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Tag: Anambra

  • Days of touting in Anambra over, says Soludo

    Days of touting in Anambra over, says Soludo

    Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has declared war against touting, saying the days of touts were numbered.

    He urged chairmen of markets to take responsibility of their domains, warning that any market where touts operated would be disbanded and chairmen removed.

    Speaking yesterday in Onitsha during the launch of the Anambra Special Anti-Touting Squad, Prof. Soludo said restoring law and order would be difficult in an environment where lawlessness had become a culture.

    He congratulated members of the squad, who had been found worthy and offered to serve, calling for commitment, passion and diligence.

    He advised them to adhere to laid down standard and code of conduct guiding their operation.

    The governor said members of the squad would collaborate with the armed forces, who had the primary responsibility to keep the state safe.

    He said: “The launch of the squad is an acceleration on the key promise I made to the people living in the greater Onitsha area, which consists of Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Ogbaru, Oyi and Idemili to restore Anambra State known for law and order to its full glory as the light of the nation.

    Read Also: Yahaya Bello: No assassination attempt on my life

    “When we assumed office, eight local governments were taken over. Thanks to the combined efforts of our security agencies and the vigilance service. With the support, these local governments have been liberated and normalcy restored.

    “We have told the youth to come out from their hideouts and bush. We shall help to rehabilitate and integrate them into the society to be useful to their families, communities, states and the country.

    “While dealing with hoodlums on a larger scale, we will be dealing with touts in Onitsha greater area and Anambra State as a whole.

    “We are fighting a war to bring back the soul of our society governed by law and order, not a society anyone does what he or she likes without recourse to law and order.

    “Touts disturb customers who come from every nook and cranny of the country. But this journey is to rescue Onitsha as a commercial hub and Anambra State in general.

    “Phone numbers shall be made available to Ndi Anambra to inform the government of any touting activity they notice in their areas.”

    Soludo called on citizens to remember the campaign of “if you see something, you say something”

    Homeland Affairs Commissioner Chief Chikodiri Anara described the launch of the Special Anti-Touting Squad as the beginning of the journey.

    He assured the governor that positive changes would be noticed by December, as the men of the squad were well trained.

    He warned hoodlums causing trouble in the state to leave, “as they will not find it comfortable to operate in the state, moving forward.”

  • Businessmen flee as touts invade Anambra

    Businessmen flee as touts invade Anambra

    • APGA members threaten Soludo
    • Widows plan nude protest against governor
    • Allegations false, says govt

    There is tension in Anambra State, following threats by top businessmen to relocate their businesses to neighbouring state as a result of invasion of the state capital, Awka, by suspected government touts.

    The threat was fallout of the alleged harassment, intimidation and maiming of traders, bus drivers and tricycle operators by Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s tax collectors.

    Last Friday, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Osita Onuko and his men allegedly brutalised a driver with GUO Motors in Awka, who drove all the way from Lagos, for overtaking a government vehicle.

    Over 500,000 widows in the state led by Mrs. Hope Nwandu have planned a nude protest against Soludo’s government.

    Speaking with The Nation yesterday in Awka, Mrs. Nwandu said if what happened to the driver of GUO Motors (owned by Chief Godwin Okeke) could happen to him, then, nobody was safe in the state.

    She said Okeke had been using his resources to support the state government since the creation of Anambra, which made some miscreants to kidnap him in 2009 in Anambra.

    Read Also: Troops raid IPOB/ESN camps in Enugu, Anambra

    “People are running away from Anambra State due to the brutality of some workers of Governor Soludo.

    “After watching what happened to GUO Okeke and son’s driver, you will see the reason people are running away from Anambra State. “

    Some members of Soludo’s party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), have threatened to work against his second term bid in 2025.

    They alleged yesterday in Awka that the governor was not working in the interest of the party.

    But Soludo’s Press Secretary, Chris Aburime, in a statement in Awka, described the allegations as false.

    He said the affected driver was reckless.

    “We are aware that public commentary surrounding the incident has led to some misconceptions, erroneously implying that public officials associated with the Anambra State Government are predisposed to confrontations. We wish to categorically refute these allegations.”

  • Anambra to evacuate flood victims to IDP camps

    Anambra to evacuate flood victims to IDP camps

    • Flood displaces 10 councils

    Anambra State Government has disclosed readiness to evacuate flood victims to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, following the impact of flood.

