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Tag: Anambra State

  • Anambra govt shuts school over bullying

    Anambra govt shuts school over bullying

    The Anambra State Government on Tuesday announced the immediate closure of Upcoming Star International School at Ifite Road, Awka, over the alleged bullying of a seven-year-old pupil.

    The State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, announced in Awka that the government responded to a report that the pupil’s classmate allegedly broke her leg.

    Chuma-Udeh said when the school’s proprietor was invited for questioning, it was discovered the school was not approved to operate.

    “The pupil was bullied by her classmate, which caused her to break her leg, and the matter was reported to the ministry.

    “The school proprietor, Mr Uchechukwu Onyeachonam, was invited for questioning and he admitted that the offence was committed in his school; it was also discovered the school was not approved by the government.

    “Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, however, directed that the school be sealed before 2 p.m. today.

    “This is because the continued existence of such illegal schools has been causing mayhem to children in the state,” she said.

    Chuma-Udeh warned that proprietors of illegal schools would be handed over to law enforcement agents for contravening the laws of the state.

    She also urged parents to desist from sending their children and wards to unapproved schools.

  • Anambra Govt. warns against crisis in oil host communities

    Anambra Govt. warns against crisis in oil host communities

    The Anambra State Government on Thursday cautioned against acts capable of instigating crisis in the oil host communities in the State.

    Mr Anthony Ifeanya, the state’s Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, gave the warning in Awka during a town hall meeting with stakeholders.

    The meeting, organised by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (LSD) and International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC), centered on the implementation of host communities’ provisions in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in the state.

    Ifeanya emphasised that peace between oil companies and host communities was crucial in ensuring the actualisation of benefits from natural resources.

    “It is only in an atmosphere of peace that progress can be made,” he said.

    The commissioner added that the meeting aimed to enlighten both parties on their rights, duties, and liabilities under the PIA, ensuring peaceful coexistence.

    He appreciated the centre for educating the people, saying that such intervention would go a long way in preventing the repeat of ugly experiences recorded in the Niger Delta.

    Also speaking, Mr Monday Osasah, the Executive Director, Centre LSD, described the meeting as a significant step towards ensuring that petroleum resources were beneficial to the host communities.

    “Petroleum should be a blessing to us, not a curse,” he added.

    In his presentation, Dr Orji Orji, the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), said the agency promoted transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s extractive industries.

    Orji, represented by the Director, Policy Planning and Strategy NEITI, Dr Dieter Bassi, said the agency was committed to ensure that revenues were properly accounted for and utilised.

    Earlier, Mr Chris Azor, the President, IPCRC, said the meeting was targeted at discussing the effective implementation of Host Communities’ provisions in the PIA to ensure peace, security, and sustainable development.

    Azor said there was a need for improved understanding of PIA, enhanced stakeholders’ engagement, identification of priority areas, clarifications, and action plans for effective implementation.

    The programme is themed, “Host Communities and Roles of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in PIA”.

  • Doctors down tools in Anambra

    Doctors down tools in Anambra

    The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Anambra Branch, has  directed its members to withdraw clinical services in all private and public hospitals with effect from Thursday night.

    The directive is contained in a statement issued in Awka by the branch Chairman and Secretary, Dr Princeston Okam and Dr Ifeanyi Obiaeli, at the end of the association’s Emergency General Meeting on Thursday

    They stated that the directive was to protest against the kidnap of their colleague, Dr Stephen Ezeh, who had been in captivity since August 15.

    Recall that the body had on August 19 threatened to down tools, if Ezeh was not released by his abductors within 48 hours.

    The association stated that 48-hours after the ultimatum had elapsed, in addition to its appeal to the State Government, Ezeh was still held by his abductors, in spite of his health challenge.

    The statement read in part: “NMA Anambra hereby directs all doctors in the state  to forthwith withdraw clinical services in all federal, state, private, mission, institutional and corporate hospitals in the state until our member is released.

    “That NMA Anambra will painstakingly monitor compliance with the above directive through her ‘Strike Monitoring Team’ and that defaulting hospitals and members will be blacklisted and penalised, in line with the congress resolutions.

    “That Anambra Government should activate all necessary security agencies and instruments at its disposal to ensure ‘’timely and unconditional release of our abducted member.

