Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra says ‘Stomach Infrastructure’ is about fulfilling government’s duty of providing essential services that will improve the citizens’ means of livelihood, not handouts.
Soludo made the assertion on Wednesday at a news conference in Awka to mark the creation of Anambra 34 years ago.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Anambra was created on Aug. 27, 1991, along with eight other states by the then Military President, Ibrahim Babangida.
He emphasised that sustainable development should prioritise agriculture, access to healthcare, quality education and reliable infrastructure over short-term palliatives.
According to him, boosting agricultural productivity, creating jobs and improving access to education and healthcare are practical examples of his administration’s commitment to genuine stomach infrastructure.
“Stomach infrastructure is not about distributing cash or offering appointments as special advisers.
“It is about ensuring that residents of Anambra have access to the basic necessities needed to live with dignity and rise out of poverty.
“We have distributed over 2.6 million palm and coconut seedlings to 180,000 households, we offer free education in public schools and free antenatal and delivery in government hospitals.
“We recruited over 1000 health workers and 8,115 teachers; we are paying N82,000 minimum wage, we have cleared backlogs of pension arrears and gratuities of state and local government workers.
“We have empowered over 5000 youths and over 8000 will soon graduate and be empowered. Over 600 kilometres out of 800 kilometres of roads have been commissioned.
“Deploying public resources to create societal values is better than dashing money. That is what Anambra at 34 is about, our values are based on hard work and integrity,” he said
The governor outlined key achievements of his administration in the areas of security, urban regeneration, governance, road infrastructure, healthcare, education and economic development.
He commended law-abiding residents for their support and urged them to continue support the state government policies.
“Let’s collectively build Anambra of our dream and as your humble servant, I will continue to work round the clock to deliver dividends of democracy,” he said.
No fewer than 2,000 protesters Friday blocked the Anambra State police command headquarters’ gate to protest brutality against the female Youth Corps member and intimidation of citizens in the state by the Agunechemba security outfit and pestle carriers ( Ndi aka- odo).
The protesters under the aegis of ‘Make Anambra Great Again (MAGA),’ led by Sir Paul Chukwuma, said the state was under siege in the hands of the state security outfits known as Agunechemba and Operation Udo Ga Achi.
He said what happened to Jennifer Elohor, the female member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), at Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, was humiliating and embarrassing to the state and Nigeria at large.
Chukwuma, who is the governorship candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), said the people of Anambra would never keep quiet again in the killings, rape, kidnappings and other crimes that had taken over the state.
He said President Bola Tinubu had distributed enough funds to states in Nigeria, including Anambra State, to help in bettering the lives of the citizens, and asked, what happened to Anambra’s shares?
The protesters, including the young and old, men and women and many professionals, with placards with different descriptions.
Chukwuma further said the NYSC member was brutally rough-handled by the state government’s Agunechemba, who, according to him, were carrying an AK-47 in the state without authorisation, while asking the police to investigate the matter.
However, responding to the protesters, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP in charge of Operations, Ibrahim Ezekiel, commended the protesters for being peaceful without being violent.
Ezekiel, who represented the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, assured that the command would look into the allegation of the state-owned security outfit using AK-47.
Again, he said that the state government had already handed over those who assaulted the NYSC member to the police, adding that the command had started an investigation into the matter.
He noted that in line with its mandate to maintain peace and security, the Command would engage relevant state security stakeholders and partners to ensure that appropriate actions were taken to address the concerns raised, in accordance with the law and established procedures.
“The Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property, promoting lawful engagement, and working closely with all stakeholders to sustain peace and security in Anambra State,” the DCP said.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has condemned the assault of a female Corps member, Jenifer Edema Elohor, who is serving in Oba by operatives of the Anambra State Vigilante Group in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area.
In a statement, NYSC’s Acting Director, Information and Public Relations, Ms Caroline Embu, described the conduct of the vigilante operatives as “unacceptable.”
According to her, NYSC appreciates the concern of the public over the incident, as well as the initial measures taken by the Anambra State Government.
“Management wishes to assure the public that it believes in, and supports the ongoing investigation by the Nigeria Police Force towards unravelling what transpired.
“This, we trust, will help get justice for the Corps member in question and any other aggrieved party,” she said.
The state government yesterday sacked the perpetrators of the crime, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Anambra, Dr George Moghalu, has called on the Federal Government to disband the state security outfit, Agunechemba.