    According to the state government, no fewer than 10 local governments out of the 21 councils have been affected.

    This was disclosed in Abuja yesterday by Anambra State Deputy Governor Dr. Gilbert Ibezim during a visit to the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mustapha Ahmed.

    Read Also:Bossladylaw Business Challenge empowers Anambra students

    Ibezim, describing Anambra State as the epicentre of erosion in the country, said several communities have been cut off due to the impact of flood.

    The NEMA DG assured Anambra State that support would be provided for flood victims to minimise the impact of the disaster.

  • Police smash insurgents’ camp, nab three, rescue cleric, two others in Anambra

    Police smash insurgents’ camp, nab three, rescue cleric, two others in Anambra

    A joint security operatives has rescued a Catholic cleric and two others abducted by gunmen in Ogbunka in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    Three suspects were also arrested by the Police-led operatives, comprising military and paramilitary services.

    Police spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement on Saturday, said three pump action guns, nine vehicles snatched at gunpoint, camouflage uniforms and other items were recovered from the suspects.

    He said the raid on insurgents camp followed months of intelligence gathering and investigation, blaming the gang for recent growing abductions in Orumba North and South as well as parts of Aguata Council Areas.

    According to him: “Police-led Forward Operating Base (FOB) comprising military and paramilitary Services based in Aguata and supported by Police Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu yesterday, 6th October, 2023 in a well coordinated operation, stormed insurgents Camp at Ogbunka in Orumba South LGA.

    “Three abducted persons including a Reverend Father were rescued unhurt. Nine vehicles and three Pump Action Guns  were recovered. Three suspects were arrested.

    “Also recovered were stolen Camouflage uniform, Biafra Flag, Several Handsets, Flash Drives and Sim Cards that will aid comprehensive investigation and prosecution.

    Read Also: How MohBad died, by Police

    “This gang has been responsible for spate of abductions in Orumba North and South as well as parts of Aguata LGAs in recent times. The abducted victims were all kidnapped this month.

    “The raid on insurgents Camp followed months of diligent and painstaking intelligence gathering and investigation which led to uncovering the criminal hideout. 

    “Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye who ordered and coordinated the operation praised all the service personnel and vigilante men involved for their professionalism which ensured no life was lost.

    “Mr. Governor has commended the Operatives and pledged to continue to support all services involved in Joint Security Operations across the State.”

  • Come back home, our land is safe, security agents tell Anambra community

    Come back home, our land is safe, security agents tell Anambra community

    Anambra State Vigilante Service has urged people of Odumodu Umunya in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State to stop sleeping in hotels and return home.

    Commander of Odumodu Umunya Vigilante, Chief Tochukwu Emesionwu gave the advice on Thursday, October 5, during commissioning of Odumodu Enu and Odumodu Ana Vigilante office in the area.

    The two villages of Odumodu for a very long time have been under attack, leading to death of many, while some abandoned their ancestral homes to take refuge in neighboring communities.

    Emesionwu affirmed that the community was secure and suitable for living with the Vigilante group’s presence, while also committing to removing criminal elements from the area with his team.

    He also promised youths of the community of being carried along to ensure no criminal was allowed entry into the two villages of Odumodu Umunya henceforth.

    He noted: “Our people should return home and stop sleeping in hotels. Our community is now condusive with the presence of the Vigilante group.”

    Also speaking, Divisional Police Officer, Oyi Council Area, Chuks Nwoke warned members of the Vigilante Service in the area to shun acts capable of bringing the security outfit to disrepute by working according to the law establishing community policing.

    He further warned youths and security operatives to avoid harassing and maltreating innocent persons, saying those arrested must be handed over to the police for investigation and prosecution.

    He added: “Community policing involves giving the police reliable information that will lead to the arrest and prosecution of suspected criminals.”

    On his part, Member Representing Oyi Constituency in the State Assembly, Innocent Ojike said his people have been suffering for a very long time due to insecurity, stressing that nothing meaningful was achievable without security.

    Read Also: Anambra cleric involved in illegal adoption of 20 kids handed over to NAPTIP

    While decrying residents inability to sleep with their two eyes closed in the past, the lawmaker who doubles as Chairman, House Commitee on Trade and Commerce pledged full support of security outfit’s establishment to protect lives and property of the people.

