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  • APGA will continue to govern Anambra progressively as days goes by, says Soludo

    APGA will continue to govern Anambra progressively as days goes by, says Soludo

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Anambra Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has assure the people of Onitsha South Local Government Area of the State that the ruling-All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA, under his watch, with continue to governed the State as days goes.

    Soludo stated this at St. Jude Catholic Church Fegge in Onitsha, on Sunday while speaking at the Thanksgiving Service of the National Chairman of the party, Chief Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, who is celebrating his Supreme Court Victory that affirmed him as the authentic National Chairman of APGA.

    Recall that the Supreme Court on November 27th, 2024 affirmed Sly Ezeokenwa as the authentic National Chairman of the APGA, putting to an end the party’s leadership dispute between Ezeokenwa and his challenger, Chief Edozie Njoku.

    Speaking further on the celebration, governor Soludo thanked the party supporters for standing strong with it’s national chairman during the Court battle.

    He said that the victory was a clear evidence that APGA was progressively formed in 2002 to provide good governance to the people of Anambra State and Nigerians at large.

    According to him,  Anambra State have been in the progressive page since the administration of Mr Peter Obi, Chief Willie Obiano and now under his watch and it will continued in that part as days goes.

    Soludo assured the people that with the victory, his administration would be more committed to the welfare and development of the state.

    He urged the people to come out emasse on Thursday, May 8 to receive President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the state.

    The celebrant, Chief Ezeokenwa, commend the judiciary for the job well done, assuring that his leadership will not disappoint the people of Onitsha South, Anambra State, South East region and the country as a whole.

    He assure that the party under his leadership will work to ensure that governor Chukwuma Soludo wins 362/ 362 come November 8, 2025 governorship election in the state.

    In his contribution, the frontline aspirant of the party in the forthcoming Anambra South Senatorial District bye election, Chief Ebuka Onunkwo, also lauded the Supreme Court for resolving the party’s leadership tussle, describing the decision as a welcome development to Nigeria democracy.

    “This landmark decision is a testament to the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice is served.”

    He used the celebration to assure the people of Anambra South that his representation if elected as Senator will further attract government presence to the zone in line with governor Soludo’s vision of making Anambra a peaceful, secure, livable and prosperous state in Nigeria.

    The Church service also witnessed the presence of Anambra first lady, Mrs Nonye Soludo, the formal Chairman of the party, Chief Victor Oye, the State Chairman of the party, Barr Ifeatu Obi-Okoye, APGA National Publicity Secretary, Dr Ejimofor Opara, the Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Hon Emeka Orji, the State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Ben Obidike and his Environment counterpart, Engr Felix Odimegwu, Soludo support groups, among others.

  • Accident claims four Seminarians, injures nine in Obudu Cattle Ranch

    Accident claims four Seminarians, injures nine in Obudu Cattle Ranch

    A tragic road accident has claimed the lives of four Catholic seminarians and left nine others injured near the Obudu Cattle Ranch in Cross River State.

    The victims, all members of the Enugu Catholic Diocese, were on an excursion to the ranch when their vehicle reportedly suffered brake failure. The incident occurred on Saturday at the Ikwette community, located near the bottom hill area outside the main ranch premises in Obanliku Local Government Area.

    According to eyewitness accounts and preliminary reports, the group had just concluded a guided tour of the popular Obudu Mountain Resort and were descending the hill when the accident took place. The bus, which belonged to the Enugu Catholic Diocese, was carrying thirteen individuals at the time.

    Emergency services from the Ranch Resort, supported by personnel from the Nigerian Army, responded promptly to the scene, providing immediate medical assistance and helping to transport the injured to nearby medical facilities.

    The Diocese has confirmed that the group was led by a Reverend Father and comprised mostly seminarians undergoing religious training. The identities of the deceased are yet to be fully released pending notification of their families.

    “This is a deeply painful moment for the Church and the families involved,” said a representative of the Diocese. “We ask for prayers and support as we navigate this difficult time.”

    Investigations are ongoing, with brake failure currently cited as the likely cause of the accident.

    Source: Sentrytimes News

  • Opinion: CR Central, No Benefit Of Doubt, Call For Action

    Opinion: CR Central, No Benefit Of Doubt, Call For Action

    By Victor Egba

    Statesmen, fellow youths, ladies and gentlemen,

    Today, we have reached a place of sober and somber reflection. The murmurs, whispers, and grumblings must now snowball into political action. We can no longer continue to hide the obvious, disguise the truth, or ignore the impending saloon of mediocrity we are being whitewashed into.