Also, Moghalu wants those involved in the brutalisation of the Corps member to be arrested and prosecuted.
Speaking with reporters yesterday at his campaign office in Awka, Moghalu described the action of the members of the security outfit as irresponsible and stupidity
“This is not about politics. I want the Federal Government to take over this matter because the lady in question is government’s property. Those people who are involved in dehumanising her should be brought to book
“It is a case too many in Anambra State from the same Agunechemba. They are involved in killing innocent persons, threatening citizens and harassing,intimidating and extorting money from motorists with impunity,” Moghalu said.
Also, Cyrus Onu, a lawyer for the Corps member, said the perpetrators had threatened to rape and kill her for speaking out during the incident.
“They (security agents) were banging the door, and Jennifer was trying to open it, and they just kicked the door, and it almost hit her face.
“Most of them were masked in mufti with guns, so you can imagine how scared the kids (Corps members) were.’’
“They (security agents) didn’t give any identification. They just said: ‘Come down, come down. You’re all thieves! You’re all ‘Yahoo’ people!’
“When they tried to drag them downstairs, Jennifer was insisting that if they must take them anywhere, they should allow them (Corps members) to call their LGI [Local Government Inspector] because the Corps members did not know who the operatives were,” the lawyer said on television yesterday.
“That was when they started pouncing on her. They made derogatory comments, asking her who gave her the right as a lady to speak to them anyhow. They started beating her.
“She asked them to allow her to change into something appropriate, and they said, ‘That thing you’re trying to cover, we’ll see it today. We’ll beat you up, we’ll rape you, kill you, and dump you, and nobody can say anything,” Onu added.
The lawyer also claimed that the Anambra security agents threatened to kill her colleagues for trying to defend her.
In a video that went viral, the operatives armed with guns stormed the Corps members’ apartment in the Oba community.
The agents who were members of the Operation ‘Udo Ga-Achi,’ also known as the Agunechemba Vigilante Group, were seen beating Elobor and tearing her clothes.
The state government, through the Special Adviser to Governor Soludo on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, while condemning the assault on the Corps member, said those involved had been arrested.
All eyes are on the Anambra South Senatorial District ahead of tomorrow’s by-election. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Labour Party (LP), and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) are set for a fierce contest. Southeast Bureau Chief NWANOSIKE ONU reports
The political atmosphere in Anambra South is charged with anticipation as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prepares to conduct the much-awaited bye-election for the Anambra South Senatorial District seat on Saturday. The election, triggered by the passing of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah on February 27, 2024, in London after a brief illness, has drawn national attention for its implications on the November 8, 2025 governorship race.
Ten political parties have formally entered the race to fill the vacant senatorial position, but political analysts and stakeholders agree that the battle lines are most clearly drawn between two dominant parties – the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). In what has been described as a “political stress test” ahead of the governorship election, this bye-election will serve as a critical measure of grassroots influence, party machinery, and political alignment in the state.
The contenders
Although the ballot lists 10 candidates, four individuals have emerged as the major contenders expected to significantly influence the outcome of the race:
Emmanuel Nwachukwu (APGA)
Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s administration has thrown its full weight behind Chief Emmanuel Nwachukwu, a loyal party stalwart from Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area. Formerly a banker and now a contractor with APGA-led projects, Nwachukwu’s selection surprised many within the party ranks.
Initially, the ticket was contested by prominent business figures such as Chief Ebuka Onunkwo of the Seahorse Group and rice merchant Chief Akai Egwuonwu, but Governor Soludo’s preference for a loyalist carried the day.
Nwachukwu’s greatest challenge lies in mobilizing votes from Ukpor and surrounding communities, which are considered volatile due to the presence of armed separatist groups. These security concerns have raised questions about voter turnout and INEC’s ability to safely conduct the election in certain parts of Anambra South.
Sir Azuka Okwuosa of the APC is widely regarded as a strong grassroots politician with deep roots in Anambra South. He previously served as Local Government Chairman of Nnewi South and later as Commissioner for Works in the state. Known for his close ties to his influential brother, oil magnate Emeka Okwuosa, Sir Azuka enjoys popularity across political divides.
However, the APC faces an uphill battle in Anambra, where it has historically struggled to win the trust of a majority of voters. While the party boasts a roster of political heavyweights, many political observers caution that “names don’t win elections”, and Okwuosa will need to convert personal popularity into actual votes.
