Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has enacted a series of laws aimed at enhancing governance and public safety, including a notable law prohibiting secret cult activities.

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The signing ceremony took place at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia, with key officials present, including Deputy Governor Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, and Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Okoye.

Among the laws signed was the Anambra State Electoral Law, 2024, which re-establishes the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission. This is part of a broader legislative agenda pursued by the governor to address various issues within the state.

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Governor Soludo also signed into law the Anambra State Touting Prohibition Law, 2024; the Secret Cult and Similar Activities Prohibition Law, 2024; and the Health Facilities and Accreditation Agency Law, 2024. These laws are designed to curb illegal activities, improve healthcare standards, and ensure public safety.

Further laws enacted include the Anambra State Peace Building and Conflict Management Agency Law, 2024; the Anambra State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (ANSOGPADEC) Law, 2024; and the Anambra State Market Safety and Protection Law, 2024. These laws aim to foster peace, manage resources, and enhance market safety.

Additionally, Governor Soludo signed the Trafficking in Persons Prohibition Law, 2024; the Anambra State Revenue Administration (Consolidation and Harmonisation) Law, 2024; and the Anambra State Private Colleges of Nursing and Midwifery Law, 2024. He also enacted a law to amend the Anambra State House of Assembly Service Commission Law, 2021, addressing various connected purposes.

These legislative measures represent a comprehensive effort by Governor Soludo’s administration to tackle key issues, improve governance, and enhance the quality of life in Anambra State.

The Adada State Movement, a group advocating for the creation of a new state in southeastern Nigeria, has called an emergency special meeting involving traditional rulers, leaders, and National and State Assembly members from the proposed Adada State.

Scheduled for Sunday, June 16, 2024, the meeting will take place at Adada House in Nsukka at 12 noon.

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In a circular released to Daily Gazette by the group’s Publicity Secretary, Barr. Pauly Eze, it was emphasized that the meeting is crucial for addressing current issues related to the creation of Adada State.

“The Tactical Committee of the movement discussed these issues in an emergency meeting and deemed it necessary to involve all stakeholders,”

“The presence of all invitees is considered indispensable to tackle the current developments with urgency and unity of purpose.” the circular added.

The proposed Adada State, which aims to address regional imbalances and enhance local governance, has garnered significant support among local communities and political leaders.

Adada is the oldest yet to be realised demand for creation in Nigeria. It was first made in 1983 by Yunusa Kaltungo, a federal lawmaker from Bauchi State, as a result of what he perceived as imbalance in state creation in the country, especially in the South-East.

In 1996, the same request was represented to the Mbanefo Panel on State and Local Government Creation and Boundary Adjustment.

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However, for obvious reasons, Ebonyi State was created, making states in the South-East five.

The meeting will focus on strategizing the next steps, addressing any hurdles, and consolidating efforts to present a united front in the push for statehood.

Participants are expected to discuss the recent developments in the movement, including responses from the federal government and the National Assembly, the legal framework for state creation, and the socio-economic benefits of creating Adada State.

The meeting will also provide a platform for stakeholders to voice their concerns and suggestions.

The Adada State Movement has been actively campaigning for the new state, arguing that it will bring about equitable development and improved administrative efficiency in the region.

With the involvement of traditional rulers and legislators, the movement aims to strengthen its case and mobilize broader support.

Outcome of the meeting is anticipated to significantly influence the future direction of the Adada State Movement and its efforts toward achieving statehood.

The proposed creation of Orlu State in the South-East has faced opposition from Princess Chinwe Nnabuife, the representative of Orumba North and South Federal Constituency.

In a statement released on Monday, Nnabuife clarified her position, emphasizing that her constituents reject being part of the new state.

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Nnabuife explained that the bill for the creation of Orlu State, sponsored by Hon. Ugochinyere Michael Ikeagwuonu, has advanced through its first reading in the House of Representatives.

The bill, identified as HB1430, includes the Umunze Community within its proposed boundaries.

However, Nnabuife stated that she and the people of Umunze were not consulted and do not support this bill.

“I want to set the record straight: while I have no objection to the creation of new states, this particular bill was not discussed or deliberated with me or my constituents,” Nnabuife said.

“The people of Orumba North and South have unequivocally rejected the idea of being included in the proposed Orlu State. Umunze, the heart and capital of Orumba South, has always been and will remain an integral part of Anambra State.”

Nnabuife stressed her commitment to representing the interests of her constituents and ensuring their wishes are respected.

She highlighted the deep historical, cultural, and administrative ties of Umunze to Anambra State, which she believes should not be disregarded by the proposed bill.

“Any attempt to alter the status of our constituency without proper consultation and agreement is unacceptable,” she asserted.

“Umunze in Orumba North/Orumba South Federal Constituency remains steadfastly a part of Anambra State.”

The statement aims to clarify any misconceptions and affirm Nnabuife’s stance against the inclusion of her constituency in the proposed Orlu State.

Honourable Princess Chinwe Nnabuife represents Orumba North and South in the House of Representatives, Anambra State.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the postponement of the rerun election for the Enugu South 1 State Constituency, citing security concerns as the primary reason.

Chukwuemeka Chukwu, INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Enugu, informed the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday that the decision to cancel the election, initially rescheduled for June 8 following stakeholder consultations, was made last week due to safety considerations. A new date will be communicated in due course.

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“Last week, we postponed the scheduled rerun election and informed all stakeholders, providing a clear reason for the postponement. However, I am dismayed by the spread of baseless rumours suggesting the election was secretly conducted,” Chukwu stated.

The election is the third attempt to conclude the Enugu South 1 State Constituency poll.

The Labour Party (LP) candidate, Barr. Bright Ngene, had been declared the winner of the March 18, 2023, election and sworn in, but the results were later nullified by a tribunal for being inconclusive.

On the scheduled election day, voters gathered at the polling units from as early as 7 a.m., only to find no INEC officials present.

Barr. Ngene, who visited the polling center, expressed his disappointment and said neither he nor his party was notified about the election’s postponement.