Politics

Enugu East: Beyond Sentiments, A Time for Fairness, Inclusion and Responsible Leadership

Published

4 months ago

May 18, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

The recent sentiments and narratives over the Chairmanship position of Enugu East Local Government Area deserve calm reflection, objective analysis, and historical honesty rooted in fairness, equity, and the collective interest of the Nike people.

At a time when the people yearn for stability, development, and inclusive governance, the emergence of Hon. Pastor Engr. Beloved Dan Obinna Anike as Chairman of Enugu East Local Government represents far more than a political transition. It symbolizes hope, renewed direction, and a deliberate effort to restore confidence, rebuild trust across communities, and reposition the Nike nation toward balanced growth and shared prosperity.

As the Greek philosopher Aristotle once observed, “The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal.” Equity must always be understood within the context of history, contribution, representation, and evolving political realities.

When viewed objectively, the present political structure within Enugu East reflects a reasonably balanced distribution of strategic positions across the various development centres.

Iyiukwu Development Centre, despite having only two wards — Ugwogo Nike and Mbuluiyukwu — has produced and retained the House of Assembly seat for about 16 years and currently occupies the House of Representatives seat.

Mbulujodo Development Centre presently occupies the House of Assembly seat and also holds the only commissioner slot from the Local Government, while the House of Assembly Urban seat is occupied by Hon. Osita Okoh from the same broader axis.

Nike Uno, with four wards and one of the largest demographic concentrations within the council area, currently occupies the Chairmanship position, a position that fundamentally belongs not to one section alone, but to the entire Enugu East Local Government Area.

This is why discussions around fairness and marginalisation must be approached with sincerity, honesty, and clean hands. As the timeless legal maxim reminds us: “He who comes to equity must come with clean hands.”

More importantly, leadership should not merely be judged by political titles or rhetoric, but by measurable impact, institutional stability, and the ability to govern inclusively across all divides.

Since assuming office, Engr. Beloved Dan Anike has demonstrated practical commitment toward balanced development without discrimination. His administration has deliberately spread infrastructure, empowerment programmes, healthcare initiatives, educational support, youth development opportunities, electrification projects, and appointments across the various development centres and communities within Enugu East.

Under the present administration, road interventions, assessments, and advocacy efforts have extended across Ugwuomu, Eziama, Ibeagwa, Emene, Nkwo Nike, Umuchigbo, and adjoining indigenous urban communities, while aligning with the broader infrastructural vision of Governor Peter Mbah.

The administration has also distributed and energized fifteen units of 500KVA transformers across communities including Alulu, Onyoho, Ugwogo, Amakpaka, Emene, Nchatancha, Akpuoga, Onuogba, Umuchigbo, New Haven, Amorji, Obinagu, and Ugbodogwu.

In the area of social welfare and women empowerment, over 10,000 wrappers have reportedly been distributed to women under the “One Woman One Wrapper” initiative aimed at restoring dignity and supporting vulnerable women across communities.

Similarly, about 10,000 bags of rice have been distributed to vulnerable households within the Local Government Area as part of ongoing social support interventions.

The administration has equally invested heavily in education and human capital development. WAEC fees were paid for over 1,700 students in 2025 and another 1,200 students in 2026, easing the burden on struggling families while opening educational opportunities for indigent students.

About 25 undergraduates are currently being sponsored at David Umahi Federal University and Sam Onyishi University, alongside educational support for eight international students and a full scholarship beneficiary at the Turin School of Development in Italy.

In healthcare delivery, over 5,000 residents have reportedly been enrolled into health insurance schemes, while Type-1 Primary Healthcare Centres located at Obinagu and Nkpologwu in Ujodo Development Centre, as well as Neke Uno in Inyiukwu Development Centre, are ready for commissioning.

Youth empowerment has also remained a major pillar of the administration. Under the “One Youth One Skill” programme, about 359 youths have already been trained and empowered, while another 500 trainees have been scheduled for the next phase under the administration’s Human Capital Development (HCD 2.0) vision aimed at raising 10,000 skilled professionals over the next decade.

The Greater Tomorrow Scholarship Programme is presently supporting about 200 students in digital and professional skill development, while an Aviation Training Programme designed to develop about 100 aviation professionals for global opportunities is also underway.

Women inclusion and grassroots economic development have equally received attention. Over 200 women cooperatives are expected to benefit from the proposed Women Cooperative Endowment and Revolving Fund initiative targeted at strengthening women-led enterprises and promoting grassroots economic inclusion.

Plans are also underway to establish a ₦3 billion endowment fund for women loan schemes and girl-child education over the next ten years.

