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Ogbuekwe’s Victory: Mmiri-Oma Campaign Salutes Nkanu East for Historic Support
…Says Ogbuekwe’s Victory a Mandate of Trust, Hope in APC
The Mmiri-Oma Campaign Organisation, which coordinated the electioneering campaign of the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate for Nkanu East Local Government Area, Engr. Mike Ogbuekwe, has expressed profound appreciation to the people of the council for what it described as their “overwhelming support, trust and confidence” throughout the election campaign.
Ogbuekwe was declared the winner of the Nkanu East chairmanship election conducted on September 26, 2026, bringing to a close weeks of campaign activities, consultations and community engagements across the local government.
In a statement jointly signed by the Director-General of the Mmiri-Oma Campaign Organisation, Prince Chukwuemeka Nwatu, and its Spokesperson, Barr. Joshua Ejeh, and issued on Monday, the organisation thanked the people of Nkanu East for turning out in large numbers throughout the campaign period and ultimately giving their mandate to the APC candidate.
The organisation described the people’s reception of the campaign train across the communities as deeply touching, saying the warmth, solidarity and encouragement received at the grassroots remained one of the defining features of the campaign.
It recalled the extensive ward-to-ward engagements during which the campaign team visited communities, interacted with traditional and community leaders, youths, women and other stakeholders, describing the reception across Nkanu East as a powerful demonstration of grassroots participation.
The organisation particularly recalled instances where residents turned out despite challenging weather conditions to receive the campaign team, including engagements in Nara, Ugbakwa, Owo, Nomeh, Mburubu and Nkerefi, where reports documented significant community participation during the campaign.
According to the statement, the Mmiri-Oma movement was not merely received as a political campaign but as a movement that connected with the aspirations and expectations of ordinary people across the council area.
“We are deeply grateful to the people of Nkanu East. You opened your communities to us, listened to our message, travelled with us, stood with us and ultimately entrusted us with your mandate,” the organisation said.
The campaign body said the mandate given to Ogbuekwe by the electorate carried a profound responsibility, stressing that the confidence of the people must now be repaid through service, accountability and meaningful development.
It assured the people that the incoming administration would remain conscious of the fact that the election was not the destination but the beginning of a new responsibility to serve.
The organisation further expressed confidence in Ogbuekwe’s capacity to translate the mandate into practical dividends of democracy, saying his campaign engagements had demonstrated a commitment to listening to communities and understanding their development priorities.
It called on all citizens, irrespective of political affiliation, to join hands with the incoming administration in building a stronger, more united and prosperous Nkanu East.
“Now that the election is over, the work begins. The campaign has ended, but the responsibility to build Nkanu East has only started,” the statement added.
The Mmiri-Oma Campaign Organisation also pledged its continued commitment to the ideals of unity, grassroots participation and inclusive development that characterised the campaign, while urging the people to remain united behind the development of the council area.
It thanked the traditional rulers, community leaders, women, youths, professionals, political stakeholders and supporters who contributed to the success of the campaign.
The organisation equally expressed appreciation to the state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, the leadership of the APC and all individuals and groups that worked tirelessly throughout the electioneering period to ensure victory.
The campaign council said the overwhelming support received had strengthened its belief that the people of Nkanu East were ready for a new chapter defined by service, inclusion, development and collective progress.
It therefore called on the people to see the emergence of Ogbuekwe not merely as the conclusion of a political contest, but as an opportunity to forge a common front for the advancement of every community across Nkanu East.
“The people have spoken. The mandate has been given. This shows continued trust and hope in the APC. Now is the time to unite, build and deliver. Together, we move Nkanu East forward,” it added.
Nollywood actor Ricardo Agbor has survived a car crash in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The actor disclosed the incident on Saturday in a video shared on his Instagram page, showing his badly damaged Lexus SUV at the scene of the accident.
