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Tag: Anambra

  • Anambra tribunal ends sitting

    Anambra tribunal ends sitting

    The Anambra State Elections Petitions Tribunal yesterday rounded off proceedings with all parties adopting their final addresses.

    The case involved the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Chris Ngige, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), its candidate during the November 16th governorship election, Tony Nwoye, against the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

    Others included the Independent National Electoral commission (INEC), Anambra State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Chief Willie Obiano, among others.

    Emotions were high yesterday as the chairman of the tribunal, Hon. Justice Ishaq Bello, and his members, John Viko and Akintola Akinniyi, said they were touched for leaving Anambra.

    Furthermore, they said the relationship with the counsel and the audience had touched them and  made them cry, adding that they were no longer advocates but policymakers.

     During the sitting yesterday, 12 senior advocates represented different parties at the tribunal.

    They were Hassan Liman SAN and Ahmed Raji SAN for INEC; Rotimi Akeredolu SAN and Emeka Ngige SAN for APC and Senator Ngige.

    Emma Ukala SAN, D.C Denwigwe SAN and Uchechukwu Ezechukwu  SAN were for Tony Nwoye.

    Onyechi Ikpeazu SAN, Ken Mozie SAN and Emeka Anaenugwu SAN were for Obiano and APGA, while Patrick Ikwueto SAN and Osita Nnadi appeared for APGA.

    Ngige, jointly with his political party as well as Comrade Tony Nwoye and his party had all urged the Anambra State Election Tribunal to sack Governor Obiano and conduct a fresh election in Anambra.

    But Obiano and his APGA urged the tribunal to uphold the election results because the petitioners had not shown substantial impact on the election in their various cases.

    These arguments were canvassed yesterday at the tribunal sitting in Awka, while adopting the summaries of final addresses of parties in three out of the four petitions currently before the three-man tribunal.

    While addressing the tribunal, Emeka Ngige submitted that the 3rd respondent in the matter (Obiano) against the impending issue of disqualification “had failed totally”.

    Ngige posited that the only person who could have established whether the 3rd respondent was culpable on the issue of multiple registration as well as giving false information to INEC in the course of nomination.

    He contended that INEC, not having called any witness, abandoned the 3rd respondent to his fate and allowed his defence to collapse.

    He, therefore, argued that that being the case, INEC –certified evidence before the court substantially and the pleading of the petitioners on EPT/AN/GOV/02/2013 and the evidence adduced by their witnesses on the matter remain unchallenged, unresponded to and uncontradicted.

    This, according to him, was conclusive proof for Obiano to be disqualified and a fresh election conducted in Anambra State.

    Ngige’s response was based on the submission of Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, representing Obiano in the matter who urged the tribunal to hold that the accusation of substance before the tribunal against his client was that “he submitted a forged document to INEC for the election”.

    Buttressing Ngige’s argument, Rotimi Akeredolu SAN, urged the tribunal

    to take a second look at Exhibit RR431 tendered by Obiano which he claimed was a transfer form for his voter registration particulars and discover that the title of the document was ‘CVR APPLICATION FORM’.

    “My lord, DVR stands for Continuous Voter Registration, which means that it cannot be a transfer form, but an application for a new form.

    “The form contains three sections and the 3rd respondent admitted that the completed and signed Section 1 of the document where in answer to a question if he had registered before, he wrote NO

    “Therefore, his evidence contradicted his claim in the sense that only those who have registered before can transfer in the contrary, the form is meant for application for a new form and the tribunal is urged to find that as a fact”,  Akeredolu said.

    INEC, represented by Hassan Liman SAN, noted in its submission that the petitioners failed to display the three concerned voter registers to establish through comparison how substantial the effect on the election was.

  • Anambra partners traders on revenue collection

    To stimulate trade and commerce in Anambra State, the state Commissioner for Trade and Commerce,  Mr Ifeatu C Onejeme, has held a meeting with  leaders of the various market associations in the state to seek their support in the drive to “extend the frontiers of excellence” in the state.

