Gov. Mbah And Engr. Dr. Ugochukwu

A prominent sociopolitical group in Enugu State, Enugu West Democracy Vanguard has called on Governor Peter Mbah to support its ambition to produce the next governor of the state in 2031, citing equity, inclusion and political balance.

In an interview with DAILY GAZETTE on Saturday, the leader of the group, Engr. Dr. Samuel Ugochukwu, said the people of Greater Awgu in Enugu West Senatorial zone have demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the state and deserve the opportunity to lead.

Dr. Ugochukwu argued, “We have supported successive administrations with our votes, resources, and peaceful cooperation. As 2031 approaches, we believe it is time to consider our zone for the governorship. That is why we appeal to His Excellency to keep this in mind.”

He commended Governor Mbah for his infrastructural strides and economic reforms, particularly in the areas of security, road construction, and attracting investments, which he said have restored public confidence in governance.

“We are fully behind Governor Mbah’s administration. His achievements in just two years have exceeded expectations. But we also urge him to keep fairness in mind when the time comes for leadership transition,” Ugochukwu added.

DAILY GAZETTE reports that the conversation around 2031 succession is already gaining traction, even though the next gubernatorial election is still two years away.

Enugu has traditionally rotated power among its three senatorial zones, and pressure is mounting on political leaders to maintain that balance.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, SAN, has dismissed the proposed All Democratic Alliance (ADC) opposition party as a hopeless attempt to replicate the 2013 APC‑forming coalition.

In a statement on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Keyamo derided the move as nothing more than a “pedestrian joke.”

“If they are thinking of recreating what the APC did in 2013, then this is nothing but a pedestrian joke; a complete mockery of that seismic political coalition,” he wrote.

The ADC initiative is being led by the National Opposition Coalition Group, which includes former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex‑Kaduna Governor Nasir El‑Rufai, former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Umar Ardo (a former aide to ex‑President Obasanjo), among others.

The group formally applied for registration as a political party with INEC on Thursday, with the process acknowledged by the commission on Friday.

However, Keyamo continued to downplay the move:

“This is just a simple application for party registration. There is nothing like a ‘coalition’ here.

“It is an unnecessary hype the promoters have been struggling to create all along; it is just psychological warfare on Nigerians, a weak attempt at mass appeal.”

He emphasized that no officially recognised political parties are involved at this stage:

“This is not different from several political associations springing up every day for the same purpose.

“After all the razzmatazz, it boils down to the fact that a new political party is just attempting registration by a few Nigerians, it is a disappointing anti‑climax to all the preceding pomp and pageantry.”

Keyamo’s comments echo earlier assessments where he described efforts to build an opposition coalition as “impossible” and likened them to “a storm in a teacup,” asserting that no unified front could match the APC’s established structure .

Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State has raised concerns over rising insecurity in the state, attributing it to the spillover effect of criminal activities from the crisis-ridden Northeast and Northwest regions of Nigeria.

Speaking in Abuja on Friday during a visit to the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ododo emphasized that Kogi should not be mistaken as a refuge for criminals fleeing military offensives elsewhere.

“Kogi State is not a fertile land or a free destination for criminals. We are dealing with them decisively. They are hearing it, we don’t make noise,” he declared.

The governor highlighted Kogi’s geographic vulnerability, explaining that its central location exposes it to infiltration by armed groups escaping pressure from security operations in other parts of the country.

He also pointed to underexploited natural and agricultural resources as underlying factors contributing to insecurity.

“Kogi State borders 10 states, including the FCT. A state that borders this number of states will definitely, whether you like it or not, experience one form of insecurity or the other. But what we are facing today in Kogi State and the country in general is something we can all join hands together to address,” Ododo said.

“In Kogi State, we have over 32 mineral deposits in commercial quantity, but they have never worked for our dear state. We have arable land that is good for any kind of crops, but it has never been put to use.”

He linked the growing presence of armed elements in forest areas to the success of military campaigns in other parts of the country, which are pushing these groups further south.

“This is part of what contributes to insecurity. The recent influx of criminals, I call them criminals because a normal human being cannot stay in the forest, is a result of the pushback from the Northeast and Northwest,” he added.

Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to protecting the lives and property of Kogi residents, assuring that security remains a top priority.

Hon. Raymond Okey Ugwu, Chairman House Committee On Youth, Sports, And Security

The Enugu State House of Assembly will on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, hold a one-day public hearing on a proposed law aimed at strengthening internal security, vigilance, and public order across the state.

The hearing is scheduled to take place at the hallowed chamber of the Assembly and will begin at 12 noon.

Speaking to DAILY GAZETTE, Hon. Raymond Okey Ugwu, Chairman of the House Committee on Youth, Sports, and Security Matters, explained that the bill seeks to outlaw bulletproof charms, and ban practices such as okeite, odeshi, and other criminal rituals.

“The bill seeks to outlaw bulletproof charm, ban Okeite, Odeshi, and other criminal practices,” Hon. Ugwu stated.

DAILY GAZETTE recalls that Governor Peter Mbah had earlier submitted an Executive Bill to the State Assembly titled “Maintenance of Internal Security, Vigilance and Order”, as part of a bold strategy to tackle rising criminal activities linked to ritual practices and spiritual manipulation.

