News
Enugu: Obeagu Community Petitions IGP, Kicks Against Enforcement of Disputed Consent Judgment
The people of Obeagu Awkunanaw in Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State have petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, urging him to reject a request by officials of Private Estate International West Africa (PEIWA) for police protection over the enforcement of a contentious consent judgment in Suit No. E/1081/2019.
In the petition dated July 1, 2025, the community, speaking “for ourselves and on behalf of the entire people of Obeagu Awkunanaw,” described PEIWA’s application for police protection as one “made in bad faith, suppression of facts and therefore calculated to deceive.”
They warned the police hierarchy to “discountenance the said request,” insisting it was intended to “render our pending applications nugatory and foist a situation of helplessness on the court.”
Giving historical context, the community recalled that the land dispute dates back to the early 1980s when the then governor of old Anambra State, Sen. Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo, earmarked 318.560 hectares of land in the area for the siting of a university.
They noted that “preliminary survey was done and endorsed by the then Surveyor General, M.U.C Obi dated March 8, 1982 with Tracing No: MISC AN-53 for 318.560 hectares.” However, the project was abandoned after the end of Nwobodo’s administration in 1983.
The community alleged that in 2009, PEIWA moved into the land “in the name of a New Township Development Joint Venture with the Enugu State Government and began to destroy with heavy machinery all economic trees and habitation that lay in the path of their proposed development.”
They accused the company of annexing far more land than was originally acquired. “While purporting to take over the 318.560Ha earlier earmarked for the University by Senator Jim Nwobodo, [they] stealthily annexed a total of 1,097 hectares of ancestral lands partly belonging to Amechi Uwani and the other part to us, the Obeagu Awkunanaw community.”
The petition described how the original survey was “dishonestly and fraudulently re-scripted to bear PLAN No: EN (A) 594 in favour of the Enugu State University of Technology in 1985 and expanded it to 1097 hectares.”
Raising questions over the authenticity of this plan, they asked: “How come that Enugu State that was created in 1991 could acquire a land and have a Survey Plan in the name and form of Enugu State University of Technology pre-1991?” They further queried, “Why would the Plan number supposedly approved in 1985 bear initials of ‘EN’ being a state that was yet to be created as at 1985?”
They also questioned Gazette No. 12 of March 27, 1986, said to have revoked the communities’ customary rights of occupancy. “Navy Captain Allison Amaechina Madueke was not the Governor of Anambra State by March of 1986.
“Samson Omeruah was Governor from August 1985 till sometime in December 1987. Therefore, Navy Captain Allison Amaechina Madueke could not have issued a directive to publish a gazette and/or Yellow Paper in a state not under his administration.”
The community stated that the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) issued to PEIWA was revoked in 2019 by the Enugu State Government through then Commissioner for Lands, Surv. Dr. Victor Chukwuemeka Nnam. “This revocation was published in the Daily Sun Newspapers of 29th November, 2019,” they wrote.
They explained that when PEIWA sued the Enugu State Government, “representatives of our community filed a joinder to the suit, as it was obvious that any judgement in the suit will affect our interests.”
However, they were “shocked” to discover that PEIWA had “procured this Consent Judgment while our application for joinder was still pending.”
The petition also noted that on June 23, 2025, the court “dismissed” PEIWA’s preliminary objection and ruled that the pending applications, including that of the Obeagu community, could now proceed.
The community said: “We are therefore appalled that the officials of PEIWA, despite their knowledge of the status of this case, will push for the execution of the consent judgment knowing full well that doing so will overreach our pending applications for joinder and the other challenging the Consent Judgment itself.”
Describing PEIWA’s application for police protection as “the height of deception and fraud,” they said: “It is the trite position of the law that parties must be patient and await the final decision of the court in respect of every matter submitted before the court.”
The community informed the IGP that PEIWA and two of its officials are currently standing trial at the Federal High Court in Enugu over alleged forgeries related to the disputed land. “Please find a copy of Charge Number FHC/EN/CR/84/2025, IGP V. KINGSLEY EZE & 2ORS as attached hereto,” the petition added.
They also cited the Enugu State House of Assembly’s Special Committee on Land Matters/Disputes which adopted a report on December 19, 2024, critical of PEIWA’s activities. “The Report was emphatic with regards to the various underhand actions of the company against us and against the overall interest of Enugu State.”
The petition concluded with a call for restraint: “It is our prayer that you refuse the request for the interest of justice, and to direct the Enugu state command not to honour or heed to such request at all.”
