Paradise News

Tag: Anambra State

  • Nanka Forum Urges Security Agencies to Fish Out Killers of Member in Anambra

    Nanka Forum Urges Security Agencies to Fish Out Killers of Member in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    The gruesome murder of Nze Joe Mohale Ezenwegbu of Etti village in Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State by men of the underworld in the late evening of Saturday, November 11, 2023, continues to unsettle the residents of Nanka Community, due to what can be described as slow investigation activities by the Security architecture charged with investigating the assassination.

    To this extent, a socio-cultural group, Nanka Forum, has called on the police and the Department of State Services to double up their efforts in solving the mystery around the murder of Mohale. This call was made through a press statement released by the group and signed by the Administrators of the group, Ikenna Ellis Ezenekwe and Barrister Chinwike Ezebube and dated January 12, 2024.

    According to the press statement, Joe Mohale Ezenwegbu a member of the forum, was shot by gunmen on the evening of Saturday, November 11, 2023 while he was seated at the Etti Village Community Hall with friends, unwinding for the day.

    Earlier in the day, Joe Mohale Ezenwegbu who was the Ward 1 chairman of Young Peoples Party (YPP), had hosted the member representing the Orumba North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Chinwe Nnabuife, who is also the YPP candidate for the February 3, 2024 re-run election in the Constituency. The YPP candidate visited Chief Ezenwegbu and other party members in preparations ahead of the re-run election.

    Read Also: APGA Committed To Building Strong, Cohesive Community – Ezeokenwa

    Two hours after the event he was shot by gunmen who allegedly called him “sabo” before he was shot in the lower abdomen. He died hours later at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi.

    The statement indicated that Joe Mohale Ezenwegbu was an active member of the group.

    “He was known for his good heart and willingness to help people. He was a gifted grassroot politician.?, loved by everyone. We will miss him for his outspoken nature and his ability to bring people together. He was one of a kind,” the statement partly reads.

    Continuing, the statement says, “Mohale Ezenwegbu’s death should not be allowed to be swept under the carpet. His killers should be fished out and made to face the law. It will be unfortunate for the battle against insecurity in Anambra and the South East in general should the killers of Joe Mohale Ezenwegbu to go unpunished. It will indeed be a letdown to the government of Anambra State and the nation.

    “The people of Nanka Community are presently in fear of the gunmen striking again. With the re-run election slated to hold February 3, 2024, there is palpable apprehension which may reduce the number people that will participate in the electoral exercise. There is need to pep up security to avert another incident.”

    Chief Ezenwegbu’s assassination came amidst several other unexplained killings and murders of prominent indigenes of Nanka. Some of the people murdered in the community include a one time Commissioner for Science and Technology in Anambra State under the Peter Obi Administration, Hon. C. C. Okoli; a former President General (PG) of Nanka, Hon. Paul Chinedu; a former Isi Nze Nanka who was beheaded by his murderers, among other several killings.

    The forum pleaded with the security agencies to launch a comprehensive investigation into the mysterious killings and murders in the community.

  • APGA Committed To Building Strong, Cohesive Community – Ezeokenwa

    APGA Committed To Building Strong, Cohesive Community – Ezeokenwa

    By Ovat Abeng

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa has reiterated the importance of unity, camaraderie, and cohesion among members, stressing the party’s commitment to building a strong and cohesive community within its ranks.

    He commended the unwavering dedication and hard work of the state’s party loyalists.

    Ezeoke spoke when he paid a significant visit to Imo State to engage with the party’s State Working Committee, indicating a drive towards notable progress.

    He acknowledged the relentless efforts and loyalty of the Imo State Working Committee, expressing regret for past mistakes in the State and urging a course correction.

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    He proposed a retreat for the State Executives Council (EXCOS), including the SWC, as well as the chairpersons and secretaries at the local government level, with the goal of enhancing essential capabilities for effective administration and political strategy within the party.

    The APGA Chairman of Imo State, Chief John Iwuala welcomed the National Chairman and his delegation and led the Party’s State Exco in a robust session with the National Chairman, who was accompanied by the members of the National Working Committee (NWC).

    The session aimed to strengthen the party’s operations while also fostering communication with key party affiliates in the state.

    Chief Iwuala warmly acknowledged the importance of the National Chairman’s visit, expressing gratitude on behalf of the State Working Committee (SWC).

