Category: News

There was panic at St. Matthias Catholic Church, Agulu, in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, after a fully loaded lorry crashed into the church premises and caught fire.
The incident occurred late on Wednesday along the Agulu Lake–Golden Tulip Hotel Road, causing traffic gridlock as motorists slowed down while emergency responders battled to contain the blaze.
An eyewitness, who identified himself simply as Uzor, said the lorry was travelling at high speed when it lost control, veered off the road, and rammed into the church fence, triggering the fire.
“The lorry was on high speed and veered off the sloping road, crashing into the church premises and immediately going up in flames. Fortunately, there was no casualty as nobody was around the area at the time,” he said.
He added that the incident sparked panic in the area, while first responders worked to contain the fire before the arrival of firefighters. The driver of the truck reportedly fled the scene immediately after the crash.
Confirming the incident on Thursday, the Media and Publicity Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, led by Chukwudi Chiketa, attributed the accident to speeding and loss of control.
“A fire incident occurred at St. Matthias Catholic Church, Agulu, following a road crash involving a heavy-duty lorry. Preliminary findings indicate that the vehicle lost control, veered off the road, and crashed into the church premises, igniting a fire outbreak,” he said.
Chiketa added that firefighters responded promptly to the distress call and successfully contained the blaze, preventing further damage.
“The fire was brought under control, and operations at the scene have been concluded,” he added.
In a related development, the fire service also confirmed a separate fire incident at Climax Industry Limited, located on Nnanka Street, Oduma Layout, Obosi, in Idemili North Local Government Area.
According to Chiketa, the fire, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, affected both company and residential structures.
He said firefighters from the Ogidi and Okpoko fire stations were deployed to the scene following a distress call received around 1:00 a.m.
“The fire was successfully contained through coordinated efforts, preventing it from spreading to nearby buildings. Firefighters remained at the scene until about 5:30 a.m. to ensure complete extinguishment and prevent a recurrence,” he said.
He noted that the cause of the factory fire is yet to be determined, adding that investigations are ongoing.
Chiketa urged residents and business owners to prioritise fire safety and promptly report any fire outbreaks to the nearest fire station

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to our colleague, ONYEKWERE NWOBODO, on his recent appointment as Special Adviser on Media to the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah.

A seasoned journalist, Nwobodo was at various times Judiciary Editor, Asst. News Editor, Bureau Chief South East, and South South, with The Punch newspapers. He also served as General Manager/Editor-in-Chief of the state-owned newspaper, Daily Star.

A distinguished member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, he brings to this role a wealth of experience in media practice and political and public engagement.

With this appointment, which took effect last Monday, he assumes the critical role of Chief Spokesperson to the Governor of Enugu State.

We wish him great success in this new responsibility.

By Okey Maduforo Awka

Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra state has reaffirmed Obi Gibson Nwosu As the Eze Uzu 2 of Awka Kingdom dismissing the claim of Ozo Austin Ndigwe to the thrown of the Town .

Soludo who received the report on the Chieftaincy tussle from the Panel of enquiry into the over ten years dispute warned Ndigwe to stop parading himself as Eze Uzu 3 of Awka Kingdom declaring that “enough is enough” regarding the decade-long leadership crisis rocking the traditional stool of Awka, the Anambra State capital.

Receiving the final report from the Commission of Inquiry into the Awka Traditional Stool dispute, the Governor emphasized that his administration will not accept the existence of two traditional rulers in any community.

The dispute, which has lingered for over ten years, prompted the state government to intervene after internal peace mechanisms failed. Governor Soludo revealed that he had previously mandated the President-General of Awka—who was unanimously selected by the community—to mediate.

However, weeks later, the PG reported that the complexities of the crisis exceeded his capacity for intervention, leading the community to formally request the state government’s involvement.

“Awka is not just another community; it is the capital of the state,” Governor Soludo remarked. “The institution of the Eze Uzu must be revered. If the stool is in dispute, it diminishes the entire state. We must be a state of law and order.”