Perhaps most significantly, the administration has commenced the institutional framework for a proposed ₦10 billion Human Capital Development Trust Fund over the next decade, with a strategic commitment to dedicate part of internally generated and development-linked resources toward sustainable investments in education, enterprise development, innovation, women inclusion, and youth empowerment.

These interventions are not sectional projects. They are practical expressions of inclusive governance and evidence of an administration attempting to build bridges rather than deepen divisions.

Beyond politics, developmental programmes and empowerment initiatives have consciously been spread across communities and development centres without visible discrimination.

It is equally important to recall that respected elders and stakeholders across the development centres had already begun discussions toward a more stable rotational understanding of the Chairmanship position among the various zones, beginning from whichever axis leadership and the people collectively considered appropriate at the time.

Today, Engr. Beloved Dan Anike appears focused on laying a new foundation for fairness, institutional balance, inclusion, and long-term stability within Enugu East. Rather than inflaming fault lines or reopening old wounds, this may well be the moment for collective support, constructive engagement, and responsible leadership.

Leadership expert John Maxwell once stated, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”

Likewise, the late Chinua Achebe wisely reminded us that communities thrive not through division but through shared purpose and togetherness.

The task before the Nike people today is unity, dialogue, institutional progress, and collective development — not divisive rhetoric capable of undermining the fragile foundations of cooperation and inclusion that many have long desired.

History rarely remembers those who inflamed division. It remembers those who built institutions, empowered people, expanded opportunities, restored hope, and laid enduring foundations for future generations.

For this reason, the people of Enugu East must continue to support good leadership, encourage inclusive governance, and allow this emerging era the opportunity to blossom fully for the benefit of all communities within the Local Government Area.

Politics

2027: Mass Protest Vote Looms in Anambra South as NOWAS Backs Onunkwo

Published

5 days ago

September 14, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

By Okey Maduforo, Awka

Ahead of the 2027 National Assembly elections, a mass protest voting movement may be building up in Anambra South Senatorial District, following reported moves by members of major political parties to support the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Chief Ebuka Onunkwo.

The development is said to be linked to grievances among some members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC) and remnants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the treatment allegedly meted out to Onunkwo during previous political contests.

Onunkwo, who had previously contested the Anambra South senatorial seat under APGA, later emerged as the NDC candidate for the 2027 election.

Although the ADC is currently embroiled in legal disputes over the authentic candidates and the conduct of its primary elections, some members of the APC and APGA are also reportedly dissatisfied with developments within their respective parties.

It was gathered that a section of APGA members, in particular, are backing Onunkwo as a form of protest over the conduct of the party’s senatorial primary, while some members of other parties are also believed to be considering voting for him irrespective of their party affiliations.

Confirming the growing support for Onunkwo, the Chief Executive Officer of NOWAS Oil and Gas Limited and a major stakeholder in Anambra South politics, Chief Ignesus Ikechukwudere Nnubia, said the NDC candidate currently enjoys widespread acceptability across party lines.

Nnubia said the growing support for Onunkwo had made his party affiliation less significant, arguing that voters would ultimately vote according to their conscience and assessment of the candidates.

He said, “At the moment, the number of APGA members with him and supporting him makes one wonder what is left of that party. Even the remnants of the PDP have pitched their tents with him, while members of the ruling APC at the national level are also behind him.

“So, the party that he belongs to is not a factor at all. You know that it is a game of numbers, and people are going to vote according to their conscience and not necessarily because of the political party they belong to.

“People are not bound to vote for their party, and some of them are ready and willing to vote for him.

“We are not talking about the party because he will surely get votes from the NDC, APGA, APC and even other political parties that are already closing ranks to support him as their candidate.”

Nnubia further described Onunkwo as the candidate currently standing tall among the contenders for the Anambra South senatorial seat, expressing confidence that his emergence would usher in what he described as a “new dawn” for the district.

He said political parties should not be the major consideration for voters, stressing that what matters most is the ability of elected representatives to improve the lives of their constituents.

According to him, political parties exist because of the people, and therefore the influence of party structures and incumbency has its limits during elections.

Nnubia said those factors would ultimately be tested by the electorate in the 2027 election, which he described as a contest in which voters’ choices would determine the outcome.

Politics

2027: Odii: I’ll Attract ₦2tn Investment to Ebonyi in Six Months

Published

5 days ago

September 14, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 Ebonyi State election, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, has pledged to attract more than ₦2 trillion in private-sector investment to the state within six months of assuming office if elected.