    He commended Ezeokenwa for his strong work ethic and exceptional leadership, viewing the visit as an opportune, timely, and beneficial milestone for the Imo State Chapter.

    Chief Iwuala reiterated the state chapter’s steadfast commitment and unwavering loyalty to the party’s values and vision. He vowed that the party in Imo State would deliver results in key resolutions in few months.

    The APGA National Chairman’s visit to Imo State underscores the party’s purposeful efforts to enhance its foothold in the State, promoting cohesion and enhancing governance among its members.

    APGA is resolute in its mission to champion its members and drive progress for the state and its populace.

  • 3 Anambra traditional rulers withdraw chieftaincy titles on Ifeanyi Ubah

    3 Anambra traditional rulers withdraw chieftaincy titles on Ifeanyi Ubah

    By Ovat Abeng

    Three traditional rulers in Anambra State who bestowed chieftaincy titles on the senator representing Anambra South senatorial District Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, have withdrawn them.

    There have been a long drawn battle between Ubah and the Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, steming from the former’s quest to replace the later as governor.

    Ubah had late last year joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), and he is touted to be APC’s joker for Soludo’s ouster.

    Meanwhile, within the 2023 Christmas and New year celebrations, Ubah was bestowed with several chieftaincy titles by different traditional rulers in the state.

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    Among them are; Igwe F.E. Ebelendu of Aguluezechukwu in Aguata Local government area, Igwe Onwuamaeze Damian Ezeani of Neni in Anaocha Local government area and Igwe Gerald Obunadike Mbamalu of Ojoto in Idemili South local government area.

    The monarchs bestowed the the senator the titles; Ikemba Ojoto (strength of Photo community), Odenjiinji Neni (Mystery of Neni Community)and Dike Eji Eje Ogu (warrior that can be taken to battle), respectively.

    Meanwhile, the state governor, Chukwuma Soludo noting Ubah’s growing influence moved to clips the wings of the traditional rulers who awarded the titles. Soludo started by suspending the erring traditional rulers, citing negligence of due process in awarding titles as contained in the traditional rulers’s council law.

    But the traditional rulers involved have on Tuesday night tendered apologies to the governor and also withdrawn the titles.

    In a press release by the Press Secretary to the state governor, Mr Christian Aburime, he said: “The monarchs have respectively apologized to Anambra State Government and withdrawn and cancelled the phantom chieftaincy titles conferred on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, as it contravenes the State Traditional Rulers’ law.”

    The release further read: “This action by the three traditional rulers was in direct contravention of the State Traditional Rulers’ code, which outlines the rules and regulations regarding the granting and revocation of chieftaincy titles.

    “Consequently, the titles of Ikemba Ojoto, Odenjiinji Neni and Dike Eji Eje Ogu earlier bestowed on Senator Ifeanyi Ubah have been withdrawn and cancelled by the three Igwes.

    “This was contained in their respective letters of apology to the State Government which also confirmed the withdrawal and cancellation of the Chieftaincy titles which they variously described as nullity.”

    The letters by the monarchs were also sighted by this our correspondent, where they withdrew the titles earlier conferred on Ubah.

  • Armed Forces Day: Inculcate Spirit Of Brotherhood, Camaraderie – APGA National Chairman charges Nigerians

    Armed Forces Day: Inculcate Spirit Of Brotherhood, Camaraderie – APGA National Chairman charges Nigerians

    By Ovat Abeng

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa has implored Nigerians to embrace love and unity in honor of the valiant men and women who have served and sacrificed for the country’s peace and stability.

    Armed Forces Remembrance Day, observed every 15th of January, is a day Nigeria commemorates the supreme price paid by our service men and women in keeping the country united and safe.

    Ezeokenwa encouraged citizens across all divides to reflect on the relentless efforts and ultimate sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

    He urged Nigerians to mirror the spirit of brotherhood and camaraderie exhibited by our troops on the front lines and inculcate these values in our daily dealings with fellow Nigerians.

    Read Also: One killed, as police foil armed robbery attempt in Anambra

    “Today, we stand in memory of our courageous soldiers. Their unwavering determination and selflessness weave the very fabric of our national flag and embody our collective will to prevail against adversity.

    “Let every Nigerian, from every state, every tribe, and every walk of life, join hands in unity – this is the most fitting tribute we can pay to our fallen heroes,” said Barr Ezeokenwa.

