Management of the Ossiomo Power has invited Pakistani Engineers to help it install new turbines for power generation and distribution to its customers.
Its Chinese partners, the Jiangsu Communication Clean Energy Technology Company (CCETC), had, on September 1st, shut down its operations, plunging parts of Benin City into darkness.
Ossiomo Power used to generate 95MW of electricity which was to power Edo government facilities, private businesses and streetlights.
The Chinese had alleged that Ossiomo Power violated its joint venture agreement in remittances of money realised from customers but the Ossiomo Power said the Chinese were not co-owners but contractors.
Speaking at a stakeholders meeting in Benin City, representative of Ossiomo Power, Engr. Festus Evbuomwan, said the firm has begun generating power by engaging Pakistani Engineers.
Evbuomwan said the firm would achieve full capacity within 10 days.
He, however, appealed to customers that the 11kva provided by the state government would not get electricity.
According to him, “We are not aware of the $20m investment the Chinese are claiming they spent. When they generate power, we sell and pay them.”
“The Chinese partner, having seen how lucrative the business is, went to some quarter and raised some issues probably thinking they can manoeuvre us with the help of some big persons, so that they can use their machines to generate power and sideline us but this is not possible.”
“The Chinese partner also claimed that they borrowed $20m from their native land to invest, we are not aware of such investment, and we do not know where the money was invested up till now.
“They have been also saying they have not been receiving anything, but I want to tell you unequivocally that first, the partners run a joint account where their investment is going into. More so, The Chinese partners have received over ₦2bn so far for the power they generate with their machines. When they generate the power, we sell and pay them.
“We have purchased turbines, and one has started working. They are working on the second one, so, by the time our five turbines start working we will be in full capacity. Even with that, those connected to the government may not be reached immediately. This is because the government bought the poles and contracted the wiring, and we cannot force the government to do our bid. Also, we are making efforts to site 33kva along Airport Road and Lagos Road as soon as possible.”
The Delta State Police Command under the leadership of CP Olufemi Abaniwonda has again recorded another achievement in the fight against crime and criminality as operatives of the CP Special Assignment team and Safe Delta operatives in three different operations arrested suspected cultists, armed robbers and recovered their firearms.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Bright Edafe, said in a statement yesterday that operatives acting on credible intelligence busted cult-related activities within Ibusa Town.
He said on September 10, operatives of CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) trailed and arrested one Oluwatobi Olugbemi, 29, a native of Ikenne – Remo community in Ijebu-Ode LGA of Ogun State residing in Ibusa.
He said Olugbemi is suspected of being associated with cult activities linked to the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, known as “Arrow Barger.”
He said a Beretta pistol with one round of ammunition was recovered from his residence during the execution of a search warrant, stressing that investigation is ongoing.
The police spokesman also confirmed the arrest of Raphael Chukwuemeka, 23, during an altercation where he was found in possession of a cut-to-size double-barrelled pistol and seven live cartridges.
He said the suspect is in custody, and the investigation is ongoing.
Edafe also said operatives arrested Solomon Offor (22), Ifesinachi Nwankeze (19), and Ambrose Ugwuba (23) during a stop and search operation.
He said upon their interception, a locally made single-barrelled cut-to-size gun, cartridges, and a dagger were recovered from their possession.
All suspects are currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing, he stated.
The spokesman noted that those arrests indicated a proactive approach by law enforcement to combat the issues of cultism and armed criminal activities in the state.
He said the recovery of firearms and the identification of suspects linked to cults and armed robbery represent ongoing challenges to community safety that authorities are addressing through increased surveillance and targeted operations.
Edafe disclosed that the cases would likely lead to further investigations into the broader networks involved in such activities.
The Rivers State democratic structures which were suspended in the wake of the March 18 declaration of state of emergency are about to be restored and this is official.
An interdenominational church thanksgiving service to herald the process will take place today in Port Harcourt, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika announced yesterday.
