News
Enugu Community standstill for traditional ruler elect
The people of Mburubu in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State have officially welcomed their son and ìgwè elect, Ọzọ Chief Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe.
The ceremony, which took place on Saturday at Mburubu Primary School, had in attendance over 5000 indigenes, drawn from the five villages that make up the community.
Recall that the community had selected Chief Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe as their ìgwè elect in December 2023—an act welcomed by almost all community members.
Prior to this, some delegates were sent to beg the veteran businessman to accept the offer of being their ìgwè elect, as their late ìgwè, Late Igwe Emmanuel Muonyelu Ogbuzulu, emerged through the same process.
Chief Okonkwo Evu, alias “Ozonwata na achọ nke ya,” during the kolanut prayers, urged God to guide their ìgwè elect and give him a long life as the community always has since its history.
A leader of the community and former Chairman of PDP of Nkanu East Local Government Area, Hon Chijioke Nwachukwu, said the event is providential as God destined it. He stated that the event is organized by the community to give their ìgwè elect, Ọzo Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe, the opportunity to come out publicly, accept the task, and reaffirm his commitment to the progress of the community.
“Today is a great day in our land as we are organizing this event to enable our son, Ọzo Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe, whom we begged to be our traditional ruler, to come and accept our plea.
“The event is also one that would allow us to thank God for making this day a success; abuse of our people, maltreatment, among other issues, would stop.
“We are also using this event to call on the state government to, as a matter of urgency, release his certificate of return.
Speaking on behalf of the ndị Nze na ọzọ Mburubu, Chief Sylvanus Njoku said the community is on course for progress and they have total belief that their ìgwè elect would take the community to the next level.
Chief Okafor Chukwu, “Ọgbụnechendo na Mburubu,” said the event brings a new dawn to the community as the choice of Ọzọ Patrick Onuokaibe has not been in doubt.
Speaking on behalf of the community’s women, their leader, Mrs. Anthonia Chukwu, said they are never in doubt of Jerry Onuokaibe’s capacity to deliver and reaffirm their total support.
Chief Chinedu Ezechukwu, “Ebubedike 1 of Mburubu,” expressed happiness over the event, saying that such has been predestined by God as Ọzo Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe is the type of leader needed by the community to progress. He asserted that their choice of Ọzọ Jerry was a conclusion of their 2-year search for a leader better than their late ìgwè.
According to him, “We the people of Mburubu begged ỌZỌ Jerry Partick Onuokaibe to be our ìgwè, and we are in total support of his emergence.”
“The state government should please, without any further delay, release his certificate of return.”
Also speaking, a one-time permanent secretary, Enugu State Ministry of Chief Patrick Onuokaibe, narrated how the journey to the choice of their ìgwè elect began, saying Ọzo Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe is the best person for the job owing to his track records of being a unifier and team player and thus is their ìgwè elect.
Hon Ifeanyi Njoku, a former councillor of Mburubu Ward, said they begged Ọzọ Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe to take over this mantle as they believe that his leadership qualities will continue to make him outstanding amongst others.
According to him, “We used the same process adopted during the selection of our late ìgwè to choose Ọzọ Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe.”
“He was begged and after a while, accepted, and we believe he would do well.”
The Chairman of Ohaneze Ndị Igbo in Enugu South Local Government Area and also the leader of the Ọzọ’s in Enugu South Local Government, Ọzọ Raphael Ugwu, said he started coming to Mburubu the time the ìgwè elect of Mburubu was born and thus is a member of the community by association.
He stated that the tussle by some people over the throne should be commended because it would make the leader wake up.
He thanked Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for his outstanding works in the state, Deacon Okey Ogbodo for his works in his ministry, and Sen Jim Nwobodo, whom he said, adopted Jerry as a son. Ozo Raphael wished that Jerry is his brother from Amechi – Awkunanaw as his qualities are rare to find.
Dr Chidi Chikas Okorie, an academic guru and communication expert, also affirmed his total support for Chief Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe.
Associate Professor Alphonsus Njoku said, during the election of their late ìgwè, that it was said that it would always be reserved for the best.
According to him, “We need a leader with the capacity and influence that can link the community with the government at all levels.”
“I urge all to pray and give him their support.”
