News
Enugu Commissioner Accused of Giving Guns to Community Youths to Cause Violence and Arson
Mburubu community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State has accused the Hon. Commissioner of Science and Technology, Prince Lawrence Ezeh, of sharing guns and ammunition with the youths of his community, Mburubu, as well as launching media attacks against one of their good sons, Engr Dr. Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe.
Chief Aniobi Vincent Okafor, in a statement sent to newsmen in Enugu on Monday on behalf of Mburubu General Assembly, with respect to the reported crisis bedeviling the community, where two of their sons, Chief Dr. Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe and Prince Lawrence Ezeh, have been fingered as parties fueling it, stated that the crisis has given much negative publicity to the community, especially allegations of the use of police and other security agencies to harass some youths.
He stated that the reports that circulated last week, where some youths who destroyed properties in the community accused an innocent man, Chief Dr. Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe, of high-handedness, came as a shock because Prince Lawrence Ezeh has been the one using police and thugs to harass the people, especially Onuokaibe’s followers, aides, and others, and has written more than nine petitions against Onuokaibe, submitting them to various security agencies in Enugu, Abuja, and Lagos, including the police and DSS.
He stated that Prince Lawrence Ezeh had sent thugs to attack those who attended Onuokaibe’s official reception on February 2, 2024, where many people were locked up, beaten mercilessly, and also forced to pay fines.
He posited that Mburubu people have always respected Prince Lawrence Ezeh as a renowned son, but his commitment to tarnishing the image of Dr. Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe through both physical and media attacks, as well as using security agencies, has crossed the red line; adding that the height of it was giving some of the community youths guns to attack Dr. Onuokaibe and then playing the victim card.
According to Chief Aniobi Vincent Okafor:
“We are shocked to the brim with what Prince Lawrence Ezeh has been doing to Onuokaibe, his followers, family, and supporters. This is a man who we always respect as a son, but instead of reciprocating the same to other Mburubians, he resorted to the use of security agencies to harass us, Onuokaibe’s supporters, and aides. Between December 2023 and November 2025, Prince Ezeh has written a series of petitions against Dr. Onuokaibe just to blackmail him. In one of his petitions which we saw, he labeled Onuokaibe a drug dealer dealing in ammunition, a fraudster, a terrorist, among others, just because the community chose him to lead us as our traditional ruler. Him and his co has arrested some of Ọnụọkaibe’s supporters who are also from Mburubu several times and took them to Abuja, including Hon Obinna Okonkwo, Rt Hon Ifeanyi Njoku, Hon Azubike Njoku among others. In one of the arrests, Onuokaibe, Hon Obinna, Rt Hon Ifeanyi Njoku and Hon Azubike Njoku were taken to IRS where hardened criminals are kept, yet Onuokaibe did not say anything. It is on record that a court order was obtained against Prince Lawrence Ozoemena Ezeh, the police, and other security agencies from arresting them when the issue got out of hand. Prince Lawrence sent thugs to attack innocent villagers who organized a reception for Onuokaibe in February 2024, illegally locked them up, fined some, seized some of their properties, and committed other evil deeds, but he kept quiet after being begged not to react. All these happened in a country where we have freedom of association. In that vicious attack on his followers, more than 30 who are from Mburubu were beaten, and the reports went viral. But as a man of peace, Onuokaibe kept quiet after the intervention of some of our elders.”
Chief Aniobi Vincent Okafor also stated that the traditional leadership which Onuokaibe is contesting was a plea made by Mburubians to him in 2022 to come and lead them, which he had never imagined doing.
He also stated that Onuokaibe’s acceptance of the plea was the origin of these attacks against him by Prince Lawrence Ezeh, whom he accused of pocketing the community for years and dictating who becomes what without being questioned.
“After mourning our late Igwe in 2022, the move for a successor began, and a meeting was held at Obodo Uhuegbe Village Square with all people, the late Igwe’s cabinet, and the General Assembly present. He was not there. He was told that the community sought someone who would serve like the late Igwe, prioritize the community interest, bring development, be young and vibrant, and hold an Ozo title, which prompted lots of ideas and suggestions, especially regarding how our late Igwe emerged.”
“After deliberations and following the 1976 coronation agreement, he was chosen by the overwhelming majority, and a delegation was sent to inform him of the decision. He was shocked and surprised and did not say anything. He only told them that he would make some consultations. After his consultations, he accepted, and they submitted his name to the local government, then to the Ministry of Local Government Rural Development and Chieftaincy Matters in December 2023 and January 2024, which got Prince Lawrence Ezeh annoyed, and he submitted the name of Linus Igbudu just to oppose him. Prince Lawrence Ezeh would prefer anybody but not Dr. Onuokaibe. When that failed, he began writing damning petitions against him and his supporters. He has sent armed thugs to beat them several times, but this last one will not work.”