Chuma Nzeribe (LP)
Chief Chuma Nzeribe brings a long political résumé, having served as a Member of the House of Representatives for Ihiala Federal Constituency under the PDP and later as a security adviser during former Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju’s administration. Known for his assertive political style, Nzeribe is banking on the Labour Party platform, which enjoyed unprecedented momentum in the 2023 general elections due to the presidential run of Mr. Peter Obi.
However, analysts note that the fervour of the “Obidient” movement has diminished in Anambra, and 2025 may not replicate the enthusiasm seen two years earlier. Nzeribe’s challenge will be to translate what remains of Labour’s popularity into a competitive senatorial bid.
Chris Uba (PDP)
Once the undisputed kingmaker of Anambra politics, Chief Chris Uba has seen his influence wane in recent years. While his past ability to shape elections was legendary, Uba now faces a fragmented PDP and a political base that has eroded over time. The lingering memory of past controversies – including the abduction saga involving a sitting governor – continues to affect his public perception.
The PDP’s decline in Anambra South has been compounded by the defection of many of its strong members to other parties, particularly the APC. Analysts describe Uba’s path to victory as “akin to a camel passing through the eye of a needle.”
Other candidates
The ballot will also feature Nnamdi Ezike of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP); Donald Chidi Amamgbo, the African Democratic Congress (ADC); Prince Offorbuike Okoli-Egbo, the Young Progressives Party (YPP); Onyemelukwe Eusebius Zonyelu, the Action Peoples Party (APP); Peter Ekwueme, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP); and Emma Chikaelo, the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
While these candidates are expected to campaign actively, political observers believe they are unlikely to disrupt the dominance of the APGA, the APC, the LP, and the PDP in this particular race.
More than a Senate seat
The by-election is widely seen as more than just a contest to replace the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. It is being framed as a proxy battle for control of Anambra’s political landscape ahead of the November 8 governorship election.
Governor Soludo has described the election as “consequential,” urging APGA members to mobilize a massive turnout. Speaking at a campaign rally in Umunze, Orumba North, he stressed the importance of party unity and the role of the senatorial seat in maintaining APGA’s political dominance. The governor cited his administration’s infrastructure achievements across the state as evidence of APGA’s performance and capacity to deliver.
On the other side, the APC’s governorship candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, has declared that the bye-election will serve as a litmus test of who truly controls the political structure of Anambra. Addressing market leaders in Awka, Ukachukwu stated, “We will govern Anambra State and nothing will stop us. We will start with Saturday’s Anambra South Senate election and after that, we will know who is in charge.”
Security concerns
A significant factor that could influence the outcome is the security situation in parts of the senatorial district. Communities in Ukpor and surrounding areas remain under the shadow of armed separatist activity. These zones have been described as “no-go areas” for political campaigns, and questions remain about whether INEC can safely and effectively conduct voting there.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has indicated that it is working with security agencies to ensure that voting takes place across all wards, but residents and political stakeholders remain cautiously optimistic.
Ifeanyi Ubah’s legacy
Even in death, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s political influence continues to loom over the contest. Widely regarded as a “street general,” Ubah transformed the APC’s profile in Anambra South, making the party a viable contender in an area where it previously struggled. His unexpected death not only left a leadership vacuum but also energized political rivals seeking to claim his mantle.
Observers note that while APC retains the structural advantages built under Ubah’s tenure, replicating his connection to the grassroots will be a formidable challenge.
Voter Sentiment
Public opinion in Anambra South appears divided along party loyalty, candidate popularity, and regional considerations. The APGA’s control of the state government gives it a significant logistical advantage, while the APC hopes to leverage the Okwuosa name and its concentration of political heavyweights.
The LP’s Chuma Nzeribe may appeal to pockets of youthful and reform-minded voters, though sustaining momentum without the 2023 wave will be critical. For the PDP, the challenge is monumental; internal divisions and the diminished stature of Chris Uba make a strong showing difficult, though not impossible.
Conclusion
As Saturday’s election approaches, the Anambra South senatorial bye-election is shaping up to be a defining political event for the state. The result will not only determine who represents the district in the National Assembly but also set the tone for the November governorship race.
With four main contenders, a politically aware electorate, and heightened stakes, the election promises to be fiercely contested. The interplay of loyalty, legacy, and logistics will ultimately decide who emerges victorious.
