Monthly Archives: August 2026

Roy Nweze, SAN: The Voice of Law, Justice and Ebonyi’s Unfinished Struggle for Recognition

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By Aliuna Godwin, Abakaliki

In the evolving story of Nigeria’s legal and political landscape, few professionals embody the intersection of law, justice, courage and public service quite like Barrister Roy Nweze, SAN. 

His emergence as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2024 is not only a personal milestone but also a reflection of a career that has steadily attracted attention within and beyond Ebonyi State.

Nweze’s elevation to the Inner Bar represents the culmination of years of legal practice, courtroom advocacy and engagement with complex matters before courts of competent jurisdiction.

His career has been defined by an apparent determination to understand the law, deploy it effectively and defend the interests of those who seek justice through the courts.

Beyond the prestige associated with the SAN title, Nweze’s greatest strength appears to lie in his approach to advocacy. 

He is widely regarded by those around him as humble, accessible and willing to listen, qualities that have enabled him to maintain a human connection despite attaining one of the most coveted distinctions in Nigeria’s legal profession.

For the ordinary Nigerian, the courtroom can often appear intimidating, especially when confronted by financial limitations, social disadvantages or the influence of powerful interests. 

It is against this background that Nweze’s reported commitment to the cause of the poor and voiceless assumes particular significance.

His philosophy of advocacy appears rooted in the belief that justice should not be the exclusive preserve of those with financial resources or political influence. 

Rather, the law should remain an avenue through which every citizen, regardless of status, can seek protection, fairness and redress.

A constitutional lawyer of considerable interest in Nigeria’s public affairs, Nweze has also participated in legal battles involving fundamental questions about the country’s constitutional order. 

Such matters require more than knowledge of legal provisions; they demand intellectual courage, meticulous preparation and an appreciation of the wider implications of judicial pronouncements.

This aspect of his career becomes particularly important at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with questions surrounding constitutional interpretation, political power, democratic institutions and the limits of public office. 

Lawyers who engage these issues occupy an important position in safeguarding the principles upon which constitutional democracy rests.

Nweze’s courtroom engagements have included politically sensitive cases in which constitutional and electoral questions came under judicial examination. 

His participation in such cases has reinforced his image as a lawyer prepared to operate in demanding areas of legal practice where the consequences of litigation can extend beyond the immediate parties.

His professional journey is also significant because it demonstrates that success in law is ultimately sustained by competence and consistency. 

The SAN rank is not merely an honorary designation; it is a recognition that places greater responsibility on the recipient to maintain professional standards and contribute meaningfully to the development of the legal profession.

For Ebonyi State, Nweze’s achievement carries an additional layer of significance. The state has for years battled stereotypes that portray it as a disadvantaged or backward component of the Nigerian federation. 

The emergence of highly accomplished professionals from Ebonyi provides a powerful response to such narratives.

Nweze belongs to a generation of Ebonyi professionals who have increasingly demonstrated that the state possesses the human capital required to compete at the highest level nationally. 

His achievement in the legal profession therefore transcends personal advancement and contributes to the growing profile of Ebonyi on Nigeria’s professional map.

His commitment to the interests of Ebonyi has also been associated with the broader struggle for recognition, equity and an end to marginalization. 

Through professional and public engagements, he has continued to project the argument that Ebonyi deserves to be treated not as a peripheral state but as an equal participant in the Nigerian project.

Nweze’s family background has equally placed him within one of the prominent families that have produced influential figures in Ebonyi and Nigeria. 

He is the elder brother of Senator David Umahi, the Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, whose years in public office have been closely associated with infrastructure development and participation in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

However, Nweze’s accomplishments should not be viewed merely through the prism of his family connection. His elevation to the rank of SAN and his professional standing are achievements attached to his own legal career, courtroom experience and contributions to advocacy.

Interestingly, his journey into the legal profession was reportedly preceded by an early attraction to radical journalism. That background offers an insight into another dimension of his personality: an inclination towards questioning established narratives, engaging public issues and seeking answers to matters affecting society.

The relationship between journalism and law is not difficult to appreciate. Both professions depend heavily on research, facts, critical thinking, interrogation of public issues and a commitment to accountability. 

Nweze’s early interest in journalism may therefore have contributed to the analytical and argumentative qualities that later became useful in his legal career.

As Nigeria approaches another phase of intense political activity, the role of constitutional lawyers and other legal practitioners will remain crucial. 

