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Tag: Anambra State

  • Gov Soludo issues strong warning to native doctors in Anambra

    Gov Soludo issues strong warning to native doctors in Anambra

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has issued a warning against  pollution of streams and rivers by native doctors engaging in ritual practices in the State.

    Soludo gave the warning while addressing All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) faithful in Awka on Thursday.

    He urged  residents to support the state government’s efforts to rescue, reclaim, and rid the state of criminal activities.

    “Stop contaminating our rivers and streams with ritual practices in the name of  ‘Odinani’ (tradition). Many people rely on that water for drinking, cooking, and other household needs.

    “If you must perform rituals, use a container—like a bucket—fill it with water, and carry out your practices there.

    “Do not pollute public water sources. Polluted water can make people sick, and we do not want that for our communities,” he said.

    Ongoing crackdowns on criminal native doctors in the state,  had sparked outcry from some who viewed the arrests as an attack on traditional religious practitioners.

    The governor clarified that he is not targeting traditional worshipers but  criminal native doctors who had  been defrauding people.

    Soludo condemned the rising number of deceptive native doctors in the state, who lured young people with false promises of instant wealth.

    He warned youths in the state not to fall for the tricks of the fraudulent individuals.

    According to him, no native doctor has the power to make anyone a millionaire without hard work.

    “Go to Indonesia, majority of people  on death row for drug related offenses are from Anambra.

    “These native doctors will deceive you that they will prepare an ‘invisible’ charm that will make it impossible for scanners at airports to detect  trafficked  drugs.

    “These young people believe them and today, many of our people are languishing in jails across the world.

    “We must take action to rescue our future by focusing on raising our children with strong values of hard work, determination and discipline,” he said.

  • Powerful native doctor ‘Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki’ arraigned in Anambra

    Powerful native doctor ‘Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki’ arraigned in Anambra

    Chidozie Nwangwu, a popular Anambra native doctor also known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, has been arraigned before the State High Court in Awka, Anambra State capital, on Friday.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the native doctor  arrived at the court at 10:56 am, alongside two others, accompanied by operatives of the Anambra State security outfit, Agunechemba.

    Nwangwu, who appeared before Justice Jude Obiora, was arrested on February 8 in Oba, the Idemili South Local Government Area of the state by operatives of Agunechemba over his involvement in ‘Oke Ite,’ which translates to ‘big pot,’ allegedly used to fortify youths engaged in criminal activities in the state.

    The campaign against native doctors in the state began in December 2024, focusing on those who provide charms to kidnappers and armed robbers.

    Nwangwu has gained notoriety on social media, particularly on Facebook, for allegedly promoting occult methods for those seeking quick financial gains.

    The state government has announced an ongoing investigation into the activities of native doctors in the southeast, particularly targeting those who exploit spiritual powers for criminal purposes.

  • Anambra set to benefit from EIB-assisted erosion control funding

    Anambra set to benefit from EIB-assisted erosion control funding

    Anambra State has been designated as a beneficiary of the Nigeria Climate Adaptation Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP), an initiative designed to mitigate erosion and land degradation across the nation.

    This designation was disclosed by Mr. Anda Ayuba-Yalaks, the National Project Coordinator of NEWMAP, in conjunction with the Federal Project Management Unit, following the conclusion of a three-day assessment tour encompassing five erosion-affected sites within the state.

    According to Ayuba-Yalaks, the intervention project will be implemented through the European Investment Bank (EIB), following the payment of the state’s N500 million counterpart fund by Governor of Anambra State, Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

    “The delegation conducted an on-the-spot assessment of five uncompleted erosion sites within the state in collaboration with the Anambra Government,” he said.

    He listed the visited sites to include, Ndi Agu, Ikenga Ogidi, Nkpor Flyover, Ugamuma Obosi, and Abagana.

    “This project aims to provide long-term sustainable land degradation control measures and support the state project management unit in accelerating implementation,” Ayuba-Yalaks said.