Presenting the report earlier, the Chairman of the Commission and former Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Paul Obidigwe, described the findings as a culmination of tireless efforts to uncover the facts in the overriding public interest.

The Commission’s inquiry led to several cardinal findings such as the remote causes which includes the vaulting ambition of Chief Austin Ndigwe and an exaggerated perception of customary authority that ignored statutory law, Controversies surrounding “dust-to-dust” Catholic burial rites and the procedurally defective attempted dethronement of the incumbent monarch in 2017.

According to him, the Commission ruled that the purported removal of H.R.M. Obi Gibson Nwosu (Eze Uzu II) was unlawful, invalid, and lacked legal effect due to a lack of quorum, denial of fair hearing, and failure to comply with the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law 2007.

The Commission also concluded that Chief Austin Ndigwe was never lawfully selected or installed, noting that his claim to the throne is an “affront” to the state government as there was no vacancy in the stool.

Justice Obidigwe stated that the Commission’s primary recommendations include the formal reaffirmation of H.R.M. Obi Gibson Nwosu as the substantive Traditional Ruler of Awka and the deployment of government machinery to stop Chief Austin Ndigwe’s unlawful claims to the stool. He also stressed the need for structured reconciliation to foster communal healing.

Accepting the document, Governor Soludo assured the public that the government would study the report with keen interest and issue a White Paper as a follow-up.

“This is a message to other communities,” the Governor warned. “Always refer to the Anambra Traditional Rulers Law 2007. It is my duty to enforce the law. In this matter, there is no victor and no vanquished—only the triumph of the rule of law.”

The Governor thanked the Commission for their transparency and accountability, noting that their work is essential to achieving a livable and prosperous Anambra.

On Wed, Mar 18, 2026, 6:34 PM Maduforo Okechukwu <maduforor@gmail.com> wrote:
Soludo Reaffirms Obi Gibson Nwosu As Monarch Of Awka Kingdom. Dismisses Ozo Ndigwe As Fake

By Okey Maduforo Awka .

Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra state has reaffirmed Obi Gibson Nwosu As the Eze Uzu 2 of Awka Kingdom dismissing the claim of Ozo Austin Ndigwe to the thrown of the Town .

Soludo who received the report on the Chieftaincy tussle from the Panel of enquiry into the over ten years dispute warned Ndigwe to stop parading himself as Eze Uzu 3 of Awka Kingdom declaring that “enough is enough” regarding the decade-long leadership crisis rocking the traditional stool of Awka, the Anambra State capital.

Receiving the final report from the Commission of Inquiry into the Awka Traditional Stool dispute, the Governor emphasized that his administration will not accept the existence of two traditional rulers in any community.

The dispute, which has lingered for over ten years, prompted the state government to intervene after internal peace mechanisms failed. Governor Soludo revealed that he had previously mandated the President-General of Awka—who was unanimously selected by the community—to mediate.

However, weeks later, the PG reported that the complexities of the crisis exceeded his capacity for intervention, leading the community to formally request the state government’s involvement.

“Awka is not just another community; it is the capital of the state,” Governor Soludo remarked. “The institution of the Eze Uzu must be revered. If the stool is in dispute, it diminishes the entire state. We must be a state of law and order.”

Presenting the report earlier, the Chairman of the Commission and former Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Paul Obidigwe, described the findings as a culmination of tireless efforts to uncover the facts in the overriding public interest.

The Commission’s inquiry led to several cardinal findings such as the remote causes which includes the vaulting ambition of Chief Austin Ndigwe and an exaggerated perception of customary authority that ignored statutory law, Controversies surrounding “dust-to-dust” Catholic burial rites and the procedurally defective attempted dethronement of the incumbent monarch in 2017.

According to him, the Commission ruled that the purported removal of H.R.M. Obi Gibson Nwosu (Eze Uzu II) was unlawful, invalid, and lacked legal effect due to a lack of quorum, denial of fair hearing, and failure to comply with the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law 2007.