Political disagreements will inevitably generate legal questions, but the strength of democracy ultimately depends on resolving those questions through institutions established by law rather than through intimidation, sentiment or personal interest.

It is in this broader national context that the career of Roy Nweze, SAN, deserves attention. His story is one of professional advancement, constitutional engagement and a stated commitment to justice, while his connection to Ebonyi adds a strong regional dimension to his public profile.

For a state determined to rewrite the narrative of its past and assert itself more forcefully in national affairs, the rise of professionals such as Nweze represents an important source of confidence. 

His journey demonstrates that excellence can emerge from every part of Nigeria and that the sons and daughters of Ebonyi can occupy the highest professional spaces in the country.

Ultimately, Roy Nweze, SAN, represents more than a successful lawyer. To his admirers, he is a voice for justice, a defender of constitutional principles.

He is a proud son of Ebonyi and a professional whose journey continues to inspire those who believe that knowledge, courage and perseverance can change both individual destinies and society. 

Umahi fires back at critics, says Tinubu is rescuing Nigeria’s road networks

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….tasks Nigerians to ignore those calling for his resignation,

…. says critics lack knowledge to judge him

By Uchenna Okeh

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has fired back at critics calling for his resignation, saying that they lack engineering knowledge to judge him.

He said that the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a miracle to Nigeria, and will continue to rescue all road infrastructures that are posing threat to the people of the country.

Umahi, however directed contractors handling the ongoing Trans-Sahara Highway project to minimize the demolition of houses and other properties along the road alignment, even as communities in the Benue axis of the project pledged their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Umahi gave the directive during an inspection of the Federal Government’s Trans-Sahara Highway project at the weekend, assuring residents and other stakeholders that the government was committed to delivering the strategic road infrastructure while minimizing its impact on host communities.

The minister explained that Section One of the Trans-Sahara Highway covered approximately 123 kilometers from the Ebonyi axis to the Ebonyi-Benue boundary, while Section Two extended about 173.4 kilometers through parts of Benue, Enugu and Kogi states to the Benue River and Nasarawa boundary.

According to him, the combined length of the two sections was approximately 300 kilometers and, at a design speed of 100 kilometers per hour, the completed highway would substantially reduce travel time and enhance connectivity across the affected regions.

He said the project would have far-reaching economic implications for the South-East, North-Central and South-South regions, particularly through the strengthening of agricultural supply chains, facilitation of trade and expansion of commercial activities.

Umahi further noted that improved road infrastructure along the corridor would contribute significantly to security by enhancing the movement of security personnel and improving connectivity between previously isolated communities.

The minister disclosed that Section One, currently designed as a single carriageway, would subsequently have a second carriageway designed to integrate with other legacy infrastructure projects of the Tinubu administration.

He also disclosed that an approximately 8.9-kilometre bypass around Afikpo and onward to the Timbershed area would be dualised as part of the broader intervention.

Expressing satisfaction with the commitment of the contractor handling Section Two, Umahi said the Federal Government remained committed to completing the project despite financial constraints arising from the volume of road infrastructure projects being executed across the country.

He explained that the administration was prioritising projects in line with available resources, assuring that the Trans-Sahara Highway would be completed by the end of President Tinubu’s second term in office.

The minister also defended the Federal Government’s handling of projects affected by existing concession agreements, saying the administration had remained mindful of contractual and legal obligations while responding to the needs of road users and host communities.

He urged members of the public and media practitioners to undertake proper investigations before commenting on complex engineering, contractual or legal issues concerning major infrastructure projects.

Umahi said the Federal Government had, where necessary, intervened in areas outside the original scope of some contracts, particularly where such interventions were required to protect citizens’ welfare and improve connectivity.

He appealed to residents to cooperate with officials conducting enumeration and compensation exercises, assuring affected property owners that the government would fulfil its compensation obligations where applicable.

The minister commended the people of Benue and other host states for their support, urging the communities to continue providing a peaceful and secure environment for contractors and workers.

He said the successful completion of the Trans-Sahara Highway would not only provide a strategic transportation corridor but also unlock the agricultural potential of the region, stimulate commerce, strengthen inter-state connectivity and contribute to improved security.

Speaking during the inspection, the traditional ruler of Ndiagu Ishieke Autonomous Community in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, HRH Eze Idenyi Agbo, commended the Federal Government for the ongoing construction,

He described the project as a demonstration of responsive governance and a major intervention capable of transforming the economic fortunes of communities along the corridor.

