News
Amechi Uwani hails Mbah, Enugu Assembly over land dispute resolution
The Concerned Kindred Families of Amechi Uwani in Enugu South Local Government Area have expressed appreciation to the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, and the State House of Assembly over their intervention in the lingering land dispute involving the community.
In an open letter signed by their leader, Sir Richard Nnabuchi Nnamani (KJW, Onodugo), the group commended the Speaker and members of the Assembly, particularly the Special Committee on Land Matters/Dispute, for their role in resolving the matter.
The letter reads: “We, the undersigned being the representatives of the Concerned Kindred Families of Amechi Uwani, Enugu South LGA of Enugu State, under the leadership of Sir Richard Nnabuchi Nnamani, KJW (Onodugo), wish to profoundly and passionately appreciate first the Honourable Speaker of the Enugu House of Assembly and the entire members of the Enugu State House of Assembly.”
“We particularly salute the commitment, uprightness, and industry of the members of the Special Committee on Land Matters/Dispute of the House for the Report and the robust findings and recommendations articulated therein which the House unanimously adopted on the 19th day of December, 2024.”
“We consider this report a lifeline in the annals of our numerous cries and calls for justice which hitherto were viciously and monstrously suppressed till now where, without fear or favour, you have called a spade by its name, and our joy knows no bound.”
The group recalled their ordeal, alleging intimidation, harassment, unlawful arrests, and malicious charges, as well as the demolition of their buildings by the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA) and land grabbers despite pending court cases.
“We do not intend to revisit the degree of brigandage and brutality meted to us, the unlawful arrest and detention, spurious and malicious charges, indeed the tortuous path and harrowing experience to which we were subjected by the invading land grabbers before the emergence of this ray of hope.”
They described Governor Mbah as a leader committed to justice and fairness, commending him for allowing the legislature to function independently and ensuring that the truth prevailed.
“Our greater appreciation, however, goes to our energetic, indefatigable, hard-working, peace-loving and development-minded Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Barr Peter Mbah, for his transparency, non-interference and ensuring the independence of the House, and particularly for his unwavering commitment and pursuit for justice for all which apparently made this celebrated Report possible.”
“We have strong confidence, therefore, in His Excellency for the full implementation of the Report so that this imbroglio will be ultimately laid to rest, and our people will deservedly heave a sigh of relief.”
Beyond the land dispute, the community hailed Mbah’s achievements in infrastructure and security, noting that his administration had improved roads, electricity, and surveillance across the state, making Enugu more attractive to investors.
“It may not be out of place to seize this momentous occasion also to acknowledge and eulogize the untiring efforts of His Excellency in his quest to develop and make the State investor-friendly, and a one-stop shop for commercial and all business activities.
“With good road networks emplaced, enhanced electricity supply, CCTV installation at every corner, not to mention the numerous ongoing and completed projects embarked upon by His Excellency, Enugu State has become a reference point, more than ever before, to the envy of other states.”
They assured Mbah of their full support and pledged to deliver all their votes to him if he decides to seek re-election in 2027.
“Given the widely acclaimed developmental trajectory of His Excellency, we have already resolved to continue to give maximum support for the success of His Excellency’s administration, and have resolved further to muster hundred per cent of our votes in his favour should he decide to seek re-election come 2027.”
“This is the least we can do to support the continuity of his good works and successful completion of his transformational agenda.”
They further called for the full implementation of the Assembly’s report to bring lasting relief to the affected families.
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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