The silver vehicle suffered extensive damage to its front section, including a crushed bonnet, smashed grille, exposed engine components and a damaged front-left tyre.
In the video, Agbor identified the location of the accident as being in front of the
Cornerstone City billboard in Ibadan.
“This is my vehicle in front of Cornerstone City, Ibadan,” the actor said.
Appearing shaken by the incident, Agbor repeatedly thanked God for sparing his life.
“Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ,” he said.
He later added, “This is what just happened to me now. Oh God.”
In an accompanying post, the actor wrote, “As I was saying… Thank God Almighty I made it out of this. Thank you Lord Jesus Christ.”
There was no immediate information on whether the actor or any other person sustained injuries in the crash.
Ricardo Agbor, also known as Rykardo Agbor, was born on February 4, 1973, in Lagos State and hails from Delta State.
He studied Mass Communication at the University of Ibadan and began his acting career in 1992 after working as a model.
Agbor gained prominence following his appearance in the movie Visa to Hell and has since featured in numerous Nollywood productions in both English and Yoruba.
His acting career spans more than three decades.
Air Peace has reacted to a viral video showing passengers struggling to board one of its aircraft at the Abuja airport.
The video, which has sparked reactions on social media, showed passengers pushing and scrambling to board an Air Peace flight, with airline and airport officials appearing overwhelmed by the crowd.
However, Air Peace said the incident occurred on December 20, 2024, amid flight delays caused by poor weather conditions.
The airline’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, said harmattan-induced haze and fog had significantly reduced visibility and disrupted flight operations nationwide.
According to him, Air Peace deployed three aircraft to Abuja to evacuate affected passengers and minimise disruptions caused by the delays.
He explained that while passengers were being processed at the boarding gate, the crowd became overwhelming, with some passengers rushing towards the airside.
Ndiulo said officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and boarding officers were overwhelmed by the situation, forcing duty managers and ramp officials to mount barricades around the aircraft stairs to separate passengers booked on different flights.
The airline expressed sympathy to passengers affected by the delays but condemned what it described as misinformation and false claims accompanying the viral video.
The statement read in part:
“On the day in question, there were flight delays because of poor weather conditions, specifically harmattan-induced haze and fog, which is common at this time of the year and significantly limits visibility and impacts flight operations nationwide.”
Air Peace said it deployed three aircraft to Abuja to ensure that passengers could continue their journeys with minimal disruption.
The airline also urged members of the public to disregard what it described as misleading representations of the incident, insisting that the video did not reflect its normal operations or values.
“We appreciate your understanding and patience during this period and sincerely regret any inconvenience these delays may have caused you,” the airline said.
It added that the safety of its passengers and crew remained its utmost priority.
ENUGU — Five members of the same family have died after a concrete water reservoir attached to an uncompleted building collapsed onto their home in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The incident occurred at about 5:45 a.m. on September 18, 2026, at Umuike-Aja Village, Nenwenta Community, according to the Enugu State Police Command.
The victims were identified as Raphael Onwu, his wife, his mother and their two children. The collapsed reservoir reportedly fell onto the adjoining house where the family was sleeping.
Police operatives from Awgu Division, supported by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and community members, responded to the scene and rescued a nine-year-old boy. The child was taken to hospital, where he is receiving treatment.
The five victims were also recovered and taken to hospital, where they were confirmed dead. Their remains have been deposited at a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse.
Police also arrested the owner of the building on which the reservoir was constructed, identified as Nkwo Onyedikachi Geoffrey, in connection with the incident.
The police said the outcome of the investigation would determine further appropriate action.
The Commissioner condoled with the bereaved family and the affected community, while urging residents to avoid unsafe construction practices and comply with approved safety standards by engaging qualified professionals.
The police statement was signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, and dated September 24, 2026.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
An air of uncertainty currently surrounds the planned inauguration of the newly elected 21 Local Government Area (LGA) mayors and councillors in Anambra State, following a legal challenge by 56 incumbent councillors.