In his acceptance speech, the ìgwè elect of Mburubu community, Chief Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe, said he is thankful to God for the gift of life and also for the gift of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, whom he said is a leader destined by God for the state.
He stated Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbahis determined to bring disruptive innovation through his leadership and has assured that he would change the face of the state.
Chief Onuokaibe also thanked the Enugu State Commissioner for Science AND TECHNOLOGY, Prince Lawrence Ozoemena Ezeh for his outstanding contributions towards the growth of the community, assuring that he would work with him for their betterment.
According to him, “Thank God for a day like this and for the gift of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, a man who is determined to make Enugu better.”
“Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has been busy working on making Enugu state a safe haven for all and also an investment reference for all investors across the globe.”
“I want to appreciate our leader, Sen Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo, for his fatherly care and love. He has been a great figure for me as well as other young persons in the state.”
“Also, I appreciate the Chairman of Nkanu East Local Government Area, Hon Sydney Okechukwu Edeh, for his sterling performances.
“My thanks also go to The Hon Commissioner for Science and Technology Prince Lawrence Ozoemena Ezeh for his role in moving our community forward.
Deacon Okey Ogbodo, the Commissioner, Enugu State Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, for his wonderful works in the ministry.”
“I want to make it clear that I have no issue with anybody and would work with everybody to make Mburubu a citadel of hope for all.”
The ìgwè elect concluded by expressing his gratitude to the community for their support and trust in him, pledging his commitment to serving them diligently and fostering the development of Mburubu.
The event marked a significant moment in the history of Mburubu as they officially embraced Chief Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe as their traditional ruler, and the community looks forward to a new era under his leadership while awaiting the issuance of the certificate of recognition to Chief Onuokaibe by the State Government.
“If You Have Evidence Against Stanley Mbam, Charge Him; Otherwise, Release Him” — Oganiru Izzi
A socio-cultural organisation of Izzi extraction, Oganiru Izzi, has challenged Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, to either release the state’s sacked Commissioner for Works, Mr Stanley Mbam, or charge him before a competent court if the government has credible evidence of wrongdoing against him.
The group said the continued detention of the former commissioner without a formal charge raises concerns about due process, constitutional rights and the rule of law.
The leader of Oganiru Izzi, Mr Godwin Mbam, made the demand while speaking with correspondents of National Issue Newspapers at the Crack Department of the Ebonyi State Police Command in Abakaliki.
Mbam condemned what he described as the prolonged detention of Stanley Mbam without allowing a court to determine whether he had committed any offence.
He challenged the state government to produce evidence if it believes the former commissioner committed a criminal offence.
“If there is credible evidence against him, charge him to court and let the court decide. If there is no case against him, he should be released,” Mbam said.
He also appealed to the Ebonyi State Police Command to uphold the Constitution and resist any pressure that could result in unlawful detention.
Vanco Flyover: “We Will Reveal the Full Details”
Mbam also issued a three-day challenge to Governor Nwifuru, declaring that if the former commissioner was not released or charged to court, his organisation would make public what it described as the “full details” of the Vanco Flyover project.
According to him, the proposed disclosure would address issues surrounding the project, including its funding, payments, contractual arrangements and other financial details.
“We will let the world know the full details of the Vanco Flyover and how the funds were utilised,” he warned.
He further challenged the state government to demonstrate transparency by making relevant documents concerning the project available to the public.
“What About the Alleged ₦1.5 Billion Forfeiture?”
The Izzi group also questioned what it described as the selective application of the state government’s anti-corruption campaign.
Mbam referred to allegations involving an account reportedly frozen by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and an alleged ₦1.5 billion forfeiture to the Federal Government.
He questioned why, according to him, the governor had allegedly not taken similar action if the facts surrounding the matter warranted it.
Mbam stressed that he was not opposed to the fight against corruption but insisted that any anti-corruption campaign must be comprehensive, transparent and applied equally.
“If Governor Nwifuru wants to fight corruption, let him fight it holistically. Nobody should be targeted while other serious allegations are ignored,” he said.
“If Nwifuru Says He Knows Nothing, We Will Produce the Facts”
Mbam further challenged Governor Nwifuru to publicly state whether he was aware of alleged corruption issues within the Ministry of Works.