Eze Agbo particularly eulogized Umahi for applying his engineering expertise, administrative experience and sensitivity to the cultural heritage of host communities in the execution of the project.

He said the minister’s decision to ensure that his palace was not demolished in the course of the road construction demonstrated wisdom, maturity and respect for the traditional institution.

According to the monarch, Umahi’s approach had shown that critical infrastructure could be delivered without unnecessarily undermining the historical and cultural assets of host communities.

Eze Agbo expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and Umahi for the road intervention, assuring the Federal Government of the community’s cooperation and support for the successful completion of the project.

He consequently declared the community’s support for the re-election of President Tinubu, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State and other APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.

“There is no other person we would rather support at this moment than President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Hyacinth Alia and the APC candidates because we have seen the impact of their administration in our communities,” the monarch said.

He, however, urged residents and youths to protect the road infrastructure and cooperate with contractors, engineers and government officials to ensure that the project was delivered within schedule and according to specifications.

The Project Manager of Section Two of the Trans-Sahara Highway, Rabih Munayer, said the contractor was implementing directives issued by the Minister of Works to minimize property damage and avoid unnecessary demolition along the road alignment.

Munayer said Section Two covered approximately 173.4 kilometers, subject to adjustments arising from the ongoing design review.

“This is Section Two of this major superhighway,” he said, explaining that the section traverses parts of Benue, Enugu and Kogi states before terminating at the Benue River and Nasarawa boundary.

He said the contractor would deploy additional pipes and temporary measures, particularly during the rainy season, to maintain trafficability and facilitate construction activities without unnecessarily disrupting communities.

According to him, the measures would enable construction equipment to move through the corridor while reducing the need to demolish structures and cause avoidable damage to property.

Also speaking, the consultant and designer for Section Two, Engineer Akelakpa Edra, said the project design was being reviewed to incorporate the minister’s directives, including the replacement of some culverts with bridges and adjustments to the alignment where necessary to avoid properties.

Edra said the revised design would take into account all the instructions issued by the minister in order to minimize the impact of the project on communities along the corridor.

Meanwhile, a stakeholder from Odoke Ishieke in the community, Chief Patrick Agbo, described the road project as a major Federal Government intervention with the potential to stimulate economic activities, improve connectivity and open up the area to greater commercial opportunities.

Agbo appealed to Umahi to convey the community’s appreciation to President Tinubu and all relevant authorities responsible for the project.

He said improved road connectivity would facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, people and goods while creating new opportunities for commerce and other socio-economic activities.

The community stakeholder also declared his support for APC candidates “from top to bottom” in the 2027 elections, stressing that the people would continue to identify with administrations whose policies and projects had tangible impacts on their lives.

He assured the Federal Government, contractors and workers of the community’s cooperation and support for the security of the project, while calling on residents and youths to protect construction personnel and equipment deployed to the area.

Gov Mbah, NSC vows to deliver world-class Sports Festival

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,,,Unveils Coal City Games Mascot

By, Venica Uchechukwu Enugu 

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, and the National Sports Commission, NSC, have unveiled the official mascot for the 2026 National Sports Festival, tagged “Coal City Games,” assuring that the state would deliver a competition that meets international standards.

The mascot, named “Odum Eze, Lion King,” was unveiled by Mbah at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, at the weekend.

Governor Mbah, who was represented by the Deputy Governor,Ifeanyi Ossai, said the choice of the lion was deliberate,

He noted that it represented Enugu State’s seat of power, while also symbolizing strength, courage, leadership, and discipline.

According to him, the same qualities would also be expected of participating athletes in the games, which will hold from November 27 to December 11, 2026.

“We expect a sports festival that will be defined by integrity. We expect a sports festival that will depict Nigerian strength, courage, and utmost discipline.

“We expect a sports festival that the media will write, after we have concluded, that we met world standards and surpassed all expectations,” he said.

He, however, lamented that Nigeria, which once enjoyed a strong reputation in international sports, had lost ground and needed to return to a system that nurtured talents from the grassroots.

The Governor, therefore, called on the NSC to pay greater attention to school sports as part of efforts to revive sports development and discover young talents across the country.

Earlier, the Director-General of the NSC, Bukola Olapade, expressed excitement at Enugu’s hosting rights and preparations, as the state would become the second South-East state to host the National Sports Festival since Imo State hosted the event in 1998.

