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Alleged Fraud: Trouble looms for suspended Enugu Councilor

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There is more trouble looming for the embattled Councillor representing Umualor Ward in Isi-Uzo LGA of Enugu State, Hon. Maxwell Aluagbo who was recently suspended by the Isi-Uzo Legislative Council.
Emerging documentary evidence shows that the sum of N1.1 million was indeed paid into his account for a palliative programme for Internally Displaced Persons in his community, Umualor.
Contrary to his claim that Isi-Uzo Local Government Council withheld his wardrobe allowance on the orders of the Council Chairman, Hon. Obiora Obeagu, for attending the post-inauguration reception of the House of Assembly Member representing Isi-Uzo, Hon. Gabriel Eze, on 13 June 2023, emerging facts show that the last batch of wardrobe allowance was paid to Councillors about 21 days before the inauguration of the State Assembly.
There are proof that the Isi-Uzo LG Council paid the wardrobe allowances of seven Councilors last year between September 2nd to 7th, 2022 and the remaining Councilors paid between April 20th and 3rd May, 2023.
There is also evidence that between 25th and 26th May, 2023, before the 29th May handover date, Isi-Uzo Council Chairman had also finished paying wardrobe allowances to Supervisors/SPAs except one that had a petition against him.
Recall that the Isi-Uzo Legislative Council had on Wednesday, 6th July suspended Hon. Aluagbo for allegedly embezzling the funds meant to alleviate the suffering of IDPs, who took refuge at Umualor and other IDP camps in Isi-Uzo following the Eha-Amufu-herders crisis that led to loss of lives and property.
He was also accused by his colleagues of divulging matters discussed during an executive session of the Legislative Council in clear violation of Rule 3(e) of the Legislative house.
Moving a motion for Aluagbo’s suspension, the Majority Leader, who is also the Councilor representing Neke Ward 2, Hon. Nnabuike Ugwu, expressed worry over the petitions by stakeholders and leaders of Umualor community that the sum of N1.1 released by the Council to alleviate the sufferings of IDPs in their community was yet to be released many months after.
Summarizing the debate, which saw many Councillors express anger over the report, the Leader of Isi-uzo Legislature, Hon. Irenus Anene Nnaji, described the allegations as serious and unfortunate, saying it was a sacrilege for anyone to tamper with funds meant to deliver democracy dividends to the people of Isi-Uzo, let alone funds meant for IDPs.
The Legislative Council, therefore, constituted a three-man Committee to further investigate the allegations and report back.
However, in a swift reaction, the embattled Councillor, Hon. Maxwell Aluagbo took to the social media and some online news channels to allege that he was being witch-hunted by the Council Chairman, Hon. Obeagu, for attending the reception organized by Member representing Isi-Uzo State Constituency, Hon. Eze, after his inauguration on 13th June.
But, facts show that the sum o f N1.1 million was transferred to Maxwell Aluagbo’s UBA account number 2066599607 on March 3, 2023, while payment of wardrobe allowances was concluded 21 days before the said House of Assembly inauguration and reception.
A Councillor representing one of the Isi-Uzo wards, who, however, preferred not to be named in print since he was not authorized to speak on the matter under further investigation said the allegation by Aluagbo that he was not paid wardrobe for attending the inauguration of the Labour Party House of Assembly Member “is patently false”.
He said: “The truth is that Maxwell Aluagbo is under investigation for embezzling the N1.1 million paid into his account for the benefit of his community. As a matter of fact, I was around the day he came to the Chairman’s office begging for a soft-landing. He said he used the money to weather a storm in his business and pleaded with the Council Chairman that the money be recovered by the Council through using his wardrobe allowance in lieu. So, I’m in shock that the same man has suddenly turned around to make the wild allegations.
“Who cares if he attends a post-inauguration reception in the moon. And by the way, is Hon. Gabriel Eze not our son? Being in Labour Party does not take away the fact that he is a bonafide Isi-Uzo son.
“Besides, Maxwell Aluagbo still receives his salaries and overheads as a Councilor like everyone of us till date. So, why didn’t the Council Chairman stop those payments too if he was being victimized as he claimed. He is not smart at all and people should be careful what they support for partisan reasons because what is at issue here is money meant for IDPs. Maybe they don’t understand what it means to be in IDP.
“In fact, I expect Labour Party as responsible political organisation to investigate him too. Embezzlement is not what Peter Obi stands for”, he stated.
He dismissed the allegation by Hon. Aluagbo that the N1.1 million he was paid was used to halt the impeachment of the Council Chairman.
“It is interesting that from claiming that he had never seen N1 million at once in his life, he has now agreed that he indeed received the money. But his claim that he used it to ward off Hon. Obeagu’s impeachment is preposterous and stupid.
“We know how the system works across Nigeria. Where in Nigeria have you ever heard that Councillors were able to impeach their Chairman. Who born you? How did he become a Councillor in the first place? Besides, we have never had issues with our Chairman, Hon. Obeagu let alone serving him an impeachment notice. So, which impeachment is he talking about? By the way, who is Maxwell Aluagbo? Who can he influence?
“The truth is that he goofed and he is being used by aggrieved Labour Party members and some of their PDP cohorts like himself to misinform the public”.
The Councillor also alleged that Aluagbo has been at loggerheads with the Isi-Uzo Legislative Council leadership for breaking the House rules.
“Every institution has a rule. We have the Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly Rules. Likewise, we have Rules for the Isi-Uzo Legislative Council. Rule 3(e) is clear that you don’t go divulging what was discussed in an Executive Session (closed door session) of the Legislature. It is a standard international practice. But he did”, the Councillor added.
Meanwhile, contrary to the allegation of diversion of palliatives made against the Council Chairman, Members of the different communities affected by the Eha-Amufu-herders crisis confirmed that the Council actually distributed palliatives to them in two phases.
There are reports from Isi-Uzo that the Council Chairman recently attended the Survival thanksgiving of St. Paul’s Catholic Church Ndi-Agu, Aguamede, Eha-Amufu and personally promised and sponsored the delivery of palliatives to poor widows and indigent locals in the community.
“The truth is that with available evidence, the suspended Maxwell Aluagbo is a drowning man who is being prodded and used by some individuals for propaganda to whip up sentiments, deceive, and distract the public from the crime he committed”, a town union president alleged.
In the meantime, reports and evidence show that the embattled Councilor has been making frantic efforts behind the scene to reach the Council Chairman for a soft-landing.
Every effort to reach the Council Chairman failed. However, sources close to him said being a lawyer, he had made up his mind to drag both Aluagbo and publishers of the alleged defamatory publications to court.
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FG Announces 150 As University, Nursing Cut-Off Mark