“If Nwifuru publicly claims that he is unaware of corruption in the Works Ministry, I will make public the facts available to me. The facts will shock the state,” he declared.
He insisted that the matter should not degenerate into a political vendetta, arguing that the appropriate place to determine criminal liability is a court of law.
According to him, the people of Ebonyi State deserve clear answers concerning the Vanco Flyover and other issues involving public funds.
“Everybody Should Be Subject to the Law”
The Oganiru Izzi leader maintained that the controversy should be resolved through transparency, documentary evidence and due process.
“If there is a case, charge him. If there is no case, release him. The government cannot claim to be fighting corruption while abandoning the principles of justice and the rule of law,” he said.
Mbam warned that failure to address the issues could compel the organisation to make further disclosures concerning the Vanco Flyover and other matters it considers to be in the public interest.
By Our Correspondent
As Nigeria celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, the candidate for the House of Representatives seat representing the Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu, has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to building a better country.
Chukwu, also known as Ochiri Ozua 1 of Amagu Ikwo, made the call in an Independence Day message to Nigerians, particularly the people of Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency and Ebonyi State.
He described the anniversary as not only a moment for celebration but also an opportunity to reflect on the state of the nation and the responsibilities of leaders in building a Nigeria that meets the aspirations of its citizens.
According to him, Nigeria’s journey since independence has been marked by significant challenges, with millions of citizens currently facing economic hardship, while young people continue to search for opportunities and many communities contend with insecurity and uncertainty.
Despite these challenges, the Ebonyi politician said the resilience of Nigerians remained a source of hope for the country’s future.
“I believe in the resilience of our people. I believe in the ingenuity of our youths, the strength of our women, the wisdom of our elders and the determination of ordinary Nigerians who wake up every morning and refuse to give up on this country,” he said.
Chukwu, however, stressed that hope must be matched by responsible leadership, arguing that public office should be viewed as a responsibility rather than a privilege.
He called for leadership that prioritises the protection of lives, creation of economic opportunities, provision of infrastructure, strengthening of institutions and responsible management of national resources.
The candidate also emphasised the need to create an environment where young Nigerians can pursue successful lives within the country and where hard work, merit and enterprise are rewarded.
He said Nigeria had “come too far to surrender to hopelessness,” urging citizens and leaders alike to remain committed to the country’s progress.
“A better Nigeria is still possible, but it will require responsible leadership, accountable institutions and citizens who refuse to give up on their country,” he said.
Chukwu concluded by expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future, declaring: “Nigeria will rise. Nigeria must rise. And together, we must build the Nigeria we deserve.”
He also paid tribute to the nation’s past heroes, praying that their sacrifices would continue to inspire the country.
“May the labour of our heroes past never be in vain,” he said, as he wished Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
As Nigeria celebrates its 66th anniversary of independence from colonial rule, democracy in the country has continued to evolve and deepen, the Anambra State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Emma Anosike, has said.
Anosike made the observation in a message to mark Nigeria’s Independence anniversary, noting that despite the challenges the country had encountered since 1960, its democratic system had continued to improve under successive administrations.
According to him, since the return to democratic rule in 1999, Nigeria has witnessed relatively smooth transitions from one administration to another, while citizens have continued to exercise their fundamental rights to hold governments accountable for their performance.
“Before the return of the democratic process, it was indeed difficult and near taboo to challenge the leadership of the country, and those who may have attempted it in the past faced grave consequences.
“Similarly, we have had smooth transitions from one dispensation to another, producing five presidents through the ballot and not through the barrel of the gun. These elected presidents were produced by different political parties.”
Anosike said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had sustained the country’s democratic principles and created an avenue for Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, race or religion, to express their views on government policies and programmes.
“Under the stewardship of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigerians have been enjoying the freedom to express themselves over issues, policies and programmes of government, and those expressions have been shaping and guiding the administration of Mr President,” he said.
The APC chairman said Nigeria’s 66th independence anniversary provided an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the country’s journey as a nation and the progress made since independence.
He said President Tinubu’s Independence Day broadcast had offered another opportunity for Nigerians to renew their hope for a greater and more prosperous country.