The inauguration is expected to take place early next month, in line with the provisions of the Anambra State local government laws. However, the process is being challenged before the State High Court in Awka by the incumbent councillors, who contend that their constitutionally protected four-year tenure has not expired.
The plaintiffs, in an Originating Summons filed before the court, are asking for declarations affirming that democratically elected local government officials are entitled to a secure four-year tenure, in line with the democratic mandates enjoyed by elected officials at the federal and state levels.
They are also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their agents, privies or anyone acting on their behalf from dissolving, terminating or interfering with the tenure of elected local government officials at the expiration of two years.
Among the questions the plaintiffs have asked the court to determine is whether Section 110(4) of the Anambra State Electoral (Amendment No. 3) Law 2024, as well as Sections 44(3) and 64 of the Anambra State Local Government Administration Law 2024, which provide for the compulsory dissolution of elected local government executives and councillors after two years, are inconsistent with Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution and therefore null, void and of no effect.
They are also asking the court to determine whether, in view of the decisions in Hon. Anam Hamisu Mohammed v. Attorney-General of Plateau State & Ors and Attorney-General of the Federation v. Attorney-General of Abia State & 35 Ors (2024) 17 NWLR (Pt. 1996) 425; (2024) LPELR-62576(SC), the provisions of Section 110(4) of the Anambra State Electoral Law can stand.
The plaintiffs contend that the Supreme Court judgment affirmed the democratic status, self-governance and constitutional autonomy of elected local government councils and their officers.
They have further asked the court to determine whether the Electoral (Amendment No. 3) Law 2024 is inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
Another issue raised is whether, having regard to Sections 7(1), 135(3) and 180(2) of the Constitution and the principles of Nigerian federalism, elected local government officials can have their tenure reduced to two years while elected officials at the federal and state levels enjoy constitutionally recognised four-year terms.
The plaintiffs argue that such an arrangement violates the constitutional recognition of democratic governance at the three levels of government.
They are therefore seeking a declaration that Section 110(4) of the Anambra State Electoral (Amendment No. 3) Law 2024 and Sections 44(3) and 64 of the Anambra State Local Government Administration Law 2024 conflict with Sections 1(3) and 7 of the Constitution and are, to that extent, unconstitutional, null and void.
They also want the court to declare that the provisions of the state laws cannot lawfully be interpreted or applied in a manner that permits the defendants to arbitrarily terminate the subsisting mandate of democratically elected local government officials by conducting elections to replace them midway through their tenure.
The plaintiffs further seek a declaration that any decision or action by the first and second defendants, their servants, agents or privies, treating the councillors’ mandates as having expired after two years is unconstitutional, illegal, null and void.
They are also asking the court to declare that the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) had no lawful authority to conduct elections for the purpose of replacing them or other subsisting elected local government officials during their alleged four-year tenure.
Among the reliefs sought is an order of perpetual injunction restraining ANSIEC, its officers, agents and anyone acting on its behalf from recognising, swearing in, inaugurating or otherwise giving effect to the purported election or return of persons elected in the local government elections conducted on August 29, 2026.
The plaintiffs are also seeking an order reinstating them, with their rights, privileges and emoluments, pending the determination of the Originating Summons.
In addition, they are demanding N10 billion in general damages against the defendants.
The councillors have also asked the court to order the defendants to comply with the final decision of the Supreme Court in Attorney-General of the Federation v. Attorney-General of Abia State & 35 Ors and Gov. Ekiti v. Olubunmo, as well as Section 287(1) of the Constitution, particularly on democratic governance at the local government level.
They contend that the constitutional provisions prohibit the arbitrary replacement or alteration of the mandates of democratically elected local government officials through arrangements inconsistent with Section 7(1) of the Constitution.
Meanwhile, it was gathered that the suit, which was expected to come up for hearing last week, was not listed on the cause list of the Awka High Court.