INEC has reaffirmed its readiness to conduct free, fair, and credible polls, while security agencies have pledged to safeguard the process. Political leaders from all sides have been urged to conduct their campaigns responsibly and to respect the will of the people.
The eyes of Anambra – and indeed, Nigeria – will be on the South Senatorial Zone this Saturday.
Anambra Police Command has arrested a 24-year old woman, Somtochukwu Nwafor over alleged involvement in gruesome murder of a pregnant nurse, whose mutilated body was recently discovered in a soakaway pit at Ogbunike, Oyi Local Government Area.
Spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga in a statement said the apprehension followed assistance of community members in Umueri village, Ogbunike.
He said the suspect, during interrogation confessed being girlfriend of the prime suspect, one Chiemerie Elobisi from the same village at large.
He added that the suspect revealed how they sold the body parts to different evil native doctors in the area.
According to him:™ “The Anambra State Police Command leveraging on the assistance of the Umueri village, Ogbunike community members on 25th July 2025 arrested one female suspect, Somtochukwu Nwafor aged 24 years.
“The arrest is in connection with the gruesome murder of a pregnant nurse, whose mutilated body was recently discovered in a soakaway pit at Ogbunike, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being the girlfriend of the prime suspect one Chiemerie Obika Elobisi from the same village, but currently at large.
“She stated that she was called by the suspect to clean the blood stains after the victim was murdered.
“She further revealed how they sell the body parts to different evil native doctors in the area.
“Also, preliminary information shows that the victim, a trained nurse was lured by the murderer to his house under the guise of seeking medication.
“Given the information from the suspect, Operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in the early hours of 29th July 2025, burst a shrine of an identified native doctor, Nwafor Chibunna Ofornwatadile from Itima Amawa Village, Ogbunike.
“The operatives recovered suspected human body parts, concealed in cellophane (nylon) bags.
“However, the Command has launched a manhunt for the prime suspect, along with the suspected receivers and collaborators.
“The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu has strongly condemned the heinous act, describing it as “inhumane, criminal, and an affront to public morality and the sanctity of life.”
“The CP encourages anyone with useful information to assist the Police in the ongoing investigation to come forward and assured that the identity of such informants would be adequately protected.”
No fewer than five persons, including children lost their lives Friday night in a fatal crash in Amichi in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
A speeding tipper loaded with sand was said to have crashed into a crowd along the busy Nnewi-Ideato Express road by Chisco Park Junction following loss of control.
The accident which occurred around 7:30 pm was said to have claimed the life of a middle-aged man who just buried his late father and was preparing for thanksgiving service on Sunday.
Trending videos from the scene and CCTV footage of the crash showed people in their usual night time activities when the tipper rammed into them.
The footage showed several of the victims lying on the floor, including motorcyclists, bystanders and petty traders.
President General of Obiagu Amichi, Chief Chinedu Nzekwe who confirmed the incident said the community was yet to ascertain the exact number of casualties.
“The scene of the accident is the center of three kindreds that are part of Obiagu village, namely Ebenato, Okpara and Uhuachi.
“The other victims were rushed to the nearby hospitals, and information reaching me revealed they are responding to treatment,” he said.
Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in the State, Joyce Alexander also confirmed the crash, putting the casualty figure at five.
Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, says, the rotation of governorship positions in Anambra State is real.
He said this Saturday at the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka that after his second term in office, it would be the turn of Anambra Central Senatorial Zone.
Addressing a mammoth crowd of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), from the Central Senatorial Zone, who staged a rally to endorse his reelection, said those trying to unseat him are people looking to raise funds not to challenge him
“What I’ve already done within three years of my administration speaks for me and my reelection is sacrosanct because I’ve not seen anybody contesting against me.
“The rotation of governorship started after former Governor, Mr Peter Obi, when someone from the North zone took over before me from the South Senatorial Zone and it will go round.
No fewer than five persons, including children died on Friday night in a crash in Amichi in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
A speeding tipper loaded with sand was said to have crashed into a crowd along the busy Nnewi-Ideato express road by Chisco Park Junction following loss of control.
The accident. which occured around 7:30 pm was said to have claimed life of a middle-aged man who just buried his late father preparing for Thanksgiving service on Sunday.
A trending videos from the scene and CCTV footage of the crash showed people in their usual night time activities when the tipper rammed into them.