Anosike also commended what he described as the “enormous infrastructural development” taking place across the country under the Tinubu administration.
He urged Nigerians to continue to support and have faith in the administration as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
An Elder Statesman, Chief Hycienth Ngwu, has called on political leaders and policies formulators to ensure governmental policies and programmes directly touch lives of the people and reduce hardship in the country.
Ngwu, who is a prominent community leader in Enugu, urged Nigerians to maintain peace within neighbourhoods and communities, as no meaningful development can take place without peace.
The statesman made the call on Thursday in Enugu while reacting to the developmental efforts of Nigeria at its 66th Independence.
He said that previous and present administrations had put in place policies and programmes to reset the socioeconomic fabric of the nation.
Ngwu said that while the removal of fuel subsidy, and unification of the foreign exchange had good intentions, their impact is yet to reflect on the lives and livelihoods of vast majority of Nigerians.
He urged leaders to ensure that public resources were properly managed while citizens remained patient with reforms aimed at improving the socioeconomic status of the country.
The elder statesman noted that at 66th independence, the country was still struggling on keeping its peace and co-existence as a country; adding that the founding leaders of Nigeria envisaged a closely united, bonded and peaceful country.
He called for return to policies that promote local production, indigenous industries and entrepreneurship, arguing that excessive dependence on imports had continued to weaken the country’s productive capacity.
According to him, we are yet to achieve economic independence even as we needed to do more on non oil revenue earns as the greater part of the world is moving towards greener and clean energy.
“Greater emphasis should be on skills acquisition, creativity and entrepreneurship education system, as academic qualifications without practical skills could leave graduates dependent on scarce white collar jobs.
“We ought to be economically productive nation capable of producing and exporting goods while developing its human capital,” he said.
Ngwu noted that current insecurity and social instability could be partly attributed to poverty and ignorance, while calling for greater honesty and trust between leaders and citizens.
“Corruption, tribalism and selfishness must be addressed if Nigeria is to achieve peace and lasting progress,” he added.
He also called for the scrapping of state electoral commissions as they have not helped in deepening democracy at that level. The National Election body should take over that responsibility.
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Day, Macmaduson Concepts Limited, a leading provider of HVACR,industrial parts, sensors, electrical and plumbing materials, has extended warm Independence Day greetings to its customers, clients and business partners across the country.
In a goodwill message to mark the occasion, the company expressed appreciation to its valued customers for their continuous support, trust and partnership over the years.
Macmaduson Concepts Limited, which specialises in HVACR,Industrial Materials, sensors, air-conditioners, refrigerators, cold rooms, chillers, refrigerants, electrical materials and plumbing materials, said the occasion provides an opportunity to celebrate Nigeria and reflect on the nation’s journey.
The company wished Nigeria continued growth, unity, peace and prosperity, while expressing hope for a brighter future for all Nigerians.
The message from the company reads in part:
At Macmaduson Concepts Limited, we celebrate our great nation, Nigeria, and appreciate our valued clients for their continuous support, trust and partnership. May Nigeria continue to grow in unity, peace and prosperity.”
The company concluded its Independence Day message with the theme: “One Nation, One People, A Brighter Tomorrow.”
Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!
Happy 66th Independence Anniversary from Macmaduson Concepts Limited.
-
Business4 days agoNo Bad Blood Over New Cement Factories, But Our Mining Rights Run Till 2045 — Ibeto Tells Ebonyi Govt
-
Sports4 days agoEnugu Speaker’s boxing talent hunt unearths 5 budding stars
-
News4 days ago
Nigeria at 66: Macmaduson Concepts Limited Sends Independence Day Greetings to Clients
-
Crime4 days agoFive Arrested By Police For Wearing ‘Tinubu Must Go’ T-Shirts
-
Politics4 days agoEBONYI 2027: The People, Not Individuals Will Decide Who Becomes Governor – Igwe
-
News3 days ago66th Independence: Elder statesman wants policies to reduce hardship, calls for peace
-
Politics3 days agoEbonyi Guber: ‘Our People Deserve Better Government,’ Odii Insists
-
News3 days agoNigeria @66: Democracy Evolving, Says Anambra APC Chairman Anosike