    “NMA is not oblivious of the hardship this withdrawal of services will cause the good people of Anambra.

    “However, we appeal to the State Government to expedite action towards securing Eze’s release of so as to restore normalcy to the health system.

    “NMA Anambra leadership will continue to work together with all relevant government agencies to collectively achieve a healthy and secured populace.”

    The body lauded Gov. Chukwuma Soludo and the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, for their painstaking efforts towards improving health care delivery and security in the state.

    It also commended doctors for their resolve and commitment  toward offering quality health care to Anambra people.

  • Umunze: Army denies invading churches in Anambra

    Umunze: Army denies invading churches in Anambra

    The Nigerian Army has dismissed a report that its personnel invaded churches and dispersed the congregation in their places of worship at Umunze in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra.

    Some media outlets had reported the alleged invasion on some Catholic Churches in the town creating panic among the people.

    Reacting to an inquiry on Thursday, the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said the troops conducted cordon and search operation and not invade churches as reported.

    Nwachukwu said the operation was conducted by troops of 82 Division Nigerian Army based on the information that the assailants who attacked and killed troops were seen in a house close to the church being given medical treatment.

    According to him, it was, therefore, not an invasion as wrongly portrayed.

    “During the operation, the troops evacuated the people who were considered vulnerable if a shootout ensued to avoid collateral damage.

    “Basically the cordon and search on the community was to enable the troops effect arrest of some accomplices who escaped with gunshot wounds and blood stains from the attack that killed two of our troops.

    “Available information indicated that they were receiving treatment within the locality and the cordon was lifted after the search, but unfortunately the suspects had already left the building to which they were traced.

    “It is most unfortunate that the operation took place on a Sunday,” he said.

    Nwachukwu said that troops deployment in the area was expedient because of increased cases of kidnapping and ransom collection by criminals in Umunze.

    According to him, the troops’ deployment in the area has helped to reduce these crimes.

    “The troops will continue to ensure safety of all the citizens,” he added.

  • LG election will hold in Anambra as scheduled – ANSIEC

    LG election will hold in Anambra as scheduled – ANSIEC

    The Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) says the September 28 Local Government Council chairmen and ward councilors elections will hold as scheduled.

    Mrs Genevieve Osakwe, ANSIEC Chairman said this at a stakeholders’ meeting in Awka on Thursday.

    Osakwe called on political parties in the state to commence canvassing for votes while assuring that the exercise would be free, fair and credible.

    The meeting was for Chairmen and Secretaries of political parties, traditional rulers, president generals of communities, clergy and security agencies.

    Only All Progressives Grand Alliance and Action Alliance parties were present at the meeting.

    Osakwe said the electoral body had considered the security situation in various parts of the state.

    She assured the political parties that elections would hold in all the 326 electoral wards.

    Osakwe added  that results would be collated, counted and announced from all the electoral wards.

    On allegation of pre-written election results, she said the commission’s duty was to conduct elections, while urging political parties to ensure that they field candidates and ensure the electorate voted.

    “This election must go on and will be in accordance with the law, we are going to hold election in every area of the state and announce result from those places, we are aware of issues in some areas and we have considered them.

    “Boycott will not be for the benefit of Anambra, political parties should go and canvass for votes because this exercise will be free, fair and credible

    “We are not aware of any suit, I am a lawyer, so I cannot respond to what we are not aware of,’’ she said.

    Osakwe used the opportunity to formally release the  timetable and schedule of activities for the conduct of the Anambra Local Government Council elections which was made public on Aug. 14.

    In a remark, Mr Nobert Okoli, Chairman of Action Alliance, noted that Anambra had waited for the Local Government Election for over a decade.

    Okoli, however, expressed concern over the sudden announcement and speed of the schedule.

    He also wondered why only two political parties were present at the stakeholders’ meeting.

    Okoli said: “What is worth doing, is worth doing well, how come other political parties are not here. I am here because I was directly invited, what happened to others?

    On his part, Mr Augustine Aniegbuna, President General of Umunankwo community in Ogbaru, said the election was for the good of the people of Anambra.

    Aniegbuna called on for the cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure the success of the exercise in spite of the imperfections.

    He expressed worry over the insecurity in some communities and called on ANSIEC to address the challenge to ensure it did not affect the election.