Worika invited all critical stakeholders to the service scheduled for the Ecumenical Centre, Abonima Wharf Road, Port Harcourt at 10am.
Those invited are permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, heads of state security, paramilitary agencies, traditional rulers, Chairmen and members of boards, and captains of industries among others
The outgoing Sole Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), will be the Special Guest of Honour.
Ibas had said on Friday that the mandate handed to him by President Bola Tinubu has been “sufficiently achieved,” following the successful restoration of democratic governance at the grassroots level.
“Mr. President’s mandate to me was clear: to stabilize the state, create an enabling environment for the re-establishment of its institutions, and return Rivers State back to full democratic governance,” he was quoted as saying by his spokesman , Hector Igbikiowubo.
He said:“With the successful conduct and swearing-in of local government chairmen and their councils, I believe we have decisively achieved the mandate that we were given.”
The state of emergency was declared on March 18 by President Tinubu following months of a running battle that pitched Fubara and his supporters against Wike and his supporters including the majority of the state’s lawmakers.
Three months after the emergency rule went into effect,Tinubu convened a high-level peace meeting at the State House in Abuja, bringing together key actors in the conflict for a rare face-to-face dialogue.
At the closed-door meeting were Fubara, Wike, suspended Rivers Speaker Martins Amaewhule, and several other lawmakers embroiled in the dispute.
Wike confirmed later that the parties to the Rivers State dispute had settled their differences and machinery put in motion for the restoration of all suspended democratic activities and institutions.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. George Agbakahi has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, saying the country is faring better under his administration than when he took office in 2023.
Assessing the president’s performance, Dr. Agbakahi, said the economy had shown significant improvement, with inflation reducing to 21.30% and foreign reserves increasing from $34 billion to $43.6 billion.
He attributed the progress to Tinubu’s bold decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidies and unification of foreign exchange rates.
“The economy is doing very well, and by 2027, the election will be predicated on the president’s performance which is positive,” Agbakahi said.
He highlighted the increase in revenue allocation to states, citing the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) sharing N9.5 trillion to states in 2024, compared to N3.2 trillion previously and foreign reserves increased considerably from 34 billion dollars in. 2023 to 40.6 billion dollars in 2024.
This, he said, enabled states to pay off 1.85 trillion Naira debt, and engage in massive and incredible infrastructural development as well as payment of 75,000 Naira minimum wage. “Some states are even paying more than the minimum wage, the latest being the governor of Imo state, who graciously increased the state’s minimum wage to 104,000 Naira monthly.”
Agbakahi, Southeast leader, Tinubu Support Organization(TSO), also commended the president’s initiatives in agriculture, education, and infrastructure development, including the construction of major highways like the Calabar-Lagos Highway and the Badagry-Sokoto Highway.
On security, he noted that the current administration has made significant progress in tackling Boko Haram and other security challenges, with the recent arrest of major kingpins and the surrender of over 124,000 terrorists.
Agbakahi, however, acknowledged that some challenges persist, particularly in the Southeast, where the sit-at-home order is gradually going down. He expressed hope that the government would find a way to resolve the issue of Nnamdi Kanu and other security concerns in the region.
Overall, Agbakahi described Tinubu’s ambition and commitment to development as commendable, saying the president’s efforts would likely be rewarded in the 2027 elections.
The Abia State government says it has paid compensation to the land owners of the Abia Airport project whose lands are located along the runway of the airport project.
Government added that if there were those that are yet to be paid, it may be exceptional cases, which must be attended to on a case-by-case basis.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba disclosed this at the Abia Airport project site, Nsulu, Isialangwa North Local Government Area of the state, when he paid a fact – finding visit to Nsulu people in company of the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Cjaka Chukwumerije and other top government officials.
he said that the visit became necessary as the attention of the government was drawn to the fact that there were some people within the Abia Airport in Nsulu that claimed that they have not been paid compensation.