The footage showed several of the victims lying on the floor, including motorcyclists, bystanders and petty traders.
President General of Obiagu Amichi, Chief Chinedu Nzekwe who confirmed the incident said the community was yet to ascertain exact number of casualties.
“The scene of the accident is the center of three kindreds that are part of Obiagu village, namely Ebenato, Okpara and Uhuachi.
“The other victims were rushed to the nearby hospitals and information reaching me revealed they are responding to treatment,” he said.
Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in the State, Joyce Alexander also confirmed the crash, putting the casualty figure at five.
She said she had visited the scene of the incident and hospitals were victims were responding to treatment.
“I was away in Abuja when the incident occured and quickly rushed back to visit the scene myself and ascertain exactly what happened.
“I’ve spoken with all the relevant authorities and will soon issue a statement on the crash,” she said.
Tension has continued to rise in Anambra State following the mysterious disappearance of a young billionaire and real estate mogul, Benjamin Ezemma, popularly known as Big Ben, who has been missing since November 12, 2024.
His wife, Mrs. Benedicta Ezemma, has made a fresh appeal to President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, urging them to prevail on security agencies to unravel the circumstances surrounding her husband’s abduction and ensure justice is served.
Despite multiple petitions to security agencies in Anambra State, no tangible progress has been made. The couple’s children, all under five years old, continue to ask about their father’s whereabouts, leaving Mrs. Ezemma heartbroken and without answers.
In a renewed move, she has submitted a petition to the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), pleading for federal intervention in the ongoing ordeal.
In her letter, a copy of which was made available to The Nation, Mrs. Ezemma said:
“I am writing this letter and making a passionate appeal to your office for your kind intervention regarding the abduction of my dear husband and father of our three innocent children. My husband is a businessman based in Abuja who frequents Awka, Anambra State, for his business concerns and is the Chairman/CEO of GSS Real Estate and Investment Limited, owners of Dubai Estate Awka.”
She expressed deep concern that one of the individuals allegedly linked to her husband’s disappearance is a prominent figure and a current governorship candidate for the November 8, 2025, election in Anambra. She lamented that despite being implicated, the suspect continues to walk free and campaign publicly without any investigation or arrest.
“It would be unfair and a great injustice to me, my children, and indeed the entire state and Nigeria, if this person is allowed to contest without being thoroughly investigated,” she stated.
According to her, her husband was invited to a hotel by a well-known figure on the day he went missing, and since then, all attempts to trace his whereabouts have been unsuccessful. She confirmed that the matter had been reported to the DSS in Anambra, but the state command’s efforts had so far been limited by resources.
“We are appealing to you to intervene, to direct and channel the required attention and resources to see to the safe return and/or rescue of my husband. I have no doubt that your office is well-positioned to reinvigorate current efforts,” she wrote.
In her emotional plea, Mrs. Ezemma added, “I urgently appeal to you to help bring my husband and the father of my innocent children home. My children are constantly asking when their father will return from work, and I have no answers.”
The growing uncertainty surrounding Big Ben’s disappearance has unsettled many in Anambra, with his supporters and residents expressing fears over rising insecurity and the possibility of politically motivated violence ahead of the elections.
Mrs. Ezemma’s plea for justice continues to gain public attention, as calls intensify for authorities to take urgent action to resolve the case and hold those responsible accountable.
The much-anticipated peaceful protest by members of the National Association of retired police officers over welfare issues did not hold in Anambra and Enugu States.
In Awka, Anambra State, three retired officers visited the State Police Command Headquarters on Monday, not to protest but to express their support for the ongoing reforms initiated by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, particularly in the areas of welfare and pension administration.
One of the retirees, who spoke to The Nation on condition of anonymity, confirmed that they aligned with the IGP’s reform agenda and had no intention of joining the protest.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Ikioye Orutugu, had earlier made arrangements as directed by the IGP to ensure adequate security for any planned peaceful demonstration. However, during the visit, the three retirees clarified they were not part of any protest but were there to pledge their solidarity.
CP Orutugu welcomed the gesture, assuring the retirees that the command remains open to collaboration and values retired officers as critical stakeholders in policing.
In Enugu State, there was no sign of any protest.
A visit by The Nation correspondent to key locations, including the State Police Command Headquarters, the Police Detective College, and the Eastern House in GRA, usual gathering points for retired officers, showed no presence of demonstrators or related activity.