    Mr Chukwuka Ezewuzie, Anambra Disability Rights Commission Chairman, urged all the stakeholders to give equal opportunities to people living with disabilities during the exercise.

    Mr Chigozie Igwe, Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, told NAN that he did not attend the meeting because he was not invited.

    “We are the major stakeholders in the election process who should be the first to know but as I am talking to you, all what we have heard about on this election is through the media,” he said.

  • Anambra announces date for local government election

    Anambra announces date for local government election

    The Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) has slated September 28 for the Local Government Elections in the state, an official has said.

    The Chief Electoral Officer of ANSIEC, Mrs Genevieve Osakwe, disclosed this in a statement issued in Awka and made available to newsmen on Monday.

    Osakwe added that the timeline for the poll would be published on August 14.

    “The commission wishes to inform all registered political parties and the general public that Local Government Elections in the state will be held on Saturday, September 28.

    “Election timetable and schedule of activities and other details can be collected from the Headquarters of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission, Awka,” the statement added.

    In a reaction, the state Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr Chigozie Igwe, said the party had received the notice and would come up with a position after meeting with his leadership team.

    The last local government elections in Anambra were held in January 2013 under Mr Peter Obi as governor.

  • PDP wants credible LG elections in Anambra

    PDP wants credible LG elections in Anambra

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has advised the newly constituted Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC),j to be independent and transparent in its conduct of local government elections.

    Chairman of the PDP in Anambra, Mr Chigozie Igwe, gave the advice on Thursday in Awaka in reaction to the constitution of the new ANSIEC.

    Gov. Chukwuma Soludo inaugurated a six-man ANSIEC board on Tuesday with Magistrate Chinelo Osakwe as chairman.

    Igwe, who welcomed the constitution and inauguration of the electoral body, urged the body to adhere to the principles of transparency, fairness and impartiality before and during the elections.

    “The PDP in Anambra wishes to call on ANSIEC to ensure that all eligible voters are given the opportunity to participate in the electoral process without any form of intimidation or harassment.

    “We will not accept any form of manipulation or rigging in the upcoming local government elections; as a party, we are fully prepared and positioned to win the majority of the elections,” he said.

    The PDP chairman stated that the party had commenced strategic preparations for the yet-to-be-scheduled local government elections.

    He expressed confidence in the ability of the party to win a majority of the councils when it was conducted.

    According to him, the PDP remains the most accepted party in Anambra and shall always adhere to democratic principles.

  • Why Anambra guber election in 2025 is crucial to us – APC National Chairman

    Why Anambra guber election in 2025 is crucial to us – APC National Chairman

    Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said the 2025 Anambra governorship election is crucial to the party and the Federal Government.

    He said this on Wednesday in Abuja at the inauguration of Anambra Consultative Council, adding that the state deserved to be at the mainstream of the country’s politics.

    “I believe the meeting is part of the strategy by the state APC to re-organise and unite our party members in preparation for the forthcoming 2025 governorship election.

    “I also believe that the strategic nature of Anambra in the South East, and by extension Nigeria, makes it expedient for the state to join the centre.

    “Therefore, I am convinced that these men and women attending this meeting have the capacity and ability to deliver Anambra in the incoming election.

    “We cannot continue to allow Anambra to remain on the sidelines of Nigeria’s politics, hence the need for all to work in unison for the actualisation of this mission,” Ganduje said.

    He said the commitment and sincerity of purpose of the stakeholders would naturally attract support which would act as a strong motivation towards winning the state.

    While stressing that the stakeholders should get to work, Ganduje urged the council to support the party by ensuring the creation and hosting of regular activities in the state.

    He explained that the more the party hosted activities and programmes in the state, the more enlightenment and awareness it would create.

    This, the APC national chairman said, would increase the capacity of the stakeholders to mobilise and galvanise membership for the party.

    “I beckon on all to come out strong and support the repositioning of this party, for the overall interest of members, and the betterment of the people of Anambra,” he said.

    He thanked Basil Ejidike, the state chairman and his executive for initiating the high-standing stakeholders meeting, saying it would help re-organise the APC in Anambra.

    Ganduje stressed the importance of unity as the most potent tool for the sustenance of such stakeholders.

