Author: Editor

… Security operatives fire gunshots around PDP candidate’s polling unit Stephen Ukandu, News/Features editor The off-season governorship election in Imo State has been characterised by voter apathy. This is as  gunshots were reported around the polling unit of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Senator Samuel Anyanwu. It was reported that some armed men suspected to be security operatives  fired at the Amaimo Registration Centre in Ikeduru Local Government Area, ostensibly to restore calm following a heated argument in the area. Only a handful of voters were said to be around the polling unit as at the time of the…

Ugo Nosiri, Owerri The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,  has been called to ensure proper and adequate distribution of assistive tools for persons living with disabilities. A Non-Governmental Agency, NGO, that advocates the right and inclusivity of the PWDs, TAF AFRICA, made the call while speaking with journalists in Owerri ahead of the off-cycle governorship election. Assistant Programme Manager of the group, Mr George Anwai, listed some of the assistive tools to include magnifying glasses for persons with albinism, election day written instructions (form 30E PWD) for the deaf, and braille ballot guide for the blind. Mr Anwai also called on INEC to…

Ugo Nosiri, Owerri High level of voter apathy was witnessed at Okwuabala Central School booth 001 and 002 as no single electoral officer or voter was  seen as at the time of this report. The polling units serve as the collection center where all electoral materials are brought to before being distributed to the other 12 polling units in Okwuabala/Ihioma ward in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State. PU 008, Obingwu village square, PU 010 Obingwu hall and Mudim hall Obingwu PU 004, all in the same ward, also looked desolate with no official or voter in view. The…

Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Contrary to social media reports, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has denied withdrawing  passwords for result upload from Local Government Area Supervisors for use by APO1s in Imo State. The electoral umpire in a statement, dismissed the report as false and mischievous. The statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, urged members of the public to discountenance the said reports. It read:  “The attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission has been drawn to a story attributed to unknown “concerned workers” of the Commission that passwords for result upload have been withdrawn from…

Ben Ezechime, Enugu Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has welcomed Fridays Appeal Court ruling upholding his election on March 18. In a statewide address to the people, he said he would fulfill his campaign promises, to the letter. “As you are aware, a few minutes ago, the Court of Appeal in Lagos dismissed an appeal filed against us by the Labour Party gubernatorial candidate. “The judgment of the appellate court is consistent with an earlier dismissal of the same matter filed before the Enugu State Election Petitions Tribunal. “Both judgments are consistent and in line with the mandate freely given to…

Ugo Nosiri, Owerri The Supervising Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Imo State governorship elections, DIG Frank Mbah, has called on civil society groups, the media and all election observers to ensure that every bit of information at their disposal are properly fact-checked before being pushed out to the public. DIG Mbah made the appeal during a meeting with CSOs, the media and election observers at the Force headquarters in Owerri. He said the meeting was necessary to discuss areas of concern, especially as it affects the security situation in the state, and to strengthen collaboration and partnership in…

Lawrence Nwimo, Awka The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Anambra State Government to collaborate on state development efforts through the provision of project preparation and advisory services. The State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Mr Christian Udechukwu, Commissioner for Industry, Mr. Mark Okoye, CEO of Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA), and Afreximbank President Benedict Oramah jointly endorsed the agreement. The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, who disclosed this in a statement in Awka, on Friday, said the signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the ongoing #IATF2023 in Cairo, Egypt.…

Abia legislative workers vow not to reopen Assembly complex unless… By Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia There is no end in sight to the on-going industrial action by the Abia chapter of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Friday, vowed not to reopen the State House of Assembly complex until its demands were met. The union members, had on October 30, shut the Assembly complex after they embarked on indefinite strike. Their leadership has continued to converge on the assembly gate to enforce total compliance. Meanwhile, the House has since then been under lock and key as lawmakers and visitors…

By Christian Aburime Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s uncommon leadership style is one that is profoundly reflected in his pro-people government policies. His government policies are driven by care, compassion and empathy for the masses. He will never take a decision without considering its effects on the masses. That is why Ndi Anambra will always call him Charli-Nwanmgbafor. A nickname suggestive of his humble background His recent decision to abolish tuition fees and other charges in public schools marks a bold step towards ensuring universal access to quality education, a fundamental right that had been previously hindered by financial constraints. This move…

Organised labour urged to ameliorate plights of Imo residents By Ugo Nosiri, Owerri The Convener of Imo Christian Youth Peace Initiative Mr Oluchukwu Nnabugwu, has called on the organized labour to call off the industrial action in Imo State to reduce hardship experienced by citizens Mr Oluchukwu while speaking to Journalists in Owerri said time had come for the Government and the aggrieved labour leaders to resolve their differences in the interest of the masses. He sympathised with residents of the state as they continue to experience black out and its effect on cost of goods and services. Mr Nnabugwu…