Access Bank has paid tribute to the late former CEO of Access Holdings, Herbert Wigwe, his wife, Chizoba, and their son, Chizzy, on the first anniversary of their passing.

The trio tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in California on February 9, 2024.

In a post on X, Access Bank reflected on Wigwe’s enduring impact, emphasizing that his influence continues to shape the organization.

“A year ago, we lost a visionary leader whose impact still echoes in our lives. Herbert Wigwe was more than a name—he was a force of excellence, resilience, and transformation.

“His legacy lives on in every bold step we take, every life he touched, and every dream he inspired. We honor him not just in memory, but in action.

“Rest on, Herbert. Your vision endures.”

To commemorate their lives, a one-year memorial service was held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Lion of Judah Parish, in Isiokpo, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The solemn event was attended by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who was represented by his Deputy, Ngozi Nma Odu.

Additionally, another remembrance service is taking place at Eko Hotel in Lagos, bringing together family, friends, and associates to honor the legacies of Herbert, Chizoba, and Chizzy Wigwe.

The Nigeria Police Force has agreed to comply with the ruling of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) by reinstating officers who were forcefully retired in 2021.

The affected officers, who were members of Courses 33, 34, and 35 of the Nigeria Police Academy, were prematurely disengaged from service despite not having reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 or the required 35 years in service.

Challenging their removal, the officers took their case to the NICN in Abuja, which ruled in their favor in April 2022.

However, despite the ruling, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Police Service Commission (PSC), and the Secretary of the Police Force allegedly failed to enforce the court’s decision.

In response, the officers returned to court, seeking action against the IGP for disobeying the judgment.

The NICN had ordered their immediate reinstatement, yet there was no implementation of the ruling.

Following the NICN’s latest intervention, the police force directed the concerned officers to report to Abuja in August 2024 for documentation, with expectations of their immediate reabsorption into the force.

However, after completing the documentation process, no further action was taken.

During a recent committal proceeding, the claimants’ counsel, Adeleke Agbola, SAN, urged the court to ensure that the officers’ reinstatement was upheld while the contempt case was being heard.

“This is a contempt proceeding. Some urgent issues have come up since the filing of this application. The PSC (Police Service Commission) used a circular that the initial date of entry is what will be used to calculate their (ex-cops’) date of entry, not when they got into the police academy.

The judgment of the court is that the date when the policemen got into the academy.”

Agbola emphasized that since there was no appeal against the judgment, the police must comply fully with the court’s directive.

“There is no appeal against the judgment. I urge the court that the status quo be maintained pending the hearing of these committal proceedings to determine if there has been a breach on the basis that the judgment of the court must be obeyed.”

Responding to the proceedings, the police counsel, Ade Adedeji, SAN, assured the court that the force was taking steps to implement the ruling.

He affirmed that there was no appeal against the judgment and reiterated the commitment of the police to upholding the rule of law.

“We have taken steps to obey the court’s judgment. The judgment is not challenged as there is no appeal. It is final. The circular has nothing to do with the claimants. It is without prejudice to the parties in this matter.

“We do not intend to do anything to overreach the court. We intend to comply with the judgment of the court and have sworn to the affidavit in this regard. All the claimants have been posted. I give an undertaking that all the defendants are law-abiding and will comply with the judgment and the rule of law.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged transparency and accountability in the utilization of the $1.07 billion allocated to the health sector in the 2025 budget proposal.

He warned against the mismanagement of funds, referencing past incidents where public funds were allegedly swallowed by animals such as snakes, termites, and monkeys.

In a statement he personally signed, Atiku criticized the lack of thorough investigations into these bizarre claims and called on the government to ensure proper oversight of health sector expenditures.

“Against the backdrop of dwindling resources that have been exacerbated by the withdrawal of support in certain areas of our healthcare services, it is important that every kobo budgeted for the health sector has to be maximally utilised.

“To this end, the Federal Government has to be deliberate about putting mechanisms in place for public audit and accountability in its $1.07 billion budgetary appropriation in the health sector,” he stated.

Atiku also questioned the government’s failure to provide comprehensive details on how the $1.07 billion would be utilized in the primary health sector.

“We have read that the Federal Government has a plan to expend a whopping $1.07 billion in the primary health sector. This amount is in addition to the N2.48 trillion, which had earlier been proposed for the sector in the initial draft of the budget.

“This development gets even more troubling when the government equally announced that the $1.07 billion it is adding to the health sector at the sub-national level was mainly sourced through foreign loans and a fraction of it being provided through an international donor agency,” Atiku added.

The former vice president further criticized the administration for failing to commit to physical infrastructure projects in the health sector, raising concerns about possible misappropriation.

“Undoubtedly, the Tinubu administration has failed woefully in the health sector because of the poor funding of the sector. The major diseases in the primary health sector remain malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.

“If Tinubu’s administration meant well in its claim to prioritise the health of Nigerians, his government should explain how it plans to spend this intervention fund in addressing these diseases in the primary health sector.”

Meanwhile, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the Initiative for Leadership and Economic Watch in Nigeria have expressed their willingness to collaborate with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in monitoring the budget at both national and sub-national levels.

During a courtesy visit to the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, in Abuja, representatives of the CSOs emphasized their commitment to ensuring that budgeted funds are properly utilized.

Speaking on behalf of the CSOs, Splendor Agbonkpolor highlighted their focus on budget implementation and transparency.

“The budget is our major concern. Our mandate is to monitor budget implementation; to assess budget effectiveness, identify budget gaps, advocate for reforms, promote transparency, provide evidence-based reports, collaborate with stakeholders, and support capacity building,” he said.

Agbonkpolor further explained the need for collaboration with the EFCC, stating, “The fight against corruption is not a one-man show. It is not a one-agency business, not a sole business of the EFCC”.

