Author: Editor

Ikengaonline Editorial In the crucible of Nigeria, a nation traversing the aftermath of a tumultuous history, its populace grapples with what may be one of the most formidable periods in contemporary memory. Beyond the reverberations of the 30-month civil war that claimed over three million lives, the present landscape is marked by an overarching sense of insecurity, economic precarity, and a milieu depicted by some as an expansive crime scene. Daily headlines paint a stark tableau, portraying a collage of criminal activities ranging from kidnappings to ritual killings and political assassinations. What was once a vibrant and resilient nation appears…

… Odinkalu reacts, says judgment is corrupt Our Reporter, Abuja, with Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki The Federal High Court in Abakaliki on Thursday nullified the candidature of Mr Silas Onu as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Ebonyi South senatorial by-election scheduled for 3rd of February, 2024. Ruling on the matter, Justice Hyeladziya Ngajiwa affirmed that the Party failed to conduct the required three-man ad hoc and one-man national delegates who were mandated to vote in the primary election. The Court, therefore, ordered the immediate removal of Mr Onu’s name from the INEC portal. The Court further mandated Onu…

…Challenges varsity mgt on financial autonomy Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Barely four months after setting up a panel of inquiry on recovery of Government assets, Gov. Alex Otti, has hinted that he would soon set up a visitation panel to look into the goings-on at the Abia State University, Uturu, ABSU. Otti who hinted this when the Executive of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, ABSU chapter visited him, said the measure would help to enhance corporate governance. This is even as he told universities to think of ways to generate funds to run effectively instead of depending on Government…

Lawrence Nwimo, Awka Anambra State Government has declared war on illegal mining activities in the state. Managing Director of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (Ocha Brigade), Mr Celestine Anere, disclosed this during passing out parade of 700 Staff trained and retrained by the Brigade at National Youth Service Corps NYSC orientation camp Mbaukwu/Umuawulu in Awka South LGA of the State on Wednesday. The MD said that they would take decisive action against any person found illegally mining and creating erosion channel in the state. “From now onwards, it is war with illegal miners in the state. Ocha Bridge will find…

Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki The Police in Ebonyi State have announced the restrictions of vehicular movement from 12 midnight of Friday 2nd February 2024 to 6pm on Saturday 3rd February. The restriction is in five local governments of Ebonyi South Senatorial zone where the by-election is being held on Saturday. The local government areas are: Ivo, Ohaozara, Onicha, Afikpo and Edda local government areas. Police spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday. Mr Ukandu said security forces will continue to monitor and enforce security measures till the election process is over. The Police also appealed to the general…

Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ebonyi State, on Thursday, distributed sensitive materials ahead of the Ebonyi South Senatorial Distract by-election scheduled for February 3. The seat became vacant after President Bola Tinubu appointed Senator David Umahi, who occupied the position, as a minister. Representatives of the eight political parties contesting the election, security agencies were at the Central Bank office in Abakaliki, venue of the exercise. INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ebonyi, Pauline Onyeka, said that the distribution of the ballot papers was to show that the commission was ready for the by-election. Mrs Onyeka,…

Lawrence Nwimo, Awka A philanthropist and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Shield Security Company Ltd, Ozo Jeff Nweke, has handed over the sum of N4.5million to four students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, into his Ozo Jeff scholarship scheme. Among the beneficiaries are Ngama Hope Chidera- English language and Literary studies; Okonkwo John – Statistics; Alieze Samson – Education Management and Policy; and David Emmanuel- Philosophy. The scholarships, N1million and N1.5million respectively, meant for the first quarter of the year was to enable them procure necessary things for their education. Presenting the cheques to the beneficiaries in Awka, Ozo Jeff…

Ben Ezechime, Enugu The Enugu State Government says it is committed to protecting and supporting any genuine local and foreign investment in the state by providing adequate security and the needed infrastructure. Governor Peter Mbah said this during the celebration of the 60th birthday of a veteran broadcast journalist, Chief Vinmartin Ilo. The birthday celebration was marked together with the commissioning of a newly built broadcasting house named after the late CEO of DAAR Communications Limited, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi. Mbah, represented by his deputy, Barr Ifeanyi Ossai, commended Chief Ilo for the lofty initiative. The governor reminded other wealthy…

…As EU, UNICEF, ILO pledge to assist Abia revamp social protection system Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Gov.  Alex Otti of Abia State, says his administration is working tirelessly to reduce poverty in the state, far below its present 30% rate, in the next one year, despite growing population. He noted that  whereas it may not be possible to eliminate poverty, the government was working to alleviate it by creating the enabling environment for businesses to grow, generate employment and generally improve the quality of lives of its citizens. The Governor, who addressed a delegation of the European Union with its development partners…

Ben Ezechime, Enugu The Enugu State Government has inaugurated an Inter-ministerial Committee for property/land reconciliation and compensation in the state. The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, inaugurated the committee on Wednesday in Enugu. Onyia charged members of the committee to carry out their duties diligently. Members of the committee include the SSG, as the chairman, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kingsley Udeh, and Mr Gerald Otiji, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure. Others are Mr Uchenna Nwatu, Mr Justus Chime (the Acting Surveyor-General of the state) and Mr Juliet Okonkwo, who will serve as…