    Onejeme met with executives of  AMATAS, including its President,  Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo; Vice President,  Chief Dozie Akudolu as well as the chairmen and secretaries-general of the major market associations in the state to get their support on how to achieve the four-point agenda of the administration.

    Presenting his economic agenda to the citizens shortly after his swearing in on March 17, this year, Governor   Wiillie Obiano, listed the four pillars of his administration to include, agriculture, trade  and commerce, industrialisation and oil and gas.

    Chairman/Chief Executive of the state Board of Internal Revenue, Sir Okey Mokah, cleared all grey areas  agitating the minds of the traders and market associations.

    The executives of the market associations pledged their support and readiness to work with the government to achieve its objectives.

    They agreed that outstanding market stallage fees, levies and traders tax for 2012, 2013 and this year would be paid considering that the Obiano administration would no longer tolerate delays in the payment of  revenues due to the government and would close any market that fails to collect and remit  revenues, levies and taxes promptly.

    The traders agreed to set up a joint Revenue Collection Task Force with the Ministry of Trade and Commerce to collect arrears of stallage fees, levies and traders taxes for 2012, 2013 and this year.

    On sanitation and environmental cleanliness, it was agreed that the leaders must ensure that their members maintain cleanliness in all markets in the state as the present administration  will not hesitate to shut any market that fails to meet acceptable  sanitation standards.

    The commissioner assured that the Obiano administration would fast-track the modernisation of the markets and construct  new ones to demonstrate its commitment to encourage the traders.

    He said: “Government has resolved to improve and modernise existing markets, especially the state-owned markets through the provision of boreholes, conveniences, fire-fighting facilities and other specific facilities required by the markets.”

    In addition, the traders said the government  planned to partner with the private sector to build ultra -modern hyper-markets and malls to further drive the government’s initiatives to expand state’s capacity for trade and commerce activities.

    The traders were also informed that the government’s determination to stop street trading and eliminate  street markets. The government added that Williams Street, Bright Street, Sokoto Street and New Market Road Street markets in Onitsha would be relocatedwhile Williams Street traders should move to their markets.

    Chief Ezenwankwo pledged his association’s commitment to work with the government, assuring that AMATAS would facilitate the movement of street traders to the shops built for them.

    The meeting also discussed modalities for working with commercial banks, the office of the Attorney- General, the Lands Registry and the government-owned market associations to develop a government-managed shop title documents’ registry that would record and manage all transactions involving transfer of title, mortgages and pledges over shops in the market.

  • Youth group awards scholarship to 20 Anambra students

    Youth group awards scholarship to 20 Anambra students

    An academic oriented group, identified as Who is Who Centre and Museum (WIWCAM) has announced the award of scholarship to twenty students who scaled through the maiden annual essay competition organized for all the public schools in Anambra state.

    While announcing the winners at Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School, Abagana, NASSA, the Executive Director of WIWCAM, Henryking Onyedikachukwu Adibe disclosed that 151 schools participated in the maiden competition adding that some schools were disqualified due to plagiarism, which, he said, the group warned against.

    He further said that the aim of the competition which he said began last year, is to collate ideas and fire the imagination of the young dirigible minds in Anambra State.

    His words: “During the last year’s gubernatorial and Local Government Elections in Anambra State, WIWCAM organized maiden Annual Essay competition on these topics: ‘Building the Anambra State of my Dream’, Anambra State Governorship Election: the New Executive Governor of my Dream” and “My New Local Government Chairman and ten things he/she needs to do”. So, today, we shall award a one year school fees scholarship to first, second and third winners of our maiden essay competition. We shall equally give consolidation prices to the 4th – 20th winners and certificate of participation to all other participants” .

    Anambra State Governor, Dr. Willie Obiano supplemented the effort of the group by also announcing a cash of N100, 000, N70, 000 and N50, 000 to 1st, 2nd and 3rd winners respectively.