    Ayuba-Yalaks outlined plans to implement best practices for erosion mitigation in Anambra and praised the Governor Soludo  for his financial support.

    Prof. Phil-Eze explained that the federal government directed the project to focus on completing five sites from a previous World Bank project.

    “New erosion sites will only be addressed after the completion of the existing ones,” he noted.

    He said: “Gov. Soludo considers erosion a major threat to the people of Anambra and is committed to tackling the issue.

    “All necessary support will be provided to ensure the successful implementation of these projects,” he assured.

  • Noise pollution ban not against evangelism – Anambra govt.

    Noise pollution ban not against evangelism – Anambra govt.

    Governor of Anambra, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has shut down claims that he banned evangelism in the state, stating that his focus was strictly on curbing noise pollution, as it contravenes established public health regulations.

    A video circulating online showed Soludo confronting a street preacher at a market on Saturday, which subsequently generated criticism.

    The Anambra Governor, in the video, told the preacher to stop creating a disturbance, reminding him of the noise pollution law. He then advised the preacher to move to a church or designated area, and warned of a ₦500,000 fine for non-compliance.

    His confrontation has ignited controversy, with religious leaders and human rights activists claiming he violated the constitutional right to freedom of worship.

    In a statement on Tuesday, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, dismissed these claims, insisting that Soludo’s remarks had been misinterpreted.

    The statement read: “The Anambra State Government wishes to address the misconstrued reports surrounding Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s recent encounter with an itinerant preacher at Onitsha Market.

    “The governor’s remarks were wrongly interpreted as a ban on evangelism, whereas his concern was solely about noise pollution, which is prohibited under an existing public health law.”

    The Commissioner explained that Soludo was enforcing the Anambra State Public Health Law 2006, which prohibits excessive noise in public places, including markets.

    “To clarify, the governor referenced the Public Health Law 2006, which forbids noise pollution and preaching in inappropriate places like markets using loudspeakers. He advised preachers to conduct their activities in churches or designated locations where people can willingly participate without disrupting others’ daily activities,” the statement added.

    “The public is therefore advised to disregard any claims suggesting that Governor Soludo has banned evangelism or public preaching in Anambra State. Instead, we urge citizens to comply with the Public Health Law and respect the rights of others,” he said.

  • Family buries 3 siblings found dead in deep freezer

    Family buries 3 siblings found dead in deep freezer

    The remains of the three siblings killed by yet-to-be-identified assailants in Nnewichi, Nnewi North LGA of Anambra, were on Saturday laid to rest amidst heavy wailing by family and community members.

    They were interred in their family compound in Uga in Aguata LGA, leaving the community in an unusually quiet and mournful mood.

    The three siblings of the Ejezie’ family – Chikaima, 9, Chimziterem, 8, and Chimdirim, the only son, 5, were reportedly killed on February 1 and their lifeless bodies stuffed in a deep freezer.

    In a homily during a requiem mass in honour of the trio at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, the Archbishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, Cardinal Ebere Okpalaeke, recalled the biblical story of Cain and Abel.

    Okpalaeke said that killing had been there since the creation of man, adding that the children, who were murdered in their early age, had become martyrs.

  • Gov Soludo intercepts roadside preacher, bans pastors from preaching in public [VIDEO]

    Gov Soludo intercepts roadside preacher, bans pastors from preaching in public [VIDEO]

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State on Saturday in Onitsha intercepted a roadside preacher and restated his administration’s resolve to enforce laws and relevant regulations against noise pollution in the State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Soludo was in transit with his convoy when he intercepted the roadside preacher and asserted that it is illegal to preach in the public in the State.

    If you want to preach the Word of God, you go to your church. You are causing pollution. You cannot come to a marketplace and begin to disturb everybody else.

    “If you want to preach the Word of God, you go to a church. Because it is who wants to come to your church will come to your church.

    “But, you do not force everybody in a marketplace, where people have come to trade. It is not a church. They would have arrested you for contravening the law.