There are also indications that the matter could attract the attention of the Attorney-General of the Federation, as parties continue to canvass the enforcement of what they describe as the constitutional provisions governing democratic local government administration.
With the legal challenge still pending, uncertainty now surrounds the proposed inauguration of the newly elected local government mayors and councillors in the state.
The Federal Government has opened discussions with the World Bank for three new loans worth a combined $1.5bn, even as Nigeria’s public debt rose to a record N166.79tn at the end of June 2026.
Documents from the World Bank indicate that the proposed financing consists of three separate $500m facilities targeting climate resilience, social protection and early childhood development.
The first facility is a proposed $500m additional financing for the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes project, known as ACReSAL. The World Bank is expected to consider the facility on October 29, 2026.
The Federal Republic of Nigeria is listed as the borrower, while the Federal Ministry of Environment will serve as the implementing agency.
If approved, the additional financing will increase ACReSAL’s total funding from the previously approved $700m to $1.2bn. The entire facility is expected to be financed through the International Development Association, the World Bank’s concessional financing arm.
According to the World Bank, the government requested the additional $500m to expand the project’s results and strengthen the institutional, operational and financing arrangements required to sustain integrated landscape management.
The funds are expected to support landscape restoration, watershed rehabilitation, erosion and flood management, irrigation and drainage, water harvesting and storage, reforestation and other climate-resilient initiatives.
Of the proposed $500m, $310m would be allocated to dryland management, $165m to community climate resilience and $25m to institutional strengthening and project management.
ACReSAL currently operates across 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, focusing on land degradation, water insecurity, climate vulnerability and declining agricultural productivity.
The World Bank estimates that desertification and land degradation affect about 43 per cent of Nigeria’s land area. It also warned that inadequate action on climate change could reduce Nigeria’s GDP by about 2.6 per cent annually by 2030 and as much as 6.7 per cent by 2050.
$500m Social Protection Loan
The second proposed facility is a $500m IDA credit for the Household Prosperity and Empowerment-Social Protection Project, known as HOPE-SP.
The project is still at an earlier stage of preparation, with a technical design review scheduled for October 30, 2026. The World Bank has tentatively set March 16, 2027, for consideration of the project by its board.
The Federal Ministry of Finance is listed as the borrower, while the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction is expected to implement the programme.
The project has an estimated cost of $500m, comprising a $420m results-based programme and an $80m investment project financing component.
The proposed programme is aimed at establishing regular social assistance for poor and vulnerable households while gradually increasing the role of federal and state governments in financing social protection.
The World Bank said the programme would support targeted unconditional and conditional cash transfers, modernise the social registry, integrate the National Identification Number into the social protection information system and strengthen implementation at the federal, state and local government levels.
The lender noted that Nigeria spent only 0.14 per cent of its GDP on social safety-net programmes in 2021, compared with a global average of 1.5 per cent and 1.2 per cent among lower-middle-income countries.
The World Bank also estimated that the proportion of Nigerians living in poverty rose from 40 per cent in 2019 to 56 per cent in 2023 and could reach 62.5 per cent in 2026.
It attributed the worsening situation to factors including the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, natural disasters and conflict, while noting that the removal of fuel subsidies and exchange-rate reforms increased living costs in the short term.
$500m Early Childhood Development Programme
The third proposed facility is another $500m IDA credit for the Nigeria Early Childhood Development Programme, which is expected to be considered on March 15, 2027.
Like HOPE-SP, its technical design review is scheduled for October 30, 2026.
The Federal Ministry of Finance will be the borrower, while the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning is expected to implement the programme.
The project will cover all 36 states and the FCT and is designed to improve access to integrated health, nutrition, early learning, childcare, water, sanitation and other essential services for children aged zero to five.
The proposed $500m financing will comprise a $400m programme-for-results component and a $100m investment project financing component.
If approved, the three facilities would bring the total value of the Federal Government’s proposed new World Bank borrowing to $1.5bn.
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