    This is beyond sad because it touches the very root of our strength as a Senatorial District. We are not just suffering in silence; we are now being bamboozled to gratify the political cupidity of one man. We are being compelled to accept our melancholic political situation as though it were our collective destiny. It appears to all clear-thinking fellows that to have an option is now being criminalized. In fact, even the Governor is not spared from the rhetoric. Everyone must accept the mediocrity that has been foisted upon us. Our aspiration for better is our last hope—and they are fighting to take it from us.

    My fellow compatriots, are we going to pretend that we are not aware that nobody takes the Central Senatorial District seriously anymore? Are we not aware that our stake in the polity is dwindling?

    Just yesterday, we were the most courted people. We held sway. On the floor of the Red Chambers, our Senators glided like lilies—mastering their words and owning the show. Beyond the superficialities of oratory, we had a representation that remembered home. Our representatives didn’t come on pilgrimages to our hospitals to rape our goodwill or insult our collective sensibilities.

    It was not surprising to see them at funerals, birthday ceremonies, dedications, commissioning events, or even house naming ceremonies—not because these were their job descriptions, but because they wanted to keep the warmth, unite us under leadership, and remind us that they were one of us. Even though the roads of Abuja were tarred and the hotels cosy, the journey to the hinters of Boki, Agoi, and Akparabong was a journey of solidarity and reassurance. So that our children wouldn’t just imagine who our Senators were—they would make music of them.

    Today, we are far from who we were. We are now being programmed to accept this as our fate.
    BUT AREN’T WE THE CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT ANYMORE? ARE WE NOT CAPABLE ENOUGH TO DECIDE OUR DESTINY?
    I think we are. I believe that we can. And I believe that we do not lack the will to act—we will act in due course.

    But therein lies our problem: the postponement of action—the delay buried in our long-suffering patience. We are likely to say, “Let’s run the cycle. Let’s allow him finish only this term.” But in doing so, we give ourselves another opportunity to be lied to.

    Just suddenly, our Senator appeared to care—after two years of utter abandonment, sheer neglect, unreplied messages, unhonoured invitations, leadership not provided, and a complete disconnect from the yearnings and aspirations of us all. What a fantastic awakening.

    Does it not surprise us that after two years, we now have liaison officers? There is suddenly a need to reconnect with the grassroots. Does it not concern us that the Senator would steep so low as to play politics of optics and psy-ops with people who are genuinely sick—handing out a few notes of our collective wealth again as a poser for effective representation? What a theatre of the absurd.

    Fellow youths, we cannot pretend to have any connection with our Senator. We have no one to rally around. We don’t even know who to call upon. We are completely shut out—no access, no opportunities, no shared wealth.

    Fellow youths, doesn’t it concern us that, in his so-called altruism, the Senator schemed over 95% of scholarship opportunities to his  associates only? What does that say about his sense of justice and our collective future?

    Are we forgetting already, that in the last year budget, the Northern senatorial district (5LGAs) got a total of N12billion Constituency projects in the 2025 budget, while Central senatorial district (6LGAs) with an APC Senator got a paltry N8billion. Drooling behind the Northern and Southern Senatorial District, are the indices not just ever evident?.

    Fellow constituents, we are not oblivious to the quality of representation we are now constrained with. The question is whether we will sit idly by and watch this ongoing campaign of blackmail—targeted at His Excellency and designed to maneuver and arm-twist the Governor into compelling his aides to stay away from the polls—just to reinforce mediocrity upon us again.

    Doesn’t it concern us that this campaign continues to twist the Governor’s words? That, two years in, the Senator is still trying to cling to the Governor’s graces in a desperate bid to return to power? After riding on the goodwill of past Governors, our Senator still refuses to build. He always wants to be bailed and babied.

    Nothing seems satisfactory to him other than stoking the system with unhealthy paradoxes and shamelessly seeking to crucify a Commissioner who is stepping up to fill the leadership vacuum and rescue our senatorial district from collapse.

    While this article is a critical call for appraisal, it is also a plea for calm detour and wise choice. Can we effectively compete for available resources and dividends of democracy in this condition? In the event zoning fails, do we have a leader we can rally around?

    Are we going to keep pretending that we are not already disappointed? Are we going to wait until 2027—or should we begin this recall now?

    Victor Egba
    Writes from Lagos.

