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Anambra land recertification: Court fixes hearing As Okonkwo Alleges Financial Fraud Against Soludo

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Justice Peace Otti of the Anambra State High Court, Awka Judicial Division, has fixed hearing for October 30, 2025 on the suit filed by an activist, Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo, challenging the land document recertification and revalidation exercise in Anambra State.

Okonkwo, who is a layman, had dragged Governor Charles Soludo, the 1st respondent and three others before the court, for allegedly embarking on the land document recertification and revalidation exercise, outside the Land Use Act 1978.

The other three respondents in the suit respectively, are the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Anambra State, Commissioner for Lands, Survey, Urban Planning and Commissioner of Police, Anambra State.

The matter came up on Thursday for mention.

In suit number A/23/2025, which he initiated through an originating summons, Okonkwo alleged that conducting such an exercise against the provisions of a federal legislation, violated the 1999 Constitution of the Nigerian Federation (as amended).

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According to him, the imposition/demand of N25, 000 land recertification/revalidation tax on Anambra land owners by the Soludo government, without an iota of authorization by the Land Use Act, constituted a mega financial fraud, and hence, should be investigated thoroughly by the Nigerian Police Force.

The plaintiff deposed a 14-paragraph affidavit in support of the originating summons, alleged that the “illegal” land document recertification/revalidation exercise was deployed to corruptly enrich the budget for Governor Soludo’s re-election campaign, ahead of the forthcoming November 8, 2025 Anambra State Governorship Election.

He asked the court to interpret Sections 5, 6, 8,9,11, 26, 46 (1) and 50(1) of the Land Use Act 1978, regarding the power of the Anambra State Governor in relation to land.

The issues for determination are as follows: “Whether the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants who purport to arrogate the powers of recertification and revalidation of all land documents in Anambra State (State and Non-State Land) have shown to the satisfaction of the court that the Land Use Act, clearly and specifically authorised their action.

“Whether the recertification/revalidation fee/tax of N25, 000 contained in Exhibit ‘A’, which was charged on Anambra State land owners, is not contrary to Part II of the Schedule of the taxes and levies (Approved list of collection) Act, Cap.T2 LFN 2011, and therefore illegal and unconstitutional and subject to account and refund to the defrauded people of Anambra State.”

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Pursuant to sections 6(6) (a) & (b) 272 (1) and 315 (1) of the 1999 constitution, of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the plaintiff sought 13 reliefs, including a declaratory order, order for account, injunction and exemplary damages in his favour, against the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants in the sum of N10 billion.

However, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Patrick Ikwueto, hired by the Attorney General of Anambra State, filed a memorandum of conditional appearance and preliminary objection dated May 6, 2025 on behalf of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants, requesting for an order striking out or dismissing the suit, for lack of locus standi by the plaintiff.

Ikwueto urged the court to hold that the plaintiff lacks the locus standi to institute this action and accordingly, strike out/dismiss this suit for lack of jurisdiction on this ground and uphold the preliminary objection.

Responding on point of law to the preliminary objection filed by Ikwueto without a motion number as practiced by the court, Okonkwo, the layman who appears for himself in court, pointed out that none of the four respondents in the matter filed a memorandum of appearance within the statutory period of 42 days after service.

“Therefore, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants flagrantly breached the mandatory statutory provision in Order 23, Rule 2(1) and Order 4, Rule 1 and 3(4) of the High Court of Anambra State (Civil Procedures) Rules 2019,” he stated.

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According to him, belatedly on May 6, 2025, after a period of four months, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants filed a memorandum of conditional appearance without the approval of the Honourable Court first sought and obtained.

He further submitted: “Take notice that there is no provision under the High Court of Anambra State (Civil procedures) Rules 2019, for any purported process styled: ‘Notice of Preliminary Objection’. Instead Order 40 Rules 1, 3(4), provides:

“Where by these rules, any application is authorised to be made by a judge, such application shall be made by motion, which shall be supported by affidavit and shall state under what rule of court or law the application is brought. Every motion shall be served within five days of filing by counsel to counsel, where the parties are represented by legal practitioners. Every such application shall be accompanied by a written address in support of the relief sought.”

He insisted that notice of preliminary objection without affidavit is outside the contemplation of Order 40 Rules 1 and 3(4) of the High Court of Anambra State (Civil Procedures) Rule 2019 and therefore urged the court to hold that the defendants’ notice of preliminary objection is incompetent.

