# The controversy surrounding the succession of the Obi of Amaeze in Oraukwu, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, has escalated, with some residents taking to the streets to protest what they described as irregularities in the selection and appointment of the traditional ruler.
The protesters, who carried placards with inscriptions including “Amaeze is bleeding,” “Obi Amaeze is not for sale,” “Rotation and seniority must be observed,” and “Governor Soludo, give us justice in Amaeze,” alleged intimidation and undue influence in the succession process.
Speaking during an interview, Chief Chukwugozie Igboanika of Umuatu Kindred explained that Oraukwu has eight villages, each with an Obi and two Ichies who form part of the Igwe’s cabinet.
According to him, the Obi stool in Amaeze rotates among 10 kindreds based on seniority.
Chief. Igboanika said Umuatu Kindred produced the first Obi of Amaeze, while Umuogidi, being the second most senior kindred, was expected to produce the next traditional ruler. He explained that a candidate from Umuogidi had been presented, screened and accepted at a village meeting but was not appointed before his death.
He questioned why a candidate from the sixth most senior kindred was subsequently appointed when, according to their established rotational arrangement, Umuogidi had yet to take its turn.
# The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC Anambra State Command, has called for increased cooperation, collaboration and coordination among all security agencies as the surest panacea to mitigate internal security challenges in the state.
The NSCDC Anambra State Commandant,
Maku Olatunde, made this known while delivering a lecture at a one – day Security Summit of the Nigeria Forest Security Services, NFSS, held at the Federal Secretariat, Awka.
Speaking on the topic “Strengthening Inter-Agency Cooperation, Collaboration and Coordination for Effective Security in Anambra State”, the State Commandant, represented by the Command’s spokesperson, Superintendent of Corps, Okadigbo Edwin, emphasized that the complex and multi-dimensional nature of security threats in Nigeria and Anambra State in particular demands that agencies work together.
In his presentation, the State Commandant defined the relevance of inter-agency cooperation, collaboration and coordination within the context of internal security, emphasizing that no single agency, no matter how well equipped, can tackle insecurity alone.
Highlighting Nigeria’s current security landscape, Commandant Olatunde underscored the pivotal role of robust inter-agency partnerships through shared intelligence, pooled resources, and collective expertise among the nation’s security agencies.
# Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, has said he has no interest in becoming the next Governor of Anambra State, noting that he has moved away from partisan politics and is now focused on policy and governance issues.
Chidoka made this known during an interview on Gbam, where he explained that his current phase of life is centred on finding practical solutions to governance through evidence, research and critical thinking.
According to him, politics is like a pool, and there are different levels at which individuals can contribute to the development of government without necessarily holding political office.
He said he is already contributing in his own way as the Vice Chairman of the Anambra State Education Council, a position he is happy to occupy because of his passion for education.
Chidoka stressed that his priority at this stage is to support good governance and help develop policies that can produce meaningful results for the people, rather than pursue elective office.
# The Anambra State Police Command has reiterated that motorists using tinted-glass vehicles are required to obtain the appropriate tinted-glass permit in line with extant regulations, stressing that the policy is primarily aimed at enhancing public safety, security, and effective policing.
The Command made this clarification following an incident in which police officers on duty reportedly rejected a ₦200,000 bribe offered by a motorist who was stopped over the use of tinted glass without the required permit.
Rather than accept the money, the officers maintained professionalism and integrity by directing the motorist to either remove the unauthorised tint from the vehicle or obtain the appropriate permit where applicable.
The Command commended the officers for their discipline and commitment to professional policing, noting that the rejection of the bribe demonstrates the resolve of the Anambra State Police Command under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama psc mnips, to enforce the law without compromise.
The Command further clarifies that the requirement for a tinted-glass permit is not intended to harass or inconvenience law-abiding motorists, but to ensure that vehicles with tinted glasses are properly regulated for security purposes, particularly in circumstances where the visibility of occupants may pose operational challenges to law enforcement.
According to SP. Tochukwu Ikenga, Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Command, vehicle owners who do not wish to obtain a tinted-glass permit may have the tint removed.
The Command therefore advises motorists and vehicle owners to comply with the applicable regulations and desist from offering money or other inducements to police officers in an attempt to evade lawful enforcement.
The Commissioner of Police further urged members of the public to report any officer who demands money in connection with the tinted-glass enforcement or any other police duty, assuring that appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken against any personnel found culpable.
# After a peaceful vote at Central School Amesi, Afam Okpalauzuegbu was declared the duly elected President General of Amesi.