    Chairman of Odumodu security commitee, Sunday Nkweke said decision to inaugurate the Anambra Vigilante Service was informed by previous ugly experiences, assuring that similar occurrences would be nipped in the bud.

    Members of the Vigilante group were presented with motorcycles, uniforms and other relevant tools to assist them secure lives and property of the people.

  • Anambra cleric involved in illegal adoption of 20 kids handed over to NAPTIP

    Anambra cleric involved in illegal adoption of 20 kids handed over to NAPTIP

    Anambra state government has handed over Rev Deborah Ogo, founder of Arrows of God Community Children’s home in Nkwelle Ezunaka, near Onitsha to the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) over alleged illegal adoption.

    The facility was in August sealed by the government over the illegal adoption of 20 children, including a newborn who were later recovered from the operator who had since been at large.

    The commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo who disclosed on Wednesday, October 4, said the handover followed viral reports alleging that the ministry was involved in illegal adoption of a baby girl alongside one of her registered homes in the state.

    Read Also: Nigeria @63: Ex-Anambra lawmaker greets constituents, seeks support for Fed Govt

    Obinabo decried the bad image the orphanage operator had given the state despite the government’s efforts to rid the state of corrupt adoption practices.

    She warned other operators of children’s homes to desist from all forms of illegalities capable of tarnishing the image of the state.

    While quizzing the suspect on why she carried out the illegal adoption process amidst warnings, she could not offer any reasonable excuse but rather said it was her secretary who handled the adoption.

    She also said it took her two months to honour the commissioner’s invitation after sealing the home, due to ill health.

  • Nigeria @63: Ex-Anambra lawmaker greets constituents, seeks support for Fed Govt

    Nigeria @63: Ex-Anambra lawmaker greets constituents, seeks support for Fed Govt

    As Nigeria continues in the euphoria of celebration of her 63 years of nationhood, the former House of Representatives member for Awka North /South Federal Constituency of Anambra State, Chukwuemeke  Nwogbo, has felicitated  his constituents  and Nigerians , urging for unity, and supports for the Federal Government for peace and developments of the country.

    Nwogbo,  noted for his effective representation in the National Assembly between 2011 and 2015, delivered his goodwill message in a statement  yesterday.

    He said: “We commemorate a day that holds great significance to every Nigerian within Awka North and South Federal Constituency of Anambra State and beyond. At a time like this, we should begin to see nation building as a panacea for our leadership crises and current global economic situation.

    Read Also: Anambra Diaspora community condemns poor road construction as farmlands, houses face submersion

    “Let us be mindful of everything we can do for our nation to make it a place of wealth, peace, and happiness, so that the labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain.”

    He reiterated the need for young people to embrace entrepreneurship, and to get involved in the process of politics and nation building.

     “Freedom is the most precious thing in every human’s  life, hence the need to send felicitations on the occasion of Nigeria’s special day like this, and to rally the people to be hopeful and patriotic for genuine change,” he stressed.

  • Anambra Diaspora community condemns poor road construction as farmlands, houses face submersion

    Anambra Diaspora community condemns poor road construction as farmlands, houses face submersion

    A group of some Anambra State indigenes living outside Nigeria has expressed shock and disappointment over shoddy roads constructed by an indigenous contractor in Nneyi, a town in Umueri community of Anambra East Local Government Area.

    Known as Nneyi Diaspora Progressives (NDP), the group said they were in Nigeria recently to participate in the 2023 Alommuo (New Yam) festival of Umueri but saddened to see that roads, constructed barely two years ago, during the administration of Governor Willie Obiano have been completely washed off.

    The group called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo, to order investigation to unravel the identity of the owner(s) of the company that was awarded the contract for the purpose of finding out why such bad job was done on the roads.

    NDP also called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to wade into the matter to bring the culprits to book, adding that the action of the construction company was nothing but economic sabotage against the people of Nneyi, Umueri community and Anambra State in general.

    Speaking to newsmen in Awka on Monday, Chief Linus Obidike, President of Nneyi Diaspora Progressives, said even though they were on their way back to the countries of the residence, they would follow up the case to ensure that justice is done, as their people back home have been robbed by the company and are now facing untold hardship instead of relief that the road was supposed to bring to them.