    “You do not come out and take a space and start preaching. It is noise. You are polluting the place. It is illegal. Everybody has freedom of worship. You want to worship, we protect everybody.

    “You do not go to the middle of a market where people are coming to trade and turn it into a church. Otherwise, we will be charging you for this space,” Soludo said.

    He also added that those who mount speakers in shops and blast loud music were guilty of noise pollution.

    Watch video below:

     

    Moment Anambra state Governor, Soludo, b@nned Pastors from preaching on the road and market places, says its noise p0llution.

    Thoughts??

    Posted by Entertainment Daily on Saturday 8 March 2025

  • Anambra 2025: Chukwuma claims most qualified for APC

    Anambra 2025: Chukwuma claims most qualified for APC

    Mr Paul Chukwuma, one of the seven All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirants for the Nov. 8 Anambra governorship election, has described himself as the most qualified to fly the party’s flag for the election.

    He said this while speaking with newsmen at the party’s national secretariat after being screened by its Anambra Governorship Aspirants Screening Committee.

    Chukwuma said he was the party’s oldest member in Anambra.

    He said he was pleased with the screening process, noting that it was routine to ensure that only qualified aspirant was. ,, selected to fly the party’s flag.

    “I came prepared for the screening, and I am happy it went well. I am ready for the primary election and also hopeful to be elected as the party’s candidate.

    “I am also convinced that the APC will win the forthcoming Anambra governorship election,” Chukwuma, a former member of the APC National Working Committee (NWC), said.

    On  some aspirants, who joined the APC recently, Chukwuma said that such people had seen the party as attractive because of the foundation he and some others laid.

    “The outcome of people coming into our party is a product of what we started when I was a member of the NWC. I am happy that my brothers from other parties are identifying with the APC.

    “I cleaned up the party in Anambra and made it a beautiful bride to those just coming into its fold,” he said.

    Chukwuma expressed readiness for the APC primary election slated for April 5 as well as the governorship election.

    He said that he was comfortable with the indirect primary mode the party’s leadership adopted to pick its candidate.

    “I am very comfortable with either the direct or indirect primary election, or any other option. I have worked very hard to develop the party in Anambra.

    “I am happy our people are ready to support me. I am sure that when I eventually emerge as the party’s candidate, they will all join hands with me.

    “When I emerge, my colleagues in the governorship race  will join me to help APC take over Anambra,” Chukwuma said.

    He said if elected the state’s next governor, he would give priority to job creation, manpower development, education, agriculture and electricity generation, among other things.

    APC sold its nomination form for N40 million, while the expression of interest form was sold for N10 million to the seven aspirants, including Chukwuma.

    The other aspirants included Chukuma Umeoji, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Nicholas Ukachukwu, Johnbosco Onunkwo, Valentine Ozigbo and Edozie Madu.

  • APC begins screening of aspirants for Anambra governorship election

    APC begins screening of aspirants for Anambra governorship election

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has  begun screening seven  governorship aspirants that purchased its Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to contest its ticket for the November 8, 2025 election in Anambra State.

    Recall that the nomination form was sold at N40 million, while the expression of interest form cost N10 million.

    The APC generated N350 million from the sale of the forms to the seven governorship aspirants which included: Chukuma Umeoji, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Nicholas Ukachukwu, Sir Paul Chukwuma, Johnbosco Onunkwo, Valentine Ozigbo,and Edozie Madu.

    The aspirants whose screening ended on Saturday, are to contest for the party’s ticket at its primary election slated for April 5.

    Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the APC National Chairman while inaugurating the party’s Anambra Governorship Election Screening Committee on Friday in Abuja, promised the aspirants a  free, fair and transparent primaries.

    According to him, the committee is, among other things, expected to scrutinise the original credentials submitted by the aspirants to ensure that they were authentic.

    Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema, a former governor of Katsina,  thanked the party’s leadership for the confidence reposed in its  members.

    He assured that the committee would deliver on its mandate, noting that all the aspirants are qualified and capable of winning Anambra for the APC.