“We had to come around on a fact-finding mission. And we discovered that it’s not that they have not been paid, but some of them have challenges with either their accounts or maybe they have not completed the mandatory indemnity certificate that will enable them to get paid.
“We also had complaints about clearing of areas that are not enumerated. And we discovered that that is human error by one of the tractor operators. And of course, that has been corrected. And this has also been done to the satisfaction of the host community.
“But this is something that takes a process. Everybody will get paid. For now, we are concentrating on the runway. We have paid about 3,500 people. And it will continue to get to everybody as they come around to complete their indemnity certificates,” Pastor Ajagba explained.
Pastor Ajagba, noted that the Nsulu people were not opposed to the airport project, but only told the government that they wanted payment for the entire airport areas that have been enumerated.
He thanked the host community for the kind of cooperation the government received from them and assured that “we will continue to make sure that whatever agreements, whatever things that are due to them, will always get to them,”.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije re-emphasised that the government had paid every land owner within the runway.
“This is a responsive government with a human face. We put people first. So everyone within the runway has been paid.
“However, if there are people within the runway that haven’t been paid, that is an exception which we deal with on a case-by-case basis.
“We’re a listening government. So when people talk, we listen. That’s why we’re on ground, ascertaining the complaints that have been made and giving the assurances that anyone, for whatever reason, who has not been paid, those payments will be made,” Chukwumerije said.
Chukwumerije clarified that the areas cleared by the operators was a human error and explained more the compensation.
“The payment we are doing for now is for those within the runway and most people within that runway have been paid. If you are within the runway and you haven’t been paid, it is an exception.
“If you are missed out within the runway, your name is in the final report. And by the end of the month (September 2025),the final report of everybody outside of the runway will be paid.
“If you have signed an indemnity certificate, we have paid you, if you have signed an indemnity certificate and you haven’t been paid, again, that is an exception, maybe bank details.
He enjoined anyone who has signed an indemnity certificate but has not been paid to submit his name to him.
Responding, a community leader, Mr. Echezola Ukaumunna appreciated the visit of the government officials, saying that coming hadcorrected a lot of misconceptions and misinterpretations.
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has signed into use the Abia Mini-Grid Regulation framework, a document aimed at opening and unleashing private sector-driven investment in the Abia State Electricity Generation and Distribution to the unserved and underserved communities across the state.
Signing the Memorandum of Understanding at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Umuahia, Governor Otti said that the event was the climax of several months of planning, stakeholder engagements, confidence building, ideation, and reviews by policy experts, investors, and energy consumers.
“We have gathered this afternoon to collectively adopt a new framework that would not only expand our options in the push for reliable electricity for everyone, but would ultimately serve as a catalyst for the industrialisation of Abia and economic fulfilment for millions of individuals.
“The formal adoption of the Abia State Mini-Grid Regulation Framework marks the dawn of a new era for households and businesses.
“The formalisation and adoption of the Abia State Mini-Grid Regulatory architecture is also hinged on the new legal framework, which empowers states, private investors, and institutions to invest in the electricity value-chain to extend access to millions of persons, especially in underserved and unserved communities, ” Otti stated.
The governor explained that, Abia State Mini-Grid Regulatory Framework provides unambiguous answers to technical and commercial questions from investors and consumers alike, defining the rights and obligations of stakeholders, and offers pathways to speedy resolution of disputes.
Otti, while appreciating the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for their support and commitment to the successful delivery of the project, announced to the overseas partners of Abia State government, that the initiative is closely aligned to the State’s common pursuit of a carbon-neutral future, saying that ISA, has proven to be a reliable partner.
He assured members of the international community that his administration was in sync with the global demands for higher volumes of investments in the renewable energy space.
In an address, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, described the Abia Mini-Grid Regulation Framework as a policy document that sets a solid foundation to unlock access to electricity for unserved and underserved communities in line with the statewide energy development program of the State Government.