The election drew a large turnout, with residents participating calmly as electoral officials described the process as free, fair, and orderly. Supporters of the new president general celebrated the result, while community leaders urged unity and cooperation with the incoming administration.
In his acceptance remarks, Afam Okpalauzuegbu thanked residents for their trust and pledged inclusive leadership, a renewed focus on peace, and close collaboration with stakeholders to accelerate development across the community.
Many residents expressed hope that the new leadership will strengthen unity, drive progress, and address the community’s development needs.
# The Executive Chairman of Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS), Mr. Ikeazor Okonkwo, has said that non-compliance with tax payment is a cultural problem that he is working with his team to upturn.
Mr. Ikeazor, who was appointed as the AIRS Chairman by Governor Chukwuma Soludo is charged with meeting the Solution Agenda on overcoming Anambra’s “fiscal constraints.”
Speaking of efforts the AIRS is making to meet the government’s mandate of easing the fiscal constraints, the Chairman said he is more interested in personal income tax.
# The Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) has commenced the dredging and clearing of the Ikenga waterway in Awka as part of measures to tackle flooding, control erosion and improve environmental management within the state capital.
The waterway, which empties into the Ezu River through Agu Awka, is being dredged with the aid of a swamp buggy to remove silt and other obstructions hindering the free flow of water. The exercise also includes the removal of encroachments along the channel to restore its natural course.
ACTDA said the intervention is expected to improve the discharge of stormwater, reduce incidents of flooding and erosion, and protect lives, property and public infrastructure across affected areas of the capital city.
The Authority noted that the project is in line with the vision of Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, to develop Awka into a livable, prosperous and smart mega city through sustainable environmental management and modern infrastructure.
# The Proprietor of St. Christopher’s Junior Seminary, 3-3, Onitsha, and Bishop of the Diocese on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Chiedozie Nwokolo, has urged students to remain steadfast in their christian faith and resist every form of spiritual compromise.
The bishop said this during the school’s Confirmation, Admission, Valedictory and Prize Giving Service.
Preaching from Matthew 26:31 on the theme, “Will You Fall Away?”, Bishop Nwokolo encouraged candidates for confirmation and admission to pattern their lives after the Word of God and remain obedient to His commandments.
He urged them to uphold the values of the christian faith by living lives of purity, studying the scriptures diligently and remaining committed to Christ in all circumstances.
According to the bishop, the students are being prepared as ambassadors of Christ and should rise above worldly influences while rejecting every form of evil.
Addressing the graduating students, Bishop Nwokolo reminded them to uphold the sound moral and spiritual values they had acquired at the seminary and become positive influences wherever they find themselves.
# Hon. Anayo Emmanuel Okpalaeke, Anambra lawmaker who dewormed primary school pupils across Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, has assured his constituents of more legislative dividends as the 8th legislature begins annual recess.
Okpalaeke in an interview said that rather than abandon his people in Aguata one and travel to Japan or China to spend his annual recess, he would rather return to his village in Achina community to relate with them to enable him identify their needs and address them accordingly.
Okpalaeke who is the House of Assembly Committee Chairman on Education, sais he is a village man and not the type of politician who abandons his constituents and spend all his time in the city only to return afterwards during elections to make elephantine promises just to curry unmerited favours from the locals.
He said he was always around to brief his constituents on the journey so far in the House of Assembly as well as what he intends to do for them especially as the 8th assembly is winding down.
According to him, Aguata Local Government Area is politically advanced such that the people do not expect you to play to the gallery but mostly concerned and interested in what you have been able to achieve for them with the mandate they collectively bestowed on you with their votes.
He therefore noted that his annual recess would be spent on attending child-dedications, house-warmings, burial ceremonies and other social activities which require his attention, stressing that his people are peace-loving people and that all they require is his presence not his money.
# Anambra State is set to mark this year’s World AIDS Day with a week-long programme of activities, including the state’s first International HIV Science Symposium, as part of efforts to strengthen HIV prevention, treatment and policy response.
The Executive Director and Project Manager of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), Dr. Nkem Okeke, disclosed this during an interview with the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), explaining that the programme would bring together local and international stakeholders to share knowledge and strengthen the HIV response.
According to Okeke, delegates from the international HIV community are expected to participate in the activities, alongside HIV experts, researchers, policymakers, programme managers, development partners and representatives from different states.
A major focus of the symposium, Okeke explained, would be translating scientific evidence and programme experiences into practical policies and sustainable interventions that can improve HIV outcomes.
