Police Warns Against Caste-Based Discrimination, Declares It Unlawful

The Anambra State Police Command has issued a strong warning against caste-based discrimination, describing it as barbaric, unlawful, and a gross violation of fundamental human rights enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Command emphasized that any attempt to humiliate, deny rights, or restrict individuals based on caste practices will not be tolerated.

Citing Section 42(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Command noted that no citizen should suffer discrimination on the basis of community, ethnic group, place of origin, sex, religion, or circumstance of birth. Similarly, Section 34(1) upholds the right to dignity of the human person and prohibits inhuman or degrading treatment.

The Police further referenced the Discrimination Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2018, which criminalizes all forms of discrimination and prescribes penalties for offenders.

Addressing growing concerns over attempts to prevent marriages due to caste practices, the Command stressed that no cultural barrier has legal backing to override the constitutional rights of consenting adults to marry and live freely together. Such acts, it warned, amount to violations of freedom of association, family life, and human dignity.

“The Nigerian state is governed by the rule of law, not oppressive traditional practices,” the statement read. “Anyone found culpable of enforcing caste-based discrimination will face the full weight of the law.”

The Command urged residents of Anambra to promote peace, equality, and mutual respect for human rights. It also encouraged victims to report any incident of caste-based discrimination to the nearest police station for prompt action.

“The dignity, freedom, and security of every individual remain a top priority for the Anambra State Police Command,” the statement concluded.

Tinubu Appoints Chioma Awuzie Substantive Rector, Fed Poly Oko

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie as the substantive Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State. Dr. Awuzie's appointment, which takes effect immediately for a five-year term, follows the recommendation of the Polytechnic's Governing Council, chaired by Sen. Dr. Barnabas Gemade, after a transparent and competitive selection process where she emerged as the leading candidate. Prior to her appointment, Awuzie, who holds a Doctorate Degree in Physical and Materials Chemistry, was a distinguished Chief Lecturer in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology (Chemistry Option) and also Director in-charge of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Projects in the Polytechnic. Under her stewardship, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, witnessed unprecedented advancements in infrastructure and institutional transformation. Her leadership facilitated monumental developments across the Polytechnic’s campuses in Oko, ...

#Watchvideo : SECURITY FORCES BURST THE CAMP OF UNKNOWN GUNMEN IN AKOKWA

Security Forces in the state through a coordinated intelligence report has bursted the camp of the unknown gunmen at Akokwa, Arondizuogu after a long gun duel which resulted to the death of some of the criminals and others arrested. These criminal elements have been known to be behind several attacks in the state such as the killing of police men in Mbaise, Aba Branch in Ehime Mbano, burning down of police stations, attack and attempted kidnapping of former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, abduction of Miss. P.P. Johnson, a female soldier in Okigwe and recently the attack in Akokwa that left many dead. It is obvious that these daredevil gunmen have been perpetuating their evil plans unabated until yesterday when their camp was bursted by security agencies. This is another assurance that our security operatives are leaving no stone unturned in the fight against banditry and other related activities. While it has become obvious that the activities of these non state actors are politically motivate...

Tension In Uruagu Nnewi As Community Leaders Dare Soludo,Defy Court Order

The President of Uruagu-Nnewi Development Union, Chief Sunday Okoli aka Organizer, and the Obi of Uruagu-Nnewi community in Nnewi North local government area of Anambra State, His Majesty Afamefuna Charles Obi, have swept Soludo's directive to the gutters, by reason of their suspension and subsequent dessolution of the leadership of the community's youth forum, led by Ejike Ifejiofor, and subsequent appointment of caretaker executive to pilot the affairs of youths in the community. The Anambra governor had, through a letter dated August 9, 2024, signed by the Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Martin Agbili, warned the community leaders to stay any action regarding suspension of the Uruagu-Nnewi youth forum. The community had, through its PG, Chief Okoli, written to the Ministry of Youths Development, notifying the ministry of "immediate suspension" of the youth group over alleged insecurity in the area. But the ministry,...