Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the prominent Igbo socio-cultural organization, has announced Senator David Umahi, the former governor of Ebonyi State and current Minister of Works, as the 2024 Igbo Man of the Year.

In a statement issued in Abakaliki on Sunday, the Secretary-General of the Chidi Ibeh-led faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, explained that Umahi was selected after a comprehensive evaluation of Igbo public officeholders.

The assessment, based on factors such as infrastructure development, job creation, security solutions, and democratic inclusion, saw Umahi stand out above other notable figures like Hope Uzodinma and Benjamin Kalu.

Isiguzoro also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s groundbreaking recognition of the Igbo people, calling it a historic shift in the Southeast’s relationship with the Federal Government, which has not been seen since the end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970.

He praised Tinubu’s administration for prioritizing massive infrastructure projects across the region, many of which are spearheaded by Minister Umahi.

“Senator Umahi’s remarkable achievements as Minister of Works, including the revitalization of key federal roads and the creation of job opportunities through cement industry innovations, have greatly benefited the region,” Isiguzoro stated.

“His efforts in tackling security challenges along major highways have also contributed to restoring peace and order in the Southeast.”

Isiguzoro further commended Governors Peter Mba of Enugu and Francis Nwaifuru of Ebonyi for their exemplary governance, particularly their promotion of local government autonomy and transparency, which has fostered accountability in both states.

The statement also highlighted Umahi’s role in ensuring regional unity and collaboration with the federal government, pointing to his diplomatic efforts that helped prevent regional participation in national protests, thereby promoting stability within the country.

In recognition of Umahi’s extraordinary contributions, the Igbo socio-cultural group named him the clear winner of the 2024 Igbo Man of the Year award, noting his pivotal role in shaping the future of the Southeast.

The announcement also placed Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu as the second-best performer among National Assembly members.

The people of Anambra North Senatorial District are celebrating as Senator Dr. Tony Nwoye, representing the district in the National Assembly, spreads festive cheer by distributing 2,000 bags of 50kg rice, 5,500 bags of 25kg rice, 10,000 bags of 10kg rice, cartons of groundnut oil, tins of tomatoes, bags of salt, and cartons of Maggi seasoning.

Additionally, Senator Nwoye has donated over ₦200 million in cash gifts to 3,762 stakeholders across 99 wards in the district and seven local government areas.

The distribution event, which took place over the weekend, was part of Senator Nwoye’s ongoing efforts to give back to the people of Anambra North, acknowledging the hardships many Nigerians are facing.

While handing over the items to local committees, he expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support he has received and his determination to continue improving the region.

Senator Nwoye emphasized that the donation was intended not only for stakeholders and Labour Party members but also for grassroots communities, including mechanics, tailors, and both indigenes and non-indigenes of Anambra North.

“I will never take your support for granted, and I assure you that I will continue to provide leadership for a better Anambra North and Anambra State,” he said.

He also clarified that while 38 stakeholders from each of the 99 wards had been selected to receive financial assistance, they were not part of the rice distribution.

These stakeholders, who will receive the financial support for the Christmas, represent the Labour Party’s elected members in the district, including Hon. Peter Anekwe (Anambra East & West Federal Constituency), Hon. Afam Ogene (Ogbaru Federal Constituency), Hon. Iduu Emeka (Onitsha North & South Federal Constituency), Hon. Jude Umennajiego (Onitsha South 2), Hon. Fred Ezenwa (Onitsha South 1), Hon. Pat Okafor (Onitsha North 2), and Hon. Justice Azuka (Onitsha North 1).

During the event, Senator Nwoye called on Anambra residents, Christians, and Nigerians to embrace peace and love during the festive period.

He also made a strong plea for the immediate release of Hon. Justice Azuka, a Labour Party House of Assembly member recently kidnapped, and urged Governor Soludo to take swift action to address the growing security challenges in the state.

The distribution of rice and cash across Anambra North is expected to bring considerable joy to many families this Christmas season, reinforcing Senator Nwoye’s commitment to supporting his constituents and fostering unity in the region.

Chief Uche Nnaji, the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, over the weekend, urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Enugu State to ensure that President Bola Tinubu secures winning votes in the 2027 general election.

Speaking at a meeting of the party’s stakeholders, which he hosted at his residence, Nnaji assured that all disruptive elements within the party had been removed.

He emphasized the importance of grassroots involvement, expressing satisfaction with the party’s growth in the state.

The minister pointed out that the votes officially credited to APC members in Enugu during the last election were not reflective of the true level of support for Tinubu.

He called on party stakeholders from all wards in the state to step up efforts to mobilize voters and secure a clear victory for the president in the upcoming election.

Nnaji also praised President Tinubu for his focused leadership, which he said transcends regional boundaries and serves all Nigerians equally.

In addition, the minister criticized the current budget presented by Governor Peter Mbah to the House of Assembly, arguing that Enugu does not have the oil resources to support such a large financial plan.

Nnaji concluded, “In the 2027 election, we must deliver the winning votes for President Tinubu. We aim to ensure that Enugu is at the forefront of leadership and development. Change is coming to the state, and we are determined to provide the leadership required to bring it about.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has announced that elections for all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) will take place in 2025.

This clarification was made by the APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, in a statement issued on Sunday, addressing growing speculation regarding the status of the LCDAs in the state.

Ojelabi explained that there had been increasing media reports, concerns from party members, and questions from stakeholders about whether elections would be held in the 37 LCDAs.

He emphasized that these rumors needed to be dispelled.

“We wish to inform everyone that Local Government elections will take place in all 20 Local Government Councils and 37 Local Council Development Areas in 2025,” Ojelabi stated.