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The Federal Government has announced 150 as the minimum cut-off mark for admission into universities and nursing schools across the country.
The decision was reached during the policy meeting on admissions organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) with stakeholders in the education sector.
According to the government, candidates seeking admission into universities and nursing institutions are expected to score at least 150 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to qualify for consideration.
The meeting also reviewed admission guidelines for polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions as part of efforts to maintain standards in the nation’s education system.
Stakeholders at the meeting urged institutions to ensure transparency and fairness in their admission processes while advising candidates to strictly adhere to admission requirements.

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“Go and Verify”: How Sunday Umeha Is Redefining Representation in Ezeagu/Udi

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Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha has continued to distinguish himself not only as a grassroots politician but as a sound parliamentarian who clearly understands the true essence of legislative representation and public service.

Since emerging as the Member representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Umeha has consistently demonstrated capacity, vision, and commitment both on the floor of the National Assembly and within his constituency.

Unlike many politicians whose promises disappear after elections, Rt. Hon. Umeha has steadily transformed his campaign mantra, “Go and Verify,” into practical realities visible across communities in Ezeagu and Udi Federal Constituency.

From road construction to solar-powered streetlights, classroom projects, healthcare interventions, agricultural empowerment, scholarships, boreholes, and youth development programmes, his stewardship has remained rooted in service delivery and measurable impact.

Observers say one of the strongest qualities that separates Umeha from many lawmakers is his deep understanding of parliamentary responsibilities. Through strategic bills and motions, he has continued to show that representation goes beyond rhetoric and political appearances.

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Among several notable legislative efforts, he sponsored bills seeking the establishment of a Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition in Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, reforms in the education sector through the abolition of levies in public basic schools, mandatory insurance protection for NYSC members, and the establishment of a National Football Academy.

He also sponsored motions addressing critical national concerns, including the investigation into the gruesome killing of Nigerians by soldiers in Enugu State and the urgent completion of the Karshi/Apo Road project in Abuja to ease traffic congestion.

Political analysts note that these interventions reflect a lawmaker who understands that effective representation must combine constituency development with strong legislative advocacy.

Many constituents equally commend him for remaining faithful to the promises he made during his campaigns. Across the constituency, residents point to completed and ongoing projects as evidence that the lawmaker has not reneged on his commitments to the people.