    He said something urgent needs to be done before their farmlands, crops, schools and houses get submerged.

    NDP lamented that villages have been cut off due to the bad roads, thereby making it difficult for inter-communal interaction while food items and other commodities cannot be moved to the markets, adding that the worst affected area is the Afia Ama-Ogbu-Mgbede Umueri road.

    He noted that the community had been doing so many palliatives on the road before it went beyond their individual and group capacity.

    He said- “We want to use this opportunity to call on our able and working Governor, His Excellency, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, to come to the rescue of Nneyi community in Umueri, as our schools, farmlands, crops and houses are under serious threat of submersion due to bad road constructed by a certain contractor during the administration of Chief Willie Obiano.

    Read Also:Soludo prays for Tinubu’s success, honours Achebe in Anambra

    “We believe that the roads were awarded in good faith and for the betterment of our community.

    “However, the good gesture has turned to a nightmare as the roads which were badly constructed are now death traps. In addition, because they have been totally washed off, the roads are now part of the reasons for the erosion threatening to submerge our houses, farms, crops and schools.

    “It is so saddening that we came home to rejoice with our people during the celebration of 2023 Alommuo festival only to meet our community roads completely washed off, which has brought sorrow to our people. This is not acceptable.

    “NDP therefore want the state government to identify the contractor that was awarded the roads for questioning and sanction, as it has become obvious that the company just pocketed the money and whitewashed the road before disappearing. We call on the EFCC to investigate the matter and bring the culprits to book.

    “In addition, we pray that Governor Soludo send the state commissioner for Works to come and see the roads in question, in order that urgent measures would be taken to remedy the situation before it gets completely out of hand.

    “NDP wishes to use this opportunity to thank Governor Soludo for his good works in the state, including transformation of Anambra communities and especially his recent declaration of free and compulsory education from nursery to Junior Secondary School (JSS 3) in public schools in the state, adding that it would inspire all parents and guardians to send the children to school, irrespective of their financial standing.”

  • Soluife in Anambra

    Soluife in Anambra

    Education is the seed bed of any development. Roman historian and philosopher Tacitus harped it. It is also the audacity of Awo’s vision. Today, in Anambra State, Governor Chukwuma Soludo is inking his policy on that chalkboard. His name means “follow peace.” He is doing a lot in that regard, galvanizing his fellow Igbo governors to confront unease in the region. But his education policy is the dynasty statement. If his name means follow peace, he is also following the light, or Soluife. With his distinctive voice of a broadcaster that has earned him the title of the “Boom of Anambra Orchestra,” he announced free education up to JS three. It is big step. Education, as he says, will make the son of a mechanic become a managing director. The son of a driver will not become the driver of his father’s boss. Education disrupts dynasty. Soludo is one governor bringing imagination to the service of scarce resources.

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    It means that those who have forced their wards to hawk on streets can now swap trade for brains. Their little children will become potential points of light to illumine the future. Soludo will not shy from saying he attended public schools at the primary, secondary and university levels. He is paying back with public service.

  • Biafra: Police release 87-year-old priest, five others arrested in Anambra

    Biafra: Police release 87-year-old priest, five others arrested in Anambra

    Seven persons arrested few days ago by security operatives over agitation of Biafra, have been released by the police in Anambra state.

    The arrested persons were accused of being members of Chief Raph Uwazuruike’s Movement for the actualization of sovereign state of Biafra MASSOB.

    They include a Priest,Rev.Fr. Dr Samuel Aniebonem, 87 year old Chief Sylvester Dinyelu and five others.

    There was jubilation in Awka and Onitsha, Sunday, following their release by their members.

    Read Also: Police arrest seven over kidnapping activities in Adamawa

    It was cnfirmed on Sunday by the Director of information and Senior Special Adviser  to BIM-MASSOB on Media and Publicity, Mazi Chris Mocha in a statement made available to reporters in Awka

    The statement said,” While it is a right for the oppressed peoples to agitate for independence, peaceful method has remained the only panacea for the achievement of the Self determination for Biafra”.

    Mocha,  urged their members to remain consistent, resolute and steadfast by following Chief Ralph Uwazuruike’s footsteps which according to him, was the only way through which the state of Biafra could be achieved.