NIGERIAN NOTCH

The Anambra State Police Command has reassured residents of the state of their safety following the circulation of panic-inducing voice notes and unverified security messages on social media by unidentified individuals. In a statement issued on Sunday, the Command said it has taken the situation seriously and has consequently strengthened security surveillance, enhanced visibility policing, and expanded both routine and targeted patrols, particularly in areas referenced in the viral recordings. According to the Police, preliminary assessments show that the circulating messages lack verified credibility. Nonetheless, the Command has adopted proactive measures to ensure that no potential security threat—real or fabricated—is ignored. The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, mnips, PhD, has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Units and Joint Security Teams to remain on heightened alert, intensify intelligence gathering and sustain aggr...

As party may face leadership vacuum, loss of INEC recognition A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Otunba Segun Showunmi, has raised alarm over what he described as an imminent “legal extinction” facing the party if urgent constitutional steps are not taken before December 8, 2025, when the tenure of the current National Working Committee (NWC) expires. Showunmi, in an emergency advisory posted on his Facebook page, said the PDP is entering its most vulnerable constitutional moment in years, with overlapping legal deadlines that could render the party leaderless and unrecognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He warned that unless the party moves within the next 48 to 72 hours, it could slide into what he termed a “self-inflicted legal paralysis”. “The party will become extinct if they allow December 10 to go by. The law will not encourage contempt, and not even the President would be able to help,” he wrote. Convention crisis deepens...

Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday met with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to provide a detailed briefing on the political developments surrounding the recent elections in Guinea-Bissau. Jonathan, who led an ECOWAS Election Observation Mission to the country, clarified that what has been widely reported as a coup was, in his words, merely a “ceremonial coup” executed by the Head of State. Speaking with journalists after the meeting, the former Nigerian leader explained that the electoral process in Guinea-Bissau had been largely concluded and that the results were already known before the political disruption occurred. “I came this evening to brief Mr President on what happened. That is the tradition for former Presidents,” Jonathan said. “Whenever you are involved in regional or continental engagements, you must brief the President upon your return because ECOWAS leaders will meet, and I may not be there. He needs first-hand information...

Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has declared that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has emerged as the most credible alternative to rescue Nigerians from the widespread hardship under the current All Progressives Congress (APC) administration. Atiku made the assertion in Jalingo during the official inauguration of the ADC State Secretariat, where he addressed party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters. He stressed that with the deepening internal crises within the PDP and the growing disillusionment among Nigerians, the ADC stands strategically positioned to secure victory in the 2027 general elections. He urged citizens across the country, particularly the people of Taraba State, to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), noting that genuine efforts to change the government in 2027 would be meaningless without the tools to exercise political choice. “At this critical moment, N...

One hundred staff of the Federal Polytechnic Oko have completed a five-day intensive training on advanced digital skills, data analysis, cyber security and emerging technologies, courtesy of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) through its Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), Abuja. The capacity-building programme, held at the institution’s ICT Academy, was executed under the NCC’s Advanced Digital Empowerment Programme for Tertiary Institutions (ADEPTI) and formally declared open by the Rector, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, who was represented by the Deputy Rector (Administration), Dr. Kenneth Ezekwe. Participants were trained on digital skills development, SPSS and Microsoft Power BI for data analysis and visualization, cyber security best practices, ICT productivity tools, e-teaching/e-library systems, and the use of emerging technologies for academic and administrative efficiency. Dr. Awuzie expressed delight that Federal Polytechnic Oko was selected as a beneficiary of t...

The 60th birthday of former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, was celebrated in style as the political leader dedicated the milestone to extensive charity, community support, and empowerment initiatives across Nnewi. The celebration, which drew political leaders, associates, friends, and well-wishers to his Umuanuka Otolo country home on Friday, 28 November 2025, capped a series of philanthropic activities that began before the birthday proper. The series of events began with a solemn Thanksgiving Holy Mass held at his residence and officiated by the Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye. During the Mass, Chief Metuh expressed profound gratitude to God for His mercies throughout his six decades of life. He emphasised that his philanthropic commitments stem from a long-held personal conviction to uplift humanity and share the blessings he has received. He also publicly clarified that he has no interest in c...