Olapade, who described Enugu as his home state, said the hosting rights represented a significant development for the region and the state, noting that the festival had historically rotated largely between the South-West and South-South regions before Enugu emerged as the next host in the South-East.

The NSC boss said an inspection of facilities in the state showed that Enugu was well prepared for the games, describing Enugu State’s security and the development of infrastructure as top-notch.

“After the inspection yesterday, we came to the conclusion that Enugu is ready to take the National Sports Festival to unprecedented heights. We are very much impressed with what is going on in Enugu,” he stated.

He, however, disclosed that some facilities, including the swimming pool and indoor sports hall, still required finishing touches, expressing confidence that they would be completed before the festival begins in November.

Olapade announced that the Federal Government had also decided to support host states with sports infrastructure, rather than leave the responsibility entirely to state governments.

He expressed optimism that the Coal City Games would set a new record for the National Sports Festival, describing it as the most highly sponsored edition in the history of the competition.

“This is going to be the biggest and highest-sponsored sports festival in the history of Nigeria,” he declared.

Speaking to newsmen, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Lloyd Ekweremadu, reiterated Peter Mbah’s determination to not only deliver a record-breaking festival in terms of facilities and organisation, but also to position Enugu State as the sports capital of Africa.

“If you look at the rate and magnitude of work going on at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, the Games Village at Awgu,

And the infrastructure generally in the state, you would agree that Enugu State is preparing to host to win and to set new records in organization and infrastructure,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the official sponsor of the 2026 NSF, Premium Trust Bank, has reiterated its commitment to the Coal City Games and sports development in the country.

Represented by the Chief Business Officer, South-South, of Premium Trust Bank, Aniebet Offiong, the bank said it was excited to partner with Enugu State and the NSC to deliver a memorable NSF come November and December.

Also at the mascot-unveiling event were the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Habu Ahmed Gumel; President, Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (PCN), Sunday Odebode; and the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, among a host of others.

Niger CAN Demands Security Boost at Worship Centres, Churches 

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…..intensify prayers for safe release of abducted worshipers

By Daniel Ebi , Minna.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, has called for increased and permanent security presence at places of worship across the state, particularly during Friday Jumu’at prayers and Sunday church services.

The call followed the abduction of an unspecified number of Muslim worshipers from mosques in Dekara, Kpenya, Sabon-Gida and Gidan-Zana communities in Borgu Local Government Area during Jumu’at prayers on Friday, August 21, 2026.

Chairman of CAN in Niger State and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, made the call during his Sunday homily at St. Michael Catholic Cathedral, Kontagora.

Bishop Yohanna said the security situation in the Borgu Emirate, comprising Borgu and Agwara local government areas, required urgent and sustained intervention to protect residents, particularly those living in vulnerable rural communities.

He said: “The whole of Borgu Emirate, which includes Agwara and Borgu LGAs, needs strong and permanent security presence so that those in the rural communities can live without fear of being abducted.”

The CAN chairman strongly condemned the abduction of the Muslim worshipers, describing the incident as an attack not only on the victims but also on the sanctity of places of worship and the wider community.

“For us, an attack on any place of worship, irrespective of religion, is an attack on the sanctity of places of worship and a threat to the wider community,” he said.

He expressed solidarity with the victims and their families, saying Christians in the state shared in the grief and anguish of the affected Muslim communities.

“As a Body, we express solidarity with the victims and their families and share in the grief of the affected Muslim communities,” he said.

The Bishop disclosed that churches across Niger State had intensified prayers for the safe return of the abducted worshipers.

According to him, CAN had specifically encouraged churches and Christian faithful to dedicate their Sunday services to prayers for the immediate and safe release of the victims, as well as divine intervention in the fight against insecurity.

“Millions of Christians and all the churches across the state have intensified prayers for the safe return of the abducted worshipers in Borgu Local Government Area,” he said.

He added: “As a Body, we have set aside today (Sunday) to call on all Nigerlites, Christians and churches across Niger State to use this Sunday service to cry to God and to pray specifically for the safe return of the abductees and for God to help our security agencies.”

Bishop Yohanna expressed confidence that the prayers would yield positive results, saying: “We are praying and we believe God has heard and answered our prayers already.”

He also commended the Federal and Niger State Governments, as well as the security agencies, for their efforts so far in responding to the security challenge and working towards the recovery of the abducted worshipers.