Beyond governance and legislative duties, Rt. Hon. Umeha also played significant roles in efforts aimed at restoring sanity, stability, and internal cohesion within the Labour Party before his eventual defection to the APC.

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Sources within the political space in Enugu State revealed that Umeha consistently pushed for peace, unity, and institutional order within the party during periods of internal crisis and leadership disagreements. His interventions were said to be driven by the desire to protect the interests of party members and preserve the integrity of the platform.

However, following prolonged internal challenges and unresolved structural issues within the Labour Party, the federal lawmaker eventually moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a decision many political observers described as strategic and inevitable.

Despite the political transition, supporters insist that his focus has remained unchanged — delivering quality representation, empowering constituents, and sustaining developmental projects across Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency.

For many residents, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha represents a rare blend of grassroots leadership, legislative competence, humility, and political responsibility.

And across the constituency, the verdict from many communities remains simple:

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“He promised, and he delivered.”

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Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma Lays His Beloved Sister to Rest

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Today, Friday 8 May 2026, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma (Onwa Umueri) laid his beloved sister, Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke to rest in a solemn but dignified ceremony.

A large number of family and friends gathered in Ogboji in Orumba South Local Government Area for her burial.

It was a solemn yet beautiful celebration of a life well lived, one marked by grace, resilience, and strong family values. The Funeral Mass was officiated by His Emience, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpalaeke, The Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese.

In a heartfelt family tribute, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma shared that her sister “it is indeed well with your soul and has gone to rest with the Lord,” expressing profound grief over the irreplaceable loss of a beloved sibling who played a significant role in their family. He prayed for God to grant her His mercy and reward her with Beatic Vision. He opined that they as a family will continue from where she stopped. Our Hope in God and Believe in the resurrection of the dead and communion of the saints will spur them on as they continue to place all their hopes in God who made Heaven and Earth.

The Funeral and Burial Ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries including Her Excellency Senator Dr Iyom Uche Ekwunife, APC State Chairman, Most Distinguished Senator Emma Anosike, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa (Okeife Alor), YPP Deputy Governorship Candidate 2025 Governorship Election, His Excellency, Chief Uzu Okagbue, Former Nigeria Ambassador to Burundi, His Excellency, Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba (Ozonkpu Ike Enuguwu-Ukwu N’Umunri, Dr Oby Orah, Executive Director FAAN, Prof Charles Esimone, Former Vice Chancellor Unizik, Chief Hon Raph Okeke, Barr CJ Chinwuba, Hon Chizo Obidigwe, Hon JC Okeke (Deputy Chairman ,APC Anambra State, chief Anthony Obiazie (Ichie Ide), Onwa Lento Aluminium.

Others are The Vice Chancellor of Benue State University and Members of the Governing Council, the Rector Anambra State Polytechnic,Dr Njideka Rita Chiekezie, Hon Obi Henry APC State secretary, Hon Ify Nwachukwu (Ada Onowu), Prof Jaja Nwanegbo, and several other respected leaders from the political, traditional, and religious communities.

Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke died after Major Brain Tumour Surgery in Germany, aged 44 years. May the soul of Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke rest in perfect peace, and may God grant the entire Chukwuma of Umueri and Okeke family of Ogboji, the strength and comfort to bear this irreparable loss.

*Videos and Photos Speak:*
*(C) Paschal Candle.*

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2027: Anambra ADC Intact Despite Obi, Kwankwaso Departure – Guber Candidate

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By Okey Maduforo Awka

Gubernatorial candidate Mr John Nwosu and running mate of the African Democratic Congress ADC in Anambra state Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu have stated that despite the deoature of Mr Peter Obi, and Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,the party is still intact and would run it’s full course in the 2027 general election.

The duo however lamented that the deoature of Obi is indeed painful but was quick to add that the party must forge ahead .

He said as leaders, Obi and Kwankwaso and other key chieftains of the ADC who suddenly left to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) would have waited to resolve the problems the ADC is facing when it mattered most rather than taking a swift to another fold.

Chief Nwobu bared his mind and feelings of other stakeholders of the ADC while briefing newsmen shortly after the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting held on Friday in Awka the state capital.

He noted with nostalgia that the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi could have shown restraint and commitment in the ADC even in face of the party’s plethora of litigations pending before different courts than leaving it unceremoniously with others.

