…Assures Continued Inclusiveness

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Akpugo Ward 4, Nkanu West LGA, on Saturday received a major boost as prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Labour Party (LP) rejoined its fold.

Leading the wave of returnees were Chief Emmanuel Ebube Anih, popularly known as Father Father, a former APC senatorial aspirant; Mr. Ikechukwu Edeh, Mr. Chinwendu Nnona and Mrs. Chinyere Nwodo (Madam Social), alongside hundreds of their supporters.

Speaking at the event held in Ogonogo eji Ndiagu, Chief Anih described his leaving PDP as a “fatal political mistake.”

“PDP remains the only party with a consistent track record of responsible leadership since 1999,” Anih said.

“We regret ever leaving. The APC has brought untold hardship to Nigerians and it’s clear that only the PDP has what it takes to move the country and Enugu State, forward.”

He commended Governor Peter Mbah for his developmental strides across the state, citing ongoing strategic projects like the Amodu–Akpugo–Akpofu–Amagunze Road, which he believes will significantly boost connectivity and open up the local government economically.

Anih also lauded the Nkanu West Council Chairman, Hon. John Ogbodo, describing him as a rising star in Enugu politics.

“Chairman Ogbodo has proven himself a worthy son of Nkanu West. His leadership has brought real change at the grassroots. His future in politics is certainly bright,” he said.

Welcoming the returnees, the chairman of the party in ward 4, Mr. John Ezeh, expressed joy over the reunion.

“With your return, the PDP in ward 4 has only grown stronger. This unity will be vital as we move into the next electoral cycle,” he said.

On his part, the councilor Akpugo ward 4, Emma Onovo praised the council chairman for replicating the governor’s transformative leadership at the local level.

Speaking at the well attended event, Chairman John Ogbodo welcomed the defectors and praised their courage and sense of judgment.

“Your decision to return is not just a personal choice, it’s a patriotic act. Our doors are wide open and I urge all PDP members to embrace and integrate you fully. The governor does not discriminate, and neither should we,” Ogbodo said.

He highlighted the ongoing achievements of the Mbah administration, particularly the Amodu–Akpugo–Akpofu–Amagunze road project and the Ngene Ukwa culvert, which his administration has completed, awaiting the dry season for road extension down to Onicha Agu.

“Our governor doesn’t just talk, he leads by performance. His work has made campaigns easier because the projects speak for themselves,” he added.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has warned local authorities and market leaders against collecting levies from petty traders, particularly those with capital below ₦100,000.

Speaking during a political rally in Ekwulọbịa, Aguata Local Government Area on Saturday, Soludo said he was displeased with reports from Eke Market in Awgbu, where such illegal collections were still ongoing despite previous directives.

“Do not collect levies from them anymore. Anyone who disregards this will be arrested. We’re committed to protecting the livelihoods of our small-scale traders,” the governor declared.

The governor used the occasion to rally support for his administration and re-election bid, emphasizing grassroots involvement in governance and affirming Ekwulọbịa’s strategic importance to the state’s development.

He announced plans to establish a Town Planning Committee specifically for Ekwulọbịa to support its transformation into a fully developed urban center, aligning with its status alongside cities like Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi.

Soludo also highlighted his administration’s social initiatives, including free education, free antenatal care, and free delivery services for the underprivileged, reaffirming his grassroots-centered governance model.

“This is no longer just a political movement, it’s a people’s movement. Ekwulọbịa has shown resilience and support, and I deeply appreciate that,” he added.

Community leaders and officials in attendance praised Soludo for his developmental strides:

Chief Joseph Okafor, a community elder, applauded the governor’s achievements across the state in just three years.

Dr. Chibueze Offorbike, Chairman of Aguata LGA, noted the transformation of the area from a rural to an urban center, attributing the progress to Soludo’s leadership.

Other local leaders and speakers echoed similar sentiments, affirming continued support for the governor.

During the event, a cheque of ₦80 million was presented to Governor Soludo and his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, in support of their campaign.