The CAN chairman, however, stressed the need for sustained security operations and greater protection for vulnerable communities, particularly worshipers who gather in large numbers at designated places of worship.

Anambra LG Poll : APGA clears all 21 LGAs

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By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha

The All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, has been declared winner in all the 21 Local Government Areas of Anambra state by the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) in the last Saturday Council election across the state.

Announcing the results at the commission’s headquarters in Awka, ANSIEC Chairman, Genevieve Osakwe, said APGA won all 21 local government chairmanship seats and the 365 councillorship positions.

Osakwe described the election as free, fair and credible, saying the exercise was conducted peacefully and in compliance with the state’s electoral laws and guidelines.

According to her, APGA fielded candidates for positions across the 21 local government areas, while the Young Progressives Party (YPP) was the only other party to field a chairmanship candidate, in Anambra East Local Government Area.

She explained that APGA emerged victorious in 20 local government areas through a “Yes or No” voting pattern, having produced sole candidates in those councils.

In Anambra East, where APGA faced competition from the YPP, the ruling party polled 50,169 votes, while the YPP secured 1,658 votes.

ANSIEC Chairman said,
“I hereby declare the APGA candidates winners after polling the majority of votes for all the positions,” Osakwe said.

“I reaffirm the declaration of council results already declared at the local government levels and append the Commission’s approval to the outcome of the elections.”

She congratulated the winners and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by serving the people with a high sense of responsibility.

She also called on candidates and political parties that lost in the election to accept the outcome in the spirit of democratic competition, noting that the electoral process provides legal channels for addressing genuine grievances.

“The electoral process also provides lawful avenues for challenging any results where legitimate ground exists,” she said.

Osakwe commended voters, political parties, security agencies, civil society organizations, ANSIEC personnel and members of the media for their contributions to the successful conduct of the election.

Anambra: Mefor lauds Nkwoka, APGA, Soludo over peaceful LG poll

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By, Venica Uchechukwu  

The Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Law Mefor, has hailed the mayor of Idemili North Local Government Area,  Stanley Nkwoka over his victory in the just concluded local government election in the area.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the election result was declared at the local government headquarters, Ogidi, Mefor noted that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), is on course for a clean sweep of all 21 Local Government Areas in the state. 

“I am very happy that our party, APGA, has been returned not only in this local government, but across the state. “The indications show the party is coasting to victory everywhere. 

Even in Anambra East, where there is a contest with YPP, the result is very good. What this translates to is 21 over 21 for APGA.”

He attributed the landslide to the performance of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, saying the governor’s re-election with about 73% of the votes created momentum for APGA at the grassroots.  

“A lot of gratitude must go to the Solution Governor. That was an absolute vote of confidence from Ndi Anambra. That momentum rubbed off on this local government election. 

Other parties stayed away because they knew this was not a contest. Anambra is APGA, and APGA is Anambra. Anambra has been ‘APGA-nised.’”

The Commissioner, an indigene of Idemili North, commended voters for the massive turnout despite APGA running unopposed in the LGA. He said over 31,000 voters participated in the affirmation process.  

“I was pleasantly surprised. The turnout was almost like a normal contested election. This shows the sophistication of voters in Idemili North. 

They understood that under the Electoral Act, even a sole candidate must get an affirmative ‘Yes’ vote,”  Mefor said.

He added that the vote of confidence means Ndi Idemili North wants the Mayor to continue and deliver more.

 “He performed fantastically well in his first term, and we expect greater dividends of democracy for Idemili North and for Anambra State in general,” he said.

Also speaking, the re-elected Mayor, Stanley Nkwoka, appreciated the governor and pledged to do more.

 “I sincerely appreciate Mr. Governor for his efforts. His outstanding performance made everything easier for us at the local government level. 

For this second tenure, we have a clear project and agenda for Idemili North, and we are not looking back. Just as I performed in my first tenure, I am determined to do even better.”

Niger 2027: INEC Lists 15 Guber Candidates, Ex- FIRS Chairman, Nami name missing 

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 By Daniel Ebi , Minna

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the names of 15 governorship candidates submitted by political parties for the 2027 Niger State governorship election.

The list, released in line with the commission’s timetable for the 2027 general elections, has incumbent Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of the All Progressives Congress (APC) among the candidates.

Other candidates on the published list are Ibrahim Aliyu Alhaji of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP); Suleiman Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP);

Mohammed Adamu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA); Sani Alfa of the National Democratic Party (NDP); and Francis Aliyu of the Labour Party.