The Commission also concluded that Chief Austin Ndigwe was never lawfully selected or installed, noting that his claim to the throne is an “affront” to the state government as there was no vacancy in the stool.

Justice Obidigwe stated that the Commission’s primary recommendations include the formal reaffirmation of H.R.M. Obi Gibson Nwosu as the substantive Traditional Ruler of Awka and the deployment of government machinery to stop Chief Austin Ndigwe’s unlawful claims to the stool. He also stressed the need for structured reconciliation to foster communal healing.

Accepting the document, Governor Soludo assured the public that the government would study the report with keen interest and issue a White Paper as a follow-up.

“This is a message to other communities,” the Governor warned. “Always refer to the Anambra Traditional Rulers Law 2007. It is my duty to enforce the law. In this matter, there is no victor and no vanquished—only the triumph of the rule of law.”

The Governor thanked the Commission for their transparency and accountability, noting that their work is essential to achieving a livable and prosperous Anambra.

…As Customers Call For Regular Engagement Meetings

Obinna Uchendu Abakaliki

The Managing Director, MD of Eastland Electricity Distribution Limited, EEDL, Engr. Nnamdi Chuka-Nwosu has assured electricity customers in Ebonyi State of its commitment to ensure customers satisfaction, stable electricity supply and to be more customer centric in the discharge of the duties in the State.

Engr. Nwosu made the disclosure during a town hall meeting for customers in the State held at Igbo Ukwu Hall in Abakaliki, the State Capital.

The EEDL MD said that the essence of the engagement meeting is to interact with its customers and to ascertain and address some of the challenges faced by the customers adding that EEDL is poised to change the narrative in the State.

The main essence of this engagement meeting is to interact with our customers, have a feel of their concerns and issues know what the issues and to change the narrative.

He maintained that most customers see the organization as enemies. There is this negative perspective that we are your enemies but we are not. We are actually here to save you and to give you reliable electricity supply which is very important in helping businesses grow, helping development of the states and the culture at large.

On our part, our priority is to ensure stable and reliable electricity to our customers We are here to reassure our customers that we are determined to serve them better. We want to sit down together as one family, hear your complaints, try to solve them as we can, and also explain our challenges to you to understand what we are also going through, to ensure that electricity gets to all our customers.

Judging from where we are coming from, there were many complaints. Because in the past, there were supply constraint. We always had billing issues and availability issues but when Eastland came on board, the first thing we decided to work on was the billing because a lot of customers were not happy and we feel their pain. It is expected that a customer will be happy and satisfied if he has a meter to monitor his energy consumption.

We decided to create a billing reconciliation avenues at various points where every customer that has billing issues will come forward with his bill, then we look at it, assess it and if there are adjustment that needs to be made, we make it immediately. That has been positive and customers are happy with the development.

He noted that in the last 6 months EEDL has installed over 1,800 meters in Abakaliki.

He noted that vandalization of equipments are not alienated to only Ebonyi State. It is a national calamity.it happens everywhere. A situation a transformer will be fenced, locked up, barb wired and installed with a solar light, a vandal will still climb it to vandalize the equipment.

But we are taking steps to forestall their activities. If it is 300 KVA transformers and below, we have to take them up to the core so that it will be difficult to vandalize. We have also adopted the strategy of changing the materials from copper which is their primary target to aluminum. What they usually go for it’s the copper wire.

He debunked the insinuation in some quarters that most of the vandals are officials of the EEDC adding that the company has arrested and prosecuted a good number of those arrested adding that they are partnering with security agencies to curb the activities of the vandals

Engr. Nwosu charged the customers to feel free to come up with their experiences, challengers and seek for a better services. We will ensure, we take your feedback and work on it. Our idea, our mission in every state is to make sure we deliver reliable, stable supply to our customers.

EEDL is established to be more customer-centric, to be more customer-focused, so that every customer will believe that they have someone or a company that is here to serve them better. That is the whole idea of this forum.

Engr. Nwosu stated that EEDL is a subsidiary of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company EEDC adding that the establishment of the subsidiary is to gave the States the right to regulate electricity supply industry.

