NIGERIAN NOTCH

The Anambra South Senatorial District bye-election held on Saturday was once unfortunately again marred by widespread reports of vote buying and violent disruptions, raising fresh concerns over the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process. From polling units across the district, allegations poured in that virtually all the major political parties openly induced voters with cash. What was meant to be a contest of ideas and capacity quickly degenerated into a bazaar of financial transactions, where ballot papers were traded for naira notes. Even more disturbing was the treatment meted out to the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, who was reportedly blocked against his wish after he apprehend a vote buyer in Osumenyi, Nnewi South LGA of Anambra state. A community leader in Osumenyi, Chief Mike Okafor, who spoke to newsmen after the incident described the incident as not only shameful and infantile but also a dangerous signal that criminal elements now ...

•Calls for construction of gates to checkmate entrance of criminals The Onitsha South Landlords Forum (OSLAF) has called on the chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Chief Emeka Orji to work in concert with the stakeholders to urgently nip in the bud the current wave of kidnappings in the local government, especially in Fegge. The forum in a statement signed by Chief Nzeako Obidigbo, chairman and Chief Kingsley Chukwuemeka, called on the State Commissioner of Police, the Area Commander, Onitsha Area Command, the chairman of the Local Government, the Divisional Police Officer fegge (DPO), the DSS operatives in charge of Onitsha South to rise up to the ocassion and stem the tide of violent crime in the area. The call, the group said, has become necessary following the recent kidnappings in Fegge in the last one week. According to information gathered from eye-witness accounts, at least three kidnappings took place in Fegge in the last one week. On August 11 this year, at abo...

Security has been tightened across Anambra South Senatorial District, as police have deployed massively ahead of today's bye-election in the district to replace the vacant position left by the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. Armed personnel and tactical assets have taken positions at identified flashpoints and sensitive areas to forestall violence and guarantee voters’ safety. Assistant Inspector General of Police, Godwin Eze, in a statement made available to newsmen in Awka by the Anambra state police Command’s PPRO, S.P Tochukwu Ikenga , assured residents that the polls will be peaceful. He urged Ndi Anambra to come out without fear, stressing that officers will remain neutral, professional, and focused on protecting lives and property. Police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the Command is leaving nothing to chance. “We are fully prepared to secure this election from start to finish,” he declared.

RAYMOND OZOJI  With few hours left for the August 16th Anambra-South senatorial bye-election, Ogboro ward, one of the 20 wards in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State is set to deliver candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Chief Emmanuel Chibuzor Nwachukwu (Onodugo).  This was the crux of the matter at a prolonged strategic meeting held on Thursday 14th August in Ubahuekwem area of Ihiala where they unanimously resolved to jettison candidates of other political parties but vote massively for the APGA senatorial candidate on Saturday 16th August.  Apart from the bye-election, Ogboro ward also agreed to return Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and his Deputy Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim on November 8th this year because they are pleased with his administration's achievements.  Addressing the gathering, the political leader in Ihiala, who is also the Chairman of the Anambra State Local Government Service Commission Chief Barr. Vin Ezeaka...

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has stirred fresh calls for Christian unity, declaring that “we are one body in Christ” during a charged address at the Oko Anglican Women’s Association (OAWA) August Meeting at St. John the Divine Church, Oko. In a warm but spirited message, Dr. Awuzie applauded the women for being pillars of peace and stability in families, the church, and the community, urging them to keep the flame of harmony burning. She3 reaffirmed her administration’s pledge to uplift Oko through bold corporate social responsibility projects, citing the free medical outreach organised earlier this year and promising another landmark initiative in 2026. Flanked by top officials, deans, and directors of the Polytechnic, the Rector’s presence drew praise from OAWA President, Barr. Lady Gloria Ezezika, who lauded her for making time to engage the group despite a demanding schedule. Ezezika highlighted the association’s achievements and pres...