Odii made the pledge while addressing supporters in Lagos ahead of the formal commencement of his campaign.

He said his investment strategy would cover key sectors of the Ebonyi economy, including mining, hospitality, real estate and manufacturing.

According to the PDP candidate, he has identified more than 2,000 prospective investors, each capable of investing about ₦1 billion in the state.

“I have over 2,000 people who can invest ₦1 billion each. When you multiply it, you will get over ₦2 trillion. This has been structured in such a way that all aspects of the economy will be involved,” Odii said.

He said the proposed investment drive was designed not only to inject capital into the state but also to create jobs, expand the productive base of the economy and provide opportunities for young people and entrepreneurs.

Odii said Ebonyi’s natural resources and strategic location placed it in a strong position to attract large-scale investments if its economic potential was properly harnessed.

He promised that his administration would prioritise private-sector participation, industrialisation and job creation while creating an enabling environment for both local and foreign investors.

The candidate also said existing businesses in the state would be supported to expand, while new investors would be encouraged to establish operations across various sectors.

His pledge comes amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with economic development, employment generation and wealth creation featuring prominently in his campaign message.

The proposed ₦2 trillion investment target within six months, if achieved, would represent a significant boost to Ebonyi’s economy and rank among the most ambitious private-sector investment mobilisation plans proposed in the state.

Politics

Anambra APC Sidelined Over First Lady’s Visit, Says Chairman Anosike

Published

1 week ago

September 9, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

By Okey Maduforo, Awka

The planned visit of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to Anambra State has sparked controversy following a protest by the state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Emma Anosike, that the party was not informed about the visit.

Anosike said the APC in Anambra was never consulted or briefed about the proposed visit, adding that the party was taken aback by reports that the wife of the party’s national leader and presidential candidate, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would be visiting the state without recourse to the state chapter.

He said, “It is indeed strange that the First Lady of our presidential candidate is visiting Anambra State without recourse to the party in the state.

“The party wishes to state categorically that we are not part of the arrangements for the reception of our First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, because the party was never put in the picture.”

Anosike also dismissed the mantra that “The Progressives Are Working Together”, being canvassed by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), describing it as a smokescreen by the ruling party in Anambra to hijack President Tinubu’s re-election from the APC.

He said, “For instance, the APGA-led government in Anambra State did not interface with us on the organisation of the visit, and the party wonders if the progressives are indeed working together.”

The APC chairman, however, said the development would not compromise the First Lady’s visit, urging all APC members and supporters in the state to turn out and give Senator Oluremi Tinubu a warm welcome.

He stressed that despite the party’s reservations over the arrangements, APC members remained committed to welcoming the First Lady to Anambra State.

Politics

2027: Former Deputy Governor Resigns From APC

Published

1 week ago

September 9, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

Former Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Sagir Saleh, has resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Saleh, who served as deputy governor under former Governor Isa Yuguda, announced his resignation in a letter submitted to the party leadership in Katagum Local Government Area.
He cited personal reasons for his decision but did not provide further details.
His exit comes amid growing disagreements within the Bauchi APC following the party’s 2027 governorship primary. Other prominent members, including former governorship aspirant Bala Jibrin and Sunusi Kunde, an associate of Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, have also reportedly left the party.
Jibrin, a former National Auditor of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), resigned on August 31, 2026, following his opposition to the emergence of former Bauchi Governor Muhammad Abubakar as the APC’s 2027 governorship candidate.
He had criticised the primary process and questioned how the candidate emerged.
Kunde also resigned from the APC in August, submitting his resignation to the party chairman of Beti Ward in Misau Local Government Area.
The latest departures are coming as efforts continue to resolve internal disputes and disagreements among APC members in the state.

Politics

Primate Ayodele Warns Peter Obi, Atiku Over Alleged Assassination Plot Ahead of 2027

Published

2 weeks ago

September 6, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has raised the alarm over an alleged plot to assassinate former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 general election.

Ayodele issued the warning in a video shared on his verified X account on Sunday, urging both opposition figures to strengthen their security and remain vigilant.

The cleric did not identify those allegedly behind the purported plot but claimed that attempts were being made to eliminate Obi and Atiku.

According to him, divine intervention would prevent the alleged plan from succeeding.

“Obi and Atiku, be very conscious of your security. They are looking for any means to eliminate Obi and Atiku.

“But God will never allow it to happen. Watch out and be cautious about your security,” he said.

Ayodele also urged President Bola Tinubu to reconsider travelling to the United States, alleging that there were forces in America working against his political fortunes.

The claims come as political activities and realignments intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.