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BREAKING! Enugu: Eha-Amufu communities unite against Eha-Ohuala women over political protests
… Town Union PG aspirant alleges sponsored mob action against PDP supporters
The leaders, elders, women and youth of other Eha-Amufu communities have galvanised themselves against the protests and actions of women of Eha-Ohuala, Eha-Amufu Ward III, tagging them as politically-motivated.
This development followed unfolding events, which they said had exposed earlier allegation that the activities of women of Eha Ohuola, a Labour Party stronghold and village of the Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2023 election was fuelled by politics.
In the same vein, a human rights activist and Women Aids Collective-trained paralegal, Mr. Richard Ogenyi, has, in a voice note that went viral on Thursday, lamented attacks on dissenting voices and perceived political opponents, including his wife and children for telling visiting journalists that there was no recent mass killings in Eha-Amufu as claimed by the protesting women in viral videos a few weeks ago.
Reports from Eha-Amufu on Thursday and Friday morning show that leaders, women, and youth of other Eha-Amufu communities have accused Eha Ohuala women of initially fooling the other villages into believing that they were protesting against herders excesses, but only to discover that it was all about local Town Union politics and political control of Isi-Uzo.
They accused Eha Ohuola women of framing and attacking PDP members in Eha-Amufu ward III, but said PDP supporters were instructed by the Council Chairman, Hon. Obiora Obeagu, not to retaliate or take laws into their hands.
“These women went after the PG of Mgbuji Community and one of the women was overheard saying ‘… Ndu Labour ga achinata Mgbuji’, meaning that Labour Party must take over the leadership of Mgbuji Town Union.
“A lot of people out there are being deceived based on herders sentiments and they don’t know what is going on in Mgbuji, Eha-Amufu. Truth is that Mgbuji is not the only community in Isi-Uzo with herders problem of over 15years. But Eha-Ohuala, Mgbuji are typical examples of communities destroying themselves by themselves. The truth is unfolding,” a local, who preferred to be anonymous, said.
Meanwhile, Richard Ogenyi, in a viral voice note, raised the alarm over how his children were locked out and his wife dragged to the village market and humiliated by the rampaging women on account for supporting Dr. Peter Mbah of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 governorship election instead of their kinsman, Chijioke Edeoga.
He lamented, “My name is Richard Ogenyi, from Mgbuji, Eha-Amufu, a human rights activist and WACOL-trained paralegal. Since after the 2023 Enugu State gubernatorial election, these hoodlums have been threatening anyone that they perceive as an enemy or political opponent in Eha-Amufu. Last week, a team of journalists, numbering about 30 from various media houses visited Eha-Amufu on a fact-finding mission in respect of the menace that herdsmen are causing in our community. Anybody, who granted interview has been attacked by uninformed women being used by their sponsors.
“This morning, March 20, 2025, they came after me and as I was not at home, they took my wife hostage and taken to Afor Mgbuji market, where she is being humiliated right now.
“I call on all authorities, including the digital projects governor of Enugu State to come to our rescue right now.”
Media reports show that Ogenyi told the visiting media houses that but for isolated incidents, such as the killing of an undergraduate and rape of a woman in February, security had continued to improve under the since the administrations of Governor Mbah and the Council Chairman, Hon. Obiora Obeagu.
He was emphatic that there were no such recent mass killings and arsons as portrayed by protesters on the social media.
“From my own view, they protested against the herders invasion of our place because as you can see, this place you are seeing now is called Orie Ogbete or Orie Uzo Ugbo Mgbuji. It was a lively place before the herders drove us away in 2022.
“So, how I view what happened one or two weeks ago as an independent person is that what the woman did was good in creating awareness.
“But the truth is that there was an element of politics in the protest and I am not happy about that aspect because they should have focused on the main issue. For instance, I am surprised hearing that people numbering in hundreds were killed in Eha-Amufu recently. Truth us that after the incident of 2022, we have not witnessed such number of killings being circulated.
“Since Obiora Obeagu’s second term and Governor Mbah administration, we have witnessed a lot of security improvement and insecurity has dropped drastically,” he had told reporters.
Recall that earlier in the week, Eha Ohuala women, attacked and stripped another community leader and staunch PDP member, Mr. Israel Mgborogwu. They alleged that he sold community land, was collecting money to kill people and also suppressing information on alleged mass killings and arson in Eha Amufu, an allegation he vehemently denied.
Mr. Mgborogwu had already been cleared for the PG contest by the electoral committee.
It is, therefore, alleged that he is being targeted by anti-PDP elements, who insist on installing a Labour Party member as President-General of the Community Town Union, and are therefore, sponsoring women mob action to suppress him and scuttle his ambition, knowing that the authorities would not be hard on them since they are women.
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.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate dissolution of the Presidential Implementation Committee (PIC) on the Alienation of Federal Government Properties, ending the operations of a body that has overseen the privatisation, sale and lease of federal assets for more than two decades.
The decision was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, President Tinubu directed that all matters relating to the committee’s activities will henceforth be handled by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
The PIC was established in 2000 under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to supervise the disposal of Federal Government landed assets under the monetisation policy.
The committee was chaired by the then Minister of Housing and comprised representatives of the Ministries of Transportation, Justice, Health and Agriculture, as well as the Nigeria Police Force. Professor P.T. Ahire served as its pioneer secretary, while members were drawn from both the public and private sectors.
The statement recalled that the Federal Executive Council approved the establishment of a Panel of Inquiry on March 22, 2001, to produce a White Paper guiding the implementation of the committee’s recommendations. The panel worked for 21 months before submitting its report.
Explaining the decision, Onanuga said the Federal Government concluded that the committee had outlived its usefulness, as its activities had extended beyond its original mandate and resulted in multiple litigations across the country.
“After careful consideration, the Government has noted that the activities of the PIC had extended beyond its original mandate, resulting in multiple litigations across the country, and the continued existence of the Committee is no longer justified,” he said.
President Tinubu also directed that, with effect from November 5, 2025, all outstanding matters previously handled by the committee be coordinated by the Attorney-General of the Federation.
In addition, the former Secretary of the committee, B. S. Dutsin-Ma, was directed to immediately cease acting on behalf of the dissolved committee and the Federal Government on related matters.
The Presidency said the move is aimed at streamlining the management of issues relating to the alienation of Federal Government properties under the supervision of the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
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