Private school owners in Enugu State are up in arms over what they describe as "heavy taxation" and "stringent measures" by the state government, which they claim are threatening the very existence of their institutions. The owners are decrying taxes ranging from N450,000 to N2.2 million, depending on school size, which they say is unsustainable. The Issues: Heavy Taxation: Private schools are being forced to pay exorbitant taxes, with some owners alleging that the government is more interested in generating revenue than supporting education. Unified Exam: Private schools are required to conduct a unified exam in SS 2 as a condition for WAEC and NECO registration, which owners see as an overreach of authority. Census Figures: The government collects census figures from private schools, which owners believe is unnecessary and burdensome. School Closures: The government has ordered the shutdown of unapproved private schools, citing substandard facilities a...

By Chigozie Igbo  In a live appearance on TVC’s 10 p.m news programme this evening,the Young Progressives Party (YPP) candidate for Anambra South Senatorial District bye-election, Prince Oforbuike Okoli-Egbo, confidently declared that the party is “cruising to victory” ahead of the August 16 poll. When asked whether his candidacy benefits from the legacy of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah who won the Senate seat in 2019 and 2023, Okoli-Egbo insisted that YPP remains the dominant political force in Anambra South. “Anambra South is YPP territory. We have three members in the State House of Assembly, a member in the House of Representatives, and I am confident I will join them in the Senate because of the goodwill of our people,” he stated. Responding to suggestions that Senator Ubah’s electoral success was based more on his personal influence than the strength of the party, Okoli-Egbo maintained that YPP’s grassroots structure and track record will carry him to victory, eve...

The Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE), Anambra State branch, has expressed its readiness to partner with the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, under the leadership of Rector Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, to advance the institution’s technological and engineering practical programmes. Led by the State Chairman, Mr. Okoloedo Ejike, the delegation made its intentions known during a courtesy visit to the Rector in her office. The association outlined plans to enhance students’ hands-on experience through exhibitions, excursions, and collaborative projects that will bridge classroom learning with industry practices. Speaking during the visit, the State Vice Chairman and South-East Zonal Secretary, Engr. Patrick Ugochukwu, described NATE as a professional body of practical engineers regulated by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). Established in 1976 and incorporated in 1988, NATE’s mandate, he noted, is to promote professional excellenc...

RAYMOND OZOJI reports  In yet another display of responsible and people-oriented leadership, Chief Mrs. Iyom Amaka Obi PhD the Chairman of Idemili-South Local Government Area of Anambra State has lifted 700 families from poverty and squalor.  Obi's mega multimillion naira empowerment scheme said to be the 4th in the series was not a mere campaign or propaganda as the Governor's wife Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo and a plethora of dignitaries were witnesses to the life-changing poverty alleviation programme which beneficiaries confessed would change their lives and improve their living conditions for good.  Sewing machines, ovens, hair-dressing equipment and other items which cost over N200,000 each in the market were given free of charge to 700 beneficiaries to improve their businesses and also put food on their tables.  Idemili-South headquarters Ojoto on Wednesday 13th August 2025 played host to this mother of all empowerment programmes as joy and laughter fil...

Prince Oforbuike Okoli-Egbo, candidate for the Anambra South Senatorial District bye-election, has pledged to work in close collaboration with the Federal Government to secure the release of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, if elected. Speaking to supporters, during a live radio program on Authority 91.9 FM this morning, Prince Okoli-Egbo stressed that his commitment to the cause is not driven by political expediency, but by deep conviction and a sense of duty to complete what the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah began. “This is not about an election promise; it is about conviction. My mind is made up, and I am committed to ensuring that the legacy of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah is sustained. His efforts toward securing Nnamdi Kanu’s release will not be abandoned,” he affirmed. He called on the people of Anambra South to turn out massively to vote, expressing faith that God would handle every other matter relating to the protection of their votes. Prince Oforbuike Okoli-Egbo is the candida...