    The APGA boss emphasized that remembrance is only the first step; action must follow. He called upon all Nigerians to actively foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding.

    “Our differences are the palette that colors our nation vibrant and beautiful. Let’s work together, with hearts full of love, to create a masterpiece worthy of the sacrifice of our armed forces,” he continued.

    Ezeokenwa further stressed that the stability and growth of Nigeria rest not only on the might of its Armed Forces but also on the collective will of its people to live in harmony.

    “As we honor our heroes today, let us also pledge to be the architects of peace in our daily lives, for true peace is achieved not only through victory on the battlefield but also through love in our communities,” he stressed.

  • One killed, as police foil armed robbery attempt in Anambra

    One killed, as police foil armed robbery attempt in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    Police Special Crack Squad deployed to Ihiala by Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aderemi Adeoye, weeks before Christmas has foiled an armed robbery operation and neutralized one of the hoodlums.

    The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this in a statement, said the Crack Squad which works  with the local vigilante had restored calm in the ancient city making it possible for Ihiala sons and daughters who trooped in from the Diaspora and elsewhere to enjoy the  festive season.

    According to Ikenga, the encounter with the gunmen occurred in the night of 12 January, 2024 as they attempted to rob a middle-aged man of his vehicle at Ubiahuikwem, Ihiala.

    “On sighting the Squad the gunmen who operated on two motorcycles  opened fire on the Police. Operatives professionally engaged them to avoid hitting the would-be victim of the armed robbery who then zoomed off from the scene.

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    “One Automatic Pump Action Gun and two motorcycles were recovered from the hoodlums.

    “The Commissioner of Police who expressed satisfaction with the tremendous work the Police Squad has done charged them not to relent in flushing out all criminal elements out of Ihiala  and neighbouring communities like Isseke, Lilu, Orsumoghu and Azia.

    “He promised continuous logistics support to the Squad to ensure it fulfils its mandate.”

  • Supreme Court Judgement: Don’t accept APGA commendation, APC group tells Tinubu

    Supreme Court Judgement: Don’t accept APGA commendation, APC group tells Tinubu

    By Ovat Abeng

    South East APC Young Progressives Forum, Anambra State chapter, has told President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to accept the All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA’s commendation over the just concluded Supreme Court Judgement that affirmed the elections of eight governors.

    The group described the commendation as hypocritical congratulations.

    It was reported that APGA, in a statement, has commended President Tinubu for ensuring a transparent court process that led to the victories of the governors at the Supreme Court.

    But the APC support group in a statement jointly signed by Comrade Paschal Candle National Coordinator and Comrade Michael Chibuzo, Anambra State Coordinator of the group, which a copy was made available to Journalists in Awka on Monday, said that APGA were bringing their hypocrisy and Eye service to bear judging by their actions and propaganda against the APC in Anambra State.

    Read Also: Mad man brought for deliverance matchets worshippers inside church in Anambra

    The statement read;

    “We, the South East APC Young Progressives Forum, Anambra State chapter has watched with bemusement the hypocritical congratulations of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the APC-led government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Justices of the Supreme Court over the recent slew of judgments the apex court delivered in various Governorship Election Petition Appeals before it.

    “In their congratulatory message, APGA, which is the outgoing and ruling party in Anambra State, hailed President Bola Tinubu to high heavens and added that “the President’s non-interference in the judicial process is a testament to his commitment to ensuring the birth of a new Nigeria where the rule of law reigns supreme.” We make bold to ask, how does the responsibility of Justices, an affair of Mr President if not for sycophancy that made APGA to issue such reckless statements.

    “We, The South East APC Young Progressives Forum ordinarily would not have raised eyebrows over this adulation of the President and the APC-led federal government by APGA if it came from a place of sincerity and good sportsmanship. It is however obvious that APGA were bringing their hypocrisy and Eye service to bear judging by their actions and propaganda against the APC in Anambra State and South East, the same party they were hailing to high heavens at the national level. The branding of APC as Boko Haram Party and Fulani Party. The seed of hatred for APC in Anambra State was planted all the Churches, Markets, Schools by the Same APGA led Government in Anambra State. They used all machineries of Government to make our People hate APC and President Tinubu.

    “In fact, in 2023 Elections, APGA led Government in Anambra State supported Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and even give financial support to PDP Candidates where they have weak Candidates.

