News
Anambra by-elections- The morning after
By Ike Ume-Atuana
The by-election for the Anambra South senatorial Zone and Onitsha North Constituency 1 to fill the voids created by the deaths of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and Hon Justice Azuka has come and gone, but not without some important lessons. One, the election exposed the soft underbelly of the opposition political parties in the state. Two it confirmed the ruling party – the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as popular and dominant in the state.
Before this time, the opposition had boasted of mass appeal and electoral strength that would be deployed to run APGA out of the state. While some of them were confident of achieving this singular feat on some politicians’ coattails, the APC demonstrated its “capacity” through brazen striking to death of a live cock – the symbol of APGA – at Nteje. With the benefit of hindsight, all these have proved a sham and confirmed the statement repeated every so often by Governor Soludo that opposition parties do not exist in Anambra. Anybody who was in doubt before now, the August 16, 2025, by-election has removed all that.
The election did two things. It exposed the unpopularity of the opposition parties. It also uncovered their organizational weaknesses. It may be consoling for the opposition and their sympathizers to blame their loss on malpractice, but that was not true. They were beaten in their own game and if truth be told nobody can rig an election where they are not popular or are merely tolerated. Allegation of vote-buying and or financial inducement which has since been bandied around by the moping losers as responsible for the decisive defeat is to say the least cheap and an admission of failure. Though unfounded, elections are not fail-safe and cannot change overnight just because those who wished to win stood still while real winners worked their hearts out. The fact that many of the candidates lost in their very wards speaks of rejection that was deep. It was a clear case of lack of electoral value that does not promise better either now or in the future. The victory was simply an affirmation of support for APGA and a reconfirmation of the confidence reposed very early in the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo by ndi Anambra.
It should be understood that what happened during the by-election was not a fluke. It was as intentional as any election where a people consciously decide to discard emotions, spurn friendship and reject lucre to vote their conscience for their own good and the good of their state. In fact, the election was a reward for the manner in which Soludo and APGA have consistently moved higher the levers of development in the state.
But assuming without conceding that money played a role in the election, how did a governorship candidate who once boasted of riches and claimed he could pay the salaries of the Governor decided to sit by and watch his party lose? Besides the senatorial candidate in the election is not poor. But he has one affliction – ubiquity. He has been around too many times and has become a perennial fixture in all categories of elections in the state senate, governorship etc. His candidacy held no promise. Ditto for the Onitsha North Constituency 1 election. It followed a pattern consistent with how Onitsha people often voted. It is unsaid, but Onitsha North Constituency 1 is represented by either Onitsha son or daughter while Onitsha South Constituency 2 can be won by non-indigene. The only condition upon which APGA would have lost the election was on the principle of widow’s succession. As emotional as it was, it could not change the people’s tradition of voting their own.
It is clear the opposition has its head in the cloud and was not diligent enough to appreciate its strengths and weaknesses in the election. Anybody who is conversant with the political dynamics of Anambra knows that the opposition in not on ground in the state. It is important to note that apart from the fact that APGA has been around, Soludo achievements stand as a mirror before the voting public. It may be difficult for the electorates to experiment with any other party either now or on November 8 when the governor will be on the ballot.
APGA has become a party of choice in Anambra through conscious effort at statecraft by all its governments. It has special relationship with the electorates that it will take some beating. It has become so entrenched in the state that sheer braggadocio from the opposition can avail nothing. As a matter of fact, if empty promises and or boasts as were evident in this election cycle can threaten the dominance of APGA in the state, previous elections would have done it when opposition was stronger. But that was not the case because the Anambra electorates know what they want and do not subscribe to any form of gamble. They are smart enough to tell the parties apart.
It would have been a surprise had APGA lost the by-elections. The party has no reason to lose to any of the parties many of which have questionable provenance. Sweeping the 118 wards in the Anambra South Senatorial Zone and winning about 78% of the votes cast are indicative of what will happen in the entire state in November. It is not likely that a different result will be posted when the entire state goes to the polls. APGA is expected to win in all the 21 Local Government Areas of the state. In fact, it will be worse for the opposition in the Anambra Central Senatorial District which is already waiting anxiously for Soludo to conclude his good works in four year time. The Central Senatorial Zone will lead the re-election effort of Governor Soludo and will make sure the opposition is steamrollered. The by-election verdict is a precursor of what to expect in November, and it is advised that the opposition does not have great expectations because the Anambra electorate is quite discerning.
Ume-Atuana, a commentator on National issues writes from Awka.
News
SEDC to Launch 50,000-Hectare Agro-Mechanisation Project in Enugu to Tackle Unemployment, Insecurity
The South-East Development Commission (SEDC) has concluded arrangement for the kick-off the zone-wide 50,000-hectare agro-mechanisation project in Enugu community meant to tackle insecurity, unemployment and food insecurity.
