Sir Paul Chukwuma, an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant for Anambra State in the 2025 elections, has criticized Governor Charles Soludo for failing to fulfill his campaign promise of transforming the state into a “Dubai Homeland.”

Instead, Chukwuma claims the state has witnessed a surge in insecurity under Soludo’s leadership.

Speaking at his country home in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area, during a visit by the Ikemba Front, a support group for the late Ifeanyi Ubah, Chukwuma expressed frustration over the state of security in Anambra, stating that no part of the state is safe.

He highlighted the alarming rise in kidnappings, including the recent abduction of reverend sisters, and the fear of movement among the residents.

“Anambra is no longer a place where people can move freely. The situation has gotten so bad that even reverend sisters are not spared from kidnapping,” Chukwuma said.

“You promised Ndi Anambra a Dubai-like homeland, but instead, we have more insecurity and chaos. No one is happy with the current state of affairs.”

Chukwuma also accused Soludo of arrogance and a refusal to heed the advice of Anambra residents.

He pointed out that many roads touted as ongoing infrastructure projects were already deteriorating before completion.

Acknowledging the support of the Ikemba Front, Chukwuma assured the people of Anambra that if elected, his administration would address the security crisis, empower youth, and ensure a steady electricity supply for industrial growth.

He expressed confidence that his approach would bring happiness and prosperity to the people of Anambra.

The Senate is on track to pass the highly anticipated tax reform bills, with key stakeholders nearing agreement on previously contentious issues.

Despite continued opposition, particularly from northern groups, progress is being made.

Senator Abba Moro, Chairman of the Senate’s Ad Hoc Committee on Tax Reform, revealed yesterday that public hearings on the bills would soon take place, setting the stage for a third reading.

Moro’s optimism followed a productive meeting with top officials, including Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman, Zacch Adedeji; and other fiscal policy leaders.

The senator underscored the collaborative nature of the ongoing discussions.

“We’ve worked closely with the Attorney General, the FIRS Chairman, and other key stakeholders to align our positions. Our goal is to pass a law that benefits all Nigerians,” Moro said.

Though Moro refrained from detailing specific changes, he indicated significant progress had been made, with further meetings expected to finalize the bill’s framework.

FIRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji echoed Moro’s optimistic view, noting that most of the contentious issues had been resolved.

“All the grey areas have been identified and clarified during discussions. This engagement has been productive, and I am confident we are on the right track,” Adedeji said.

He also emphasized that the bills are crucial for modernizing Nigeria’s tax system and enhancing revenue generation.

“Everyone involved agrees on the importance of these reforms. We are witnessing the law’s framework take shape with all parties in agreement,” he added.

The tax reforms represent a significant step in overhauling Nigeria’s tax system, with hopes that they will streamline tax collection and improve the country’s revenue base.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State has nominated Chidiebere Egwu, the party’s zonal youth leader, as the new Southeast national vice chairman, following the expulsion of Ali Odefa for alleged anti-party activities.

The party made the announcement in a letter to the acting national chairman, Alhaji Illiya Damagun, and the chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara.

The nomination of Mr. Egwu was based on Odefa’s expulsion, which followed a Federal High Court ruling in Abakaliki that upheld the suspension of Odefa by the PDP ward executives of Oguduokwor Ward in Onicha LGA.

The ward disciplinary committee, after investigating the allegations against Odefa, recommended his expulsion, which was formally announced on December 12, 2024.

PDP leaders in Ebonyi State have unanimously supported the replacement of Odefa with Chidiebere Egwu.

The endorsement was signed by key party figures, including Chief Onwe S. Onwe, former Acting National Secretary; Senator Paulinus Igwe Nwagu, the 2023 Deputy Governorship Candidate; John Igboke, former Deputy National Youth Leader; Paul Okorie, former governorship aspirant; and Austin Edeze, former governorship aspirant and Director-General of the 2023 PDP Governorship Campaign Council, along with other PDP candidates from the 2023 general elections.

The nomination letter has been submitted to the Acting National Chairman, National Secretary, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, and other top party officials.

A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has annulled the ward, local government, and state congresses of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) conducted in 2024.

Justice Stephen Jumbo issued an interlocutory injunction on Monday, preventing those elected from these congresses from acting as officers of the PDP in the state.

The court’s decision followed a suit filed by two Port Harcourt-based lawyers, Edwin Woko and Love Otuonye, along with two other PDP members.

The case was brought against the PDP National Chairman, the State Chairman, Aaron Chukwuemeka, and nine others.

The applicants argued that the congresses, held on July 27, August 10, and August 31, 2024, were conducted in violation of a court order issued on July 16, 2024, which had barred the PDP and its agents from organizing any congresses until the matter was resolved.

The claimants contended that the congresses were held in “flagrant disobedience” of this injunction and sought the annulment of the congresses held in 319 wards, 23 local government areas, and the state.

The applicants also asked the court to declare themselves as the legitimate members of the PDP state executive committee and to prevent the respondents from acting or presenting themselves as the state executives of the party.

After hearing both sides, Justice Jumbo ruled in favor of the applicants, nullifying the congresses and issuing an injunction barring Chukwuemeka and the other respondents from holding office as PDP executives in the state.

The court also declared the applicants as the authentic and current members of the Rivers State executive committee of the PDP, ordering the national leadership of the party to recognize them accordingly.