The APC chairman noted that since their establishment, the LCDAs have played a crucial role in bringing development to the grassroots, contributing significantly to the socio-economic progress of the state.

He highlighted infrastructure projects like roads, drainage, schools, and healthcare facilities, which have been implemented by the LCDAs.

He further remarked that the LCDAs have collaborated with the state government on various initiatives, such as waste management, drainage clearing, and enhancing security, proving their ongoing importance to the state’s development.

Ojelabi also addressed the ongoing debate about the role of the LCDAs and the necessity of elections in their political offices.

He reiterated that the APC, as a progressive party, fully recognizes the contributions of the LCDAs and supports their continued existence.

“The contributions of the LCDAs are indispensable to the overall development of Lagos State, and we cannot disregard their role in improving the lives of our people,” Ojelabi said.

He concluded by urging party members and residents to remain peaceful and cooperative, as the state strives to maintain its position as a leader within the federation.

This announcement follows debates over the proposed Local Government Administration Bill, which seeks to replace the 37 LCDAs with Area Administrative Councils.

The bill, which is still under consideration in the Lagos State House of Assembly, is being examined in light of the Supreme Court ruling on financial autonomy for local governments.

However, the proposal has faced opposition from various political stakeholders in the state.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to publicly disclose his asset declaration, as well as to encourage Vice President Kashim Shettima, ministers, National Assembly leaders, state governors, and local government chairmen to do the same.

In a letter dated December 28, 2024, SERAP praised Tinubu for his consideration to request the CCB to release his asset declaration, urging him to follow through on this intent.

The organization stressed the importance of transparency in asset declarations to minimize corruption opportunities within the government.

SERAP argued that secrecy in asset declarations continues to fuel corruption, particularly in state and local governments, and called on the president to ensure public officials’ assets are made public as a means of enhancing accountability and public trust.

The group also urged Tinubu to champion the implementation of the Supreme Court’s July 2024 ruling, which prohibits governors from seizing local government funds, and to hold those in violation of the ruling accountable.

“Public access to asset declarations promotes public trust and ensures transparency, which is vital in restoring confidence in government institutions and reducing misuse of public resources,” SERAP stated.

The organization acknowledged Nigeria’s constitutional and international obligations to ensure transparency and anti-corruption measures in public office.

“We welcome your reported intention to request the CCB to publish your assets as a significant step forward,” SERAP wrote.

“However, your commitment would carry more weight if you promptly acted by asking the CCB to release your asset details and encouraging your Vice President, ministers, National Assembly leaders, state governors, and local government chairmen to do the same.”

SERAP further emphasized that secrecy in asset declarations creates opportunities for public officials to misappropriate public funds, particularly in local and state governments.

It urged Tinubu to take action in ensuring the immediate and effective implementation of the Supreme Court’s ruling, which protects local government funds from being diverted by state governors.

The letter also referenced the constitutional provisions and international agreements binding Nigeria to uphold transparency and anti-corruption standards, particularly highlighting the importance of asset declarations as a measure against corruption.

SERAP emphasized that the best path toward reducing corruption in Nigeria is strict adherence to the rule of law, which includes the full implementation of the Supreme Court ruling, and a public commitment to transparency at all levels of government.

The Chairman of Egor Local Government Area in Edo State, Eghe Ogbemudia, and her Deputy, Frank Osawe, have been impeached by the legislative arm of the council.

The council members also suspended key officers, including Hon. Bosede Omokaro, the Majority Leader; Hon. Iwinosa Enabulele; and Hon. Elliot Inneh Enni, the Chief Whip.

The impeachment followed four charges: alleged gross misconduct, abuse of office, financial mismanagement, unlawful withholding of statutory allowances for a principal member and three other councillors, as well as budget padding.

The motion for impeachment was presented by Hon. Nosakhare Isiegbuwa and seconded by Hon. Stella Ogida Osagioduwa, with the motion being signed by four legislators.

The suspension of the council’s principal officers was based on accusations of their failure to work effectively with the local government chairmen, delays in the payment of salaries (with two months being overdue), failure to provide adequate oversight, and neglecting their duties.

The motion for their suspension passed with the approval of five members, with one legislator absent.

Following the suspension, Hon. Kelvin Eguakun was elected as the new Leader of the legislative arm.

Isiegbuwa, while presenting the motion for the impeachment of the chairman and her deputy during the plenary session on Friday, said the findings of a seven-member panel investigating the allegations confirmed the guilt of the duo on all counts.

The impeachment was carried out through a unanimous vote by the councillors.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has praised President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to the development of the Igbo people, particularly highlighting the creation of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) as a significant step in addressing the region’s needs.

Kalu made these remarks on Saturday during an empowerment event organized by Chris Nkwonta, the lawmaker representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency.

The event, held in Ndoki, Ukwa East Local Government Area, saw over 3,000 members of various political parties defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

During his speech, Kalu noted that the establishment of the SEDC had garnered widespread support in the region, with many more expected to join the APC due to the positive reception of the president’s efforts.

He emphasized that the Commission would address the pressing infrastructure challenges faced by the South East.

“The president has shown immense dedication to Ndigbo. He is the only leader who has remembered the Igbo after 54 years, fulfilling a promise of reconstruction, reconciliation, and rehabilitation that was made to them,” Kalu remarked.

The promise Kalu referred to stems from the “Three Rs” program introduced by former military leader Yakubu Gowon after the Nigerian Civil War, which took place from July 6, 1967, to January 13, 1970, aimed at reintegrating and rebuilding the nation.