He said that with the regulation, the state has become one of the first sub-national Governments in the country to formally establish a clear, legal and institutional framework for mini-grid development, a development that sends a strong signal to investors, developers and citizens that Abia is open for energy innovations.
The representative of International Solar Alliance (ISA), Ms. Onyi Iyizoba while presenting the mini-grid regulations said that the event marks a significant milestone for Abia State and Nigeria’s broader energy access and transition efforts, noting that the commitment shown by the state government in creating an enabling framework for the Mini-Grid, is a testament to the strong dedication of Governor Otti to improving energy access and security.
She expressed the hope that the mini-grid regulations will unlock new Investments, accelerate rural electrification, and enhance the quality of life and businesses for countless residents across the State.
Presenting the key aspects of the Mini-Grid, Mr Joanis Holzigel while noting that Abia is the first to adopt a mini-grid regulation framework, added that the new framework guarantees registration and permitting procedures and timelines, tariff settings and review process, considers community engagement, and promotes rural industrialisation.
The group stated this Saturday in Awka, Anambra State, through a statement by its leader, Comrade Uchenna Madu.
MASSOB is celebrating its 24 year formation on September 13,1999, while remembering their brothers and sisters who lost their lives in the cause of the struggle.
“Our non- violence MASSOB members died innocently with brave hearts for the Biafra cause, they were molested, mesmerized, humiliated, and brutally killed by the armed security agents of our oppressors.
“Today, we the remnants of MASSOB activists also remember the parents of our fallen heroes, some are still traumatized, some are dead because of shock while others are living ghosts of themselves.
“We are committedly, consistently and uncompromisingly agitating for an independent state of Biafra from Nigeria.
“Biafra is the answer to the numerous subjective slavery; Nigeria subjected Ndigbo into, ranging from political, economic, academic, religious, cultural and social slavery.
“MASSOB has resolved that 24 years of our long walk to freedom can never be jeopardized, compromised or corrupted.
“MASSOB shall never relent in our non- violence Biafra struggle because the truth shall always prevail over falsehood,” the group said.
Anambra women have called on the wife of the state Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo and Senator Uche Ekwunife to stop their social media tantrums, describing it as a shame.
The women are angry following altercations between the two distinguished ladies over political office.
Ekwunife went gaga, following the governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo’s allegation that Ekwunife presented a fake’PhD’ degree instead of telling the public that she had only the West African Examination Council (WAEC) result.
The governor also mocked the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, that he had F9 in his subjects.
Soludo further said that nobody would give any woman of Ekwunife’s standing chance to lead Anambra as the November 8 governorship election draws close, calling her names.
In her response, Ekwunife accused Soludo’s wife of having something to do with the late former Governor of the state, Dr Chinweoke Mbadinuju.
However, annoyed with Ekwunife’s allegation, Mrs Soludo, challenged Ekwunife and her children to paternity tests, vowing to foot all the bills in London and not in any Nigerian hospital.
She said Governor Soludo married her Virgin, adding that only her husband has had carnal knowledge of her, describing the allegation as unpardonable.
She has also threatened to go to court if Ekwunife fails to tender an apology within the next 72 hours as her lawyers are already studying the issue.
“In all my life, I have lived an incredibly quiet family life, shunning publicity. One of the reasons I hate politics is precisely the kind of shameless obscenities from Uche Ekwunife in the name of “politics.
“I challenge you, Uche Ekwunife, for us to subject our children to paternity tests. Science has made life easy and there are things you cannot lie about nowadays.
“To avoid any stories in Nigerian hospitals, let us do it in three reputable hospitals in London. You and your family are often in London. But I will pay the expenses,” Soludo’s wife said.
Meanwhile, Anambra women have cautioned the two respected ladies to stop the naked dance, adding that what Anambra deserves now is prayers after so much bloodletting in the state by hoodlums.
Dr Mrs Kate Obidigbo, told Weekend Nation in Awka that they’re already making arrangements on how to call them to order.
