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Gov Mbah Bans Daily Market Levies, Police Arraign Two Over Alleged Illegal Revenue Collection In Enugu

 

Governor Peter Mbah has made good his threat to wield the big stick on illegal revenue collectors and extortionists making life difficult for Enugu residents.

While Mbah, today, announced an immediate and indefinite suspension of daily toll collection from who have no lockup shops, declaring it as illegal, the Enugu State Police Command on the same day arraigned two before an Enugu Magistrate Court for stealing and forgery of receipts and illegal revenue collection for the registration of native doctors in the state.

Governor Mbah gave the order on the suspension of daily revenue collection from petty traders at a stakeholders’ meeting on the clarification and harmonisation of revenue collection in markets across the state organised by the organised by the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service at the Old Government Lodge, Enugu.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, the governor said the action was in line with the new tax laws meant to support the poor, adding that a taskforce chaired by the SSG had been put in place to ensure maximum compliance, vowing that anyone caught collecting the 100 or 200 Naira daily toll revenue, either for the government or an individual, would face the full weight of the law.

Mbah further charged the local government chairmen, traditional rulers, market leaders, the Presidents-General, and civil society organisations, and the public to report to the taskforce team any violation of the directive.

While stating that the order did not affect traders in the lockup shops, who pay 30,000 or 36,000 Naira annually, he emphasised that the administration’s aversion to any actions that escalates the people’s sufferings.

Meanwhile, the police has arraigned Mr. Christopher Ifeanyi, aged 65, and Chinenye Ugwu, a female, before an Enugu North Magistrate Court over the registration of native doctors with forged receipts of Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State, presenting the same as genuine in order to defraud inspecting members of the public.

The three-count charge sheet marked MEN/153C/2026, read, “That you Christopher İfeanyi ‘m’, Ugwu Chinenye ‘f’ and others now at large on the 31st day of March, 2026 at Enugu North Local Government Secretariat, Enugu, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did conspire among yourselves to commit felony to wit: Stealing, Forgery and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 495(a) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria 2004.

“That you and others now at large on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District did steal the total sum of Seven Hundred Thousand Naira (N700,000.00), property of Enugu State Government.

“That you did forge Enugu North Local Government Receipts for registration of native doctors with intent that it may be used or acted upon as genuine, knowing same to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 436 and punishable under Section 443(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria 2004.”

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges after which His Worship, O.S Chukwuani, adjourned the matter to May 8.

The Police Prosecutor was Rosemary Ojobo, while State Counsel, Onyinye Ugwu, held a watching brief for the Department of Public Prosecution, DPP.

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APGA Chieftain Slams IPOB Group For Confronting Soludo In London

A chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Chinedu Obigwe, has condemned a group of individuals who allegedly confronted Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, during a town hall meeting in London.

The incident reportedly occurred at an interactive session organised by the governor to engage Anambra indigenes in the diaspora on his administration’s achievements as he begins a new term in office.

The group, said to be affiliated with the Indigenous People of Biafra, accused Soludo of failing to take adequate steps toward securing the release of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

They also alleged that the governor was linked to violence against youths in the region.

Reacting in a statement, Obigwe dismissed the claims and defended the governor’s record, stating that Soludo has consistently advocated for Kanu’s release.

He noted that the governor had even urged the Federal Government to hand over Kanu to him as part of efforts to restore peace.

He further highlighted initiatives taken by the Soludo administration, including an amnesty programme aimed at rehabilitating individuals involved in criminal activities.

According to him, many participants who embraced the initiative were reintegrated into society, while some detainees were granted bail.

Obigwe also referenced Soludo’s visit to Kanu at the facility of the Department of State Services, where the governor condemned the sit-at-home order and denounced the wave of killings and kidnappings in the South-East.

He added that despite these interventions, insecurity persisted in parts of Anambra, prompting the launch of “Operation Udo-Ga-Chi,” a joint security initiative involving local vigilante groups and official security agencies to tackle violence in the state.

The APGA chieftain accused those who confronted the governor of undermining efforts to restore peace, describing them as individuals working against the progress and stability of the region.

He also challenged the critics to visit Anambra and assess the security situation firsthand, insisting that the state has witnessed significant improvements in safety and public life in recent times.

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Kano Assembly Drops Impeachment Move Against Ex-Deputy Governor After Resignation

The Kano State House of Assembly has officially withdrawn impeachment proceedings against former Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo following his resignation from office.

The decision was announced during Tuesday’s plenary session, which was presided over by Speaker Jibril Falgore after the Assembly reconvened from its Sallah recess.

According to a statement issued by the Speaker’s spokesperson, Kamaluddeen Shawai, lawmakers resolved to halt the impeachment process after formally reading Gwarzo’s resignation letter on the floor of the House.

In the letter dated March 27, 2026, Gwarzo confirmed that he stepped down voluntarily in accordance with Section 306(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), making his resignation effective immediately.

Commenting on the development, Majority Leader Lawal Dala explained that continuing the impeachment process was no longer necessary since the former deputy governor had vacated office.