    The first to third winners, Okoye Anthony from St. Michael’s Secondary School, Nimo, Obinna Philip from Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School Abagana and Nweke Levi Chinonso from Community Secondary School Amanuke in their separate speeches thanked Gov. Obiano and Henryking for the gesture which they said will spur them to read more.

    Obiano who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Youths Mobilization, Comrade Chinedu Obidigwe threw his weight behind the WIWCAM and pledged to support them by sustaining the tempo of encouraging the young students.

    He said: “We shall give the organization every encouragement they need to make the organization continue especially the second edition”.

    Highpoint of the event include: unveiling of the ideas generated from the essays by participants, flagging off of the next edition of the competition entitled: “my Hero, my Role Model, Paper presentation by Pastor Chris Obasi and Mr. Tony Obododike.

  • Anambra tops in NECO exam

    Few days after West African Examination Council (WAEC)  statistics showed that Anambra State topped in Nigeria in the 2013 West African Senior  School Certificate Examination ( WASSCE), the Sate has recorded another first in the National Examination Council (NECO) 2013  organized National Common Entrance Examination.

    Besides being the overall best in the country, an indigene of the State,  Agbasi Praise Chinemelum, with the Registration number of 424953GE emerged the best candidate in the examination.

    Speaking on the development, the immediate past Commissioner for Education in the State, Dr. Uju Okeke said it was another demonstration of the fruits from the huge investment of the former Governor of the State and the Honorary Special Adviser to the President of Finance , Chief Peter Obi in education.

     He expressed confidence that the performance of the State would even be better in the coming years, when the effects of return of schools to their owners, provision of boreholes, generators, INTERNET facilities, computers and other infrastructure to Anambra Schools would begin to manifest.

    Confirming the performance of Anambra State, the National Examination Council State Officer, Anambra state Mr, John Tumba congratulated the State on the feat. He urged the new Governor ,Mr Willie Obiano to leverage on what the former Governor , Chief Obi did in the spirit of continuity to enable the state continue with its lead in national examinations.

  • IG declares Anambra safest since five years

    IG declares Anambra safest since five years

    The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Abubakar Mohammed, yesterday declared that Anambra State remained the safest state in the last five years, according to police records.

    Abubakar, who was speaking at the Women Development Centre, Awka, at the state’s Stakeholders’ Summit announced that there was no bank robbery in the state in the last five years during former Governor Peter Obi.

    He urged Governor Willie Obiano to emulate his predecessor by sustaining the security situation in the state.

    The inspector-general hailed the relationship between the police and the government under Peter Obi, which contributed to the improved security, and reassured Governor Obiano that the police would give him a 100 per cent support to rid the state of kidnappers and robbers.

    He urged Obiano to deal with any ruler, who encourages crime in his community.

    ‘’ I am ready to support Anambra governor actualise its dream of securing the state. And I must assure you that if the governor is initiating measures to strengthen security in Anambra, he needs the support and it is time for the governor to tell you that the change you are looking for is here.’’

    He assured the people that the era of police impunity is over, and ordered that the harassment of road users by siren-crazy politicians should stop.

    He said the DIG and AIG would return for a meetingon Monday to discuss modalities of stopping the abuse of siren.