He vowed that despite the development, leaders and members of the State chapter of the ADC are resolute to take the full circle of the electoral battle ahead of next year’s general elections and would get to it to successfully.

Accorisng to him, the National leadership of the party was not given the opportunity to settle down even less than 24 hours before the supreme Court judgment on Thursday last week when news about the detection of those who left the party rented the air waves up till Friday and Saturday same week and finally on Sunday when the news was finally blown to the entire world.

Nwobu disclosed that the opposition ADC in the state at the moment parades about nine House of Representatives and six State House of Assembly aspirants who have bought nomination forms to contest the 2027 elections while more have indicated interest to join the epical race.

The ADC stalwart further maintained that all those who indicated interest to contest the various positions are greatly prepared to run the race with high morals.

“We feel pains that these people left the party (ADC); definitely it’s going to affect the gains of the party. There’s no point saying every other thing. That having been said I am telling you that those who remain in the party are resolute and prepared to run the course.

He said the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting reaffirm loyalty and support to the National leadership under David Mark as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as the National Secretary.

Nwobu who was flanked by Hon. Christian Okeke, Ven. Chris Orajekwe and Arch. Afam Moma, Samuel Ikefuna, and Reginald Akunekwe and Ben Chuks Nwosu said “the state leaders reaffirm loyalty and support of the ADC Anambra state to the National leadership headed by Senator David Mark and His Excellency Rauf Aregbesola.”

“The meeting resolved to commend the founding chairman of the ADC Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu for the exemplary show of representing the ADC platform as an umbrella body for the coalition and his selfless role In navigating the coalition to it’s fruition.”

“And we wish to affirm that the ADC’s best is from Anambra state and Anambra state will not be found wanting in the efforts of the party to achieve success during the 2027 general elections,” he said.

“For our brothers who has moved on tp other platform, we wish them well. I look forward to a day we will all join hands together to salvage this country,” Nwobu stated.

He explained further that no new leadership has been Inaugurated in Anambra,adding that that it’s unnecessary for somebody to say he or she has resigned as the party is still contending on issues of offices, conduct of Congresses at the Federal High court.

Chief Nwobu stated that the Inauguration of officials elected at Congresses across the states would be made on the 11th of this month.

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Enugu, SSDO advance domestic resource mobilisation for climate responsive budgeting

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By Chinedu Sabastine

The Enugu State Government, in partnership with the South Sahara Social Development Organisation (SSDO), has intensified efforts to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation (DRM) as part of broader strategies to boost climate finance and promote responsive budgeting.

The initiative aligns with the administration’s climate policy framework, which emphasises sustainable development, a green economic transition, and improved fiscal planning.

This was disclosed during a two-day stakeholders’ dialogue on domestic resource mobilisation for climate-responsive budgeting held at Sylvia Hotel, Independence Layout, Enugu and funded by ActionAid Nigeria.

 

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Director of Climate Change in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Nnamdi Arum, said the state has integrated climate considerations across its projects and programmes.

 

According to him, while Enugu continues to benefit from international funding support, deliberate steps are being taken to strengthen internally generated resources for climate initiatives.

“Climate change has been prioritised across ministries in Enugu State. Most projects are now designed with green considerations in mind,” Arum said.

He commended Governor Peter Mbah for appointing Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke as Special Adviser on Climate Change, noting that his leadership has helped translate climate policies into actionable programmes.

Arum added that the government is actively engaging diverse groups, including youths and persons with disabilities, to ensure inclusive climate policy development.

On funding gaps, he acknowledged that despite progress, external support remains crucial particularly in the agricultural sector to enhance food security and affordability.

In his remarks, Research Policy Officer with SSDO, Okechukwu Ajah, said the dialogue aimed to bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation.

He noted that although Enugu has domesticated its climate policy and action plan, challenges such as weak inter-ministerial coordination and the absence of clear climate budget tagging persist.

“Many agencies still operate in silos, and there is no distinct climate imprint in budgeting across ministries. This affects ownership and effective implementation of climate policies,” Ajah said.

He expressed optimism that the engagement would yield practical, implementable recommendations, stressing the need to move from theory to action.

Ajah also highlighted the importance of youth inclusion in climate discussions, describing young people as critical stakeholders in shaping sustainable futures.

One of the participants, Chidera Ekoh, described the dialogue as insightful, noting that it provided practical knowledge on addressing climate challenges.

“Climate change is already impacting our economy. This programme has equipped us with the knowledge to prioritise challenges and mobilise resources effectively,” Ekoh said

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