The SEDC zone-wide 50,000-hectare agro-mechanisation, which is meant to be established in each of the 15 senatorial zones of the five South-East states, would commence at a pilot scheme level on Sept. 22.
This is contained in a statement issued by the media aide to the Governor of Enugu State, Chief Uche Anichukwu, on Wednesday in Enugu.
The Managing Director of the Commission, Mr Mark Okoye, disclosed this during a community engagement at the pilot project site in Nomeh Unateze community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State on Tuesday.
Okoye said the SEDC had, following its establishment in 2024, used the first year to do extensive studies and design a blueprint that cuts across different areas of the South-East economy.
He said the agro-mechanisation projects, remained a major part of the commission’s blueprint, explaining that it would address insecurity, unemployment, and food security.
According to him, so, what we are here for is one of our flagship initiatives, which is called the South-East Agro Mechanisation Programme or the South East Agro Development Programme.
Okoye said that the SEDC was committed to develop up to 50,000 hectares of land and that would be used for mechanised farming across the region.
“We are here for a pre-assessment, pre-flag-off visit to see the area, understand the level of work that needs to be done and ensure that contractors can start mobilising so that once we hit the site we start running.
“Because a big part of what we are looking at is how to address food insecurity and unemployment, ensuring that we are producing what we put on the table.
“We are starting with pilot programmes where we are taking 200 to 300 hectares of farmland across 15 senatorial zones and developing them to standard farms.
“Where you not only have cassava, maize, some of our staple crops, but also some cash crops. In some areas, there will be the centres for learning and centres for productivity,” he said.
Okoye said that Gov. Peter Mbah would flag off the project on Tuesday, adding the SEDC team came to assess the area, meet with the community and ensurr that all the plans are in place.
“And within the second we put this investment here, at least N4 billion or N5 billion of added investment will come in,” he said.
Okoye commended President Bola Tinubu for addressing the long yearning by the South-East for a commission to mobilise resources and coordinate development in the region.
He urged the people to reciprocate the numerous gestures by supporting the Tinubu to continue the development efforts post 2027.
He further revealed that the commission would soon roll ou an investment agency to help mobilise local and Diaspora investments for the region’s speedy development.
A community leader in the community, Chief Uche Anichukwu, described the agro-mechanisation project as one of the blessings of the APC, Tinubu and Mbah administrations to Enugu State in general and Nomeh Unateze in particularly.
Anichukwu, who is also media aide to the Governor of Enugu State, said that the Nenwe-Nomeh-Mburubu-Nara road, with a spur to Oduma, had created ready and multiple access to market for the proposed agricultural project.
Speaking, Chairman, Nomeh Unateze Town Union Caretaker Committee, Dr Chukwudi Anyianuka, and other community stakeholders, reiterated their support for the project.
They commended Tinubu and Mbah for siting the project in their community.
“We are very happy. We cannot wait to see it actualised and we promise that we are going to provide everything that is necessary to make sure that this is established.
“The Commission has taken a methodical approach to regional development.
“Rather than the pitfall of throwing money at development challenges, it undertook a study of the region and came up with a master plan, which includes this initiative, to reinvent the South-East,” Anyianuka added.
Also present at the interactive session were the members of the traditional council of Nomeh Unateze and community heads.
…As Onitsha South Mayor Empowers Workers
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
Maintenance and rehabilitation works at the recently closed First Niger Bridge are being hampered by poor lighting during night shifts and inadequate sanitary facilities at the site.
Recall that before the closure of the bridge, the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, had disclosed that efforts would be made to carry out some of the rehabilitation works at night.
However, some of the workers at the site said poor lighting was affecting effective monitoring of activities on the bridge, while the poor sanitary condition of the area was also posing a threat to their health.
The workers made the complaints during a working visit to the bridge by the Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Chief Emeka Orji.
Orji, who was accompanied by the Secretary of the Local Government, Barr. Paul Onuachalla, and executives of the Fegge Community Landlords/Tenants Welfare Association, led by its Chairman, Chief Nnamdi Onugha, provided cooked meals and packs of bottled water to the personnel and workers at the site.
Speaking after the visit, Orji said the gesture was aimed at supporting the workers and showing solidarity with the Federal Government’s rehabilitation efforts on the bridge.
He said, “To support the workers and give them a sense of belonging, that is why we came to appreciate them. We will continue doing so from time to time as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility.”
The Mayor also disclosed that the council had provided facilities, including mobile toilets and water tanks, while arrangements were being made for water tankers to supply water to the tanks.
Orji further stressed the importance of the military presence in Onitsha South, noting that the personnel would contribute to security, rapid response and protection of the bridge, Onitsha South and parts of Ogbaru Local Government Area.
He added that the council would continue to strengthen its collaboration with security agencies to ensure maximum security across Onitsha South Local Government Area.
