Author: Editor
Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki A Magistrate Court sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, on Monday ordered the remand of a social media critic, Mr. Polycap Obinna Alegu, over alleged defamation and cyberbullying of the Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government (SSG), Prof. Grace Umezurike. Mr. Alegu, 36, was arraigned before Magistrate Court 1, Abakaliki, presided over by Chief Magistrate Sandra Ifeanyi-Onyibe, on a two-count charge bordering on criminal defamation and cybercrime. According to the charge marked MAB/7c/2026, the defendant allegedly made a false, malicious, and defamatory publication against the SSG on December 16, 2025, through social media. In Count One, the prosecution…
Ben Ezechime, Enugu The management of Rangers International Football Club of Enugu has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a fashion design and apparel company, Nzapi, as part of efforts to promote the club’s culture and identity both locally and internationally. Speaking during the signing ceremony on Monday in Enugu, Nzapi Creative Lead, Mr Odinaka Ugwuozor, described Rangers International FC as a special brand deserving of local and global promotion. Ugwuozor praised the club’s dominance in the Nigerian league since its inception in 1970, noting that Rangers has lived up to the expectations of its founding fathers by projecting…
By Kolawole Ogunbiyi Democracy is not measured solely by periodic elections, but by the extent to which governance delivers tangible dividends to citizens especially the most vulnerable. These dividends include access to education, social protection, security, inclusion, and opportunities for human development. In Nigeria, however, democratic governance has largely failed to translate into meaningful social inclusion for one of the most visible yet neglected populations: the Almajiris. Across cities and rural communities, thousands of almajiris roam streets, markets, motor parks, and neighbourhoods, surviving through begging and menial activities. Their continued neglect reflects deep governance deficits and poses growing risks, as…
Our Reporter, Abuja Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to durable infrastructure and people-focused governance, stressing that leadership must be anchored on stewardship rather than lordship. Governor Otti made the remarks on Sunday, January 11, while hosting a delegation of Abia royal fathers under the aegis of Traditional Rulers Friends of His Excellency at his residence. The group, drawn from different parts of the state, has supported the Governor’s vision for an “Abia First” that works for all since 2014. Reflecting on the political journey that culminated in his election in 2023, Otti described it…
Our Reporter, Abuja Real Madrid have parted ways with manager Xabi Alonso just seven months into his tenure, less than 24 hours after the club’s defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. The decision follows mounting pressure on the former midfielder in recent weeks, amid reports of unrest within the squad. Sunday night’s El Clásico loss proved decisive, prompting the club to bring Alonso’s reign to an abrupt end. In a statement released on Monday evening, Madrid confirmed that the 42-year-old had left the club “by mutual agreement.” Alonso, a club legend, made 236 appearances for Los Blancos…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, has questioned the whereabouts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu amid worsening economic hardship and insecurity in the country. Obi raised the concern in a statement posted on his X handle, arguing that the President’s visibility and direct engagement have become imperative as Nigeria grapples with deepening leadership and socio-economic challenges. According to the former Anambra State Governor, the perceived absence of the President at such a critical moment raises serious concerns about accountability and leadership. “This is a critical demand for accountability in a national…
Ben Ezechime, Enugu Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other key stakeholders of the party in the South-East have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office in 2027. The endorsement was made on Saturday in Enugu during a high-level meeting of APC leaders from the zone, where the stakeholders also pledged to mobilise massively for the President’s re-election. They cited President Tinubu’s pragmatic, inclusive politics—anchored on bridge-building, partnerships and alignment with the Federal Government—as the basis for their decision. The stakeholders further resolved to promote collective regional interests over individual…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Amid public outcry over the activities of bandits, the Katsina State Government has defended its reported move to secure the release of about 70 suspected bandits currently in custody. The state government said the decision is part of efforts to sustain an ongoing peace deal with armed groups operating across the state. Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Nasir Muazu, explained that the move was aimed at consolidating peace agreements reached between affected communities and repentant bandits in several local government areas. Muazu was reacting to public backlash following a leaked government letter seeking judicial…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Christian Anokwuru, has challenged former governors of Abia State, including Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Senator Theodore Orji and Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, to stop invoking the name of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in their opposition to Governor Alex Otti and instead present their own records of achievement while in office. Rev. Fr. Anokwuru, who is the Special Adviser on Policies and Interventions to Governor Otti, was reacting to recent statements by the former governors and other opposition figures, who reportedly vowed to ensure that Otti serves only one term and that Abia State…
Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki The Ebonyi State Government has dismissed claims by some host communities that it plans to use limestone deposits belonging to Nigercem Plc to power a proposed new state-owned cement plant. Speaking to journalists in Abakaliki, the state capital, Engr. Ben Okah described the allegations contained in a recent letter written to the governor as “misinformed” and lacking any factual basis. Okah was reacting to a letter written by lawyers on behalf of four host communities, in which they accused the state government of planning to use limestone found within their communities to power a proposed cement plant…