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.

The Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has rejected the proposal currently before the House of Representatives for the creation of 31 additional states, arguing that the imbalance between the North and South must first be addressed.

In a statement issued in Abakaliki, the Deputy National President of the Ohanaeze faction, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, insisted that equity and justice demand the creation of two additional states in the South to bring parity with the North, ensuring both regions have 19 states each.

He described the ongoing state creation proposal as lacking credibility and failing to meet fundamental criteria for establishing viable political entities.

Isiguzoro criticized the move as premature and ill-conceived, stating that it casts doubt on the integrity of the House of Representatives and undermines its role in governance.

“The suggestion to create an unwieldy number of new states is, frankly, premature and displays a level of immaturity unbecoming of our representatives.”

“Such proposals do nothing but cast a shadow over the stature of the House of Representatives and compromise its essential role in governance,” the statement read.

Ohanaeze reaffirmed its stance that any discussion on state creation should first address the historical underrepresentation of the South, which currently has 17 states, compared to 19 states in the North—a disparity Isiguzoro labeled unacceptable.

He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to show political will and moral strength by correcting this imbalance, emphasizing that the North has leveraged its numerical advantage to gain political and economic benefits.

“In this context, we urgently appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to summon the political will and moral strength necessary to correct this longstanding imbalance in state representation”.

“The political and economic advantages enjoyed by the North, due in large part to its nineteen states, must be counterbalanced by the creation of two additional states in the South,” the statement continued.

Ohanaeze proposed that one of the two new states should be created in the Southeast, which remains the only geopolitical zone with five states, compared to seven in the Northwest.

“Our immediate recommendation is that the first of these new states be established in the Southeast, which currently consists of just five states. It is imperative that the Southeast achieves parity with other geopolitical zones, particularly the Northwest, which boasts seven states,” Isiguzoro stated.

The second state, according to Ohanaeze, should be allocated either to the Southwest or the South-South region, as part of a broader strategy to address longstanding grievances and ensure a more equitable distribution of power.

“Moreover, we propose that the allocation of the second new state be judiciously considered for either the Southwest or the South-South region”.

“This strategic adjustment is not merely a numeric correction; it represents a critical step toward addressing the long-standing grievances of the Southern populace and fostering a more equitable distribution of power across the federation,” the statement added.

Despite its objections, Ohanaeze Ndigbo commended the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, for dismissing the proposal, arguing that it does not meet constitutional requirements.

“We commend the leadership of the House, particularly the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, for his forthright dismissal of this proposal, which fails to meet basic constitutional requirements. His remarks serve not only as a necessary disclaimer but as a vital effort to preserve the integrity and dignity of our legislative institutions,” Isiguzoro said.

Reiterating its commitment to fairness and justice, Ohanaeze called on President Tinubu to take decisive action in creating two new states in the South.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving fairness and equity for our people. We assert that the time has come for President Tinubu to take decisive action and create two additional states within the Southern region. It is a clarion call for justice, equality, and national unity,” the statement concluded.

A major confrontation is brewing within the Nigeria Police Force as six senior officers accused of falsifying their ages and manipulating service records are now demanding that Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun retire alongside them.

The officers: Idowu Owohunwa, Simon Lough, SAN, Benneth Igweh, Aina Emmanuel, Salama Wakili Abdul, and Adepoju Olugbenga, are refusing to step down despite surpassing the mandatory retirement criteria of 60 years of age or 35 years in service.

Egbetokun had earlier directed that the officers appear before a disciplinary committee at the Force Headquarters in Abuja between Monday, February 10, and Thursday, February 13.

Sources revealed that the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC) intends to demote or dismiss them.

“The goal of the IGP Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC) is to reduce the ranks and/or dismiss them outright,” a source disclosed.

However, the officers are resisting retirement, insisting that Egbetokun must also step down since he has exceeded the mandatory retirement age but remains in office due to an extension granted by the President and the National Assembly.

They argue that any decision taken by Egbetokun since his official retirement date—September 4, 2024—is invalid.

“The senior police officers invited to appear before a disciplinary committee are threatening the police IG Egbetokun, saying that he must retire along with them since he has also passed his retirement and only saved by the President and the National Assembly,” a source said.

“They also said that every action taken by Egbetokun since last September 4, his official retirement date, is illegal, including, but not limited to, the issuance of retirement letters to them, which they have refused to honour.”

Additionally, they claim that the directive requiring them to appear in their official uniforms for the disciplinary hearing contradicts their purported retirement, implying that the police hierarchy still recognizes them as active officers.

“They are also saying that if he ordered them to arrive in uniform for disciplinary action after they have been purportedly retired, then he is accepting that they are still in service,” another source added.

Reports indicate that nearly 500 officers have been implicated in allegations of forgery, age falsification, and bypassing service regulations.