Earlier, after inspecting the environment with the Mayor, the Officer in Charge, who pleaded anonymity, identified poor lighting at the bridge at night as one of the major challenges confronting the personnel.
According to him, the situation makes it difficult to effectively monitor activities around the bridge, particularly during night shifts.
He also complained about the poor sanitary condition of the under-bridge environment where the personnel camp, saying they had to clean up the area themselves upon arrival.
The officer further appealed for improved accommodation and food support for the personnel.
He, however, commended the Mayor for the visit and assistance, saying the gesture made the workers feel appreciated.
“We feel loved and appreciated. We are happy seeing you around,” he said.
Africa’s richest industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has revealed that he bought his first private jet at the age of 22 and a half.
Dangote made the disclosure on Monday in Lagos during the formal launch of the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals on the Nigerian Exchange.
Reflecting on his business journey, the billionaire said he had enjoyed travelling by private jet over the years but was now comfortable using commercial flights.
He also urged wealthy Nigerians to channel more of their resources into productive investments rather than luxury assets.
Dangote particularly appealed to affluent Nigerians who spend huge sums on private aircraft to consider investing such wealth in industries and businesses that could contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
“I try as much as I can to encourage people who are riding $900 million aircraft to please go and put that into production. We are not going to be a great nation without doing something productive,” he said.
He stressed that directing private wealth towards productive ventures would help strengthen the economy, create jobs and provide greater opportunities for national development.
The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has rejected claims that it appropriated or “stole” the idea of Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit from another organisation whose application was reportedly pending before the Federal Ministry of Trade.
NDCCITMA considers the allegation misleading and wishes to set the record straight.
The concept of Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit is a broad and widely recognised platform used globally to bring together government, the private sector, investors, businesses, development partners and other stakeholders to deliberate on economic growth and development. The use of the term “Economic Summit” does not, in itself, establish exclusive ownership of the concept by any individual or organisation.
More importantly, the chronology of events does not support the allegation being made against NDCCITMA.
While the said application was reportedly still pending before the Ministry of Trade as at September 2025, NDCCITMA had already gone through the appropriate processes and received approval from the Ministry of Trade in August 2025.
NDCCITMA did not rely on, copy, or appropriate the pending application of any other party in arriving at its name or identity
It is also important to distinguish between a concept and legally protected intellectual property, such as a registered trademark, proprietary material or other enforceable intellectual property right.
NDCCITMA remains committed to conducting its activities in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.Most importantly, in Suit No: FHC/PHC/CS/57/2026 filed on same subject matter in Portharcourt by the petitioner, the learned Judge had restrained the plaintiff from further interfering with the Summit being planned by the NDCCITMA. NDCCITMA will continue respect the rule of law
We therefore urge the public, stakeholders, the media to disregard any narrative unless such claims are supported by verifiable facts and relevant legal documentation.
NDCCITMA firmly rejects the allegation and maintains that its activities and identity were developed and pursued independently and through the appropriate regulatory channels.
The organisation remains focused on its mandate of promoting commerce, industry, trade, agriculture, investment and sustainable economic development across the Niger Delta region.
Signed:
Management
Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA)
The Cross River State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Prince Eka Williams Abang, has died at a hospital in Abuja.
Williams reportedly died suddenly on Saturday, September 12, 2026, while receiving medical treatment.
His death was announced on Sunday by his brother, Nkang William, who expressed shock over the sudden loss.
The deceased was described by family members and associates as a dedicated public servant whose death had left a significant void.
A former councillor representing Abo Ward in Boki Local Government Area, Pius Kejuo Osang, said he was still struggling to understand the development.
Late Abang
“I don’t understand, I was with him on Tuesday, I slept in his hotel,” Osang said.
Michael Gabriel Jr., Executive Media Assistant to Senator John Owan-Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, also described Williams as “a dedicated public servant and a good man.”
He said Ikom Local Government Area had lost a committed public servant, adding that Williams’ life of service, humility and impact would remain in the memories of those he touched.
The commissioner’s death has thrown Cross River’s political and public service circles into mourning, with condolences pouring in for his family, colleagues and associates.
-
News2 days agoCommissioner Dies Suddenly at Abuja Hospital
-
Politics2 days ago2027: Odii: I’ll Attract ₦2tn Investment to Ebonyi in Six Months
-
News2 days agoSept. 26 Polls: ‘ENSIEC is over 90% ready’ – Chairman
-
Crime3 days agoGunmen Attack Commercial Bus, Kill Nine Passengers
-
Crime3 days agoEnugu Police Probe Alleged Disruption of Political Gatherings, Warn Against Violence
-
News3 days agoWhy Nigerian Leaders Should Spend Vacations at Home – Ebonyi Reps Candidate
-
News3 days agoHotel Building Collapses in Enugu Kills One, Traps Workers
-
Crime2 days agoKidnappers Dump 16-Year-Old Enugu Boy Near Onitsha Checkpoint, Police Rescue Him