    He added that the party in Anambra could only succeed if critical stakeholders and others bonded together in unity.

    “Just like the party’s logo, the broom, a united body can never be defeated, your strength and success are inherent in your unity.

    “Therefore, I encourage you to be united to achieve the set goal. I extend the party’s hands of fellowship and support to all stakeholders in Anambra,” Ganduje said.

    He assured that the party’s national leadership would continue to support the APC in Anambra ahead of the state’s 2025 governorship election.

    Earlier, Ejidike, Anambra APC chairman said the newly inaugurated council was comprised of distinguished elders and leaders of the party with vast knowledge and experience in party politics

    Ejidike while noting that the APC under Ganduje’s watch had showed remarkable growth and development said the council was geared towards the growing and strengthening of the party in Anambra.

    He appreciated members of the council for accepting to serve the party, saying, they demonstrated unequivocal commitment, loyalty and love for APC and Anambra.

    He assured them that APC Anambra was continually on the march to prosperity, saying it would not rest until it achieved its mission.

    He said the mission was to reposition and make a mark in the line of service to the people of Anambra.

    “Actualising this mission of the party is majorly dependent on this Consultative Council. The party, with the inauguration holding today, has entrusted the role of driving this ambition on you.

    “Let us all work hard to put our party on the path of progress, and thus bridge the gap in governance in Anambra.

    “Together, we will certainly build a solid platform for the actualisation of this collective and long desired ambition,”the APC Anambra chairman said.

    Mr Nze Duru, the party’s Deputy National Organising Secretary in his remarks, said the Anambra APC was united contrary to speculations.

  • Police launch manhunt for officer in Anambra

    Police launch manhunt for officer in Anambra

    The Police Command in Anambra has launched a manhunt for a yet-to-be-identified officer,  who allegedly extorted the sum of N810,000 from one of its victims.

    The command Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday.

    According to Ikenga, the command is aware of the information on X social media platform of the alleged extortion of the sum of N810,000 by a yet-to-be-identified officer of the command.

    “We have initiated steps to identify the alleged officer; information about the incident has been escalated to Area Commander, Onitsha, for necessary actions.

    “The command also wishes to invite the victim to its Headquarters in Awka to get information that will help in facilitating the necessary procedures involved in the process,” he said.

  • Anambra Assembly confirms 21 LG transition committee chairmen

    Anambra Assembly confirms 21 LG transition committee chairmen

    The Anambra State House of Assembly has confirmed Mr Romanus Ibekwe and 20 others, including a woman, as new transition committee chairmen.

    The transition committees are to manage the administration of local government areas for three months in the first instance.

    The lawmakers confirmed all the nominees at a  plenary session on Thursday after the nominees were screened by the relevant committees of the assembly.

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo sent their names to the House of Assembly for consideration on Wednesday.

    The only woman among the chairmen is Amaka Obi,  for Idemili South LGA.

    Mr Chukwuma Okoye, the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, who presented the nominees, said that all them met the requirements.

    He requested that the assembly should approve their nomination.

    Dr Somtochukwu Udeze, Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, subjected the request to members of the assembly, who unanimously voted for the approval  adoption.

    Udeze said that the exercise was in  fulfillment of Section 208 of the Local Government Law of 1999 as amended.

    The speaker also announced the names of councillors who would work with the Chairmen in their various LGAs.

    Councillors nominated for Ezi-Anam Ward and Ukpor Ward 5 in  Anambra West and Nnewi South, respectively,  were stepped down based on petitions against them.

    Meanwhile, the Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONET) has expressed concern at the constitution of  the transition committees.

    Mr Chris Azor, the Coordinator of ACSONET, who reacted to the nomination and confirmation of the committees, said that the civil society desired to see democracy at the grassroots.

    “We feel worried about the development.

    “However, we feel the governor may have nominated the transition committee  members in order to avoid a vacuum.

    “We implore the governor to make this the last transition to a guaranteed democracy at that level, as enshrined in Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution,” he said.

    Anambra State Gov.  Chukwuma Soludo had, in a letter dated May 17, sacked the former transition chairmen and directed them  to handover affairs of  local governments to the heads of local government administration.

    The nomination came as a surprise to some people who expected that Soludo would conduct local government elections soon since he sent a bill for re-establishment of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission  to the assembly in May.