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Anambra Governorship Election: Civil Society group asks Buhari to prevail on IPOB to rescind lockdown threat
By: Odogwu Emeka Odogwu
A Civil Society organization, Civil Society Committee for Anti-fraud election securiy and other organizations led by Comrade Kennedy Iyere have called on former President, Abdulsalami Abubakar to prevail on the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to rescind their threats on a 5-day lockdown of the South East during the Governorship Election.
The Civil Society group with other organizations like the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) South East zone led by the Vice President, Comrade Emmanuel Ifesinachi , Young People of Igbo Nation in Politics led by Hon Tony-Uche Ezekwelu and two political parties including African Democraric Change (ADC) led by its National Chairman,Chief Okey-Raphs Nwosu and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) led by the running mate to Mr Valentine Chineto Ozigbo , Chief Mrs Azuka Enemo addressed the media.
They called on the former President, Abdulsalami Abubakar and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Rev. Fr. Matthew Kukah to reach out to the President Mohammadu Buhari soliciting his cooperation in addressing the threats.
Addressing newsmen on Wednesday, the founder of the Civil Society group, Comrade Kennedy Iyere said treating the threats with levity by ignoring the group rather than calming the agitators would further escalate the situation.
He said his group established a situation room for the poll following alleged tactical plans to by some political gladiators to rig the polls, which he said would not be good for the nation’s nascent democracy.
He said, “We’re here to address certain critical threats if not checkmated will affect the people’s choice. Among them is that of IPOB warning people to stay at home for 5days, before and after the election.
“We appeal to President Buhari to realize the need to respond to the agitators rather than ignore them. As a father of the nation, which Southeast is part of, we want to humbly request he speaks to them so we can have a peaceful election.
“These ones don’t need to be ignored. It’s their right to be agitated, but it’s your right to calm them down. That’s what leadership is all about.
“We also want to make a passionate appeal to former President Abdulsalami Abubakar. You intend coming to the state to sign a peace accord with the contestants. But before then, there’s serious need for you to reach out to Mr. President and solicit his cooperation in addressing the IPOB threats.
“He needs to send a word of encouragement and hope to them so they can rescind their threats. Otherwise, it would have a negative effect on the outcome of the poll. If that’s is not done, we’ll be compelled to believe that there’s a hidden plan to impose a governor on the people against their will.
“The same way government are negotiating with bandits, let them send a message to the IPOB known to be armless. We also appeal to Rev. Fr. Kukah, Secretary to National Peace Committee, to reach out to Mr. President, NSA and security chiefs and let them pacify these boys.
“Anambra is not a war zone and we don’t want to believe the security agencies are deployed to come and shoot, that will be absurd and barbaric. They’re role should be safeguarding the process and remaining impartial.”
According to Iyere, he reached out to major political parties in the race on the need for them to lend their voice in the appeal, but regretted that only the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) honored the invitation
He added, “I called the APC candidate, Andy Uba, he didn’t pick, I called his Aide and told him the need for their presence in the meeting, but they bluntly declined, saying the meeting was unimportant.
“I spoke with Soludo and he arrogantly told me that APGA is the only winning party running campaign in the state. I warned him that the people he’s going to seek their votes are the same people we want him to speak to. His DG who promised to come, never showed up.
“Those of ZLP and YPP also didn’t turn up. But good enough, we have the PDP and ADC here. I’m not a foolish person. What this establishes is that it’s only these two parties love their people. I’m not a politician nor campaigning for anyone.
“I make bold to say this without any apology or fear that only these parties can advance the course of Anambra people. IPOB, I’m sure with these two parties, you have hope that when a government is formed in their favor, will ensure your sentiments and concerns are addressed.
“I want to appeal to IPOB and its leadership, Anambra is your state, you may have haters, but don’t create room for those who don’t have your interest at heart to destroy your state and unleash mayhem.
“Five days of not doing business will affect many families, including some of you that issued the statement. Think about it and rescind on the decision. I came from Edo state, they wanted to hijack the process, but we resisted it. Today, the governor we have is the one we voted for.
“I want to warn, whoever believes results can be rigged is wasting his time. The civil society is there. I’m also calling on the European Union, US and UK government, if you love us, and want us to grow, please take serious whatever we say to you.”
The ADC National chairman, Chief Raphs-Okey Nwosu and the running mate of the PDP candidate, Chief Mrs. Azuka Enemo who spoke on behalf of their parties, called for dialogue between the federal government and the pro-Biafran group for a peaceful election.
On his part, former youth leader, Ohaneze Idigbo Tony-Uche Ezekwelu, called for the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as a panacea for peaceful poll in Anambra.
While the Zonal Vice- President of NUJ, Comrade Emmanuel Ifesinachi called on security agencies to ensure eligible voters are not intimidated while exercising their civic responsibilities on election day even as he called on media practicioners to discharge their duties without fear or favour.
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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