    “Today, The APGA government in Anambra State led by Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo wants to be seen as an ally to the APC at the federal level but their actions on ground in the state towards the same APC betrays their sinister intention. APGA officials in Anambra State and the Soludo administration as a whole always badmouth APC as a party when they speak to our people at the grassroot. They accuse APC of being clueless and deliberately bringing economic difficulties unto the citizenry. This is the same APC led by President Tinubu who APGA with the other side of their mouth is hailing as being “committed to ensuring the birth of a new Nigeria”. This is premium hypocrisy!

    “If the APGA hypocrisy stopped at that, it would have been manageable. However the APGA-led Soludo administration has classified APC in Anambra State as a potent political threat that must be subdued and have gone to employ sinister and draconian tactics to achieve that objective. The latest of such is the suspension of traditional rulers in the state who give chieftaincy titles to APC chieftains. Also, any APC Member who wants to Contest President-General of His community is seen as an outcast by APGA Led Government and such person is automatically disqualified even if he is popular. These have happened in Awukuzu town, Nimo, Mbaukwu and many other places. This is pettiness taken to the extreme!

    “We all saw how APGA and Prof. Soludo collected Palliatives from APC led Government and failed to disclose it to Our People. Till date, Ndi Anambra is asking, where is our own Palliatives from Tinubu. The APGA government in Anambra State is no longer content with hijacking federal government interventions and re-baptising it as theirs, they want to obliterate anything APC in Anambra State and would not mind if the Tinubu administration from the federal level begin to see APGA in Anambra as the state chapter of the APC instead of Anambra APC. This whole hypocritical grandstanding from APGA and Soludo is simply geared towards reducing the appetite or keenness of the APC at the federal level from trying to bring Anambra State into the APC fold in the 2025 governorship elections.

    “To further underline the naked hypocrisy in the APGA congratulations, the party is not a party in any of election petition appeals and therefore can easily be seen as a meddlesome interloper. Secondly, APGA talks about renewing of hope in our democratic process yet are running an undemocratic system in the 21 Local Government Areas of Anambra State with illegal transition committees and zero accountability. Hypocrisy couldn’t be this audacious!

    “The South East APC Young Progressives Forum therefore wish to call on the All Progressives Grand Alliance to remove the garment of hypocrisy and stop speaking from two sides of their mouth as far as APC is concerned both at the national level and at the state level. The Soludo administration should also face governance instead of hounding its political opponents or using the instrumentality of state power to intimidate traditional or religious institutions that dare associate with APC or any of its stakeholders in Anambra State.

    “Soludo has enough headaches to tackle ranging from the broken down internal security in our cities, especially the state capital Awka, crude waste management system, thuggish revenue collection and confiscation of items belonging to poor citizens, etc. He should face these governance issues squarely and see if he can deliver the African Dubai Taiwan he promised Ndi Anambra instead of the sycophantic posturing towards the APC government at the federal level,” the group stated.

  • Mad man brought for deliverance matchets worshippers inside church in Anambra

    Mad man brought for deliverance matchets worshippers inside church in Anambra

    A mentally unstable man brought for deliverance in a church in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, has been arrested for matcheting a worshipper during deliverance service.

    The man was alleged to have picked up a cutlass from the church altar and gave the worshiper a deep cut. The victim was rushed to a hospital and is responding to treatment.

    Confirming the incident to journalists, the spokesperson of the Anambra state police command, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, said “Preliminary information reveals that the man of God claimed he could heal the madman and started praying. As the prayers were ongoing, the mad man, during a struggle with the pastor and other members/witnesses, picked up a cutlass from the altar and wounded one of the members.

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    “Furthermore, the suspected unsound mind has been taken to the hospital for psychiatric evaluation and medication, and his relatives are under interrogation in safe custody. Further details shall be communicated.”

    Source: Linda Ikeji

  • Bishop Okpaleke Bags Anambra Man Of The Year Award

    Bishop Okpaleke Bags Anambra Man Of The Year Award

    By Ovat Abeng

    His Eminence, Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke, the Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, in Aguata Council Area of Anambra State, has bagged Man Of The Year Award at the just concluded 3rd edition of the prestigious Anambra Man Of The Year (AMTY) Awards Celebration.

    The event which took place at the Stanel Dome Awka, on Friday, was organised to recognised and appreciate sons and daughters of Anambra origin who has in one way or the other contributed to the prosperity and development of Anambra State and Nigeria at large.