On the recent crisis that arose from the community, Chief Aniobi Vincent Okafor stated that Prince Ezeh got a court order through his cronies to stop Onuokaibe’s iri ji programme after hearing about the personalities that would attend just to incite him and, on top of that, sent armed thugs to kill him in his house.
“The recent crisis started when Onuokaibe scheduled November 1st as his new yam festival celebration day, which everybody has a right to do. He came back on October 31st to tell them that it would not take place again due to a court order from Enugu State High Court. On that same day, he was in his house telling his people the new development when some heavily armed youths blocked everywhere and started shooting sporadically. Everybody was shocked because such has never happened before in Mburubu. Aside from shooting sporadically, they began to destroy people’s houses and other properties belonging to his supporters. All these are on video. His family who came home is still traumatized because of the gunshots. These heavily armed youths did not cover their faces; they were acting with vigor while chanting Prince Lawrence Ezeh’s name. Over 30 innocent members of our community were beaten by these armed thugs, and I almost lost my life during that incident, if not for the timely intervention of security agencies. After the ugly incident, Dr. Onuokaibe had to write a petition to the police through his lawyer. One of the prime suspects, by name 2face, was invited but refused to answer until he was arrested. After his arrest, he made a confessional statement that prompted the arrest of others, who confessed that they were given guns by Prince Lawrence Ozoemena Ezeh and bullets by Chief Felix Chukwu, Abata Ana eri. They also confessed that the instruction was to belittle Onuokaibe and kill him on sight if possible and that the hotel where they held the meeting was Simipat Hotel, Mburubu, owned by Chief Simon, while Chief Joseph Nwankwo, Chief Linus Igbudu, among others, were part of it.”
Chief Aniobi Vincent Okafor also decried lies told in the media that Onuokaibe arrested youths of his community and forced them to bow before him as their traditional ruler.
“All these are lies. During the investigation by police coupled with gory revelations by the arrested youths, some elders of the land approached Dr. Onuokaibe to tamper justice with mercy and allow peace to reign. He was asked to help with the release of those youths so that it could be sorted internally, which he did. During all this, Prince Lawrence Ezeh and other sponsors of the assassination attempt and arson were nowhere to be found. Due to Dr. Onuokaibe’s kind nature, he released them to respect the elders who pleaded on their behalf. These boys, on release from custody, came to his house to thank him and also prayed for him. During that process, he urged them not to be involved in anti-progressive activities of some evil men in the land. He also told them that they must not support him but should support whoever they want, but should avoid the use of guns for any reason in Mburubu. After that meeting, those youths begged Dr. Onuokaibe to help them with clothes, which he did. It is on record that he bought clothes worth ₦30,000 for each of them and also released a sum of ₦10,000 each as transport. It was at that point that they begged him to kneel down for prayers, which he did, and they all prayed for him. All these are on video. To be honest, we are shocked with what they did in court. It was a total lie.”
Chief Aniobi Vincent Okafor however stated that Onuokaibe’s lawyers are in court to do justice to the suit while they are making a series of efforts to get the issue resolved.
“We are aware that Prince Lawrence Ezeh financed their court outing and media attacks on him just to hide the truth and we have begged Dr. Onuokaibe again to give us time to resolve it. The evidence against our people is so damning that if not well sorted, it could put us into severe crisis. At this point, we want peace.
We want our lovely Governor His Excellency Peter Ndubuisi Mbah to intervene in this matter. Let the will of Mburubu people on who becomes the traditional ruler as done in 1976 which is Dr. Jerry Ọnụọkaibe stands. It is sad that Mburubu as a community does not have any traditional ruler or existing government.”
News
“Go and Verify”: How Sunday Umeha Is Redefining Representation in Ezeagu/Udi
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.
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.
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:
“He promised, and he delivered.”
News
Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma Lays His Beloved Sister to Rest

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.*
News
2027: Anambra ADC Intact Despite Obi, Kwankwaso Departure – Guber Candidate
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.
News
Enugu, SSDO advance domestic resource mobilisation for climate responsive budgeting
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
News
Enugu Govt Disowns Group Accused of Defrauding Traditional Medicine Practitioners
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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News1 day ago“Go and Verify”: How Sunday Umeha Is Redefining Representation in Ezeagu/Udi
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Politics5 days agoMass exodus: Obi, Kwankwaso exit rocks ADC, 18 lawmakers join NDC
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News2 days ago
Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma Lays His Beloved Sister to Rest
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News2 days ago2027: Anambra ADC Intact Despite Obi, Kwankwaso Departure – Guber Candidate