“The EFCC needs Nigerians to assist it in terms of reportage and information. The committee believes that corruption starts with procurement. If corruption is tackled from the point of procurement down to the point of implementation, at the end of the day, the money that would be stolen from the budget would be minimised.

“In our work, over time, we discovered that despite the huge money received by contractors for projects, whenever we get to the site, nothing would be there. If we go on-site and we see that a project that was supposed to be on the ground is not on the ground, we will come to the EFCC and say, ‘Look at this project, look at the amount of money that has been paid, but there is nothing on the ground.’ So, it makes the work easier for the EFCC to just go there and investigate.”

Olukoyede welcomed the partnership, emphasizing the importance of collective action in fighting corruption.

“We can only achieve that by collaboration. I have been saying it and I will continue to say it that fighting corruption is not the work of law enforcement or anti-corruption agencies alone, and that is why I am so much in love with your initiative. I can guarantee you all our support. When I see civil society with us, it gives me confidence that we are succeeding.

“We are all victims of this crime we are talking about. So, we are ready to work with you. Budget implementation and monitoring are very key. We will ensure that our collaboration with you is strong.”

The Umueze community in Enugu East Local Government Area has expressed gratitude to the Member representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, Professor Paul Nnamchi, for his contributions to education and social infrastructure.

The commendation was made during the chieftaincy coronation of High Chief Emmanuel Agbo Agboko as the Ugwobueze II of Umuanameze, Umueze.

Speaking on behalf of the community, the Secretary-General of Ugwogo Nike, Engr. Comrade Chibuzor James Okwoede, highlighted the impact of Nnamchi’s scholarship scheme, noting that it has transformed the lives of young people at the grassroots level.

He also praised the lawmaker for his infrastructural projects, particularly the installation of solar-powered streetlights across the constituency, which have improved security and living conditions.

In his response, Prof. Nnamchi expressed appreciation for the recognition and pledged to continue working for the betterment of his constituents.

He described his efforts as a small way of giving back to the people who have supported him.

The event was graced by notable personalities, including Hon. Osita Okoh and Hon. Raymond Ugwu, both members of the Enugu State House of Assembly representing Enugu East Urban and Rural constituencies respectively.

Also in attendance were Surv. Prof. Victor Chukwuemeka Nnam, former Enugu State Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, traditional rulers such as HRH Igwe Barr. Emeka Ugwu (Ofia Afulu Agu I of Ugwogo Nike), HRH Igwe Damian Ikechukwu Edeh (Eze Akpaka I of Amankpaka Nike Autonomous Community), and Hon. Chief Joseph Agbo Ugwumba (Eze Umuezeani).

The coronation ceremony featured a rich display of Igbo cultural heritage, including traditional dances and masquerade performances, with the revered Ijele masquerade captivating the audience.

An Enugu Magistrate’s Court has postponed the arraignment of Okah Kingsley Chukwuagozie, popularly known as Evergreen, who is facing charges of forcible entry, malicious damage, and conspiracy.

The case was adjourned after Chukwuagozie failed to appear in court.

Chief Magistrate O.S. Chukwuani, who presided over the session on Friday, January 30, 2025, rescheduled the matter for February 14, 2025.

The decision followed a statement from the defence counsel, G.O. Asogwa, who informed the court that his client was unwell.

The prosecution, led by C.C. Ugwu, did not oppose the request for adjournment.

The charges allege that on April 23, 2024, Chukwuagozie and others, who are still at large, unlawfully entered a property in Ndiaga Amechi Uwani, disrupting the peace.

The land in question is said to be owned by Sunday Nnaji White, who was in possession at the time.

Additionally, the defendants are accused of destroying fences, gates, and a building under construction, with damages estimated at over ₦45 million.

The alleged offences violate Sections 496(a), 115, and 415(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State 2004.

In a related development, an Enugu court had earlier issued an injunction in a separate land dispute, barring Evergreen and others from any activities on the contested “Ururu Ike Land” in Amodu, Nkanu West LGA.

The order prohibits harassment, arrests, construction, or sale of the land until the court hears the Motion on Notice.

The court will reconvene on February 14, 2025, for the arraignment.

The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has advocated for the death penalty for drug peddlers, particularly those whose activities lead to the deaths of children.

Speaking over the weekend, Adeyeye emphasized the need for stricter punishments to deter the distribution of harmful and substandard medications.

She described the perpetrators as “merchants of death” who prioritize illicit profits over human lives.

According to her, only severe penalties would effectively curb the growing menace of fake drugs.

She cited a case where an individual was caught importing dangerously high doses of Tramadol, a powerful drug with life-threatening effects.

Despite the seriousness of the crime, the offender received a minimal sentence of just five years in prison or an option to pay a fine of N250,000.

“Who wouldn’t pay a fine of N250,000 and go on to commit the same offense?” she questioned, stressing that such lenient punishments do little to deter criminals.

Adeyeye further criticized the current legal framework, arguing that it does not adequately protect the public, particularly children, who are often the most vulnerable victims of counterfeit drugs.

She also disclosed that NAFDAC is working closely with lawmakers who have pledged to collaborate with the agency in pushing for tougher penalties against drug peddlers.

This, she noted, would help curb the widespread distribution of counterfeit medications in Nigeria.

In addition to regulatory challenges, Adeyeye expressed concern over the agency’s limited resources.

She revealed that NAFDAC operates with a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees, meaning each staff member serves about 119,000 Nigerians based on the country’s current population.

“We are understaffed, and our funding is limited. I hope things will improve so we can strengthen our efforts,” she said.

Despite these challenges, Adeyeye reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring that those responsible for distributing dangerous drugs face the full weight of the law.