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Anambra State Command has confirmed six fatalities following a tragic road traffic crash that occurred in the early hours of Friday, November 28, 2025, along the Awka–Onitsha Road, at the Nawfia axis near Enugu Agidi Junction. According to SRC Margaret B. Onabe, the Sector Public Education Officer of FRSC RS5.3 Awka Unit, the crash happened at about 6:20 a.m., involving two vehicles: a yellow-and-black tipper truck with registration number FGG 21XV and a red 608 bus marked XQ 398 AA. A total of 32 persons were involved in the collision—9 male adults and 23 female adults. Six persons, comprising two men and four women, lost their lives, while five female adults sustained varying degrees of injuries. The remaining 21 passengers were rescued unhurt. All victims were immediately taken to the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, where medical personnel confirmed the deaths. An eyewitness, who was among the pass...

In line with the governor's impactful act on healthcare in Anambra State. The Honourable Commissioner of Health. Dr Afam Obidike commissioned a housing quarters for a primary health care centre in Awka etiti courtsey of Hon. Amaka Obi, the local government chairman of Idemili South LGA.  In her welcome address to the commissioner, the local government chairperson thanked the honourable commissioner for finding time to come and commission the project despite his tight schedule. She said that the facility was built to complement the efforts of the state government in the area of healthcare, especially as it concerns women's health and in line with the state government resolve at Idemili South marking the flag off of the free medicals for women especially on antenatal and delivery of children which is now free in Anambra. She stressed that the facility will help facilitate 24hrs healthcare in Awka Etiti and environs and called on the people of the community to help support the d...

Former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, has marked his 60th birthday with an extensive humanitarian outreach across Nnewi, Anambra State, donating cash, essential supplies, assistive devices, and infrastructure to some of the most vulnerable groups in his community. The philanthropic tour began early in the day with a visit to the Home for Elderly Priests in Nnewi, at Ndimgbu, Otolo Nnewi where Chief Metuh presented a ₦2 million cash donation along with assorted food items to support the upkeep and welfare of the aged clergy. From his country home, Metuh proceeded with his entourage to the palace of the Nnewi Monarch, His Royal Highness Igwe Dr. K.O.N. Orizu III, where he paid homage as part of his traditional birthday rituals. At the Nnewi Correctional Centre, Metuh made one of the day’s most impactful gestures, where he donated food items, relief materials, and cash to inmates, assuring them that his visit was aimed at...

By Chigozie Igbo Jr  Business leader and 2025 Anambra governorship aspirant, Valentine Ozigbo, has issued a stirring 12-point message to Ndigbo, calling for spiritual introspection, unity of purpose, and a renewed commitment to responsible leadership as the South-East and Nigeria at large navigate a defining moment in national history. In the open letter titled “A 12-Point Letter to Ndigbo”, Ozigbo described the past weeks as a period of “deep reflection and spiritual awakening,” shaped by a series of encounters that prompted him to address the Igbo nation. Ozigbo cited three recent events that moved him to speak: his visit to detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the worsening security situation across Nigeria, and his exposure to new historical insights after reading The Interesting Narrative by Olaudah Equiano. According to him, these experiences reinforced the belief that “we have entered a consequential season in our collective story.” Ozigbo stressed that his me...

By Chigozie Igbo Jr  A former Chairman of the Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and one-time President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Mr. Lanre Arogundade, has emerged National President of the Ekiti Parapo College Ido-Ekiti Old Students Association (EPCOSA). The election took place during the Association’s 2025 Annual General Meeting and Reunion, held on Saturday, November 22, at the school hall. Announcing the results, the spokesperson of the EPCOSA Electoral Committee, Prof. Oluwatoyin Babatunde, declared Arogundade winner after he secured 275 votes to defeat his opponent, Prof. Olu Adeleye, who polled 32 votes. Arogundade takes over from another media practitioner, Mr. Dotun Adekanmbi, who served for four years and steered the Association through the successful 70th anniversary celebration of Ekiti Parapo College in 2024. The newly elected president will lead the Association for the 2025–2027 service years. In hi...