“Some of the high profile women in the state have been detailed to speak with them. Our governor started this mess, he went too hard on Ekwunife and Ukachukwu. That’s not the way to play politics,” the elderly woman said.
No doubt, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated a resolute commitment to aligning Nigeria’s trajectories with the exigencies of the present era. His vision to redefine the nation’s narrative and forge a progressive future is unyielding. This determination is exemplified by his decisive action to eliminate fuel subsidies from the country’s economic structure. Although the removal has had a considerable impact on the populace, the ultimate objective of charting a robust and sustainable pathway is however deemed more prudent than succumbing to transient economic challenges. But nevertheless, the government has since articulated measures to mitigate the effects.
Background
In tandem with this bold decision is yet another pivotal initiative poised to address a critical aspect of national concern: security. Nigeria has endured protracted periods of insecurity and terrorism, which have seemingly defied conventional solutions. But in a bold stride towards tackling the situation, President Tinubu in February, 2024 inaugurated a committee for the establishment of State Police. He reaffirmed this decision on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, during a courtesy visit by a delegation of prominent Katsina indigenes, led by Governor Dikko Radda. On this occasion, President Tinubu underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to confronting insecurity with utmost resolve.
He said: “The security challenges that we are facing are surmountable. Yes, we have porous borders. We inherited weaknesses that could have been addressed earlier. It is a challenge that we must fix, and we are facing it.
“I have directed all the security agencies to energise further and look at the strategies. We have approved additional acquisition of drones.
“I am reviewing all the aspects of security; I have to create state police. We are looking at that holistically. We will defeat insecurity. We must protect our children, our people, our livelihood, our places of worship, and our recreational spaces. They can’t intimidate us.”
But amidst the security challenges the country has had to face, it beats an imagination that a federation of 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory, with 774 LGAs, over 250 ethnic nationalities, more than 200 million citizens and a vast terrain spanning over 920,000 square kilometres, still sadly operates a single centralised police system that employs less than 400,000 police officers and men. Of course, there is no gainsaying that the nation’s security architecture is under immense pressure and always overwhelmed.
State Police Establishment Bill As Panacea
In this context, the Bill sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR, pertaining to State Police emerges as a necessary panacea, potentially offering a viable solution to the nation’s security challenges.
Co-sponspored by 13 of Kalu’s colleagues who included Hon. Julius Ihonvbere; Hon. Onanuga A. Oriyomi; Hon. Joseph Bassey; Hon. Ibe Okwara-Osonwa; Hon. Abdulmumin Jubril; Hon. Thaddeus Attah; Hon. Hassan B. Shinkafi; Hon. Chinwe Clara Nnabuife; Hon. Obed Paul Shehu; Hon. Fatima Talba; Hon. Tolani Shagaya; Hon. Abubakar H. Nalaraba; Hon. Blessing Onuh and Hon. Joshua Audu Gana, the bill ultimately seeks to provide for the alteration of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Altered). It also seeks to provide for the establishment of State Police and the transfer of Police as an item under the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List.
Introduced on Thursday, October 12, 2023 on the floor of the House of Representatives, the Bill titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Provide for the Establishment of State Police, and for Related Matters” has since Tueday February 20, 2024, scaled through second reading, just about the same time President Tinubu set up the Presidential Committee on the actualization of State Police.
At the moment, it is at the Committee Stage and has been identified as one of the 87 bills to be voted on in the ongoing Constitutional alterations.
Key Provisions of the Bill
Comprises 18 clauses, the bill essentially seeks to alter Sections 34, 35, 39, 42, 84, 89,129,153, 197, 214, 215 and 216 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended). The Bill also seeks to alter Chapter VI Part III, Second Schedule, Part II of the Third Schedule and Part III of the Third Schedule of the Constitution.
Some of the key innovations of the proposed alteration, amongst others include: (a) the transfer of “Police” from the “Exclusive Legislative List” to the “Concurrent Legislative List”, a move that effectively empowers States to have State controlled policing.