While some have quietly retired, others have taken their grievances to the National Industrial Court.

“There are also others who went to the National Industrial Court on Friday, with the IG’s lawyer promising not to retire them,” a source confirmed.

On Saturday, Egbetokun had directed the senior officers refusing to retire to appear before a disciplinary panel.

A police signal dated February 7, 2025, and obtained by the outlet, stated:

“INGENPOL directs you warn and release AP. No. 50645 Idowu Owohunwa, AP/NO. 50703, AIG Benneth Igweh, AP/NO. 41704, CP Aina Emmanuel, AP/NO. 41741, CP Salama Wakili Abdul, AP/NO. 46522, Adepoju Olugbenga Adewole, AP/NO. 57917 DCP Simon Lough, SAN, serving yours to appear before the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC) sitting from 10/02/2025 to 13/05/2025.”

“Time 1000HRS; venue IGP’S Conference Hall, 7th floor, Force Headquarters, Abuja. They are to report in their clean working dress; note daily dress code to be strictly adhered to. Treat as very important please.”

Meanwhile, tensions continue to rise within the Force, as over 200 senior officers were refusing to retire despite evidence of falsified birth records.

Some have served up to 44 years, far exceeding the legal service limits.

Sources further revealed that Deputy Inspector General of the Federal Investigation Department, Dasuki Galandanchi, who is also due for retirement, is demanding a two-year extension, citing the precedent set by Egbetokun’s extension.

“Galandanchi is stating that if he must retire, Egbetokun must also retire,” a police insider noted.

On July 23, 2024, the Nigerian Senate passed the Police Act (Amendment) Bill 2024, extending Egbetokun’s tenure beyond September.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier proposed the bill to modify the Police Act of 2020.

Despite this, IGP had reportedly ordered the immediate retirement of senior officers who had exceeded the age or service limit.

The directive, outlined in a February 1, 2025 letter signed by CP Bode Akinbamilowo, Deputy Force Secretary, was addressed to top-ranking officers nationwide.

The letter referenced a decision by the Police Service Commission (PSC) to enforce retirements. It stated:

“Accordingly, the Commission at its 1st extraordinary meeting of the 6th Management Board held on Friday 31st January 2025 has approved the immediate retirement of those officers who have spent 35 years in service and those above 60 years of age.

“Any omission discovered subsequently on this issue also falls within this approval.”

A full list of affected officers includes Simon Asamber Lough, who should have retired on January 8, 2022, and Benneth Chinedu Igweh, due for retirement on January 5, 2023.

The Police Service Commission had formally approved the immediate retirement of senior officers exceeding the age and service limits.

The decision was made during its first extraordinary meeting, chaired by DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), alongside other commissioners, including retired Supreme Court Justice Adamu Paul Galumje.

The PSC’s spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, confirmed the decision:

“PSC rose from its first extraordinary meeting with the approval for the immediate retirement of senior police officers who have spent more than 35 years in service and those above 60 years of age.”

Despite the PSC’s decision and IGP Egbetokun’s directive, the affected officers remain defiant, setting the stage for a major institutional crisis within the Nigeria Police Force.

The leadership of the Nigeria Police Force has been thrown into confusion following a fresh legal dispute as several senior officers have challenged their premature retirement at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN).

The suit, registered as NICN/ABJ/21M/2023, was brought before Hon. Justice O. A. Obaseki Osaghae by Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Egong Egwu Egong, Edwin Okoro, and three others.

They claim that the Police Service Commission (PSC) wrongly calculated their service years based on a controversial circular, counting from their initial entry into the force instead of their admission date into the Police Academy.

In response to the suit, the police legal team has undertaken to maintain the “status quo” until a final decision is reached, effectively pausing the planned retirement of the senior officers.

This development has reportedly unsettled the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who had been preparing for their departure.

Earlier, the Industrial Court ruled that the officers’ service years should be determined from their academy entry date, and no appeal has been filed against the judgment.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Adeleke Agbola, representing the claimants, pressed the court to ensure strict adherence to its ruling.

“The judgment of the court is that the date is when the policemen got into the Academy. There is no appeal against the judgment. I urge the court that status quo be maintained pending the hearing of this committal proceeding to determine if there has been a breach on the basis that the judgment of the court must be obeyed,” Agbola emphasized.

On the other hand, Ade Adedeji SAN, counsel for the PSC, reassured the court that the commission was taking necessary steps to comply with the ruling.

He reiterated that the judgment remained unchallenged, making it binding.

“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,” Adedeji assured.

Despite these assurances, Agbola urged the court to schedule a hearing on committal proceedings to determine whether there had been any violation of the judgment.

Following these submissions, the court adjourned the case to March 18, 2025, for a report on full compliance with the ruling or a hearing on the committal proceedings.