He added that any allegations against Gwarzo would now be handled by appropriate anti-corruption agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission.

In a separate development, a lawmaker representing Kiru Constituency announced his defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party to the African Democratic Congress, citing internal disputes within his former party and consultations with constituents.

The Assembly also reviewed the Local Government Audited Accounts for the year ending December 31, 2024. Presenting the report, Public Accounts Committee Chairman Tukur Muhammad Fagge commended lawmakers for their cooperation throughout the process.

Additionally, the House considered a motion moved by Abdulhamid Abdul Minjibir, Chairman of the Committee on Higher Education, seeking the establishment of Minjibir College of Education and Legal Studies.

The proposed institution is expected to improve access to higher education and reduce pressure on existing facilities in Kano.

In his remarks, Speaker Falgore congratulated residents of Kano State and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on the successful completion of Ramadan and the Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

He urged citizens to uphold the values of unity, peace, and discipline fostered during the fasting period as essential to the state’s continued development.

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2027: Former Southeast Governors Back Tinubu’s Re-Election Bid, Form New Forum

 

Former governors from Nigeria’s South-East region have declared their support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, while also unveiling a new political platform to coordinate their engagement on regional and national issues.

The decision was announced in Enugu after a high-level meeting where the ex-governors inaugurated the South East Forum of Former Governors.

The gathering, held at the Presidential Lodge, was convened by the Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State governor, David Umahi.

Reading from a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, Umahi stated that the forum would serve as a non-partisan advisory body to support sitting governors in the region on key developmental and governance matters.

He explained that the endorsement of Tinubu’s second-term bid was based on what the group described as significant strides in infrastructure development and the inclusion of South-East indigenes in strategic national appointments.

Umahi also commended current governors in the zone for their efforts in improving infrastructure, enhancing security, and promoting economic empowerment across their respective states.

According to him, the President’s financial interventions to states have played a vital role in enabling governors to execute projects and deliver on their mandates.

He further clarified that membership of the forum is open to all former governors from the South-East, regardless of political affiliation, with the aim of fostering unity and providing guidance on issues affecting the region.

Umahi noted that some former governors were absent due to health-related travel and prior commitments but are expected to attend subsequent meetings.

Those anticipated at the next session include Orji Uzor Kalu, Chimaroke Nnamani, Ikedi Ohakim, and Theodore Orji.

Attendees at the inaugural meeting included Martins Elechi, Sullivan Chime, Okezie Ikpeazu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and Chris Ngige.

Following the meeting, members of the forum paid a courtesy visit to the Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah, where they discussed the need for closer collaboration between former and serving governors to drive development and strengthen regional cooperation.

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2027: Rice, Spaghetti Can’t Secure Your Legitimacy, Atiku Fires Tinubu

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has cautioned President Bola Tinubu that distributing food items as palliatives will not secure electoral legitimacy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Tuesday through his aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that items such as rice, spaghetti, and noodles may provide short-term relief to citizens but cannot replace public trust or determine the outcome of elections.

He further alleged that despite the ruling All Progressives Congress expanding its political influence across the country, there are signs of unease within the government.

According to him, this reflects apprehension about opposition forces and the electorate.

Atiku claimed that the administration’s growing control over political structures and institutions has not translated into confidence but instead suggests concern over credible opposition and free political competition.

He also expressed worries about what he described as attempts to weaken opposition parties through internal crises and the use of judicial processes.

According to him, some court decisions have created confusion and raised questions about the integrity of legal procedures.

The former presidential candidate criticised what he termed the misuse of state power against opposition figures, citing instances of controversial detention orders and actions that could undermine democratic principles.

Warning against a potential drift toward a one-party system, Atiku said Nigeria risks eroding democratic values if the current trend continues, where elections may exist but genuine competition is limited.

He stressed that leadership should be determined by the will of the people rather than through institutional control or suppression of dissent.

He also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and actively engaged as the next general elections approach.

Atiku concluded by questioning why a government with significant political control would still be wary of free and fair elections, insisting that Nigerians deserve both transparency and real choice at the polls.

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Anambra ADC Suspends Congresses Indefinitely

The African Democratic Congress in Anambra State has announced the indefinite suspension of all scheduled and proposed congresses across the state.

The decision was disclosed in a statement issued by the state leadership, signed by Chairman Patrick Obianyo and Secretary Lawrence Okeke, and made available to journalists in Awka.

According to the statement, the move reflects the party’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, due process, and respect for judicial authority.

Party members and stakeholders were urged to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding during this period.

The leadership also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission not to recognise any actions or activities carried out by unauthorised individuals or groups claiming to represent the party in the state.

It further clarified that the tenure of the current ADC Executive Committee in Anambra, as well as in other states, remains valid and constitutionally recognised by INEC.

The public was advised to disregard any directives or announcements from individuals allegedly posing as party leaders without proper authority.

The party assured members that new dates for congresses and conventions would be communicated after the conclusion of ongoing consultations at the national level.

