News
Insecurity: Govs disagree on need for regional outfits
Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State, and his colleagues in the South-South, yesterday, disagreed over the need to set up regional security structures to checkmate the rising wave of insecurity in the country.
While Oyetola urged other geo-political zones to emulate the South-West by setting up structures such as Amotekun to rid their regions of crime, insisting that the centralised policing system is not working, chairman of South-South Governors Forum and governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, said it is better to have a centralised police system that should be strengthened for effectiveness.
Similarly, Chairman of South-East Governors Forum and governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi, who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Dr. Ugala Kenneth, said the issue will have to be discussed at a meeting of governors of the region.
The governors spoke on a day Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo tasked acting Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Baba Usman, to restore dignity to the force and rebuild broken bridges of trust with the public.
Why Amotekun became inevitable — Oyetola
Governor Oyetola, who threw the challenge at the 2nd Annual Colloquium of the Sultan Maccido Institute for Peace, Leadership and Development Studies, University of Abuja, also blamed worsening insecurity in the country on poverty and illiteracy.
He identified the sources of insecurity as “poverty which creates a gulf between the rich and the poor; inequitable allocation of resources which pits one region against the other; and injustice which makes offended parties resort to self-help and consequently take up arms against the state.”
The governor also identified “illiteracy which makes innocent citizens willing tools at the hands of unscrupulous elites and elements; youth unemployment which makes able-bodied and educated youths susceptible to crime, among others.”
He said the inability of the central police to tackle insecurity effectively led to the creation of Amotekun, the regional security network in the South-west.
“The nation’s conventional security agencies are overstretched and sorely under-funded. The Police once confirmed the sorry state of its manpower when it said the Force needs 155,000 additional hands to effectively police the nation.
“The nation’s security agencies as currently constituted are too centralised and too far from the grassroots to adequately provide the required security for the nation.
“Worse still, they are unfamiliar with the terrains where crimes take place. It is our belief that our people understand the topography of their communities more and can govern them better.
“The nation’s expansive forests have unfortunately become the hideouts of bandits, kidnappers, and other criminals. With the establishment of Amotekun, the forests of the South-West are now better policed.
‘Let other regions emulate S-West’
“The issues that make Amotekun inevitable in the South West are the same in other regions of the nation. Other regions may wish to emulate the South West to put structures in place to rid their regions of crime.
“Our recent experience where the attempts to confront armed banditry headlong in the North resulted in their incursion into the South-West and other regions that were erroneously perceived to be immune from the insecurity challenge is proof that each region has to be adequately policed for the region to know peace,” the governor said. He also called for collective and concerted efforts to deliver the security that “we desire as a nation as a people.”
His words: “Our recent experience in which insecurity has challenged education, peace, economy and other spheres of life has lent credence to Abraham Maslow’s emplacement of security as one of the foremost in the hierarchy of needs.
“This realisation underscores the need for our leaders and professionals, including traditional rulers, political leaders, academics, religious leaders and corporate leaders, to constantly collaborate to brainstorm on ensuring peace in the nation.
“Security breeds peace, economic and other developments, political stability and good governance. The converse of this is that insecurity is a destroyer of these desirable indices.
“As a people, we must realise that it is only in a safe and secure environment that optimal local commercial activities can take place; foreign investors can be attracted; goods and services can be provided; infrastructure can be built and maintained; public service can be delivered, and social and political activities can take place peacefully. “Therefore, the quest for a sustainable peaceful society must be prioritised as the collective responsibility of all citizens.
“Delivering security is not a task for the government alone. Corporate bodies and Non-Governmental Organisations need to partner with the government to achieve success. Business thrives in an atmosphere of peace. Business concerns must join the government to restore peace to the regions of the country.
“For proper security of lives and property of our people and the prompt containment of growing challenges, we must inevitably now engage our traditional institutions. Governors, particularly, cannot afford not to look in the direction of the traditional institution.
“This is because every conflict is local and as such, traditional institutions cannot be left out of the scheme. Traditional rulers know their people and also have better strategies for engaging them. Therefore, we must ride on this to be able to protect our nation from implosion.”
Governor Okowa reacts
Reacting to Governor Oyetola’s call yesterday, chairman of the South-South Governors Forum and governor of Delta, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, who spoke through the State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, said: “Our leaders in the South-South are very much concerned about the spate of insecurity in the country and are determined to put heads together to forge a common front and possibly reduce the challenges of insecurity in the region.
“Of course, you know insecurity in the country is no longer news to anybody, and then the South-South is not spared in that insecurity which has become the bane of development across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
“But, we are also concerned that it would have been better for us to have a national security outfit and at the moment we do have them. We just pray that they are possibly equipped and empowered to be able to deal with the issues of insecurity so that we move away from tokenism of everybody having to be on their own.
“We will not shy away from addressing the challenges as it affects our people but we believe that the Federal Government needs to step up action to deal with these dare-devil criminals; that way everybody is safe.
‘BRACED Commission tasked on security outfit’
On whether the South South Governors are prepared to set up their own security outfit like Amotekun, he said: “The South-South governors have handed that over to the Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Cross Rivers, Edo and Delta, BRACED Commission which is a body that deals with issues of common interest in the region to work out the modalities so that we don’t just jump into setting up an outfit that is just in the name and not be able to do what it ought to do.
“But beyond that, you do know that when an outfit is set up, there are some constitutional inhibitions that will still make it impossible for some of these issues to be addressed the way we like it to. And it’s important that Nigerians begin to look at these issues rather than mounting pressure in the wrong quarters.