  • Anambra Governor appoints 19 Commissioners, 10 Special Advisers

    Governor Willie Obiano’s list of 19 new Commissioners and 10 Special Advisers sent to the  Anambra state House of Assembly was on Tuesday approved by the State House of Assembly.
    In the list were  two Commissioners who served in the immediate past Governor Peter Obi’s administration. They are Arch. Callistus Ilozumba (Works) and Barr. Mrs. Lilian Azuka Enemuo (Local Government) who were retained in their respective Ministries.
    Former Special Advisers in Obi’s government retained included, Barr. Alex Ejesieme (Legal council/ Litigation), Barr. Mrs. Anthonia Tabansi-Okoye (Special Duties) and Mrs. Vivian Nwandu (Millennium Development Goals, MDGs).
    Those who were newly appointed Commissioners  and their respective portfolios as read out on the floor of the state Assembly by the Speaker, Princess Chinwe Nwaebili and were unanimously approved by the lawmakers were, Anali Chude (Attorney General/ Commissioner for Justice), Mr. Lawrence Chinwuba (Housing), Greg Obi (Finance), Professor Solomon Chukwu (Economic Planning/ Budget).
    Others are  Ifeatu Onyejeme (Trade and Commerce), Dr. Vicky Chukwuelu (Women Affairs), Dr. Chinedu Emeka (Public Utilities/ Water Resources), Anthony Umerah Onyima (Information), Chukwuma Mbonu (Transport), Evarestus Ubah (Environment), Stella Onuorah (Lands, Survey and Urban Development), Professor Kate Omenugha (Education), Mr. Tony Nnachetam (Youths and Sports) and  Nobert Obi (Special Duties).
    Others are  Dr Josphat Akabuike (Health), Mr. Nnamdi Mekoh (Agriculture) and Obi Nwankwo (Science and Technology) .
    The newly appointed Special Advisers and their respective positions, however, included, the Commissioner for Information and Culture under the former Governor Obi administration who was the Director- General of the Chief Willie Obiano Campaign Organization, Chief Joe-Martins Uzodike (now Special Adviser on Political Matters) and  Barr. I.O. Udemba (Chieftaincy and Town Union Matters).
    Others are Arch Amaechi Okwume (Urban Development and Town Planning), Mrs. Amaka Ilobi (Public Utilities), Mrs. Ngozi Okonkwo (Internally Generated Revenue, IGR), Chief Chikodi Anara (Security) and Dr. Onyeka Chikwuibezim (Youth Empowerment).
    Earlier, about 24 hours after he was sworn in as Governor, Chief Obiano had appointed three principal officers to kick-start his administration and retained the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Oseloka Obaze. He also later appointed, James Eze and Emeka Ozumba as his Senior Special Adviser on Media and Special Adviser on Media respectively.

  • Secret pain Emeka Etiaba endures

    IF there was one burden that lawyer-turned politician, Emeka Etiaba, had, it was becoming the governor of Anambra State. Twice he made spirited attempts to shake the political establishments of Anambra State and occupy the Awka-based government house; and twice he was defeated.

    The son of Anambra State ex-deputy governor, Virginia Etiaba, we gathered, still eyes the Anambra State government house and he is not resting on his oars to make his dream come true.

  • My plan for Anambra, by Obiano

    My plan for Anambra, by Obiano

    On Monday, Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano was sworn in by the Chief Judge, Justice Peter Umeadi. Governor Obiano succeeds Mr Peter Obi, who held office for eight years. ODOGWU EMEKA ODOGWU reports

    It was an end of an era and the beginning of another in Anambra State on Monday. Former Governor Peter Obi handed over the baton of leadership to his successor, Chief Willie Obiano.

    The people of Anambra converged on the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, the state capital to witness the epoch-making event. It was the first time people would be successfully transferred in such orderlly manner since the creation of the state. The event should naturally have been a source of joy for the people. But they were ambivalent as they wept profusely.

    They did not cry because they do not want their new governor. They wept for the exit of their former Governor, Peter Obi who they equally love.

    Men, women and children were seen crying as Obi quit. He wanted to go out quietly but thousands followed him shouting Okwute (meaning rock). He waved at them and ask them to support his successor, Obiano.

    Obiano arrived at the swearing in venue at 12:48 p.m. His wife, Ebele arrived with the Deputy Governor, Dr Nkem Okeke and his wife, Oby at 12:55 p.m.

    There was anxiety among the crowd, but immediately Obi and his wife Margaret came in at 1:03 p.m., things changed as the people went into a frenzy shouting Okwute eeee eeeee.