He reiterated his commitment to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as the platform for driving Anambra’s development. In previous market visits across Anaocha LGA, including Oye Aguluzuigbo, Oye Ichida, Oye Obeledu and Oye Nimo, he engaged traders directly, reinforcing his belief that effective governance begins where the people are.

“The marketplace is where everyday lives unfold. It’s where real governance begins,” Soludo said.

He was accompanied by key members of his administration, including Joachin Anaeto (Principal Secretary), Ernest Ezeajughi (Chief of Staff) and Chinedu Nwoye (Chief of Protocol and Deputy Chief of Staff), alongside Anaocha LGA Chairman Romanus Ibekwe and a large turnout of party supporters.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has extended his heartfelt condolences to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, following the passing of his mother, Mama Lydia Yilwatda Goshwe, who died in August at the age of 83.

Akpabio was among several top government officials who attended the burial ceremony held in Jos, Plateau State, on Saturday.

In his remarks during the funeral service, the Senate President comforted the bereaved family, describing the late matriarch as a woman of grace whose life continues to resonate through her son and the many lives she influenced.

“To our dear Mama, goodbye from all of us, goodbye from Nigeria. To our National Chairman, take comfort in the knowledge that your mother chose the right time to depart, a time when her legacy is alive in you and all those she impacted,” Akpabio said.

The Senate President also used the solemn occasion to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fostering unity across political, religious, and ethnic lines, noting that the atmosphere at the burial exemplified this spirit.

“All former Governors of Plateau State are here today, regardless of party affiliation. The Governor of Plateau, working closely with our National Chairman, has welcomed us warmly, and the people of the state have responded with great affection,” Akpabio remarked.

He recounted the massive turnout of Plateau citizens who lined the streets from the airport to the venue, waving and cheering in a show of support and solidarity.

“That sight alone speaks volumes. Mr. President, you have touched the hearts of the Plateau people. This gathering reflects unity, faith, and leadership, a clear sign that your presence is divinely registered,” he added.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has extended his heartfelt condolences to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, following the passing of his mother, Mama Lydia Yilwatda Goshwe, who died in August at the age of 83.

Akpabio was among several top government officials who attended the burial ceremony held in Jos, Plateau State, on Saturday.

In his remarks during the funeral service, the Senate President comforted the bereaved family, describing the late matriarch as a woman of grace whose life continues to resonate through her son and the many lives she influenced.

“To our dear Mama, goodbye from all of us, goodbye from Nigeria. To our National Chairman, take comfort in the knowledge that your mother chose the right time to depart, a time when her legacy is alive in you and all those she impacted,” Akpabio said.

The Senate President also used the solemn occasion to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fostering unity across political, religious, and ethnic lines, noting that the atmosphere at the burial exemplified this spirit.

“All former Governors of Plateau State are here today, regardless of party affiliation. The Governor of Plateau, working closely with our National Chairman, has welcomed us warmly, and the people of the state have responded with great affection,” Akpabio remarked.

He recounted the massive turnout of Plateau citizens who lined the streets from the airport to the venue, waving and cheering in a show of support and solidarity.

“That sight alone speaks volumes. Mr. President, you have touched the hearts of the Plateau people. This gathering reflects unity, faith, and leadership, a clear sign that your presence is divinely registered,” he added.

A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs), alongside the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), has called on the Federal and State Governments to fully implement executive orders and the Supreme Court judgment supporting financial autonomy for Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria.

The call was made in a communiqué issued at the end of a one-day training on Economic Literacy and Budget Accountability for Local Government Stakeholders, held in Enugu.

The event was convened by the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, in partnership with the Citizens Centre for Integrated Development and Social Rights (CCIDESOR) and NULGE.

Participants and stakeholders at the training made several resolutions aimed at enhancing grassroots governance and ensuring true autonomy for LGAs:

– Immediate removal of the Joint Account Provision in the 1999 Constitution, which they say has hindered development and undermined local governance for decades.

– Disbandment of the Joint Accounts Committee (JAC), describing it as a relic of military rule that centralizes power and resources at the state level, depriving LGAs of needed funds.