Also listed are Kolo Mohammed Aminu of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP); Bello Isah Mohammed of the Action Peoples Party (APP); Umar Larat Aliyu of the Young Progressives Party (YPP); Usman Alhaji Abdullahi of the Accord Party; and Mohammed Kpautagi of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Others are Adamu Ibrahim of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP); Tanko Haliru Musa Minna of the Action Peoples Movement (APM); Yerima Yakubu of the Social Democratic Party (SDP); and Audu Mohammed of the African Action Congress (AAC).

The list brings the number of governorship candidates currently published by INEC to 15.

However, Mohammed Mamman Nami is not among the 15 names on the published list.

Nami was recently endorsed by the Niger State chapter of the PDP to replace Suleiman Abubakar, who reportedly withdrew from the governorship race to pick a house of representative seat, for Edati, Lavun and Mokwa federal constituency.

His name is therefore not included in the INEC list currently being referenced, pending the completion and formal recognition of the substitution process by the electoral commission.

The development has generated interest in the political landscape ahead of the 2027 election, particularly with the APC’s Bago seeking another term and the PDP preparing to field Nami following Suleiman’s withdrawal.

The other political parties are also expected to intensify their mobilization as the election approaches.

The 2027 Niger governorship election is expected to be closely contested, with issues including security, infrastructure, agriculture, employment, education, healthcare.

Gov Bala to break record to win senate in 2027 – Nakwada insists 

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By: Ayuba Maffi, Bauchi 

Musa Wakili Nakwada, a chief whip of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, has said that the state governor, Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir will break the record to win the southern senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections to come.

In an interaction with our Bauchi correspondent, said that in the history of Bauchi State, no governor left power and won the senatorial seat, but in 2027 governor Bala will break the jinx.

Nakwada said that nothing will stop governor Bala Mohammed from going back to the senate after completing his tenure as governor because of his track record in the state.

The lawmaker said that governor Bala will win in 2027 because he has carried everybody alone in his administration, and also touched all the communities in terms of political appointments.

The state lawmaker, Nakwada further said that the seven (7) local government areas of Alkaleri, Bauchi, Bogoro, Dass, Kirfi, Tafawa-Balewa and Toro that formed the southern part of the state will vote for governor Bala Mohammed as senator because of the massive infrastructural development across the zone.

He said that for the last 7 years of governor Bala’s administration, Bauchi State has not and never recorded a religious crisis, that one will also pave the way for him to become senator in the 2027 general elections to come.

Nakwada said that keeping the state peaceful for seven years will also make it easier for the governor to secure victory.

He said the creation of new emirates and chiefdom, employment opportunities for over 5,000 people, the construction of two flyovers at Wunti and Central Markets, and mothern 3,000 kilometer roads, will help the governor win the Senate seat.

The chief whip of the state assembly, Musa Wakili Nakwada better known as Gida-Gida who also want to continue representing the good people of Bogoro constituency for the third term to come in 2027, 

He said that with the new salary structure of the emirates, chief, district heads, village heads and other traditional leaders, will make them bring their communities to governor Bala Mohammed in order to win.

@35 : CLO demands accelerated developments in Anambra

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…Applauds Soludo, past govs,

By Cyprian Ebele,Onitsha

The Anambra state branch of Civil Liberties Organization, CLO, has commended past governors of the state that include, first Civilian governor, late Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Chris Nwabueze Ngige, Chinwoke Mbadinuju, 

Also, Peter Obi, Willie Obiano and incumbent governor Chukwuma Soludo as the state marked 35 years of birth even as it demanded for accelerated development of the state.

Making the commendation, its chairman,  Vincent Ezekwueme said, “We felicitate with His Excellency, Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, the government and good people of Anambra State on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the creation of Anambra State by the then Military Head of state, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida GCFR, on 27th August, 1989.

In a press statement signed and  issued in Awka by Ezekwueme, (AMBP-UN Chairman), his secretary,  Chidi Mbah, and Damian Ogudike,(exco member), the organization expressed satisfaction with the extent of infrastructural development and demanded for more.

According to its release, thermed, “Anambra Rejoice”,  CLO stressed the need to reflect on the journey of the Light of the Nation, while charting a roadmap for greater progress.

CLO paid glowing tributes to the architects of modern Anambra, noting that the state’s progress has been built on the sacrifices, vision and patriotism of successive administrations.