“For instance, you can’t have some of the heavy weapons other than small arms and light weapons. Some of those heavy weapons that are in the hands of those criminals, you cannot have them without the Federal Government giving you the license to so do. So, even if you set up your outfit, what are you going to be using to equip those outfits?
“When the ability to equip them to be able to confront these dare-devil criminals is largely still being determined by the approval to be given by the Federal Government, that tells you that where everybody should channel their energy, including the other geo-political zones, is how to make the Federal Government secure all of us and for individuals to move away from whatever will divide us.
“Let us look at what will unite us the more. Recall, I did say we will not shy away from the need to protect our people in the region. Much as we desire to do so, we are much more interested in the common good of our country where our common patrimony lies, the nation, Nigeria.”
Rebuild broken bridges of trust with the public, Osinbajo tasks Ag. IGP
Meanwhile, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday asked acting Inspector General of Police, IGP, Usman Baba Alkali, to restore dignity to the force and rebuild the broken bridges of trust with the public.
Speaking during the decoration of the acting IGP with his new rank at State House, Abuja, Osinbajo told the new Police boss he is assuming office at a turbulent time in the history of the country.
Urging him to implement community policing in order to curb growing insecurity in the land, Osinbajo said: “Let me once again, offer my congratulations to you as new Inspector-General of Police on your appointment. Your selection by Mr. President follows a rigorous process where all eligible Deputy Inspectors-General of Police and Assistant Inspectors-General of police were considered. The president then appointed you as the most senior qualified and eligible officer.
“IG, you are assuming office at a very turbulent time in the life of our people. There are multiple threats to law, order and public safety. The role of law enforcement and particularly that of the police force as primary agency charged with maintaining law and order has never been more important. The police is our institution of first resort, the first line of defence against crime and anarchy and the first sign of the strength of the state.
“The challenges before you are indeed onerous and will test your mettle, the organisation you are leading is one that is itself facing several challenges. Your officers work still in extremely difficult conditions. And some face the threat of physical harm by terrorists, hostile non-state actors while in the line of duty but they have lived up to expectations.
“There is no question at all that there is a lot that needs to be done. There is a lot of work that needs to be done. Under your leadership, the police must now rebuild in some ways also the broken bridges of trust to the public and regain the confidence of the citizenry.
“This is an ongoing challenge, an ongoing task the police force and all of the senior members of the police force must take on as a responsibility, that of the continual process of building trust to the Nigerian people. One of the ways you can do this is by implementing the community policing policy which had already taken off and re-conceptualising policing as a task carried out in partnership with local communities and by officers who are members of these localities.
“Under your leadership, the force must live up to all of the highest standards of professional conduct and compliance with the rule of law. It must significantly improve the welfare and working conditions of its officers.”
Osinbajo also tasked the new IGP to stamp out the excesses, abuses and culture of impunity from the police force.
What to expect from me, by Alkali
Speaking with journalists after his decoration, the new IGP promised to put into practice community policing to tackle the worsening security situation in the country.
Asked what Nigerians should hope for, he said: “Hope to see improvement on where my predecessor has left. I came in at a very challenging time, I know it, I recognize it and I will work on how to improve from where my predecessor has left.
“I have been a member of the management team and we have been trying to do our best but it is not enough, there is room for improvement.
“With all the inadequacies we have, we still require everybody to be part of policing in this country. And that is why the emphasis on community policing will continue and the emphasis of collaborating with all other sister agencies will continue and we hope to have a better situation very soon.”
On whether he was coming with any change in strategy, the Acting IGP said: “Definitely, we are going to rejig our operational strategies.”
On issues of equipment and manpower, the IGP said he had the blessings of President Buhari, adding that he was optimistic that he would get more of what the police had requested through the Police Trust Fund very quickly.
On community policing, he said: “We will continue to practicalize it. My predecessor left at the theoretical stage, we have started practicalising it but we have not gone far and, therefore, all the methods of practicalising it have been put in place and we are going to continue with it, in collaboration with other stakeholders.”
Vanguard
The Federal Government has announced 150 as the minimum cut-off mark for admission into universities and nursing schools across the country.
The decision was reached during the policy meeting on admissions organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) with stakeholders in the education sector.
According to the government, candidates seeking admission into universities and nursing institutions are expected to score at least 150 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to qualify for consideration.
The meeting also reviewed admission guidelines for polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions as part of efforts to maintain standards in the nation’s education system.
Stakeholders at the meeting urged institutions to ensure transparency and fairness in their admission processes while advising candidates to strictly adhere to admission requirements.
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.”
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.*
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.
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
-
News3 days ago
“Go and Verify”: How Sunday Umeha Is Redefining Representation in Ezeagu/Udi
-
News3 days ago
Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma Lays His Beloved Sister to Rest
-
Crime5 days agoAnambra Police Burst Gunmen Armoury in Orumba
-
Politics4 days agoAnambra Communities Boil As Group Carpets Traditional Rulers Over Zoning
-
News5 days ago
Enugu, SSDO advance domestic resource mobilisation for climate responsive budgeting
-
News3 days ago
2027: Anambra ADC Intact Despite Obi, Kwankwaso Departure – Guber Candidate
-
Tech2 days agoHow Chatgpt Detector Tools Are Changing Content Verification
-
Politics15 hours agoAPC House of Reps Screening: Onwuegbu Clears Exercise Ahead Of Primaries