News
Abia former PDP chair, Ndidi Okereke is dead
The cause of his death is yet to be disclosed but the release said he died suddenly.
Late Okereke was the PDP Chairman in Abia when the late Prince Vincent Ogbulafor who also passed on recently was the National Chairman of the party.
Chief Okereke who hailed from Isuochi in Umunneochi Local Government Area, was the former Board Chairman, Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Umuahia.
PDP said the late Okereke who it described as a big asset, would be greatly missed.
“The sudden death of Chief Okereke is a great loss to his immediate family, the good people of Umunneochi, Abia North, Abia State and the entire PDP family and he will be greatly missed by all”, the release said.
It further read:”It is with a heavy heart that the Chairman of the Abia PDP Rt. Hon. Alwell Asiforo Okere on behalf of the Abia PDP regrets to announce the sudden death of one of its finest gentlemen and a former State Chairman of our Party, Chief Ndid Okereke who passed on to eternity in the early hours of today, Monday November 14, 2022.
“An accomplished Pharmacist, Chief Ndidi Okereke was considered a bridge between the Old and New Breed politicians and doubled as the Chairman of the Contact and Mobilization sub-Committee of the 2023 Abia PDP Campaign Council and the Party’s State Reconciliation Committee.
“He was a reliable, strong ally and a strategic partner of the State governor, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu who is shattered by the news of the sudden demise of the ever jovial Ndidi Okereke as he was fondly called by all.
“The Party Chairman, Rt. Hon. Alwell Asiforo Okere mourns the painful loss of this great son of Abia State and commiserates with the members of his immediate family, friends and well wishers.”
PDP, announced a shift in its programmes earlier scheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday) as a mark of honour to the deceased.
“Following his death, the Abia PDP has made a major adjustment to its scheduled programmes for Tuesday November 15, 2022 as the Party Secretariat would remain closed on that day as a mark of respect for the deceased.”
PDP prayed God “to grant his family, friends and Ndi Abia the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
Meanwhile, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu has expressed shock and sadness over the death of Okereke.
Ikpeazu in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Onyebuchi Ememanka, described the late Okereke as “a first class political leader, administrator and a passionate Abian.”
According to the Governor, “Chief Ndidi Okereke played key stabilizing roles in the politics of Abia State. A man of peace and an advocate of reconciliation, Chief Okereke was an integral part of practically all moves that brought peace and stability to the party and the State. He was the Political Leader in Umunneochi LGA and one of the most experienced politicians in the State”.
Continuing, the Governor stated “Chief Ndidi Okereke was a master in the art of quiet but effective political diplomacy and his death has dealt a major blow to the PDP in the State and overall political development in the State”.
He condoled the members of his family as well as the people of Umunneochi Local Government Area.
Similarly, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, has expressed sadness and rude shock over the incident.
Ohuabunwa in a release signed by the Assistant Secretary of his Campaign Council, and former Chairman of Arochukwu Local Government Area, Princely Kingsley Ngunu, described the demise of the late PDP chieftain as a monumental loss to himself, Abia North, the State and Ndigbo in general.
He described his death as one too hard to believe, saying he was an embodiment of wisdom, knowledge and character to the benefit of those who came around him.
Senator Ohuabunwa who further described the deceased as a personal friend and trusted political ally said he had been greatly devastated by the shocking news of Chief Okereke’s sad exit.
The former Leader ECOWAS Parliament, further described the deceased as a motivator, mobilizer, philanthropist and a grade one Pharmacist who had the charisma to lead his people through difficult times.
He said that his contributions to the growth of Isuochi, Umunneochi, Abia North, Abia State and Nigeria would remain indelible on the sands of time.
The Abia North PDP senatorial candidate said the late Okereke would be greatly missed for his many legacies.
He condoled with the members of his immediate family, Umunneochi Local Government Area, Abia North as well as the PDP family for the loss of Okereke who he said was “an asset of inestimable value.”
Senator Ohuabunwa also prayed God to grant the bereaved family that fortitude to bear the loss, and the soul of the departed eternal repose in heaven.
He urged the family members to be consoled by the enduring legacies that the former PDP boss and peace maker left behind.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced the demise of its Enugu State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Franklin O Agbakoba.
This is contained in a statement issued by FRSC Deputy Corps Commander in-charge of Enugu State Operations, DCC Kyrian C Okolo, on Friday in Enugu.
“FRSC Enugu State Sector Command received the sad news of the demise of CC Franklin Agbakoba on Thursday, July 30,2026.
“The late Sector Commander died at Niger Foundation Hospital, Enugu where he was receiving treatment.
“His corpse have been deposited at the Eastern Medical Center, Enugu,” he said.
Until his death,CC Franklin Agbakoba made inter-agency collaboration and partnership his legacy and promoted safer roads within Enugu State.
The family’s head, Imo Aguiyi-Ironsi, made the demand during an interview with Arise News on Thursday.
“I think the family needs apology. The family needs to be compensated. We need sincere apology. We need sincere reconciliation,” he said.
He described his uncle as a visionary leader who was wrongly punished for a coup he had no role in.
“He was a man of vision. He was a detribalized Nigerian. He was a good leader,” he said.
Imo Aguiyi-Ironsi noted that his uncle’s tenure as Head of State was brief and ended violently.
“He occupied the seat of head of state for only six months, and he was taken away from us.
“Not because of a sin he committed, because he wasn’t part of the January 1966 coup.”