They urged the police not to take a “hasty decision that will not accord with best practices, and with the rule of law.”
Efforts to reach PEIWA officials for comments proved abortive at the time of filing this report.
The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has rejected claims that it appropriated or “stole” the idea of Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit from another organisation whose application was reportedly pending before the Federal Ministry of Trade.
NDCCITMA considers the allegation misleading and wishes to set the record straight.
The concept of Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit is a broad and widely recognised platform used globally to bring together government, the private sector, investors, businesses, development partners and other stakeholders to deliberate on economic growth and development. The use of the term “Economic Summit” does not, in itself, establish exclusive ownership of the concept by any individual or organisation.
More importantly, the chronology of events does not support the allegation being made against NDCCITMA.
While the said application was reportedly still pending before the Ministry of Trade as at September 2025, NDCCITMA had already gone through the appropriate processes and received approval from the Ministry of Trade in August 2025.
NDCCITMA did not rely on, copy, or appropriate the pending application of any other party in arriving at its name or identity
It is also important to distinguish between a concept and legally protected intellectual property, such as a registered trademark, proprietary material or other enforceable intellectual property right.
NDCCITMA remains committed to conducting its activities in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.Most importantly, in Suit No: FHC/PHC/CS/57/2026 filed on same subject matter in Portharcourt by the petitioner, the learned Judge had restrained the plaintiff from further interfering with the Summit being planned by the NDCCITMA. NDCCITMA will continue respect the rule of law
We therefore urge the public, stakeholders, the media to disregard any narrative unless such claims are supported by verifiable facts and relevant legal documentation.
NDCCITMA firmly rejects the allegation and maintains that its activities and identity were developed and pursued independently and through the appropriate regulatory channels.
The organisation remains focused on its mandate of promoting commerce, industry, trade, agriculture, investment and sustainable economic development across the Niger Delta region.
Signed:
Management
Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA)
The Cross River State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Prince Eka Williams Abang, has died at a hospital in Abuja.
Williams reportedly died suddenly on Saturday, September 12, 2026, while receiving medical treatment.
His death was announced on Sunday by his brother, Nkang William, who expressed shock over the sudden loss.
The deceased was described by family members and associates as a dedicated public servant whose death had left a significant void.
A former councillor representing Abo Ward in Boki Local Government Area, Pius Kejuo Osang, said he was still struggling to understand the development.
Late Abang
“I don’t understand, I was with him on Tuesday, I slept in his hotel,” Osang said.
Michael Gabriel Jr., Executive Media Assistant to Senator John Owan-Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, also described Williams as “a dedicated public servant and a good man.”
He said Ikom Local Government Area had lost a committed public servant, adding that Williams’ life of service, humility and impact would remain in the memories of those he touched.
The commissioner’s death has thrown Cross River’s political and public service circles into mourning, with condolences pouring in for his family, colleagues and associates.
The Board Chairman of the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture, NDCCITMA, Ambassador Idaere Ogan, has identified the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, and the governments of the nine Niger Delta states as development partners in building a sustainable regional investment ecosystem.
Addressing newsmen at the Obi Wali Cultural Centre in Port Harcourt, Ogan reaffirmed NDCCITMA’s commitment to successfully hosting the Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit from September 15 to 17 in the Rivers State capital.
The NDCCITMA Chairman said the Summit was a strategic, private-sector-led platform to mobilise investment and unlock the Niger Delta region’s economic potential, anchored on the theme: “Driving Investment, Innovation and Industrial Growth in the Niger Delta.”
He stated: “Our vision is to bring together the nine Niger Delta states, the Federal Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission, organised private sector, domestic and international investors, development finance institutions, multilateral organisations, financial institutions, project developers and other strategic partners around a common objective: To transform the Niger Delta from a predominantly resource-dependent economy into a diversified, productive, industrialised and globally competitive regional economy.”
According to Ogan, the Summit was designed not merely as another conference, but as an investment and transaction platform, stating: “I dare say that the region possesses opportunities far beyond crude oil.
“From gas and petrochemicals to agriculture and agro-processing; maritime and blue economy; manufacturing; aviation and transportation; renewable energy; tourism; digital economy; logistics; infrastructure and financial services, the Niger Delta possesses the resources and market opportunities required to become one of Africa’s leading investment destinations.”