– Restoration of full political and financial autonomy to all 774 LGAs across Nigeria, which, according to the communique, could significantly reduce the country’s economic, political, and security challenges.

“The only viable pathway to national economic recovery and democratic renewal is the activation of LGAs as fully functional and autonomous governance institutions,” the communiqué stated.

The coalition proposed that:

– In addition to monthly federal allocations, states should allocate a portion of their internally generated revenue (IGR) to LGAs, acknowledging the economic contributions LGAs make to state IGR.

– Citizens must be actively engaged in the budget process, including formation, monitoring, and evaluation to ensure responsive governance at the grassroots level.

– LGA budgets should be publicly accessible, in line with the Freedom of Information Act (Section 2), which mandates proactive disclosure of public documents.

– Budgets must address real community needs, such as quality healthcare, education, rural infrastructure, and markets.

– Transparent budget execution and procurement processes should be enforced to ensure value for money and stimulate local economic growth.

“Budgets are legal instruments. Any violations in their implementation are financial crimes against society,” the communiqué emphasized.

The communiqué recommended urgent legislative reforms to safeguard LGA autonomy, including:

– The repeal of the Joint Account Committee through constitutional amendment by the National Assembly, in partnership with state governments, before the end of 2026.

– CSOs should intensify advocacy at both national and state assemblies to entrench LGAs as a full third tier of government, with constitutionally guaranteed autonomy.

– Governors in the South-East were specifically urged to prioritize LGA autonomy as a strategic pillar for regional development.

The communiqué was jointly signed by:

• Mr. Kene Ogbuzuru – Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room
• Dr. Emeka Ononamadu – Executive Director, CCIDESOR
• Mr. Emeka Nwanevu – Representative of Civil Society Organisations
• Mr. Samuel Ani – Representative of Media and Religious Groups / NULGE

The Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon. Moses Odunwa, has announced that the Assembly has successfully passed more than 30 bills since the inception of the seventh legislative session two years ago.

Odunwa made this known during a Validation Meeting held in Enugu on Saturday, focused on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Bill.

The session was organized by Women Aid Collective (WACOL) and the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), with funding support from UN Women through the Government of Canada.

The Speaker emphasized that the House remains committed to advancing progressive, people-focused legislation, often setting the pace ahead of other state assemblies.

“The DEI Bill has already scaled first reading. The slight delay is due to this validation meeting, where all members are expected to contribute their input,” Odunwa explained.

He highlighted Ebonyi’s track record in legislative innovation, citing the early passage of the Prisons Reform Bill, which earned national recognition.

He expressed optimism that the DEI Bill would be passed before the end of the year, following appropriate amendments and due legislative process.

“We want to ensure the DEI Bill is not draconian, but truly inclusive, reflecting the values of equity and fairness for the benefit of all citizens,” he said.

According to Odunwa, the state government under Governor Francis Nwifuru has already begun laying the groundwork for a more inclusive governance structure, reinforcing the Assembly’s readiness to pass the DEI Bill and forward it for executive assent.

Prof. Joy Ezeilo (SAN), Executive Director of WACOL and Professor of International Law at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, explained that the DEI Bill seeks to empower all genders and social groups by ensuring no one is left behind in the state’s development process.

“The DEI Bill is about creating a balanced and inclusive society. This workshop will help refine the draft to ensure it meets the needs of all stakeholders before it becomes law,” Prof. Ezeilo said.

She noted that the Bill also proposes the creation of a new commission that would oversee its implementation and enforcement once passed.

In a goodwill message, Mrs. Uzoamaka Nwifuru, wife of the Ebonyi State Governor, declared her full support for the DEI Bill.

She emphasized its potential to dismantle cultural and institutional barriers that hinder women and other marginalized groups from realizing their full political and economic potential.

“Just as I’ve championed the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), I fully back the DEI Bill. It will pave the way for a more equitable and just society,” she stated.

She also commended WACOL, NILDS, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and the Ebonyi State House of Assembly for driving the legislative process forward.