NIGERIAN NOTCH

Atiku, Kwankwaso, Amaechi, others converge on Ibadan summit The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled a proposed power-sharing framework aimed at preserving unity within Nigeria’s opposition ranks ahead of the 2027 presidential election, amid concerns that competing ambitions could trigger divisions after party primaries. The proposal, described as a “collegiate system,” seeks to move away from winner-takes-all politics by promoting a shared governance structure in which key actors retain influence even after the emergence of a single presidential candidate. Speaking on The Morning Show on Arise TV, ADC chieftain Lukman Salihu said the initiative is designed to entrench collective decision-making and prevent the concentration of power in one office. “The framework we are putting together is collegiate in nature. It is not one where a single individual takes everything,” he said. “Our leaders are committed to ensuring that if we form the next government, it will not...

A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned proceedings in a suit seeking the deregistration of several political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), until May 5, 2026. The suit, filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, also targets the Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and Action Alliance (AA), alleging violations of Section 225 of the 1999 Constitution. Presiding over the matter, Justice Peter Lifu granted the plaintiffs leave to amend their originating summons to formally include additional political parties accused of breaching constitutional provisions. In a brief ruling, Justice Lifu directed all parties yet to respond to the amended processes to do so without delay, stressing the urgency and public importance of the case. He ordered that all necessary filings be completed by May 1. The judge noted that with party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections approaching, the court must act swiftly to ensure clarity on the legal ...

Nsukka Local Government Area on Wednesday last week rolled out high-powered motorbikes to neighborhood watch officials, prioritizing border communities grappling with security flashpoints. Over 200 neighborhood watch officials were present for the distribution exercise, including 36 Community Security Officers (CSOs) drawn from 56 communities across the 20 wards in Nsukka LGA. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and the Area Commander also made early appearances in support of the initiative before departing due to other pressing operational matters. Addressing attendees, the Council Chairman, Hon. Engr. Jude Chinedu Asogwa, KSJI, explained that the initial phase of the distribution prioritizes border communities due to their heightened vulnerability.  The first batch of beneficiaries includes Anụka, Agụ Ama-Agụ, Agụ-Opi, Eha Ndị Agụ, and Agụ-Obimo, which shares a boundary with Ụzọ-Uwani. The Chairman added that the next phase will extend to additional commun...

Tension gripped parts of Anambra State on Sunday following an attack on a House of Representatives aspirant under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), during which two of his security aides sustained gunshot injuries. The incident reportedly occurred in Idemili North Local Government Area while the aspirant was holding a political engagement with stakeholders as part of his consultations ahead of the next general elections. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the meeting was underway when armed men invaded the venue, triggering panic and forcing attendees to scamper for safety. In the ensuing chaos, gunshots were fired, leaving two security operatives attached to the aspirant wounded. The injured aides were quickly evacuated to a nearby medical facility where they are currently receiving treatment. Their condition has not been officially disclosed at the time of filing this report. The aspirant was reportedly unharmed during the incident but condemned the attack, d...

The Enugu/Ebonyi Staff Welfare Association of Federal Polytechnic Oko has commended the institution’s Rector, Chioma Irene Awuzie, for what it described as significant strides in infrastructure development, staff and student welfare, and academic advancement. The commendation was conveyed during a courtesy visit to the Rector at her office, where the association expressed solidarity with her administration and acknowledged her contributions to the growth of the institution. In a letter jointly signed by the association’s Chairman, Emeka Icha Ituma, and Secretary, Ursula Nkechi Ugwoke, the group said the visit was also to identify with the Rector, who spent part of her early life in Ihe, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State. The association noted that within a relatively short period, Dr. Awuzie has repositioned the polytechnic through a series of impactful projects and reforms. Among the projects highlighted were the construction of a security building, the activation ...

The Young Progressives Party (YPP) has approved its timetable for congresses, primaries and national convention ahead of forthcoming electoral activities, with May 30, 2026, slated for both its National Convention and presidential primary. The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the party’s 25th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at its National Secretariat in Abuja. According to the communiqué signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Egbeola Wale Martins, the schedule of activities will commence with Ward Congresses on May 21, followed by Local Government Congresses on May 22 and State Congresses on May 23. The party fixed May 24 for House of Assembly primaries, May 25 for House of Representatives and Senate primaries, and May 26 for governorship primaries, culminating in the National Convention and presidential primary on May 30. The NEC also approved nomination fees for aspirants, pegging House of Assembly forms at N1.5...

The Federal Government has rolled out a comprehensive welfare package for civil servants, including a N10 billion housing loan scheme, enhanced allowances, and a new exit benefit structure aimed at improving the financial security of workers before and after retirement. The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, announced the reforms at a press briefing in Abuja, describing the initiative as a decisive step toward aligning public service welfare with prevailing economic realities. She said the reforms reflect the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to prioritising workers’ welfare and strengthening the public service system. “This marks a shift from policy promises to tangible benefits,” Walson-Jack said, adding that the package is designed to provide both immediate relief and long-term support for government employees. At the heart of the reforms is a newly introduced Exit Benefit Scheme, which guarantees 100 per cent o...