We intend to showcase strategic investment opportunities capable of transforming the regional economy, including agro-industrial and oil-palm value chains, gas utilisation and gas-based industries, regional transportation and aviation, maritime infrastructure, industrial and logistics hubs, renewable energy, manufacturing, skills development, digital infrastructure and other high-impact projects.
The Counsel to the Legal Representative of NDCCITMA, Mr Sammie Somiari, SAN, affirmed that the Summit organiser was committed to conducting its activities in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.
He noted that in a suit filed by the founder of NDEIS, Kenule Nwiya Jnr, over an alleged trademark infringement, the court restrained the plaintiff from further interfering with the Summit being planned by the NDCCITMA.
Somiari assured that the Summit would proceed as planned, as there was no legal encumbrance to the economic and investment platform.
Also speaking, the NDDC Director of Commercial and Industrial Development, Mrs Lyna Okara, observed that the Summit would promote stronger economic integration among the nine Niger Delta states.
She noted that the investment forum would produce tangible outcomes: investment commitments, project partnerships, financing opportunities, policy recommendations, and clearly defined implementation frameworks.
Seledi Thompson-Wakama
Director, Corporate Affairs
September 12, 2026
The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) says the commission is over 90 per cent ready for the forthcoming Sept. 26 Local Government Council Elections in Enugu State.
ENSIEC had scheduled elections into 17 Chairmanship and 260 Councillorship positions in the state.
The Executive Chairman of ENSIEC, Prof. Christian Ngwu, disclosed this on Monday in Enugu.
Ngwu noted that the commission was already putting finishing touches on every other arrangement and training ahead of the polls.
“It is only few things remaining and we are finalising and putting finishing touches on them,” he said.
The chairman said that the commission had trained the trainers of the ad hoc staff, already advertised for the ad hoc staff, while their training would be coming in few days.
He said that “almost all materials for the elections are ready”.
Ngwu noted that the “non sensitive materials will be leaving ENSIEC headquarters in Enugu latest Thursday, Sept. 17, to council headquarters”.
According to him, the sensitive materials will be received and kept in a safe place for now.
“We will soon concluded arrangement with transport unions/companies to ensure adequate logistics facilities.
“The commission is already having a fruitful conclusion of security arrangement with security agencies in the state with the Nigeria Police as lead agency,” he said.
Ngwu said that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would soon avail ENSIEC the authentic voters register of the state to work it.
“I am calling on residents of Enugu State to troop out en mass to cast their votes for their preferred candidates without fear or fear.
“ENSIEC will continue to provide a level playing field for all candidates in the elections.
“The commission will provide a conducive and secure environment as well as ensure a peaceful, hitch-free, transparent and credible elections come Sept. 26 in the state,” he said.
He said that the commission had pasted notice of election in local government areas, which contained awareness on how to vote correctly and positive behavioural conduct expected during and after casting one’s vote.
It would be recalled that candidates from 11 political parties would be participating in the polls.
ENSIEC had two weeks ago concluded train-the-trainer workshop for its officials, which included: 17 Electoral Officers (EOs) for each of the 17 council areas, 17 Assistant Electoral Officers, seven directors, five commissioner and an administrative secretary.
Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu, the NDC candidate for the Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has called on Nigerian leaders to rediscover the country by spending their vacations and leisure time within Nigeria.
Chukwu made the call while reacting to former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi’s position that Nigerian presidents should spend their vacations in the country.
He said the issue should be viewed beyond partisan politics, arguing that leaders must demonstrate confidence in Nigeria if they expect citizens and investors to do the same.
According to him, frequent foreign vacations by political leaders send the wrong message to Nigerians, particularly when the government continues to encourage citizens to invest in the domestic economy.
“We cannot continue to export our wealth and import our enjoyment while asking Nigerians to believe in Nigeria,” he said.
Chukwu suggested that a president could choose to spend holidays in tourist destinations such as Obudu, Yankari, Lagos, Enugu, Ebonyi, Plateau and Akwa Ibom, among others.
He said such visits would boost local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, transport operators, farmers, artisans and other small businesses, while also increasing public confidence in Nigeria’s tourism potential.
The NDC candidate also highlighted the security implications, saying a president who can comfortably spend time in different parts of the country would send a strong signal about the safety and viability of those areas.
“This should go beyond Peter Obi and beyond party politics. It is about a new culture of leadership,” Chukwu said.
He added: “If we truly want Nigerians to believe in Nigeria, those who lead Nigeria must demonstrate that belief themselves. Charity, they say, begins at home.”
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