  • Police rescue couple, one other from suspected Kidnappers

    Police rescue couple, one other from suspected Kidnappers

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Police operatives attached to Neni Divisional Headquarters in Anoacha local government area of Anambra State, have rescued three victims, including a husband and wife from suspected kidnappers in the area.

    The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga who disclosed this in a statement in Awka on Sunday, said the operatives responded swiftly to a distress call along Okacha junction, Neni on 3rd May 2025 by 8.45 pm, foiled a kidnap incident, rescued three victims including a husband and wife and recovered one of the victim’s vehicles from the scene.

    Meanwhile, the Joint Security Force, comprising the Military, Civil Defence and Vigilantes have complimented the onslaught of operational efforts of the Police aimed at arresting the armed hoodlums and to recover one Black Lexus 350 SUV with Reg. No: ABJ 557 LD reportedly snatched from the second rescued victim and which the hoodlums used to escape from the scene.

    “The State Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu has, therefore, urged residents to remain vigilant and law-abiding, working together with security agencies to maintain peace and security in the State,” the PPRO noted.

  • Press Freedom Day: NUJ seeks safe, supportive environment for media practitioners

    Press Freedom Day: NUJ seeks safe, supportive environment for media practitioners

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council has called on government at all levels to ensure a safe and supportive environment for media practitioners to operate effectively.

    Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Archibong Bassey, made the call on Saturday during a road walk to commemorate the 2025 World Press Freedom Day in Calabar, the state capital.

    The road walk, tagged ‘Freedom Walk’, had a large turn-out of media professionals in the state who marched peacefully from the WAPI Junction, through Diamond, Stadium and terminated at the Millennium Park. Their messages were conveyed in placards with inscriptions such as “The Nigerian Media Deserves Freedom, Not Fear”, “No True Democracy Without a Free Press”, “Fake News Thrives When the Press is Gagged”, among others.


    Comrade Bassey stressed the importance of an unfettered press, stating that societal ills flourish when journalists are silenced or restricted. She underlined the mutual responsibility between the press and society in safeguarding truth and accountability.

    The NUJ Chairperson called on journalists to remain focused, in spite of distractions, and uphold truth as a fundamental value of the profession.

    Also speaking, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Nsa Gill, cautioned journalists against premature politicking, stressing that the current focus should be on governance, not elections.

    In line with the 2025 theme of the World Press Freedom Day, which is “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media”, the CPS urged media practitioners to embrace evolving tools, especially Artificial Intelligence, to enhance their reporting skills. He noted that while AI can support journalism, it must not replace core journalistic values or ethical practices.

    “It is wrong to copy and paste AI content without verification. Journalism still demands accuracy and accountability,” he said.

    As part of the Freedom Walk, media professionals visited the Mother Elizabeth Redeemed Orphanage and the Medium Security Prison, Afokang, where they donated food and toiletries to both the orphanage and inmates.

  • Councilors in Central Senatorial District Visit Hon Oden Ewa, Seek Collaboration

    Councilors in Central Senatorial District Visit Hon Oden Ewa, Seek Collaboration

    Councilors of the Central Senatorial District paid a courtesy visit on the Hon. Commissioner of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Hon. Oden Ewa at his hometown in Ugep.

    During the visit, the Councilors expressed appreciation to the Commissioner for granting them audience and commended him for his exemplary leadership and contributions to the welfare of the people of Central Senatorial District, describing him as a worthy ambassador of the senatorial district.

    Speaking on behalf of the Councilors, Hon. ThankGod Ekupnse Ojong, Leader of Etung Legislative Council,  said “We are here to express our profound admiration for your outstanding service, dedication and commitment to duty and the remarkable things your doing to bring succor to the people of central senatorial district.

    “As a Commissioner in the People’s First administration, you have consistently demonstrated your capacity and have represented the Governor and government with great distinction in all your endeavors. We are immensely proud of you.”

    The Councilors highlighted the Commissioner’s significant contributions to the senatorial district. They said these contributions would stand as testament to the commissioner’s vision, dedication and commitment to the senatorial District.

    They also described Hon. Oden Ewa as a valuable asset, expressed their desire to strengthen the relationship between the Councilors and the Hon. Commissioner as his political trajectory is worthy to reckon with.

    In response, Hon. Oden Ewa expressed his gratitude for the visit and reiterated his unwavering commitment to duty and to the senatorial district.

    “I am proud to be associated with you, I have always intended to contribute to the development of our senatorial district, I believe it is a duty to give back to humanity that has shaped my life.”