(b) the introduction of a comprehensive framework to ensure cohesion as well as accountability and uniform standards between the Federal Police and State Police.
(c) the provision of prescribed rigorous safeguards preventing unwarranted interference by the Federal Police in State Police affairs, emphasising collaboration and intervention only under well-defined circumstances.
(d) the establishment of State Police Service Commissions as distinct from the Federal Police Service Commission with clearly defined roles and jurisdictions.
(e) a re-calibration of the National Police Council to include the Chairmen of the State Police Service Commissions, emphasising the collaborative and consultative nature of policing in our federal system.
(f) a recognition of the possible financial challenges which may be faced by States Police, by empowering the Federal Government to provide grants or aids, subject to the approval of the National Assembly, thus ensuring adequate resources for effective policing.
During the debate on the general principles of the bill, Kalu submitted that the primary purpose of government as enshrined in Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Altered) is the security and welfare of the citizens.
“We must acknowledge the fact that the fabric of any democracy is woven with the threads of constant adaptation to the evolving needs of its society. At this point in our nationhood, State Policing is not only inevitable, but urgently desired to tackle the mounting challenges of insecurity.
“This Bill emerges as a necessary response to several calls for a decentralised and community-oriented approach to law enforcement. It seeks to navigate the complex landscape of security challenges by empowering our states with the means to address issues unique to their localities. This proposed alteration represents not just a legal adjustment to our grundnorm, but a visionary leap towards a safer, more secure, and harmonious Nigeria.
“The establishment of State Police is a clarion call for a tailored, community-centric policing system; it is an acknowledgment that our states are uniquely positioned to address the security challenges within their borders. The alterations proposed in this Bill are not just alterations to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, they are also the building blocks of a more secure, accountable and resilient Nigeria. I urge you to support that this Bill be read the second time”, Kalu said.
Allaying Fears and Concerns
However, recognizing valid concerns and opposition to the bill, Kalu at another occasion, precisely the national dialogue on State Police organized by the House in April, 2024 allayed the fears of the opponents to the bill, amplifying the need for the establishment on national security.
“While opponents of multi-layered policing in Nigeria raise valid concerns, it is essential to address these fears and offer reassurances regarding the potential benefits and mitigating strategies.
“We recognize that the decisions we make regarding the restructuring of Nigeria’s policing system are not intended to serve the interests of any individual or political faction. Rather, we aim to enact laws and reforms that benefit the collective welfare of our nation. It is important to remember that political leaders, including governors, come and go, but the institutions and systems we establish endure. By focusing on the greater good and the long-term interests of our society, we can transcend partisan divides and ensure that our laws and policies withstand the test of time.
“I want to assure you that the National Assembly, and particularly the House of Representatives, is fully committed to providing the right frameworks, legislation, and oversight to make state policing work for the betterment of Nigerians. We understand the importance of getting this right.
“We are optimistic that through collaborative efforts and a commitment to evidence-based solutions, we can establish a policing system that is not only effective in combating crime but also earns the trust of Nigerians and
cooperation between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Together, we can pave the pathways to a more peaceful and secure Nigeria”, he said.
A Call For Support
With this strong and convincing argument, Kalu and his colleagues have successfully avered that state policing is not only inevitable but urgently desired to tackle the mounting challenges of insecurity besetting the nation. They have shown that the establishment represents a visionary leap towards a tailored, community-centric policing system, an acknowledgment that the States of the Federation are uniquely positioned to address security challenges within their borders.
Of course, the Deputy Speaker, in that compelling appeal to his colleagues during the debate simply emphasized that the proposed alterations are aimed to construct a more secure, accountable, and resilient Nigeria.
It is imperative, then, to understand that the benefits just as President Tinubu has expounded transcend party lines and ideologies to the collective good of the beloved nation.