    Accepting the award, Bishop Okpaleke, thanked the organizers for the honour and for recognising his work for God and humanity.

    The award winning Bishop was born on March 1st, 1963, in Amesi, Aguata Council Area of the State.

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    In December 2012, he was appointed the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ahiara by Pope Benedict xvi. However, due to opposition from some members of the clergy, he did not take possession of the diocese or exercise his episcopal  Ministry there.

    His resignation as the Bishop of Ahiara was accepted by Pope Francis in February 2018. Subsequently, on March 5th, 2020, Bishop Peter Okpaleke was appointed the first Bishop of the newly created Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia (CADEK).

    The Bishop received the award through Fr. Prof Anthony B.C Chiegboka, the Vatican General of Ekwulobia Dioceses.

    One of the AMTY organizers, Mr. Chinedu Okafor, who spoke to Journalists shortly after the event, said Bishop Okpaleke was honoured with the Anambra Man Of The Year Award for his continues contribution to the renewal of the earth through the Holy Spirit.

  • NiMet, Unizik Sign MOU To Build Weather Station

    NiMet, Unizik Sign MOU To Build Weather Station

    By Ovat Abeng

    Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik) on Friday, 12th January, 2024, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to build a weather station in the university.

    Professor Charles Esimone signed on behalf of the Governing Council of Unizik while Professor Charles Anosike signed on behalf of NiMet.

    Speaking at the MOU signing ceremony, Professor Anosike charged the management of Unizik to take leadership in downscaling NiMet’s annually issued Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) to farmers and other users in Anambra state and beyond.

    “The MOU signed with Unizik to partner in building a weather station in the university is a big achievement for NiMet as the partnership will ensure that farmers and other users receive timely weather and climate information”, Professor Anosike said. He thanked Professor Esimone for the commitment shown in signing the MOU on behalf of Unizik, as it shows the importance the university attaches to weather and climate information.

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    In his response, Prof Esimone thanked Professor Anosike for the opportunity to collaborate with NiMet. “I am promising NiMet that Unizik will play its part in fulfilling the terms of the MOU which is a landmark accomplishment. Not only our local farmers, but our students, lecturers and researchers will benefit from this relationship especially in the areas of information on climate prediction and climate change”.

    “Unizik will match the financial commitments of NiMet to the project by two because weather and climate information is critical to economic development”.

    “We will also involve our Centre for Community Development (CCD) with this project so that we can improve on farmer education. NiMet should also consider training relevant Unizik staff to help sustain the terms of the MOU”, he concluded.

    Professor Esimone was accompanied by Professor Ifeanyi Christian Enete of the Department of Geography and Meteorology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, while Directors of NiMet also witnessed the signing of the MOU.

  • Suspected gunmen burn down traditional ruler’s palace

    Suspected gunmen burn down traditional ruler’s palace

    By Ovat Abeng

    Palace of the Traditional Ruler of Isseke Community in Ihiala local government area of Anambra state Igwe Emmanuel Nnabuife, has been burnt down by suspected gunmen operating in the South East region of Nigeria.

    It was gathered that the attacked is coming about one week after a former convoy driver to late Gov Chinwoke Mbadinuju was allegedly kidnapped by gunmen after performing the funeral ceremony of his brother at the same Isseke community.

    Reports has it that the said former driver failed to settle the gunmen before burying his brother and shortly after the funeral the gunmen stormed his home firing gun shots in the air and took him away to an unknown destination.

    As at the time of this report the driver who they gave his name as CY have not been found and his were about is yet unknown.

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    Confirming the attacked on his palace, Igwe Emmanuel Nnabuife said  that the house was burnt by the gunmen adding that he had no problem with anyone in his community before the incident.

    “It is true that my palace was burnt down by these boys and I have lost everything that I have laboured all my life, and as it is now I am homeless”

    “Everything was raised down but I thank God that no life was lost and nobody was harmed by those boys and this is the way it in my town Isseke” he disclosed.

    Confirming the incident, the State Police Commissioner Mr Aderemi Adeoye, said the gunmen were those fleeing from Ihiala town following the security operatives by the joint task force on security in the state.

    He noted that Isseke is closer to Imo state a neighboring state adding that officers and men of the command are on top of the situation to fish out the perpetrators.