church said, is a profound loss to the Diocese, the clergy, and the entire church…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Armed bandits have launched fresh attacks across communities in Niger State, mutilating a blind resident and abducting 24 people, including a pregnant woman. The latest incident occurred on Wednesday in Palaita community, Erena Local Government Area, where gunmen stormed a farmland and whisked away labourers who were harvesting crops. Community sources said the victims were taken deep into the bush after the bandits invaded the area. In a separate attack within the same local government, the assailants reportedly cut off the arm of a blind man who they said failed to “cooperate” with their demands. Residents say…
…As Abia–Turkiye investment summit opens in Umuahia Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has called on local and foreign investors to take full advantage of the steady power supply now available in Aba following the activation of the 114MW Geometric Power Plant. Declaring open the Abia–Turkiye Investment Summit and Product Exhibition at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Otti said improved electricity across the nine LGAs in the Aba ring-fenced area has significantly boosted the investment climate. He added that arrangements have been concluded to extend power from the 144MW Aba Power Plant to the remaining eight LGAs in…