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Anambra 2025: APC Guber Aspirant Pledges To End Insecurity, Sit-at-Home

Chukwuma, an aspirant for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2025 Anambra governorship election, has vowed to tackle the issues of insecurity and the disruptive Monday sit-at-home orders in the state.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area, Chukwuma emphasized his commitment to using local resources and strategies to address these challenges.

The former National Auditor of the APC outlined that his governance plan would prioritize the safety and security of the citizens, promising that all security actions would be in strict compliance with the rule of law.

“In dealing with insecurity, I will not support anything that violates the laws of our land,” he stated.

Chukwuma expressed his concern over the ongoing cult violence and the detrimental effects of the Monday sit-at-home order, which he said has led to the loss of many lives and destroyed countless properties.

He highlighted how these issues have also negatively affected the state’s educational and economic sectors, noting that businesses have suffered due to insecurity and the disruption of the workweek.

“We need to create an environment that encourages investment, both local and foreign. No investor will risk their money in a place where businesses can’t operate freely, especially when operations are halted on Mondays,” he stressed.

Chukwuma added that security should be the top priority of any government that truly cares about the well-being of its people.

To address insecurity, Chukwuma proposed revitalizing Anambra’s existing vigilante law, which was amended in 2015, and ensuring it is fully enforced.

He also emphasized the importance of community involvement in maintaining safety, suggesting that local leaders should be aware of visitors and their purposes in their communities.

“Criminal activities usually happen within communities, not in isolation,” he said.

Chukwuma also stressed the need for a community intelligence system, where information would be shared between local security agencies, such as the Nigeria Police, and the communities themselves.

Additionally, he proposed tackling unemployment as a key step in reducing youth restiveness and curbing criminal activities.

Another key area of focus for Chukwuma’s proposed administration is agriculture.

He pointed out that food insecurity is closely linked to social instability, and investing in agriculture would help ensure food security for both the state and the nation.

“When people are hungry, it threatens security,” he said, emphasizing the importance of agricultural development to address hunger and improve livelihoods.

To further improve security, Chukwuma proposed a comprehensive plan for mapping streets and homes, ensuring that the authorities can easily identify property owners and occupants.

“This will help security agencies identify and track individuals and their residences more efficiently,” he explained.

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Rivers Chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Pushes For President-General Position

The Rivers State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, under the organization Ogbakor Ndi-Igbo Na Rivers, has formally expressed its intention to produce the next President-General of the group following the death of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

The chapter’s demand is grounded in the rotational leadership structure outlined in Article 11 of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Constitution, which mandates that leadership positions be rotated among the seven member states.

In a communiqué released after a stakeholders’ meeting held in Port Harcourt, the group reaffirmed Rivers State’s rightful place in Ohanaeze Ndigbo and emphasized its long-standing support for other states in producing national officers.

The statement was signed by Livingstone Wechie, Convener of Ogbakor Ndi-Igbo Na Rivers, and Barrister Anthony Okolo, National Coordinator of Anyi-Anyi, a pan-Igbo advocacy group.

“We strongly believe that adherence to the Constitution is the key to ensuring a peaceful, prosperous, and united Ohanaeze Ndigbo,” Wechie said.

“We urge all stakeholders to support this principle. May God guide us all.”

The push for a Rivers State candidate comes in the wake of the passing of Chief Iwuanyanwu, the 11th President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, which has created a leadership gap.

The Rivers State chapter contends that having a candidate from the state would provide continuity and inclusivity for the organization moving forward.

Wechie also noted that Rivers State has made significant contributions to Ohanaeze Ndigbo, having held crucial positions such as Deputy Secretary-General, National Financial Secretary, Secretary-General, and Deputy President-General.

He highlighted these contributions as evidence of Rivers State’s experience and commitment to the organization’s goals.

“Rivers State has proven its dedication to the growth of Ohanaeze, and we believe it is time for us to lead,” Wechie added.

The group is calling for a transparent and fair election to elect the next President-General, which is scheduled to take place on January 10, 2025.

