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Enugu Land crisis: Communities appear before Reps Committee, allege police intimidation, finger DCP, others

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The kindred families of Amechi Uwani, and Obeagu Awkunanaw, of Enugu South LGA, Enugu State, have appeared before the House of Reps Committee on Public Petitions in search of justice.
The communities who are the original owners of the disputed Enugu Centenary City made separate presentations pointing accusing fingers at Deputy Commissioner of Police Akinbayo Olasoji, of the Enugu State Command.
Also indicted are SP Chidiebere Ijioma and Uche Anya of the Enugu Capital Territory.
They urged the Reps Committee to ensure urgent actions against “the excesses of the officers, particularly SP Chidiebere Ijioma and DCP Akinbayo Olasoji of the Enugu State Police Command who are now providing these land grabbers with police cover under which they ceaselessly harass, intimidate and unjustifiably hound our members to prison on trumped up charges.
“…that you cause the IGP to direct the Department of Force Intelligence (DFI), and Zone 13 Command, to charge to court all cases reported and investigations concluded against these land grabbers and their hirelings, in order to serve as a deterrent and by so doing, protect us from their stranglehold. In the case of DFI, our case which investigation had been concluded since 2021, and the casefile reportedly forwarded to the FDPP appears to have been buried. It is our request that it be revisited for the interest of justice.”
The communities described the Reps Committee as their last hope, “in the face of the most vicious land grabbing spree, and illegal acquisition of our ancestral lands…demolitions by Private Estates International West Africa (PEIWA), led by one Kingsley Eze with his armed thugs and some persons in police uniform; the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), led by Uche Anya.
“Our anguish and pain goes beyond the demolitions unleashed on us, we were more alarmed with the gruesome murder of a police officer, Inspector Celestine Orodiovwe of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Enugu, in December 2021, who was investigating the case we reported against those we can describe as some hirelings of PEIWA.
“Between 2021 and 2022, there was an alarming spate of heinous crimes, particularly unresolved cases of murder. eg. The murder of Chidera Ogaba, Comrade Kelvin Ezeoha, among others.
“May we also draw your attention to the persistent invasion of our community and the numerous arrests of our people by the Enugu Police Command, particularly, SP Chidiebere Ijioma and DCP Akinbayo Olasoji who are being used to terrorize our people in favour of Kingsley Eze and his PEIWA. SP Chidiebere who has been in Enugu State Command for about 15 years now, has lost his sense of fairness as a police officer. Same as DCP Akinbayo Olasoji, who as the DCP Ops, Enugu Command, personally supervised the demolitions of our buildings alongside his officers.
They recalled that sequel to the murder of Sunday Ngene, an indigene of Obeagu Awkunanaw, in December, 2022 the traditional ruler Igwe Mike Nnukwu wrote a petition to the IGP which was assigned to Zone 13 for  investigation.
As the police investigation was ongoing, the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), issued Notice of Demolition to “all illegal developers at Enugu Life Style and Gulf City (Centenary) Master Plan.” This Demolition Notice was published in the Vanguard Newspaper of Friday, April 21st, 2023.
We quickly instructed our lawyer to write A Letter of Objection to the Chairman, ECTDA, to rescind the Demolition Notice and await the outcome of the pending suit in respect of the land in question. We organized a peaceful protest, and in addition our traditional ruler held a World Press Conference on 2nd May, 2023 still in respect of the planned demolition.
“As soon as our traditional ruler rose from the World Press Conference, and in a manner intended to intimidate him and the entire community, he was confronted by some officers from the Homicide Section of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja inviting him and other members of the community to Abuja in respect of the murder of Sunday Ngene. The invitation letter was served on 2nd May, 2023 and directed them to report at FCID, Abuja on 4th May, 2023.
“Lo and behold, the demolition eventually began on 3rd May, 2023 despite all the steps we took. We were taken aback, as we wondered if it were a mere coincidence that the police invitation came on the 2nd, against a police interview on 4th May, 2023, and then the demolition of 3rd May, 2023. To us it was not a coincidence, it was a well-orchestrated plan by our opponents to use the police to intimidate and overawe us while they carry out the demolition and plunder our community.
“On the day of the demolition, we were amazed by the number of police officers who were mobilized and brought to our community. Well over 100 police officers led by DCP Akinbayo Olasoji, DCP Ops, swarmed our community, heavily armed with various weapons, teargas and smoke gunners which they lavishly and provocatively threw at our people without any resistance.”
They commended the IGP, who as the DIG FCID then, “sent back all our cases to Zone 13 for discreet, comprehensive investigation. Funny enough, when the same land grabbers could not have their way, they sponsored numerous other petitions accusing our people of killing our late son, Sunday Ngene. They eventually found willing tools in the Enugu State Police Command, Hawk Squad who stormed our community, arrested many of our people, and kept them in their custody without trial. Not less than ten of our indigenes were thus incarcerated and remained in police custody for over ten weeks before the police succumbed to pressure and had them released.
“In recent times, DCP Olasoji has devised another means of incarcerating our people. Currently, he deployed over 15 police officers on our land, and they will from time to time move around our community fishing for hapless members to arrest. Once arrested they will be taken to the Area Commander Metro, ACP Sogbeba Dulphine who will quickly arraign them on a charge of Promoting Communal War for which they will be remanded.
“DCP Akinbayo Olasoji has remained a thorn in our flesh, and has shown willingness to cause us endless nightmares. Sometime in January this year (2024), he personally led nearly the entire officers and men of the Enugu State Police Command and some officials of ECTDA to invade our land with force and arms in aid of the land grabbers. Most recent demolitions were carried out by DCP Olasoji and the land grabbers alongside their hired thugs. We have had cause to formally report the activities of DCP Olasoji to the police high command and to the Police Service Commission, yet we find this occasion more auspicious to report the atrocious acts of those officers because we believe in the potency of your constitutionally bestowed oversight powers.
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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.

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.”

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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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