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Anambra Guber Poll My First Test, INEC Chairman Amupitan

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By Okey Maduforo Awka

Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission INEC Prof Joseph Ojo Ampitan has announced that the Anambra Gubernatorial election is the first test of his ability to ensure transparency in the conduct of future elections in the country.

This is coming as the Chairman National Peace Committee (NPC) and Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese Rt Rev Hassan Matthew Kukah urged the 16 gubernatorial candidates to see the Saturday election as a contest of brothers and sisters adding that the essence of the sighing of the peace accord is to instill peace and spirit of sportsmanship in the county’s polity .

Amupitan stated this yesterday during a peace accord signing ceremony for all the 16 political parties in the contest, their candidates and state chairmen.

The INEC chairman who was at the ceremony, during his remarks expressed happiness at the peace accord signing initiative.

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He said: “As INEC chairman, I’m proud to be part of this peace accord signing for Anambra 2025 off cycle election. I was appointed recently and this is going to be my first assignment and I’m committed to ensure that this election is fair, credible and free. As much as we are committed to peace, we can only succeed if we have corresponding support from all the stakeholders.

“After witnessing the national peace accord signing five years ago, we decided to devolve it to involve not just the presidential election but states.

This was because of the violence that had followed some elections in the past. We have had this several times and this is the second time it is happening here in Anambra. Parties have always honored the accord and we have always had peaceful election.

“Today we gather just days to the election and as an election body I want to assure that INEC is ready to deliver global best practices.

It is not the signatures on this papers that bring peace, it is the commitment of those involved. So as you append your signature to this, ensure that the message is cascaded to all your supporters.

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“By signing the peace accord, you are not only agreeing to this but showing that democracy can only thrive where peace prevails. Let us work together to ensure that the coming election is remembered for peace. Anambra is a microcosm of Nigeria and this election will be significant to other elections that are coming up.”

He urged voters to expect significant improvement in election day logistics, saying the election will be an improvement in every area. He said a total of 2.8million voters will decide the winner of the election, and that the commission ensured full participation by extending the collection of Permanent Voters Card (PVC) until Sunday.

He assured that his mandate is to deliver credible election and that any individual trying to subvert the will of the people will be met with stiff resistance.

The Inspector General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun who was represented at the signing ceremony by DIG Benjamin Okolo assured that the police will ensure maximum security during the election. He warned separatist elements; Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and their armed group, Eastern Security Network (ESN), saying any attempt to disrupt the election would be resisted.

He said: “This address is to show that police is committed and ready to present a free, fair, level playing ground to all. Ahead of the forthcoming election we will ensure order. The Nigeria Police Force stands prepared to ensure that the exercise happens under a free fair and credible atmosphere.

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“We will be civil, yet firm and any attempt to undermine public peace will be met with stiff resistance. We remain alert, and we warn the proscribed IPOB and ESN that the peace of Anambra State shall not be negotiated.”

Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo who spoke on behalf of the candidates assured that all the parties and their candidates would adhere to the peace accord, reiterating that Anambra has a history of fighting dirty during election, but would always meet at weekend to wine and dine together.

He said: “The candidates are all my friends. The roforofo (fight) will end on Thursday and by Sunday we will all go for thanksgiving. It is the Anambra way. When we fight, we fight as if there is no tomorrow but after that we get back and begin to dine and wine together.

“I thank the Kukah centre for initiating this. This is my second time I’m participating in this, and reading through the wordings, it is quite important to our democratic process and we hope that we internalize all the wordings.

“To my colleagues, what we signed today is something we should go home with and give to our campaign partners. What we have signed today is a secret oath. As we go home let us try to domesticate the oath we have taken.

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“We will cooperate with the INEC to ensure that this is the best election ever in terms of transparency, due process integrity and all.

“To the police I say, we have 5,720 polling units. You will secure the state and secure the electoral process.
We are committed to one man one vote.

Let people vote, count the votes and announce the votes. Me and my party the APGA will be happy to abide by this.”

