Ejike Ugwueze, an aspirant for the local government chairmanship in Enugu State, was fatally shot on Friday night. The incident occurred in the Neke Odenigbo community within the Enugu East Local Government Area.

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Ugwueze, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, was campaigning for the chairperson position of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, with elections scheduled for October. Reports indicate that the assailants intercepted his vehicle and shot him multiple times before fleeing the scene.

A video circulating on WhatsApp shows Ugwueze lying lifeless in his Lexus SUV, which bore multiple bullet holes and had its doors left open. Local residents reported that police officers arrived at the scene and secured the vehicle.

A resident, speaking anonymously, suggested that the family suspects the murder was politically motivated, noting Ugwueze’s prominent role in the upcoming election.

Ugwueze was the brother of the late Chijioke Ugwueze, a state assembly member who passed away in June 2020. Chijioke’s wife, Amaka Ugwueze, was subsequently elected to fill his seat in the House.

The Enugu State police spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is underway.

Chief Engr. Gilbert Obiajulu Uzodike, a leading industrialist and billionaire from Anambra State, has passed away.

He had recently celebrated his 75th birthday in March 2024.

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Born on March 25, 1949, in Onitsha, Anambra State, Uzodike was the son of Engr. G. M. Uzodike from Ndi-Ogbe, Otolo, Nnewi.

He earned a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Lagos in 1974 and an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1977.

Uzodike was the founder of the now-defunct Adtec Limited and Adswitch Plc.

He played a pivotal role in the growth of Cutix Plc, serving as CEO and later as board chairman until his retirement in 2011. Following his retirement, he continued to contribute to the company as an elder statesman.

Chief Uzodike’s passing marks the end of an era for the industrial and business community in Anambra State.

Senator Kelvin Chukwu, representing the great people of Enugu East Senatorial Zone, is set to officially flag off the construction of the Agbani-Amurri-Ugbawka roads on Sunday.

This significant infrastructure project is expected to enhance connectivity and promote economic development within the zone.

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The construction of the Agbani-Amurri-Ugbawka roads is vital step towards improving transportation and accessibility for rural communities.

The flag-off ceremony will take place at the project site and is expected to be attended by various dignitaries, including government officials, community leaders, and residents of the affected areas.

The event will mark the beginning of a project that has long been awaited by the people of Amurri and Ugbawka, who have faced significant challenges due to poor road conditions.

This road construction would not only facilitate easier movement of goods and people but also stimulate economic activities and create job opportunities for local residents.

Ndi Enugu East zone should be rest assured that the project would be executed to the highest standards, with strict adherence to timelines and quality specifications.

The construction of the Agbani-Amurri-Ugbawka roads is part of Senator Chukwu’s broader agenda to address infrastructure deficits within the Enugu East Senatorial Zone.

His office has also outlined plans for additional projects aimed at improving healthcare, education, and economic development across the zone.

As preparations for the flag-off ceremony continue, the people of the area eagerly anticipate the positive impact this road project will have on their daily lives and future prospects.

The Federal High Court in Kano has reserved judgment in the fundamental human rights suit filed by the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.

The presiding judge, Justice Simon Amobeda, made the decision following intense arguments between the counsels involved.

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Aminu Ado Bayero initiated the motion ex parte, seeking a court order to prevent the defendants from arresting or infringing upon his rights.

The defendants in this case include the Attorney General of the Federation, the Attorney General of Kano State, the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General of Police, the Commissioner of Police in Kano, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Airforce, and the Nigerian Navy.

During Friday’s hearing, counsel for the second respondent, Mahmoud Abubakar Magaji, presented a preliminary objection filed on May 31st, challenging the basis of Bayero’s claims. Magaji argued that the application should be dismissed, stating, “Being an emir is a privilege, not a right.

The applicant filed his application five days after he was removed, at which point he was no longer an emir.”

Magaji urged the court to disregard the originating summons and also filed a motion to set aside the earlier ex parte order preventing Bayero’s arrest, intimidation, or harassment.

Representing Bayero, Michael Jonathan Numa SAN, contended that the court has jurisdiction over the matter as it pertains to the applicant’s fundamental rights.

He filed an originating motion dated May 27th, supported by an affidavit and written address.

Numa emphasized the importance of the suit for the peace of Kano and Nigeria, urging the court to dismiss the respondents’ preliminary objection as unmerited.

At the start of the proceedings, Numa informed the court of the decision to withdraw two of their prayers from the application.

Justice Amobeda concluded by stating that the date for delivering the judgment will be communicated in due course.

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has announced plans to disconnect power supply to several government houses, universities, and other establishments in the South-East due to significant unpaid electricity bills.

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This notice affects the five South East Government Houses, the University of Nigeria, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, the Nigerian Army, and other institutions and industries.

In the disconnection notice issued by EEDC, affected customers have been advised to settle their outstanding bills by June 10, 2024.

The notice, observed on Friday, stated: “The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) wishes to notify its customers with outstanding electricity bills that effective from June 10, 2024, the company will commence the disconnection of electricity supply to these indebted customers.”

EEDC highlighted the necessity of this action due to the substantial unpaid bills and arrears that have placed the company in a challenging financial position, impacting its ability to meet power purchase obligations.

The company emphasized the importance of paying for consumed energy to maintain its operations and service quality.

The list of indebted customers includes the governments of Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Abia, and Imo states, as well as institutions like Innoson Technical & Industries, University of Nigeria (Enugu & Nsukka Campuses), Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd., Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Railway Corporation, National Drug Law Enforcement, UNTH Enugu, Ebonyi State University, Nigeria Coal Corporation Quarters, Federal Secretariat & Establishment, GMO Rubber Division, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Ebonyi State Govt. (Ecumenical Centre 1), Nigeria Prisons Training School, Central Bank of Nigeria offices, Concorde Hotel Owerri, and Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki.

Additional entities include Enugu High Court, Reliable Steel & Plastic Ind. Ltd., Jilnas Industries, BENGAS Nigeria Ltd., CIFO Petroleum Ltd., STANEL Filling Station, Highlift Pumping Station, FINOC Industries Ltd., Aluminium Extrusion Industries Ltd., VIN VAL Limited, Local Government Council offices, Saint Davids Porter Nigeria Ltd., Gees Denver Company Limited, the Federal Controller of Works, Hospitals Management Board, and DONLINK Plastic Industries.