He asked the court to strike out the memorandum of conditional appearance filed by the 1st to 3rd defendants and any other processes filed belatedly on their behalf, not known to the High Court (Civil Procedures) Rules 2019 of Anambra State.

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He submitted the following issues for determination: “Whether the Court has jurisdiction to hear and determine 1st, 2nd and 3rd Defendants process styled “Notice of Preliminary Objection” strange to Order 40 Rule 1 of the High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019, in raising issue of locus standi of the Plaintiff, contrary to the decisions: EBONGO vs. UWEMEDIMO (1995)…..

“Whether the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Defendants/Objectors having failed to satisfy a pre-condition by not filing a Counter-Affidavit in opposition to the Originating Summons. The Plaintiff is entitled to judgment in line with the Supreme Court direction in, INAKOJU vs. ADELEKE (2007) ….”

Citing several authorities including Supreme Court and Court of Appeal decisions, Okonkwo urged the court to resolve the two issues against the defendants, and decree judgment in his favour on the terms in the originating summons, against the defendants, for not following the procedures in the High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019 of Anambra State, which renders their entire process incompetent.

He contended that a Notice of Preliminary Objection is not interchangeable with a motion on notice, and therefore urged the court to hold that in such circumstance, the defect is fatal to the competence of the trial Court to entertain the preliminary objection.

“It is settled law that there is a duty cast upon Court to ensure compliance with its Rules. The Rules of Court must, prima facie be obeyed. And the Courts have inherent jurisdiction to ensure compliance with the statutory Rules by the litigants.

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“Accordingly, the Court can strike out any process not filed in accordance or in compliance with the relevant rules as in the instant case,” the plaintiff stated.

Besides the N10 billion damages, other reliefs sought by the plaintiff in the originating summons include an order of perpetual injunction from the court, restraining the 1st to 3rd defendants, their servants, agents or privies howsoever from issuing or pursuing the recertification/ revalidated exercise contained in Exhibit ‘A’ at any other time both now and in the future, except in consonance with Land Use Act, 1978 or any valid law subject to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

He requested for an order directing the Inspector-General Nigeria Police Force (the 4th defendant) to investigate his co-defendants deployment of Exhibit ‘A’ to commit mega financial fraud on the land owners in Anambra State, recover the sums of monies collected, and upon the citizens, make a demand to the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that a Police investigation report is issued, and the public officers involved, brought before the law to answer for their crime.

The plaintiff prayed the court to order the 1st to 3rd defendants to refund to the Anambra State Land Owners their N25,000.00 recertification tax, illegally levied on them in the State, as the imposition of tax/levy can only be validly levied for breach of the law, whether under civil process or after conviction for an offence.

When the matter was called up on Thursday, Okonkwo told the court that the matter was for mention.

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Cyril Eziamaka holding the brief of Chika Ndianefo, announced appearance for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd respondents.

Justice Otti said the matter was coming before her for the first time and ordered that hearing notice should be issued to the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, the 4th respondent.

She adjourned the matter to October 30, 2025, for hearing.

Source: Daily Post

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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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Enugu Govt Disowns Group Accused of Defrauding Traditional Medicine Practitioners

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The Enugu State Government has disowned a group allegedly defrauding traditional medicine practitioners under the guise of acting on its behalf.
In a disclaimer issued on April 28, 2026, the government warned against the activities of individuals operating under the name Association of Traditional Medicine Practitioners of Enugu State (AMTIPES), describing the body as illegal and unrecognized.
According to the statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Hon. Onyekwere Nwobodo, the group has been harassing practitioners and collecting unauthorized levies despite having no accreditation from the state.
The government clarified that the registration and certification of traditional medicine practitioners in Enugu State fall strictly under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in line with existing laws. It stressed that no other body has the authority to act on its behalf in this regard.
Authorities disclosed that reports of AMTIPES’ activities have been forwarded to law enforcement agencies. Some individuals linked to the group have already been apprehended and are currently facing prosecution in court.
The government urged members of the public, particularly traditional medicine practitioners, to remain vigilant and avoid any dealings with the impostors.
It further emphasized that compliance with only officially recognized channels would protect practitioners from exploitation, reiterating the warning that “to be forewarned is to be forearmed.”

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