    The APC National Working Committee at its meeting on Thursday, adopted indirect primaries.

    Mr Ajibola Basiru, the party’s National Secretary, had earlier said that the decision was taken to ensure that all  its stakeholders in Anambra were carried along as advised by the State Working Committee.

    “It was formally decided at the meeting that the mode of emergence of the candidate for that election will be through indirect primary,” the APC scribe had said.

    Basiru added that a stakeholders’ meeting with the state working committee, state caucus and aspirants will be held at the party’s national headquarters on a later date to further discuss on the issue.

  • Anambra governorship election: INEC sends strong warning to political parties

    Anambra governorship election: INEC sends strong warning to political parties

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned political parties against making sudden changes to the dates, venues, or modes of their primaries for the Anambra governorship election.

    The commission issued this warning in a statement by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, in Abuja on Thursday.

    Olumekun urged political parties participating in the election to strictly follow their proposed schedules without unexpected alterations.

    He stated that INEC, during its regular weekly meeting on Thursday, reviewed its preparations for the forthcoming off-cycle governorship election in Anambra, scheduled for Nov. 8.

    He recalled that, in accordance with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, INEC published the Notice of Election on 13 November 2024, over 360 days before polling day.

    According to the election timetable, the conduct of primaries for selecting candidates by political parties is set to begin on March 20 and end on April 10.

    Olumekun revealed that 12 out of the 19 registered political parties had submitted their primary schedules in compliance with Section 84 of the Electoral Act 2022.

    He reminded the seven remaining parties to submit the required details without further delay.

    “Furthermore, we urge political parties to adhere strictly to their proposed schedules.

    “Sudden changes to the dates, venues, and modes of primaries cause unnecessary demobilisation and remobilisation of our monitoring staff, disrupting the commission’s workflow,” he stated.

    He added that such disruptions also increase the cost of monitoring primaries and the overall conduct of elections and electoral activities.

  • How we’ll pick our candidate for Anambra governorship election – APC

    How we’ll pick our candidate for Anambra governorship election – APC

    The All Progressives Congress National Working Committee (APCNWC) has adopted indirect primary mode to pick its governorship candidate for the Nov. 8, Anambra governorship election.

    Mr Ajibola Basiru, the party’s National Secretary, said this while addressing newsmen at the end of its NWC meeting on Thursday in Abuja.

    “Our meeting considered the processes in the ongoing Anambra governorship election, which is scheduled for Nov. 8, 2025.

    “It was formally decided at the meeting that the mode of emergence of the candidate for that election will be through indirect primary,” the APC scribe said.

    He said the decision was taken to carry along all the party’s stakeholders based on the advice of the State Working Committee.

    Basiru added that a stakeholders’ meeting with the State Working Committee, State Caucus and aspirants would hold at the party’s national headquarters on a later date to further discuss on the issue.

    He assured that the party’s leadership would provide a level playing field for all aspirants for the election.

    The APC secretary added that the NWC also considered its proposition to begin engagement with government appointees on their achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu immediately after the Ramadan fast.

    He said the initiative was to ensure that there was engagement between the party and government officials to x-ray the progress and challenges faced by different Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government.

    Basiru further said that the NWC reviewed the ongoing e-registration of members of the party, adding  that the consultants handling the project had been mobilised.

    He said necessary equipment and software had been acquired to ensure that the exercise was seamless.

    “Our commitment is that before the next election, we would have a register that has integrity and will also be useful for the purposes of accessing the demographics within the party,” he said.

    The APC generated N350 million from the sale of its Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to seven governorship aspirants in Anambra

    The nomination form was sold at N40 million, while the expression of interest form cost N10 million.

    The seven aspirants who purchased the forms are Chukuma Umeoji, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Nicholas Ukachukwu, Sir Paul Chukwuma, Onunkwo Johnbosco Obinna, Valentine Ozigbo, and Edozie Madu.

    The aspirants are to contest for the party’s ticket at it primary slated for April 5.