Therefore, as the Parliament prepares to vote on the Constitution alterations soon, it is very necessary to envisage that the outcome of the bill could have profound implications for security and law enforcement in Nigeria, potentially leading to more effective and localized approaches to addressing security challenges, and heralding a new epoch of enhanced security and welfare for the citizenry.
Now that President Tinubu has promised to make it a reality, it calls for the collective resolve of all the stakeholders across every stratum of the society to give their support to ensure that Nigeria defeats the monster of insecurity and banish it from the land. Here, Kalu’s bill sure comes handy.
Nwabughiogu is the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives.
President Bola Tinubu’s former campaign spokesman in the South East, Josef Onoh, has asked the apex Igbo socio-political organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, to be cautious in fanning the amber of ethnic tension in the case between Enugu State government and a contractor, Mr. Olasijibomi Ogundele, the Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited.
There has been a row over an alleged contract failure in the contract awarded to the company whose CEO is from the South West.
Subsequently, Ohanaeze Ndigbo issued a statement asking the contractor to return the N5.7 billion involved in the contract failure to the Enugu State government and referred to Ogundele as a “saboteur “
Reacting to Ohanaeze’s position, Onoh told the Igbo group to apply wisdom and restraint, particularly when its jurisdiction does not entail overseeing alleged criminal matters or recovery of funds for governments.
He commended Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide for its passion in addressing issues of public interest and in asking Ogundele to cooperate with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), noting that it is a reflection of the youth’s desire to see public funds protected and development projects delivered.
Onoh, however, said that in the spirit of constructive dialogue and to safeguard the integrity of institutions, there has to be a measured counter-perspective.
He stated that he is not out to defend any individual but to emphasise the principles of due process, institutional boundaries, and the need to avoid actions that could inflame ethnic tensions in Nigeria’s fragile sociopolitical landscape especially as 2027 political season draws closer to avoid desperate politicians exploiting it to dangerous ethnic dimensions.
He stressed that at the heart of any fair society is the presumption of innocence, which Ogundele, like any citizen, remains innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Ogundele has also assured me of his full cooperation with all relevant authorities to clear his name and demonstrated same by freely submitting himself to the efcc Enugu zonal command, which i personally escorted him.
“The EFCC’s declaration of Ogundele as wanted and the ongoing interrogation stem from allegations of fund diversion and money laundering related to the N5.7–N11 billion Enugu Smart Schools contract. These are serious matters, but they are still under investigation, with his accounts frozen to ensure compliance.
“Moreso, Efcc has given stringent bail conditions, which I’m personally aware of but to publicly label him a “saboteur” or demanding immediate surrender without awaiting judicial resolution risks prejudging the case and eroding public trust in our justice system,” he argued.
He noted that the history of Ndigbo teaches them the perils of rushed judgments, recalling how ethnic profiling has been weaponized against the Igbo in the past.
“By framing this as a settled fact of fraud, we inadvertently contribute to a narrative that could portray the matter as a Yoruba-Igbo clash, especially given Mr. Ogundele’s Yoruba heritage and the Enugu State context. This is unnecessary and counterproductive. Let the EFCC and the courts do their work; premature condemnation only muddies the waters.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo, as our apex socio-cultural organisation, has a noble mandate: to promote Igbo unity, culture, welfare, and advocacy on national issues affecting Ndigbo. This does not extend to intervening in criminal investigations, state governance, contract awards, or partisan political affairs. The Smart Schools project is a state government initiative under Governor Peter Mbah’s administration—a PDP Party-led effort to advance education in Enugu state. Ohanaeze has no statutory authority to endorse or back probes, recover funds, or dictate contractor accountability in this domain.
“Such overreach blurs the lines between cultural advocacy and executive interference, potentially undermining the autonomy of state institutions. For instance, while your council’s support for the EFCC is well-intentioned, it positions Ohanaeze as a quasi-judicial body, which it is not. This could set a dangerous precedent, inviting accusations of ethnic meddling in governance. Instead, Ohanaeze’s strength lies in fostering dialogue, advocating for equitable resource allocation across Nigeria, and ensuring that Igbo interests are protected without stepping into arenas reserved for elected officials, security agencies, or the judiciary.”