    He stopped at a little distance from the venue to exchange greetings with the people.

    Obi inspected the Guards of Honour and took the salutes, before retiring to his seat and went round shaking and greeting most of the prominent citizens.

    At 1:30 p.m., Archbishop Valerian Okeke said the opening prayer. He praised Obi, who he said served meritoriously and left the scene glamorously.

    Obi mounted the podium for the last time as governor. He made several comments. But the people shouted joyfully when he told Obiano that as governor, he does not owe him, his wife or even members of his family anything but to serve Anambra people to the best of his ability. He expressed optimism that Obiano would uphold the tenets of good governance and do the state proud.

    Obi revealed that Dr Chris Ngige did not hand anything over to him, adding that he came in his own car and left in his own car. He announced that he bought new bullet proof Sport Utility vehicle (SUVs) for Obiano to start off with.

    He appealed to Anambra people to pray for Obiano’s success. “You don’t have any agreement with me or any member of my family; your agreement is with the people of Anambra State,’’ Obi told Obiano.

    At 1:58 p.m., Okeke was sworn in as deputy governor. Obiano took the oath at 2:11 p.m. amid jubilation. Obiano, his wife, daughter and son went round greeting people.

    The Chief Judge, Justice Peter Umeadi, administered the oath of office on Obiano and Okeke.

    In his inaugural speech, Governor Obiano thanked the people for voting him and his deputy to sustain the principles of good governance by Obi, noting that the unfortunate past story of the state changed after eight years of APGA administration that made the state a reference point in the country. He praised former Governor Obi for an excellent job.

    Governor Obiano said his administration would, among other things, tackle the challenge of poor power supply by building Independent Power plants in Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi to drive the entrepreneurial skill of the people as well as strengthen security apparatus and network across the state to enhance environment conducive enough to business.

    He also said his administration would launch the state into a new economic phase through merchandised agriculture and effective harnessing of oil and gas potential.

    President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by Senator Ben Obi, Presidential Adviser on Inter-party Matters, praised Obi for his good leadership qualities and the development of Anambra State. He also advised Governor Obiano to emulate Chief Obi’s leadership style. He added that the Federal Executive Council would need Obi’s wealth of experience.

    Obi spoke with Prince Arthur Eze, Chairman of Southeast Governors’ Forum and Governor of Abia State Theodore Orji, Priests and Bishops and traditional rulers; Senators and members of House of Representatives at the ceremony.

    His wife Magaret left early, probably to host the wives of visiting governors of Cross River and Delta states and Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu. She was cheered by the crowd as she left.

    In his speech, Governor Obiano promised not to disappoint Anambra people.

    “I extend an olive branch to my brothers, Senator Chris Ngige, Ifeanyi Ubah, Tony Nwoye and other candidates who ran for election with me. We must not let the ideologies that polarise us deny our people the full benefits of our talents and wisdom.

    “I urge you to join hands with me in brotherhood and love to create a bold new world for our children’s children. We are only limited to the scope of our dreams, not the depth of our talent or breadth of our gifts. It is a new day in Anambra State,” Governor Obiano said.

    He assured that his administration will work with all those who partnered with Obi to make the state work, including development partners in a very structured, honest and transparent way, adding that everyone should have a rethink and re- engage our collective heritage. He insisted that his four-pillar of development would be the turning around of the state.

    Hawkers selling petty goods made brisk business.

    There was a shocking moment when a uniformed personnel was found smoking marijuana in an Anti-crime Patrol 339 van.

  • Outrage in Anambra community over member’s disappearance

    Outrage in Anambra community over member’s disappearance

    There is tension in Obosi in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    Residents of the community, including youths, are protesting against disappearance of Mr. Tochukwu Nebo, who is popularly known as Baby Boy. He is loved by many for safeguarding Obosi collective heritage when he was chairman of Obosi Land Management Committee (OLMC) and for his role in enthroning Igwe A.C Iweka as traditional ruler of Obosi Kingdom.