Earlier, the chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), Gen. Abdulsalami Abukakar (Rtd.), who was represented by Gen. Martin Luther Agwai called for peace throughout the period of the process.

Agwai said: “We are gathered here above all rising ambition and party interests, but for the security, dignity of Anambra people. Democracy can only thrive where there is restrain and where life is held sacred. Anambra is a special place in our country, rich in heritage and innovation.

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“As an example of maturity, today’s commitment is not in words only but in discipline and actions. To our respected traditional rulers and religious leaders, we recognize your role as custodians of wisdom and unity. Your voices of guidance will be needed to uphold peace within our communities. To the media, we appeal for reporting that informs and not reporting that fuel division.

“Let us all remember that democracy is at its best when it is truly reflect the will of the people. It must be expressed freely, peacefully and with dignity. When we honor these principles, we protect not only the value but the peace and stability of our society.”

All 16 candidates of the parties contesting the election and chairmen of their political parties signed the peace accord.

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Police Inspector Dies in Alleged Police Convoy Accident in Enugu

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A Police Inspector, Dr. Obodo Paul Ikechukwu, has reportedly died after he was involved in a fatal road accident allegedly involving a police convoy in Enugu State.

The deceased, who hailed from Nkpologu in Enugu State, was serving in the Operations Department of the Enugu State Police Headquarters at the time of the incident.

Details surrounding the circumstances of the accident remain unclear, but sources said the inspector was fatally injured after being struck by a vehicle in a police convoy.

Dr. Obodo, who was also a PhD holder, was described by colleagues and associates as a dedicated officer whose death has come as a shock to members of the police command and his community.

As of the time of filing this report, the Enugu State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the incident, while further details are being awaited.

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Mbaka Offers Prayers, Endorses Mbah’s Leadership Ahead of Election (See Video)

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The Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministry Enugu, , has offered prayers for , praying for God’s favour, protection, and victory as the state approaches the coming elections.

Speaking during a church gathering, Mbaka declared that Governor Mbah would succeed, expressing confidence that God, whom he said had begun a great work through the governor, would bring it to completion.

“It shall be well with Peter Mbah; may the favour of God be with him. We back him with our prayers. The Adoration family throws our prayers around him, that he will succeed, in the name of Jesus. May God grant him the power of victory at the end of the whole election,” Mbaka said.

The cleric further expressed hope that Mbah’s leadership would bring joy to the Igbo people, the people of Enugu State, and the Church, adding that the Igbo economy could witness greater advancement under his administration.

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According to Mbaka, the progress recorded so far gives hope that greater achievements lie ahead, stressing that God would perfect the work already begun.

His remarks come as political activities continue to gather momentum ahead of the forthcoming elections.

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Governor Mbah Directs ESEMA to Support Families Displaced by Enugu Fire

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ENUGU — Governor Peter Mbah has directed the Enugu State Emergency Management Agency (ESEMA) to provide immediate relief materials and other palliative support to two families displaced by the fire that razed a two-storey building at No. 22 Church Road, Asata, Enugu, on Saturday.
The governor’s directive followed reports by Everydaynewsngr that the inferno destroyed two flats and consumed household property, valuables, and important documents belonging to the affected families, leaving them homeless.
The General Manager of ESEMA is expected to assess the extent of the damage and coordinate the distribution of emergency relief items to ease the hardship faced by the victims while further interventions are considered.
Residents of the area welcomed the governor’s swift response, describing it as a demonstration of compassion and responsible leadership at a difficult time for the affected families.
One of the victims, an employee of a higher institution in Enugu State who is said to be approaching retirement, had lamented that the fire wiped out decades of savings and destroyed all his household belongings, including vital documents and certificates.
No lives were lost in the incident, while the cause of the fire is yet to be determined. Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the outbreak as affected families begin the difficult task of rebuilding their lives.
The state government urged residents to remain safety conscious and report fire emergencies promptly to relevant agencies to minimise damage and loss of property.