They emphasized that maintaining unity and proper representation for all Igbos is vital for the future of the organization.

In a related development, Anyi-Anyi, led by Barrister Anthony Okolo, has proposed a symposium to facilitate discussions on the leadership transition within Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

Okolo underscored the importance of Rivers State’s claim to the presidency, warning that ignoring this claim would undermine the Igbo identity in the state.

The symposium, scheduled for December 7, 2024, aims to strengthen Rivers State’s position and unite stakeholders within the Igbos.

Okolo also called for town-hall meetings and strategic consultations to ensure widespread support for Rivers State’s bid.

Additionally, he urged the Rivers State Police Command to maintain security during the event.

“This program will culminate in a communiqué asserting Rivers State’s right to produce the next President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo,” Okolo stated.

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HARDSHIP: Farmer Arrested For Killing Two Over Alleged Farm Produce Theft

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a man named Adegoke for allegedly killing two men on his farm in Ore, headquarters of Odigbo Local Government Area, last week.

Adegoke is said to have accused the deceased and others from a nearby community of repeatedly stealing from his farm.

The thefts included his produce, such as cocoa, kola nuts, and plantains, as well as his motorcycle, which had been parked on the farm.

According to sources, on the day of the incident, Adegoke confronted the suspected thieves on his property.

A fight reportedly ensued, during which Adegoke allegedly beat two of the men to death and injured others.

A source explained, “The thieves had frequently stolen from Adegoke’s farm, taking his cocoa, kola nuts, and plantains. They had also stolen his motorcycle. When he caught some of them on the farm again, he engaged them in a fight, which led to two deaths and several injuries.”

Confirming the arrest, the police spokesperson, Funmilayo Odunlami, stated that an investigation into the incident is currently underway.

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Dangote Refinery Announces Reduction In Petrol Price

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to ₦970 per litre for oil marketers.

This marks a decrease from the previous ex-depot price of ₦990 per litre, which was set earlier this month.

The refinery’s Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, made the announcement on Sunday, explaining that the price cut is a gesture of gratitude towards Nigerians for their unwavering support in bringing the refinery project to fruition.

The statement further noted that the move also serves as a thank-you to the government for its ongoing support of domestic enterprises.

Chiejina added that the reduction would complement efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s local industries for the benefit of all citizens.

“While we are committed to maintaining the highest quality standards for our petroleum products, we assure you that our products remain environmentally friendly and sustainable,” the statement read.

The refinery emphasized its commitment to scaling up production to meet and exceed domestic fuel demands, addressing any concerns about potential supply shortages.

The price reduction is expected to save marketers approximately ₦20 per litre on petrol purchased from the refinery’s Ibeju-Lekki facility in Lagos.

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Nigeria’s Oldest Catholic Priest, Msgr. Oleghe Dies At 104

Msgr. Thomas Oleghe, Nigeria’s oldest Catholic priest, has passed away at the age of 104.

Bishop Gabriel Dunia of Auchi Diocese confirmed the news in a statement, announcing that Oleghe died peacefully at around 2:30 am on Sunday, November 24, 2024. His funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday, November 27, 2024.

The statement expressed gratitude for the late priest’s long and impactful life: “With gratitude to God for a life well lived on earth, I hereby inform you of the passing of Rt. Rev. MSGR Thomas Oleghe, the oldest Catholic priest in Nigeria, who departed this world at approximately 2:30 am this morning, November 24, 2024.”

Msgr. Oleghe was a member of the Diocese of Auchi, and the statement closed with a prayer for his soul: “May his lovely and gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace. Amen.”

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Investigate Missing N57bn In Humanitarian Affairs Ministry – SERAP To Tinubu

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to initiate an investigation into the alleged disappearance of ₦57 billion in public funds within the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. According to SERAP, the funds were either “missing, diverted, or stolen” in 2021.

In a statement released on Sunday by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged President Tinubu to instruct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, along with relevant anti-corruption agencies, to thoroughly investigate the claims.