The proposed legislation seeks to regulate spiritual practices, ban the use of bulletproof charms (popularly called odeshi), prohibit ritual wealth-seeking practices (okeite), and criminalize the misuse of religious or forest spaces for activities such as kidnapping and ritual killings.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

Section 3(1): Registration of Spiritual Practitioners

“Every person who engages in the practice or rendering of spiritual services within the state, whether as a native doctor, herbalist, spiritualist, chief priest, diviner, seer, or by any other traditional or spiritual title or designation, shall be registered with the ministry, department, or agency (MDA) of the state as may be designated by the Governor for that purpose.”

Penalty for non-compliance:

₦1 million to ₦5 million fine,

Or two years’ imprisonment,

Or both

Section 15: Criminal Use of Spiritual Practices

“Any person who, under the guise of spiritual or traditional practice (including but not limited to practices commonly referred to as okite, ezenwanyi, or any other mystical or ritual form), administers or causes to be administered any charm, substance, or object on or for another person, for the purpose of:
(a) invincibility or protection to facilitate the commission of a criminal offence; or
(b) acquiring wealth or benefits by supernatural means outside any lawful livelihood,
commits an offence.”

Penalty:

Six (6) years’ imprisonment,

Or a fine of not less than ₦5 million,

Or both

Those who falsely claim supernatural powers for influence or financial gain will face:

“Imprisonment for a term of three (3) years or a fine of not less than three million naira (₦3,000,000), or both.”

In addition:

“The burden shall lie on such a person, during investigation, to provide reasonable proof of the purported supernatural abilities claimed.”

Section 16: Criminal Use of Religious Premises

“Any person who uses or knowingly permits the use of a religious place to facilitate any criminal activity shall be liable to six (6) years’ imprisonment or a fine of ₦5 million, or both.”

The affected facility will be sealed pending investigation.

Section 17: Ritual Killings

“Any person who performs, facilitates, demands, directs, or participates in any ritual or traditional practice involving the use of human parts, or who causes another person to do so, commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of twenty (20) years without the option of a fine.”

Section 13: Criminal Operations in Forests and Camps

“Any person found in a camp, bush, or forest within Enugu State without any reasonable or lawful cause, and under circumstances giving rise to reasonable suspicion of involvement in criminal activity, shall be promptly handed over to the Nigeria Police Force or any competent security agency for investigation.”

Landowners who knowingly allow their property, particularly forested areas, to be used for kidnapping, banditry, or unlawful detention will face:

“Twenty (20) years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine.”

Those who host unauthorized individuals on their land (outside of legitimate farming) or fail to report suspicious use of their property will face:

Two (2) years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine

Sections 7–10: Property Forfeiture

“Any land, property, or structure used in contravention of Sections 7, 8, 9, and 10 of this Law shall be forfeited to the Government of Enugu State.”

Additionally, proceeds from crimes such as kidnapping or robbery, including ransom money, will be forfeited to the state—unless lawfully claimed by the rightful owner within a reasonable period.

Regulation of Private Security and Community Responsibility

The bill also imposes obligations on private citizens and institutions:

Private security outfits must register with the government, providing details of personnel and operations.

Town union presidents-general must submit monthly security reports to local government authorities.

Landlords, hotel and guest house managers, and estate associations must collect and submit details, including name, phone number, occupation, and workplace, of tenants and guests to the relevant government department.

Hotels and lodging facilities are mandated to install surveillance cameras in public areas and provide footage to authorities upon request.

Penalties for non-compliance:

₦500,000 fine for landlords

₦1 million fine for hospitality operators

The bill, if passed, is expected to modernize Enugu State’s internal security framework, particularly in tackling ritual-based crimes, spiritual exploitation, and the use of unregulated spaces for violent and criminal activities.

The June 24 public hearing will allow civil society, religious groups, traditional institutions, and members of the public to contribute their views before the bill proceeds to further legislative stages.

Goodluck Ihemnacho, the administrator of Ahoada East Local Government Area in Rivers State, has resigned from his position, just over two months after his appointment by the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd).

In a letter dated June 20, 2025, addressed to the Sole Administrator, Ihemnacho cited a desire to return to private enterprise as the reason for stepping down.

“I humbly write to your noble office to convey to you my resignation as the administrator, Ahoada East LGA,” he stated.

“My sincere gratitude goes to the government of Rivers State and the good people of Ahoada East for finding me worthy to serve as Ahaoda East LGA from 11th day of April 2025 to 20th day of July 2025.”

Ihemnacho’s resignation comes barely ten weeks after his appointment, part of a controversial move by the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibas (Rtd), who on April 7, 2025, named administrators for all 23 LGAs of the state.

These appointments were made less than 24 hours after a Federal High Court reportedly issued an order restraining Ibas from making such decisions.

The announcement of the appointments and the reinstatement of various suspended boards was made in a Special Government Announcement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Ibibia Worika.

“His Excellency The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR, has approved the appointments of administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State,” the statement read.

“He has also approved the reconstitution of some boards of agencies, commissions, and parastatals, earlier suspended. All appointments take effect from Monday, the 7th of April 2025.”