According to him, Aguiyi-Ironsi’s death resulted from his position rather than any wrongdoing on his part.
“Only because of his position as the most senior military officer, he was told to take charge. And then that cost him his life,” he said.
He expressed hope that his appeal would reach those with the power to act on it.
“Well, I hope there are people who are in positions to make this happen that are listening to you tonight,” he said.
Aguiyi-Ironsi served as Nigeria’s Head of State from January 16 to July 29, 1966, taking charge in the aftermath of the January 15, 1966 coup that had claimed the lives of the country’s political leadership.
He survived that coup and helped crush the mutiny, but his later decision to centralise power under Decree 34, along with his failure to prosecute the plotters, fuelled resentment among northern officers.
He was killed on July 29, 1966, alongside his host, Lieutenant Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi, in a mutiny by northern soldiers that became known as the July counter-coup
The directive was contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
Addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers, the circular said the order took immediate effect and formed part of efforts to uphold professional standards within the apex court.
The memorandum read, “I am directed by the Honourable the Chief Justice of Nigeria to notify all Litigation Staff, Legal Practitioners, Court Registrars, and Lawyers that the use of the title ‘Barrister’ as a prefix to names is inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”
It further directed all affected officers to immediately stop using the title in official correspondence and other official materials.
The memo stated, “Consequently, all officers concerned are hereby directed to discontinue the use of the title ‘Barrister’ before their names in all official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials, and any other official engagements with immediate effect.”
The memorandum added, “Heads of Departments and Unit Heads are requested to ensure strict compliance with this directive by all officers under their supervision. Please be guided accordingly.”
The directive comes weeks after the Council of Legal Education cautioned prospective lawyers against wearing wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners before they are formally called to the Nigerian Bar.
The council said such conduct undermined the dignity of the legal profession and warned that violators could face disciplinary measures.
It also reminded candidates that the use of legal regalia is governed by the Rules of Professional Conduct and is reserved for duly qualified legal practitioners
The Enugu State Government says it has intensified fight against quackery across all health professions, particularly in the laboratory practice within the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, revealed this on Friday while receiving the National President of Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Dr. Casimir Ifeanyi, on a courtesy visit to his office in Enugu.
Ugwu decried the growing trend of unprofessional practices and establishments where laboratory services are combined with pharmacies, patient treatment areas, provision stores, and other unauthorised activities.
According to him, such practices are unacceptable and dangerous to public health.
He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to eliminate quackery especially in laboratory practices and operations through sustained monitoring, regulation and enforcement.
The commissioner also commended the association for its dedication to promoting excellence in medical laboratory science and public health advocacy.
He assured the team of the ministry’s willingness to collaborate with professional bodies whose activities align with the government’s vision of delivering accessible, quality, and people-centred healthcare services across the state.
Ugwu stressed the remarkable strides recorded under the administration of Gov. Peter Mbah in transforming the health sector, including investments in healthcare infrastructure, workforce development, primary healthcare revitalisation and improved service delivery.
He urged the association to remain steadfast in upholding professionalism and ethical standards, emphasising that stronger partnerships between government and healthcare professionals remained essential in building a healthier Enugu State.
Earlier, Ifeanyi, who made the visit with some members of his national executive and Enugu State Chapter of AMLSN, briefed the commissioner on the association’s forthcoming AMLSN Annual Public Health Lecture.
He solicited the state government’s goodwill, support and participation in the event, which would be held in Enugu.
“The annual lecture is aimed at advancing quality healthcare delivery, promoting public health awareness, and fostering stronger collaboration among healthcare professionals and government institutions,” he said.
He noted that the association remained committed to improving professional standards and supporting initiatives that would enhance healthcare outcomes for residents of Enugu State and Nigeria at large.
…Inaugurates Amufie Town Union executives
By Chinedu Sabastine
The Enugu State Government has urged Town Union President Generals (PGs) across the state to adopt inclusive leadership that promotes peace, unity and sustainable development in their communities.
The Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Chief Charles Egumgbe, gave the charge on Wednesday while inaugurating the newly elected 14-member executives of the Amufie Town Union in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area.
The executive committee, led by the President-General, Engr. Kenneth Okechukwu Ogili, was presented with certificates of return at the ministry’s headquarters in Enugu.
Egumgbe urged the new leadership to ensure transparency, accountability and regular engagement with members, stressing that women and youths must be carried along in decision-making.
He advised the executives against operating exclusive caucuses, noting that town union affairs should be conducted openly through regular meetings where decisions are collectively taken.
“You must carry everybody along. Let your policies be all-inclusive and ensure that members are well informed about your activities. Matters should be tabled before the executive and decisions reached collectively,” he said.
The commissioner warned against abuse of office, particularly in matters relating to community land, stressing that anyone found working against the interest of the community could be removed under the state’s Town Union law.
“I don’t know whether you will receive remuneration because this is service to humanity. But whatever you do, don’t sell community land illegally. Land has a way of fighting for itself,” he cautioned.
Responding, the new inaugurated President-General, Ogili, pledged to lead with transparency and work closely with his executive to promote peace, unity and development in Amufie.
He said the administration would prioritise security by strengthening the neighbourhood watch and collaborating with security agencies to flush out criminals from identified flashpoints.
Ogili also promised to maintain a cordial working relationship with the traditional ruler of the community.
“The Igwe is our father. We have different constitutional roles, and there will be no conflict between us. We shall work harmoniously for the peace and progress of Amufie,” he said.
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