Onoh clarified that the Sujimoto matter is far from resolved as Mr. Ogundele has already honored an EFCC invitation for interrogation in Enugu, which he personally, in company with Sujimoto’s lawyers, drove him to the EFCC Enugu zonal command on Monday 8th of September 2025.
He also revealed that Prior to that, he (Onoh) had reached out to Governor Peter Mbah and gave his assurance to bring Ogundele to honour the EFCC’s invitation.
He commended Governor Peter Mbah for his maturity and genuine transparency to ensure that justice is done while seeking all available legal options to recover state funds.
Onoh said that he was equally aware that Mr. Ogundele was grilled for hours on September 8 to12, 2025, and remained cooperative while maintaining his innocence.
He also noted that the joint EFCC-Enugu inspection in May 2025 confirmed delays, but inflation, material costs, and project complexities (which Ogundele cited in his emotional video response) as factors that warrant thorough forensic review and not public vilification.
Onoh said that he was aware that the Enugu State Government has initiated a civil suit to recover the funds and enforce contract terms, which shows Governor Peter Mbah’s commitment to transparency in regards to the issue.
He said that Governor Mbah told him personally that the government will ensure that no penny of Enugu State/ public funds in regards to the failed 22 Smart Schools project will be lost and must be accounted for and he will pursue the matter to it’s logical conclusion.
“This is the burden of leadership Gov.Mbah faces, but your council’s call for immediate action, while urging ‘no drama,’ could inadvertently pressure the process, leading to procedural lapses or biased outcomes. In a nation where anti-corruption efforts have sometimes been tainted by politics, such interventions risk being seen as an external influence, potentially delaying justice or prompting appeals that prolong the agony for all parties, including Enugu’s schoolchildren awaiting their facilities.
“Nigeria’s fault lines are ethnic, and we, Ndigbo, know this better than most. The Sujimoto case involves a Yoruba businessman contracted by an Igbo-led state government—a cross-ethnic partnership that should exemplify collaboration, not division. By publicly ‘backing’ the EFCC in a manner that singles out an individual from another ethnic group, Ohanaeze risks fueling narratives of tribal witch-hunts.
“The social media is already abuzz with polarized takes, from accusations of sabotage to defenses rooted in ethnic solidarity. This is a tinderbox; one misstep, and it ignites sentiments that harm us all.
“As elders and youth leaders, our role is to de-escalate, not amplify. Imagine if a Yoruba socio-cultural group commented similarly on an Igbo contractor in Lagos— the backlash would be swift and justified. Let us model the unity we preach: support accountability through institutions, not ethnic lenses. Let’s turn this moment into an opportunity for growth.
“As the former southeast spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I’m an Igbo man yet spoke and still speaking for a yoruba man, my voice till date is still the loudest voice from my region if not Nigeria still in defence of a yoruba man and our President, not out of personal interest or reward but driven by vision of a united Nigeria our forefathers envisaged and family values i hold in highest esteem.
“Ohanaeze Youth Council should retract or clarify their statement to emphasize support for institutional processes rather than individual guilt. Channel your energy into advocating for transparent contract bidding in Igbo states, ensuring local firms with proven track records get priority.
“All stakeholders should engage in quiet mediation—perhaps through neutral bodies like the Nigerian Institute of Architects—to resolve the civil suit amicably, prioritizing project completion over punishment.
“Let us rally around education. Enugu’s Smart Schools are vital; demand updates from the state government on progress, regardless of contractors.
“Ogundele continues cooperating fully with the EFCC; transparency will clear his name if innocence prevails. Finally, our collective voice is powerful when it unites,not divides. Let justice flow like a river-steady,impartial, and untainted by haste or bias”.Onoh stated.