    He also pledged his continued support and contributions to the people’s welfare, while also thanking the Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu for the opportunity to serve.

    #OdenEwa Media

  • How Monday Nwokoye’s Appointment as SASA Director End Street Touting in Onitsha

    How Monday Nwokoye’s Appointment as SASA Director End Street Touting in Onitsha

    By Ovat Abeng

    Since the appointment of Hon. Monday Nwokoye as Director of the Special Anti-Touting Squad Agency (SASA), the agency has experienced a remarkable transformation.

    Residents and commuters have widely praised the sweeping reforms that have effectively curtailed corruption and eliminated street touting in key areas of the state.

    An independent investigation by Pechilly Investigative revealed widespread satisfaction among Onitsha residents, many of whom expressed joy and relief over the changes ushered in by the new leadership.

    Hon. Nwokoye’s no-nonsense approach and decisive leadership style were frequently cited as the driving force behind the restoration of peace and order in previously troubled areas.

    According to Mr. Emeka Nweke, a keke driver, “The governor made a great choice in appointing Hon. Nwokoye. Since he assumed office, SASA has been completely transformed. Touts no longer harass us, and the streets are safer. We thank Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo for this wise decision.”

    Further interviews with drivers and street vendors echoed similar sentiments. One commercial driver, who requested anonymity, said, “Hon. Nwokoye is the best thing that has happened to SASA. Under his leadership, all the bad practices are being rooted out. We can now work in peace without fear of harassment.”

    Since Nwokoye took office, notable improvements have been observed in law enforcement operations, transparency, and public engagement—fostering a renewed sense of trust between the agency and the public.

    Residents and stakeholders continue to commend Governor Soludo for appointing a capable and disciplined leader to guide SASA toward lasting reform. As one respondent put it, “SASA is now the best. With Nwokoye in charge, everything is in order.”

    Hon. Nwokoye’s tenure marks a new chapter in Anambra State’s fight against street crime and public sector corruption—one that many hope will continue to yield positive results across the state.

  • Anambra 2025: Ogbaru Traders Endorse Gov Soludo’s Second Term Bid

    Anambra 2025: Ogbaru Traders Endorse Gov Soludo’s Second Term Bid

    By Ovat Abeng

    Traders at the Ogbaru Main Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, have declared their support for the re-election of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo ahead of the November 8, 2025 governorship election.

    Their endorsement, announced during the market’s 40th anniversary celebration on Friday, was attributed to the governor’s strides in improving security and infrastructure across the state.

    Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Ogbaru Main Market, Chief Dr. Ndubuisi Ochugo, said the traders’ support was rooted in a desire to consolidate on the progress made so far under Governor Soludo’s leadership.

    “Our endorsement is in line with our collective aspiration for a better Anambra and Nigeria at large. The governor’s visible achievements in security, infrastructure, and governance speak for themselves. It is only proper to support his continuity,” Chief Ochugo stated.

    He assured the governor of the traders’ unwavering support and called on others to join in helping him achieve his developmental vision for the state.

    Also speaking, Hon. Evaristus Uba, Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets; Chief Chineye Ukoh, Director General of the Agunechembra Security Outfit; and Chief Jude Nwankwo, Chairman of the Onitsha International Building Materials Market, commended Soludo’s administration for restoring peace and security in Onitsha and its environs.

    “The era of sleepless nights caused by insecurity is over,” Chief Ukoh remarked. “Governor Soludo has renewed the people’s faith in government.”

    They urged voters across the state to give massive support to the governor and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) during the upcoming election.

    The motion to endorsed Governor Soludo was formally moved by the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, and seconded by the Chairman of the Ogbaru Market Board, Chief J.I. Ejison.

  • WTTD 2025: Ogoja rules the waves in Nigeria

    WTTD 2025: Ogoja rules the waves in Nigeria

    By Frank Ulom

    As part of the events marking the global celebration of World Table Tennis Day (WTTD) on 23rd April 2025, the town of Ogoja ensured that Nigeria joined the ITTF table family in celebrating this grassroots awareness event. Thanks to the generosity and hospitality of the people of Ogoja, Nigeria was represented by members of the Cameroonian refugee community and members of the Adagom 3 community of Ogoja. As one of their own, Solange Ngonda Tibesa a Cameroonian was one of the 30 WTTD 2025 global promoters.