It described Ezeife as the foundation-layer of the new Anambra, recalling that he introduced the “Think Home Philosophy” and prudent management of public funds that set the moral and economic tone for governance. 

“His weekly town hall meetings and direct engagement with citizens earned him the enduring appellation of “The People’s Governor.”

“We also commend. Ngige for his massive intervention on road construction and rehabilitation across the state. We acknowledge his legacy of prompt payment of salaries, pensions, gratuities and allowances to civil servants, which restored dignity to public service.

“CLO lauds Mr. Obi for drastically reducing the cost of governance and for strategic investments in healthcare, education, security and critical infrastructure. 

His administration touched every sector of the state economy through the Sustainable Development Goals framework, delivering inclusive growth and laying the foundation for Anambra’s modern institutions.

“His Excellency Chief Willie Obiano, the Security and Infrastructure Consolidator, CLO  recognizes the contributions of the immediate past administration in consolidating security architecture and infrastructural continuity.

*His Excellency Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, the current reformer. CLO gives special commendation to the incumbent governor for sustaining and deepening the developmental strides of the state and for courageously tackling problems hitherto unattended to. 

“Key initiatives highlighted include: free and compulsory education  to SSS3 students, free antenatal and maternity services for pregnant women

, establishment of the Anambra State Anti-Touting Squad (SASA) to restore sanity, constitutionality and the rule of law

“A decisive campaign against Ezenwoke, Ezenwanyi, fake pastors and purveyors of get-rich-quick syndromes that deceive and exploit our youths

By these actions, Mr. Governor has engraved his name in the hearts of Ndi Anambra as a leader committed to value re-orientation and human capital development,” the statement read.

The organization appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,  and the National Assembly to expedite action on the creation of additional states for the Southeast zone, in tandem with the recommendations of the 2014 National Constitutional Conference.

CLO argued that state creation remains a critical step towards equity, inclusiveness, and balanced development in Nigeria’s federal structure.

On security it called for Strengthening community policing and intelligence gathering, accelerated construction and rehabilitation of Federal and state roads and expanding access to quality,

Technology-driven learning and upgrading primary healthcare centers and specialist hospitals including youth empowerment through Jobs, skills and moral re-orientation to counter criminality.

RINNGOS Demands Prosecution of Police Officers Over alleged  Killing of 22yr-Old in Rivers

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By Samuel God’spower, River

The Rivers State NGOs Network (RINNGOS) has called for the immediate and transparent prosecution of police personnel allegedly involved in the killing of 22-year-old Anthony Obodo at Agip Junction, Port Harcourt.

RINNGOS, the umbrella body of civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations and human rights advocates in Rivers State, made the demand in a statement issued on Friday in Port Harcourt.

The organization alleged that Obodo, a native of Rundele community in Emohua Local Government Area, was profiled and allegedly labeled a “Yahoo boy” because he was driving a vehicle, a claim his family has rejected.

According to RINNGOS, the incident occurred on August 27 at Agip Junction, Ada George Road, resulting in Obodo’s fatal shooting and injuries to two bystanders.

The group acknowledged the Rivers State Police Command’s confirmation of the incident and the detention of Corporal Alfred Louis and members of his team at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

It also noted the Command’s description of the incident as “totally condemnable” and inconsistent with professional policing, but urged the authorities to demonstrate the seriousness of their position through concrete action.

RINNGOS described the profiling of young people based on their vehicles, appearance, electronic devices or possessions as an unacceptable violation of fundamental human rights.

The organization urged the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, to ensure that internal disciplinary proceedings and any criminal prosecution of Louis and other officers found culpable were conducted transparently and without delay.

It also called on the Rivers State Government and the Nigeria Police Force to take responsibility for the medical treatment of the injured bystanders and provide adequate compensation to Obodo’s family.

RINNGOS further demanded clear and enforceable directives to prevent police personnel from harassing, profiling or extorting youths based on their appearance, vehicles or electronic devices.

The organization appealed to youths in Rundele and other residents affected by the incident to remain calm and reject retaliatory attacks or jungle justice, warning that such actions could cause further loss of innocent lives and undermine the pursuit of justice.

RINNGOS said it and its partner civil society organizations would monitor the investigation at the State CID to ensure that the case was not abandoned, stressing its commitment to defending citizens’ rights and promoting accountability in law enforcement across Rivers State.