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Stakeholders, Firm Seek Reforms to Boost Professionalism,

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By Our Reporter
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s real estate industry, alongside Golden Land Estate Ventures Limited, have called for urgent reforms to strengthen professionalism, transparency, and investor confidence in the sector.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued on Monday in Enugu following the company’s 2026 Mid-Year Seminar/Luncheon, held on Friday, July 3, at Wendy’s Place. The seminar, themed “Next-Level Real Estate Practices,” brought together real estate developers, chief executive officers, realtors, marketers, investors, and other stakeholders from the South-East to examine emerging industry trends, challenges, and practical strategies for sustainable growth.
According to the communiqué, participants unanimously adopted several resolutions after extensive deliberations.
Among the key resolutions was a call for stronger government action against the multiple sale of land. Participants urged the Federal, State, and Local Governments to strengthen land administration policies and impose stringent sanctions on communities and individuals involved in the fraudulent sale of the same parcel of land to multiple buyers.
They noted that such practices continue to erode investor confidence, fuel land-related litigation, and discourage genuine investment in the real estate sector.
The stakeholders also stressed the need to promote professionalism and healthy competition within the industry. They maintained that competition should be driven by integrity, innovation, quality service delivery, and professionalism rather than unhealthy rivalry, misinformation, or actions capable of damaging the reputation of fellow practitioners.
They further encouraged industry leaders to embrace collaboration as a means of promoting collective growth and enhancing public confidence in the sector.
The communiqué also emphasised the importance of honesty and transparency in dealings with clients. Participants urged real estate practitioners to refrain from making false claims, exaggerating property values, misrepresenting estate locations or approvals, or giving unrealistic assurances merely to secure transactions.
They insisted that prospective buyers should be provided with accurate, verifiable, and complete information before making investment decisions.
On service delivery, the seminar called on real estate developers and chief executives to establish effective internal controls to eliminate the overselling or double allocation of plots. Developers were also urged to ensure prompt allocation of purchased lands and timely issuance of all necessary documentation.
According to the communiqué, efficient service delivery is critical to sustaining customer trust and improving the credibility of the industry.
The participants also called on government agencies, industry regulators, professional bodies, community leaders, developers, and practitioners to work together in building a transparent, accountable, and investment-friendly real estate environment that protects property buyers and supports sustainable national development.
Golden Land Estate Ventures Limited reaffirmed its commitment to promoting ethical business practices, professional excellence, continuous capacity development, and responsible real estate investment in Nigeria.
The communiqué was signed by Comrade Damian Ogudike and Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, directors of Golden Land Estate Ventures Limited, on behalf of the company’s board. It was also drafted and endorsed by the seminar’s resource persons, Mrs. Amaka Dim of Exotic Landlady Estate and Miss Blessing Anene of BuildWise Solution Centre Estate.

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Families Homeless as Fire Razes Two-Storey Building in Enugu (Video)

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By Our Correspondent

ENUGU — Two families were left homeless on Saturday after a fire destroyed two flats in a two-storey building located at No. 22 Church Road, Asata, in Enugu metropolis.

The fire, which started at about 10 a.m., reportedly broke out after the occupants of the affected upper-floor flats had left for their daily activities.

Although the cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained as of the time of filing this report, eyewitness Tony Iroji said the inferno completely destroyed household items and other valuables in the affected apartments.

One of the victims, who returned home while the building was engulfed in flames, reportedly collapsed after seeing the extent of the damage. He was revived by sympathisers at the scene.

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The victim, said to be an employee of one of the higher institutions in Enugu State and nearing retirement, lamented that years of hard work had been wiped out by the incident.

According to him, the fire destroyed all his household property, including important documents and certificates, leaving him with no option but to relocate his family to his ancestral home.

“All I have worked for all these years is gone,” he said in tears.

No life was lost in the incident, but residents appealed to the Enugu State Government, emergency management agencies and public-spirited individuals to come to the aid of the affected families, even as they urged the authorities to investigate the cause of the fire.

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