    For Solange who was heavily supported by the ITTF, UNHCR, the Refugee Organisations Network (RON), SEMA of Cross Rivers State, and CSED (Community Sports and Educational Development) Initiative, it was a dream come through for her to see that all the efforts she put in to ensure a successful event has eventually come to a successful reality.

    The event which was held at the Adagom 3 playground was attended by several distinguished guests including, a representative of UNHCR (Mrs. Annick Nahimana), royal fathers and tribal leaders of Ogoja, the Divisional Police Officer (D.P.O.) of Ogoja, a representative of Nigeria Immigration Service, a representative of NCFRMI, persons with disabilities, women’s groups, and the representatives of the sports committees of the three refugee camps in Ogoja.

    There were pre-event advocacy rally/health talks, traditional dancers representing the host Ogoja community and the Cameroonian refugee community. As well as, the usual display of table tennis skills by both male and female players. Buba and wrapper tennis playing women amazed the large crowd.

    In her address to the over one thousand attendees of the event, the head of the UNHCR Office in Ogoja, Mrs. Annick Nahimana commended the event organisers for their efforts in using table tennis to bring people together. She urged the community to support Solange and she promised that those with creative minds like her would always have the backing of the UNHCR. Especially in supporting educational and pro-social activities/projects that promote peaceful co-existence between Cameroonian refugees and the indigenes of Ogoja.

    Moving forward, Solange who is also a netball coach, promised to work with the relevant community groups and NGO in sustaining the growth of table tennis and other sports among Cameroonian refugees and members of the host community.

  • 2025 World Press Freedom Day: C’River Govt restates commitment to Free, Independent Press

    2025 World Press Freedom Day: C’River Govt restates commitment to Free, Independent Press

    On Saturday, 3rd May, 2025, Cross River State joins the rest of the world in celebrating Journalists and the Media in general on this auspicious
    commemoration of the 2025 World Press Freedom Day. A day set aside by the United Nations General Assembly to remind Governments around the world and the Media in particular of the need to respect their commitments to Press
    Freedom. It is a day of reflection among the Media and to raise awareness on the fundamental principles of Press Freedom throughout the world.

    The theme for this Year’s edition, being the 32nd Anniversary of World Press Freedom Day – “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Press Freedom and the Media” is very apt and timeous. This is a strong indication that a free press is one of the most effective mechanisms that we have for furthering the protection of journalists on the line of duty while also leveraging on the relevance and impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in information gathering and dissemination.

    This is even more so that the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has brought the world together as a stage for information gathering and reporting. It is therefore, very critical that as purveyors of the society, the Media must necessarily embrace the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in bringing the World together towards achieving the seeming impossibilities of nature.

    The Cross River State Government wishes to note that this commemoration once again brings to the fore the very essence of the Media and its Practitioners. A proactive Press remains the bedrock for any democratic society. Central to the impression that information is a public commodity, it is essential to everything we do. More often than not, we trust the media with providing the information.

    Effective information dissemination helps people to engage meaningfully in the political, socio-economic and civic spheres of their Communities, State, Nations, and the world at large.

    As we continue to emphasize on factual accuracy, credibility, and more importantly, cling to the ethical standards of journalism which the World Press Freedom Day was initiated to remind us annually about, the Government of Cross River State hereby restates her commitment to a Free Independent Press in our dear State so that every Journalist can operate without fear of molestation, while also noting the alarming effects of the present day digital revolutions in the Media sector that is virtually altering the information terrain and its modalities of production and distribution.

    As an Administration with the “People First” Mantra, Governor Bassey Edet Otu will continue to partner with the Media and other relevant stakeholders to protect freedom of expression and fighting misinformation in the Society.
    Government shall continue to fight all enemies of a free press society that promotes discriminations and crimes against Journalists in the course of performing their legitimate duties. Government shall also promote the digitization of the Media in the State so that the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) would be felt in the performance of their duties in our dear State.

    As we commemorate this day, the Cross River State Government joins her voice in condemning the continued persecution of responsible Journalists by repressive governments around the globe, some leading to imprisonment and death of genuine Media Practitioners and call for total restraint.

    Once again, Government congratulates all Journalists across the globe and those practicing in our dear State in particular on this auspicious World Press Freedom Day 2025 with a renewed hope that this season of sweetness which is recalibrating Cross River State from all sectors, shall add greater value to this symbiotic relationship.

    Thank you and God bless us all.

    Erasmus Ekpang Ph.D., anipr, ftifuh
    Commissioner for Information.