As Nigeria intensifies efforts to strengthen internal security, the ongoing police recruitment exercise has reached a decisive stage, with the Police Service Commission (PSC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), fixing April 28 to 30, 2026, for the written examination of prospective constables. The nationwide exercise, scheduled across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, represents a critical phase in the multi-stage recruitment process for both General Duty and Specialist applicants. For thousands of young Nigerians, it is a significant opportunity to join the country’s security architecture at a time of heightened demand for effective policing. In Anambra State, the examination will be conducted at the Federal Government Technical College, Awka, where only candidates who successfully passed the earlier physical and credentials screening have been cleared to participate. Eligible applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruit...

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has approved the appointment of new directors and the reappointment of others in a move aimed at strengthening the institution’s administrative framework and improving operational efficiency. The announcement, made available to the polytechnic community, underscores the Rector’s commitment to repositioning the institution for enhanced productivity, accountability and academic excellence. According to the statement, the newly appointed directors are expected to inject fresh ideas and renewed energy into their respective offices, while those reappointed were retained in recognition of their competence, dedication and impactful service during their previous tenures. The restructuring is widely regarded as a strategic step to consolidate the gains recorded under the current administration, particularly in institutional development, staff welfare and academic innovation. Speaking on the development, Dr. ...

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command , SP Tochukwu Ikenga, has disclosed that operatives of the Command, in a joint security operation, rescued an abducted victim and arrested three suspected kidnappers in Nnobi, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State . The operation, carried out on the evening of April 18, 2026, involved police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, in collaboration with members of the Agunechemba Vigilante Group, Nnobi. Acting on credible intelligence, the team stormed a bush at Umuezeala Awuda Village, leading to the successful rescue of the victim and the arrest of the suspects. The suspects were identified as Chidalu Obi, 25; Chichebem Ojenigbo, 26; and Chikannechukwu Eze, 20. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly lured the victim, an electrician, under the pretext of offering him a job. Upon arrival at the agreed location, he was reportedly blindfolded at g...

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has approved the appointment of Mr. Oguegbu Celestine Udoka as the institution’s new Public Relations Officer (PRO). Until his appointment, Oguegbu served as Head of the Rector’s Media Team, a role in which he distinguished himself through professionalism, strategic communication, and effective coordination of media activities within the Polytechnic community. His elevation to the position of PRO is widely seen as a recognition of his competence, dedication, and consistent delivery in managing the institution’s public communication channels. As Public Relations Officer, Oguegbu is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening the Polytechnic’s public image, improving the flow of information, and fostering constructive engagement with stakeholders, partners, and the wider public.

The youth Wing of the Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has described the Aerodrome Certification received by the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, as part of the manifestation of Governor Peter Mbah’s leadership prowess in the state.  It could be recalled that days ago, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, issued the first ever international certification to the Akanu Ibiam Airport, Enugu.  Reacting, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike said it was one of the confirmations that Enugu is the destination for business and investment opportunities.  Okwu stated that Governor Mbah’s efforts in totally reforming every sector in the State had placed Enugu on the world map.  “The development prowess of His, Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, has made Enugu a cynosure of all eyes; the coal city is now a destination choice for businesses and investments,” Okw...

By Echezona Okafor NNEWI, ANAMBRA  A long-running inheritance dispute within the Ojukwu family of Mbanagu, Otolo in Nnewi has escalated into violence, following the killing of a key witness and rising allegations of intimidation, conflicting testimonies, and institutional lapses. Mr. Joseph Nnadozie Ojukwu, a Kano-based businessman, has raised alarm over threats to his life after the fatal shooting of Mr. Aaron Ojukwu on February 8, 2026. The deceased was reportedly killed shortly after testifying in an ongoing court case over disputed family land. The dispute centers on a controversial will allegedly left behind by the late family patriarch, who died in 2001. The document is said to have allocated a larger share of landed assets to his second wife, an action now being challenged in court by Joseph and other aggrieved family members. However, fresh details have introduced contradictions into the matter. Records indicate that in 2006, when the family was sued by their br...

From Uchenna Ezeadigwe Awka No fewer, than 3,185 undergraduate students and 803 postgraduate students would be graduating during the convocation ceremony, a development attributed to increased enrollment, improved academic standards, and renewed confidence in the institution, which when compared with what the narrative used to be in the past. The Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, stated this on Tuesday, 21st April, 2026 while addressing journalists at the university ahead of its 16th convocation ceremony, where she also highlighted some present and future-focused reforms aimed at expanding access, quality, and global competitiveness of the state-owned University. She has equally disclosed that an ambitious vision is put in place to position the institution among Nigeria’s top 10 public universities and within the top 1000 globally before 2027, even as she announced the push towards the introduction of Open and Dista...

The Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved judgment in the protracted leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following arguments from all parties involved. A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, fixed a date for judgment to be communicated after hearing the appeal marked SC/CV/180/2026, filed by former Senate President, David Mark. Mark, who leads a faction of the party reportedly backed by key opposition figures, is challenging the March 12, 2026 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which he argued was delivered in excess of jurisdiction and against the interest of justice. At the heart of the dispute is an earlier suit instituted by aggrieved party members led by Nafiu Bala Gombe. The appellate court had ordered parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum, a directive Mark insists was wrongly issued in a matter he described as internal party affairs. Through his counsel, Mr. Jubril Okutepa, SAN, Mark maintained that dis...

Expectations are high for a more efficient service delivery and productivity at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka as the University Librarian and six directors appointed into offices by the Governing Council on Friday, April 17, 2026, officially assumed duties on Monday, April 20, 2026. At the University Librarian’s Office, an official handover ceremony marked the transition of leadership in the institution’s library system. The newly appointed University Librarian, Prof. Jacinta Ukamaka Eze, formally assumed office from the Acting Librarian, Prof. Onwudinjo. In her remarks, Prof. Eze expressed gratitude to the Governing Council, University Management, staff, and students for the opportunity to serve. She urged library staff to uphold professionalism, good conduct, and teamwork to enhance service delivery. She further noted that she would carefully review and sign the handover documents upon satisfactory clearance. Earlier, Prof. Onwudinjo assured her successor of continued s...

From Kenechukwu Onyekwuluje  ‎ ‎Survey experts have called on members of the Young Surveyors Network (YSN) to embrace digital technology and innovation in their professional practice to remain relevant in an evolving global landscape. ‎The call was made during the 4th Southeast Camping of the YSN, Southeast Zone, held from April 16 to 18 at the Surveyor’s House, Amawbia, Anambra State. The event, themed “Beyond Coordinates: Technology, Relevance and the Future of Surveying – Smart Surveyors for a Smarter World: Innovation, Precision and Impact,” brought together participants from Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, and Enugu states. ‎ ‎Declaring the event open, the Zonal Chairman of YSN Southeast, Surveyor Ukanwa Samuel Ogwo (MNIS), described the theme as both timely and action-driven. He noted that while surveying has traditionally focused on coordinates, boundaries, and measurements, the profession is now being reshaped by emerging technologies. ‎ ‎“We are in an era where artificial i...

From Mary Obi, Anambra  Anambra Patriots (APS), a grassroots political support group aligned with Governor Chukwuma Soludo, has endorsed candidates for the Anambra State House of Assembly and announced plans to intensify mobilisation ahead of the forthcoming elections in the state. The group said it aims to strengthen its political influence across the 326 wards of Anambra State and increase the number of its supported candidates in the next State Assembly, as part of efforts to promote governance continuity and accountability. The endorsement was made during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Awka South Local Government Area, where members unanimously selected Engr. Obiora Okafor for Awka South State Constituency I and Pharmacist Onyedikachukwu Egbutu for Awka South State Constituency II (Obizi). The decision followed motions moved by Hon. Charles Nwafor and Chief Boniface Egbutu, and seconded by Mrs Ebere Nwasike and Comrade Chinyere, with members expressing support for ...

By Chigozie Igbo Jr Aloysius Emeka Attah has been appointed as the new Public Relations Officer of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), a move widely seen as a strategic step toward strengthening the institution’s public image, media engagement, and stakeholder relations. Attah, a seasoned public relations practitioner, journalist, and civil society advocate, brings nearly two decades of experience in media, strategic communication, and public affairs to the role. Until his appointment, he served as Chief Correspondent of The Sun Newspaper, covering the five South-East states. University authorities say his appointment is expected to reposition the institution’s communication architecture, deepen engagement with stakeholders, and project its activities more effectively on both national and global platforms. As varsity spokesman, Attah will lead efforts in media relations, public communication, and narrative development, translating the university’s policies, programmes, and ...

In every political season, the people are faced with one important question of who truly understands the struggles of the grassroots, and who has paid the price of service before seeking power? For the people of Nnewi North, Nnewi South, and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency, that question has a clear and convincing answer, Amb. Ikebunwa Lotanna is the person. He is a man whose political journey has not just been about ambition, but about years of sacrifice, loyalty, and genuine service to both leaders and the people. Long before stepping into the spotlight as a frontline aspirant, Lotanna had already built a strong reputation as a dependable grassroots mobilizer and political servant. His political experience cuts across major campaigns and influential figures in Anambra State. He served as Special Assistant on Grassroots Mobilization to Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah. During this time, Lotanna played a key role in building and sustaining the structures that delivered electoral victorie...