The call follows the publication of the 2021 audited report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, which flagged the missing funds.

SERAP emphasized the gravity of the allegations, describing them as a form of theft from the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.

“The allegations point to a serious breach of public trust, as well as violations of the Nigerian Constitution, anti-corruption laws, and international anti-corruption standards,” the statement noted.

SERAP has demanded that anyone found guilty be held accountable under the law, and that all misappropriated funds be fully recovered and returned to the national treasury.

The organization also expressed concern over the broader issue of corruption within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and other government agencies, which continues to affect poor Nigerians.

The 2021 audited report revealed that the ministry failed to account for over ₦54 billion (₦54,630,000,000.00), funds that were intended for monthly stipends for Batch C1 N-Power volunteers and non-graduate trainees from August to December 2021.

The funds were not paid directly to the intended beneficiaries, and the Auditor-General raised concerns that the money may have been diverted.

The report called for the recovery of the funds and sanctions against those responsible for the alleged diversion.

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Governor Nwifuru Orders Arrest Of Six Health Workers For Stealing, Selling Medical Supplies Meant For Health Centers In Ebonyi

Six employees of the Ebonyi State Ministry of Health have been arrested for allegedly stealing government property.

The suspects were apprehended late Saturday night at the ministry’s premises while attempting to transport stolen items to be sold.

Governor Francis Nwifuru announced the arrests in a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor.

The statement revealed that the arrested individuals, including one Mr. Ndukwe Ayansi, were accused of diverting materials intended for the Ministry of Health.

Governor Nwifuru, who was en route to inspect a project, noticed a Toyota Dyna truck being loaded with government registers, books, and other items from the ministry’s warehouse.

Upon further inspection, he found that the truck was carrying patients’ data registers, hospital cards, and other sensitive documents.

The statement also confirmed that the stolen documents had been sold without government approval.

At the scene, Governor Nwifuru condemned the theft, calling it an act of sabotage against the state’s efforts to improve its healthcare system.

He expressed disappointment, saying, “While our hospitals in rural areas lack essential materials like registers and hospital cards, you are selling government property. This act undermines our health reforms and will not be tolerated.”

The suspects have been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.

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NDLEA Nabs Businessman For Cocaine Smuggling

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a businessman for attempting to smuggle a large amount of cocaine by ingesting it.

Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, confirmed the arrest on Sunday through a post on his X account, which included a video showing the seized drugs.

The suspect, whose identity has not been revealed, allegedly swallowed the cocaine in an effort to bypass security checks. Babafemi warned against such illegal actions, writing, “Detty December: Before you swallow those drugs, please remember that the new @ndlea_nigeria has the capacity and capability to catch you.”

He further cautioned, “The businessman who excreted this cocaine will not only spend Christmas in jail but could face a life sentence after his trial. Be warned!”

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Just In: Governor Okpebholo Sets Up 14-Member Committee To Probe Obaseki

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has approved the formation of a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee to investigate the tenure of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The committee will be inaugurated on Tuesday, 26 November 2024, at the Government House in Benin City.

The committee will be chaired by Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, with Anslem Ojezua serving as deputy chairman and Frank Edebor as secretary.

Other members include Kassim Afegbua, Patrick Ikhariale, Taiwo Akerele, Patrick Idiake, Rasaq Bello-Osagie, Fredrick Unopah, Abdallah Eugenia, Patrick Obahiagbon, Kenny Okojie, Lyndsey Tes-Sorae, and Abass Braimoh.

Governor Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, explained that the committee was formed to align with the governor’s efforts to foster development and promote accountable governance in Edo State.

The creation of the committee follows several calls for a full disclosure of the assets and liabilities of the Obaseki administration, which had provided only partial details during its time in office.

In line with the governor’s commitment to transparency, probity, and accountability in governance, the committee will seek to address these concerns and ensure proper management of state assets.

The inauguration will take place at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, 26 November 2024, at the Festival Hall in the Government House.

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