    Nebo hails from Ire Village. He is married to Chinenye with who he has five children. A petty trader, Chinenye is searching for her husband who disappeared on December 16, last year after he was allegedly summoned by the Igwe’s secretary.

    Since then, the family has written several petitions to the Nigerian Police, State Security Service and other security agencies for intervention. Traditional rulers and community leaders were also petitioned over the matter. A petition was also sent to the National Security Adviser to President Jonathan, Col. Sambo Dasuki, last month seeking his intervention.

    In the petition, it was stated that some members of Obosi Vigilance Group battered him in public and later took him to the palace of their sponsor and principal, Mr A. C. Iweka.

    “Our clients further informed us that when they asked for the whereabouts of their son, they were told that Mr A. C. Iweka handed them over to the officers of the State Security Services in Awka. When we visited the office of the SSS at Awka, they denied having our client’s son in their custody. We have equally sourced all the police formations in the state without locating our client’s son.

    “Our clients believe that the people have either killed their son or are detaining him in a secret location preparatory to killing him.

    “Our clients’ belief is also supported by a story in the Sunday Sun Newspaper of December 22, 2013 page 15 where Mr A.C. Iweka owned up that he sent the Obosi Vigilance Group to go after our clients’ son. He also confirmed that they brought him to his palace. In the article, he claimed that our clients’ son is a criminal and a torn in his flesh. This is far from the truth. We enclose herewith pictures showing how close A.C. Iweka and our clients’ son were before they fell out. We also have video clips of their relationship to debunk claim that he was a criminal.

    “Consequently, we implore you to arrest these people and compel them to produce our clients’ son, who has been in their custody since the 16th day of December, 2013. Mr A.C. Iweka maintains that he can get away with any atrocity he commits because of his connections and status,” the petition said.

    His wife, Chinenye said: “I saw my husband last on December 16, 2013. At 7:00 in the morning that day, he left for Igwe Iweka’s palace after he received a phone call from the Palace Secretary for a brief meeting with the monarch. Later, a man came to inform us that Baby Boy was being tortured by the security men attached to the Igwe.

    “I boarded a commercial motorcycle to Anyafulu’s house who is the current chairman of OLMC. His hands were tied as Igwe’s security men continued to beat him. Blood oozed out from all parts of his body.

    “They fired shots in the air to scare people away from the scene. I ran to Igwe’s palace to plead for leniency for my husband which he ignored. Rather he ordered the soldiers to take him away. So, they took my husband to an unknown destination.

    ”We have searched for him at the office of the Special Armed Robbery Squad (SARS), State Security Service (SSS), among others without success. Our fear is that they might have killed him as they did many youths of our town. We plead with Igwe and his cohorts to release my husband.

    “Government, civil society organisations, pressure groups, the media and other relevant agencies should help to ensure justice prevails.”

    Mother of Baby Boy, Christy Nebo, called for a thorough interrogation to find out her son’s current situation. She accused the palace security men of maiming and killing innocent youths.

    She said: “I am calling for his immediate release dead or alive by whoever is holding him.”

    Similarly, a prominent son of Obosi community, Prince Emeka Ike Orizu has called for a thorough investigation into all the alleged killings in the community.

    He called on prominent citizens of Obosi like the former Secretary of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, the Commandant of Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Osita Chidoka; and Chief Dan Chuke, Nigeria’s former Minister of State for Aviation to call for thorough investigation into the death of no fewer than 23 youths of Obosi.

    He wondered why they should dub the killed youths cultists, rapists and robbers.

    Recounting his ordeal in the hands of the security men, Prince Orizu said: “These people go about brandishing sophisticated arms and ammunition.  I urge the media, human rights organisations, international liberty organisations, pressure groups, state and National Assemblies and the Presidency to rescue the people of Obosi Kingdom from these blood thirsty individuals before they finish us,” Prince Orizu said.