Mazi Ejimofor Opara At a time when many Nigerian states continue to struggle under rising recurrent obligations, Anambra has chosen a different path—one that deserves national attention rather than quiet acknowledgement. Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s ₦757.8 billion 2026 budget, with an unprecedented 79% allocation to capital expenditure, is not simply a fiscal decision; it is the continuation of a governing philosophy that places long-term development above short-term comfort. Though officially an oil-producing state, Anambra derives little of its fiscal identity from petroleum revenue. Yet, for the third consecutive year, Soludo’s administration has sustained one of the highest capital-spending ratios in the federation. Such consistency is rare in Nigeria, where priorities often shift with political cycles. The results are beginning to take shape across multiple sectors. In education, investments in STEM laboratories, teacher recruitment, and free public schooling hav...

In a highly anticipated move, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), marking a significant shift in Nigeria's political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections. Atiku confirmed his membership by sharing a photo of himself holding his ADC membership card on social media, captioned "It's official". The development comes after months of speculation surrounding Atiku's political future, following his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in July. Atiku's decision to join the ADC is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the opposition's chances in the 2027 elections.

From Uzo Ugwunze  The Management and Staff of the John Zobis Group has received a high-powered delegation from The Sun newspaper, led by the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, who visited the company to formally present a notification and award nomination letter announcing Mr. John Ezeobi as winner of The Sun Industrialist of the Year Award 2025. The team explained that Ezeobi’s nomination followed weeks of rigorous deliberation by the Board of Editors, who considered his rise from a young trader to Africa’s youngest electrical cable manufacturer as an inspiring story of resilience, innovation, and measurable impact on national development. They noted that his name has become synonymous with the production of high-quality electrical cables widely regarded for their reliability in residential, industrial, and commercial use. For Ezeobi, the recognition goes beyond personal achievement, representing an affirmation of the hard work of his staff, the lo...

By Cynthia Onwudiwe  The debate over the sanctity of Nigeria’s judicial system has intensified following two closely timed rulings delivered by Hon. Justice Tagbo Anieto of the Anambra State High Court, Otuocha. Against the backdrop of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent warning to judges and Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) to uphold integrity and resist any form of inducement, the July 24, 2025 judgment in Suit No. OT/169/2021 has drawn significant public attention. In that case, Justice Anieto held that the 1st Defendant lacked the legal authority to execute a contract because previous court decisions had invalidated the EXCO involved, asserting that the plaintiff’s case “hangs on nothing at all” due to the illegality of the foundational document, Exhibit K2. Public concern grew even stronger when, within just 24 hours, Justice Anieto delivered another decisive ruling in Suit No. OT/184/2022, prompting questions about judicial consistency. In this second matter, t...

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has strongly refuted allegations by the Imo State Government that it plans to orchestrate a massive power outage in the state to sabotage the government's Light Up Imo electricity project. In a press statement signed by Emeka Ezeh, Group Head of Corporate Communications, EEDC described the allegations as "baseless, unfounded, and completely devoid of truth." The company accused the Imo State Government of spreading propaganda to divert public attention and mask its longstanding hostility towards EEDC. EEDC cited a recent incident where armed policemen allegedly acting on the government's instructions forced the shutdown of the Transmission Company of Nigeria's Egbu Station, plunging customers into darkness. The company assured customers that it has no plans for major outages in Imo State and is committed to providing sustainable and improved electricity distribution. The Imo State Government had alleged...

Prominent national figures have called on Nigerian youths to take responsibility for shaping the country’s political future by rejecting short-term financial inducements and committing themselves to the pursuit of quality leadership. They made the call during the Strategic Youth Summit organized by the ADC 7th Zone (ADC-DN), themed “Empowering Nigerian Youths, Shaping the Future.” The virtual summit, held on 22 November 2025, brought together youth advocates, political leaders and development thinkers. Speaking during the interactive session, former Minister of State for Education, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, PhD, urged young Nigerians to “take their destiny into their hands” and resist politicians who seek to buy influence through handouts. Nwajiuba recounted his experience in the last electoral cycle, noting that many youths who could have championed genuine leadership instead opted for immediate gratification. He stressed that such short-term rewards ultimately leave youn...