It also urged supporters to maintain unity and discipline as the situation unfolds.

This latest development adds to the growing internal tensions within the ADC, coming shortly after INEC reportedly withdrew recognition of a factional National Working Committee linked to David Mark, in compliance with a Court of Appeal directive to maintain the status quo.

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2027: NDC Woos Obi, Atiku, Kwankwaso, Amaechi Amid ADC Crisis, Urges United Front Against APC

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has called on key opposition figures to defect to its platform as part of efforts to build a strong coalition against the ruling All Progressives Congress.

In a statement shared via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, the party invited prominent political leaders including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

It also extended the invitation to former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi.

The party stressed that uniting influential opposition figures under one umbrella is critical to mounting a formidable challenge against the APC in future elections, particularly ahead of the 2027 general polls.

According to the NDC, the move is aimed at consolidating opposition strength and presenting a viable alternative to the current administration.

The party described the appeal as a national duty that requires collective commitment from major political stakeholders.

The invitation comes amid ongoing internal disputes within the African Democratic Congress, where the invited leaders are currently aligned.

The NDC suggested that the crisis within the ADC presents an opportunity for realignment in Nigeria’s political space.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission has taken steps in response to the ADC leadership tussle, including plans to remove the names of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from its official records as party leaders due to an ongoing legal dispute.

INEC also announced that it would suspend recognition of any faction within the ADC until a final judgment is delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The electoral body cited a Court of Appeal order directing all parties involved to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of the case.

The commission further revealed that it had received conflicting legal communications from different factions within the party, prompting its decision to refrain from engaging with any group until the matter is conclusively resolved.

The developments highlight growing uncertainty within the ADC, even as opposition realignments continue to shape the political landscape ahead of future elections.

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BREAKING: ADC Crisis Deepens As Third Faction Claims Legitimacy, Rejects Both David Mark, Nafiu Bala Camps

 

The internal crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress has intensified following the emergence of a third faction that has rejected both the camp associated with David Mark and that of Nafiu Bala.

The newly formed group led by Don Norman Obinna, claims to be the authentic National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party.

It insists that it has assumed responsibility for steering the party’s affairs ahead of its next national convention.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, the faction argued that the tenure of Ralph Nwosu had expired in August 2022.

It further alleged that Nwosu became entangled in multiple legal disputes after failing to vacate his position at the end of his term.

The group also dismissed claims surrounding Nafiu Bala’s role in the party, stating that he never served as National Vice Chairman.

In addition, it clarified that Dumebi Kachikwu, the party’s former presidential candidate, remains a member of the ADC.

As part of efforts to stabilise the situation, the faction announced the appointment of interim leaders to oversee party operations until a national convention is convened.

Details shortly…

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BREAKING: ADC Crisis Deepens As Third Faction Claims Legitimacy, Rejects Both David Mark, Nafiu Bala Camps

The internal crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress has intensified following the emergence of a third faction that has rejected both the camp associated with David Mark and that of Nafiu Bala.

The newly formed group led by Don Norman Obinna, claims to be the authentic National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party.

It insists that it has assumed responsibility for steering the party’s affairs ahead of its next national convention.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, the faction argued that the tenure of Ralph Nwosu had expired in August 2022.

It further alleged that Nwosu became entangled in multiple legal disputes after failing to vacate his position at the end of his term.

The group also dismissed claims surrounding Nafiu Bala’s role in the party, stating that he never served as National Vice Chairman.

In addition, it clarified that Dumebi Kachikwu, the party’s former presidential candidate, remains a member of the ADC.

As part of efforts to stabilise the situation, the faction announced the appointment of interim leaders to oversee party operations until a national convention is convened.

Details shortly…

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Gov Mbah Applauds DSS For Arresting Notorious Criminals In Enugu

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has praised operatives of the Department of State Services for successfully apprehending suspected high-profile kidnappers and gunrunners operating within the state.

The governor gave the commendation during a visit to the DSS state headquarters in Enugu on Monday, where he acknowledged the agency’s efforts in tackling insecurity.

According to the DSS, the arrested suspects—Kelvin Azodo, David Chukwuonso, and Arinze Kalu—have been linked to a string of attacks on security personnel as well as kidnapping activities across Enugu and surrounding areas.

Authorities believe their arrest will significantly ease the security challenges faced by residents.

Mbah expressed concern over the suspects’ actions, noting that it was troubling to see individuals engage in such serious crimes.

He assured that the law would take its full course against them.

The governor also commended the DSS for its professionalism and dedication, particularly highlighting its role in maintaining peace during the Easter period.

He noted that the calm atmosphere enjoyed by residents was a direct result of the coordinated efforts of security agencies.

He further encouraged the agency to maintain its current momentum, emphasizing that ensuring security remains a fundamental responsibility of government.

Mbah expressed optimism that the suspects would face justice and that their criminal operations would be dismantled.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to working closely with security agencies to eliminate crime and position Enugu as a safe destination for tourism, investment, and everyday living.

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