    When contacted for comment on matter, Igwe A.C Iweka, through the Palace Secretary, Shedrack Okenwa denied any involvement in any misfortune that befell Baby Boy.

    He exonerated himself of being part of the problems in Obosi.

    He said: “Obosi youths didn’t engage in any form of riot because they have no problems about land. Those that clashed were cultists.”

    Reacting, the Security Adviser Ikenwa said one Baby Boy was arrested because of the girl he raped, adding that, after his arrest, he was handed over to the State Security Services (SSS). He also said “the Anambra State Director of SSS is in a better position to know where Baby Boy is and not the security people doing their community policing.

    “How can we kill Baby Boy who we handed over to the SSS? Let them go to the SSS.

    On the allegation by Prince Orizu who alleged the Igwe security men beat him, Ikenwa said “if he was beaten, it was not during his tenure as security adviser.”

    He added: “We don’t kill and we are not security men to the Igwe but to the community under community policing of the state government.”

    But reacting to the allegation by Obosi Security Adviser that Baby Boy was handed over to the State Security Services (SSS) who took him to Awka, the state Director of SSS, Mr Alexander Okeiyi said the family of Baby Boy has not visited his office to ask about their son, saying they should visit him.

    Okeiyi said: “This is not a matter we can discuss over the phone. Ask them if they have come to ask about him in the SSS. They have not come to find out if their son is with us? They have not come to us. Ask them to come.

    “This is not only an issue of rape but also a criminal offence involving kidnapping and killing. I hope you are aware of the killings in Obosi? The same groups are behind the killings in Obosi and I want the media to partner us in wiping away kidnappers and criminals from the society.

    “I don’t know how many they have killed but there are killings in Obosi. They are involving the media now to deter me from coming to stop the mess as I did last year when it became unbearable.”

    The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, Usman Gwary, who spoke through the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Emeka Chukwuemeka said Baby Boy was never handed over to the police, adding that the family of Baby Boy, knows who their son was handed over to.

    He said: “Baby Boy was not handed over to us. At no time was he handed over to the police. The family knows who their son was handed over to and if you ask them, they will tell you it is not the Nigerian police.

    “I don’t know the number of people already killed in Obosi but we are investigating the matter. I know there have been killings and the CP is not sleeping over that.”

     

  • Anambra to end Oil well crisis with Kogi

    Anambra to end Oil well crisis with Kogi

    The crisis tearing Anambra and Kogi States apart because of the Oil well in the area will soon be a thing of the past, as the Government of Anambra is determine  to end the frequent hostilities.

    The hint was given Wednesday in Awka by the newly sworn in deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Nkem Okeke, while briefing reporters in his office.

    He assured that the frequent hostilities between some communities in the state and their boundary neigbhours in Kogi state over ownership of the oil wells would be tackled.

    Okeke said he would soon articulate everything about the issue with a view to presenting it to the Federal Government for final resolution.

    He however, regretted that since oil was discovered in commercial quantity in the area peace had eluded the neighbouring communities of Kogi and Anambra respectively.

    According to the deputy Governor, “we are going to work with the Federal Government to establish the true location of the oil wells in dispute so that lasting peace will return in the area.”

    Furthermore, he said the state was on top of the security situation in the area, adding “We are discussing with security agencies to prevent recurrence of the hostilities.”

    Penultimate week, over six persons were seriously injured and houses  destroyed in the area following attack by some people suspected to be Kogi indigenes  on their Anambra state neighbours,

    Since then, the people of the area had been living in fears as a result of the persistent attacks by those suspected to be Kogi indigenes.

    Also Speaking on the new government in the state Wednesday, Okeke said he saw a new hope and a new dawn in the Obiano administration, vouching to give him full support.

    “I see the man of integrity in Obiano; I see the drive in Obiano to make things move in the State”.

    “My job as deputy governor is to make sure I give him necessary support so that together we shall succeed. What I ask is for the prayers of the people of the state,” Okeke Said.