“What this means is that the federal government will no longer have full control of electricity in all the states. That led the distribution companies to create subsidiary companies that work with the respective state governments to distribute electricity. So that’s how Eastland came to be from EEDC.

“Since the establishment of EEDL, We have tried to improve on our culture to bring our customers closer because without you, we won’t have any business. It’s a mutual relationship. We distribute electricity to you, and in turn, you pay your bills to us. So we have to be able to sustain the distribution.

“Since June last year till now, we have also tried to change the narrative to more customer-centric approach. One of the best things we have done was to interface more with our customer, setup points where customers can come and make their complaints.

Meanwhile, customers of EEDL has commented the distribution limited for engaging the customers in the meeting and called for such meeting and engagement to be regular.

Mr. Nwodom Christopher, a customer described the meeting as insighting and prompt adding that it has clarified the misconception about the distribution limited adding that regular engagement will bring the customers and EEDL closer.

He also urged the management to ensure prompt and amicable resolutions of issues which he said will put to an end the incessant misunderstanding between staff of EEDL and it’s customers. Ends.

By Chinedu Adonu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed condolences to former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, following the death of his mother, Mrs. Monica Nnenna Nnaji.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President sympathised with the Nnaji family and paid tribute to the late matriarch for her resilience and dedication to raising her children.

Tinubu noted that Mrs. Nnaji lived a life defined by sacrifice, discipline and commitment to family, adding that her values were reflected in the achievements of her children.

The President said, “I mourn with Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji and the entire Nnaji family over the passing of their beloved mother, Mrs. Monica Nnenna Nnaji. Mama lived an exemplary and fulfilled life, marked by resilience, sacrifice and devotion to the upbringing of her children.”

He further commended the late Mrs. Nnaji for raising her children through hard work and discipline, noting that her efforts helped shape individuals who have contributed to national development.

According to the President, “The late matriarch’s strength and commitment were evident in the way she nurtured her family. She raised four sons through hard work and discipline, and today her legacy is visible in the lives of her children who have continued to make meaningful contributions to the growth and development of our nation.”
Tinubu urged the bereaved family to find comfort in the enduring legacy left behind by their mother.

He added, “At this difficult moment, I encourage the Nnaji family to take solace in the remarkable legacy Mama left behind — a legacy that continues to live through her children and the many lives she touched. I pray that Almighty God grants her eternal rest and comforts the family she has left behind.”

By Okey Maduforo, Awka

In a heartfelt show of gratitude, a 74-year-old woman, Madam Grace Okafor, attended the inauguration ceremony of Charles Soludo at Alex Ekwueme Square, presenting him with a live fowl as a token of appreciation.
Okafor, who hails from Abatete in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, said the gesture was to thank the governor for a cash gift of N100,000 he gave her during a previous event in Eziowelle town.
According to her, she invested the money in a small poultry business, which yielded profit—making the fowl she presented part of the proceeds.
Despite her age, Okafor made a striking appearance at the venue, moving her wheelchair while carrying a white fowl in a bucket. She danced her way toward the podium to present her gift.
“I came to witness the swearing-in of Oluatuegwu, meaning ‘a man who is not afraid of work,’” she said.
Recounting her earlier encounter with the governor, Okafor said she had predicted his re-election during the Eziowelle event.
“I told him he would win, and he did. The N100,000 he gave me that day was invested in poultry, and this fowl is part of the proceeds. I am here to show my appreciation,” she added.
Reacting to the gesture, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Ejimofor Opara, described it as a powerful reflection of Governor Soludo’s vision of self-reliance, hard work, and enterprise.
“The administration of Governor Charles Soludo promotes resilience and discourages the pursuit of quick wealth through dubious means,” Opara said.
He noted that Okafor’s effort demonstrates that age is no barrier to productivity and urged youths in Anambra State to emulate her by engaging in meaningful ventures.
“On behalf of the governor, we thank our dear mother for this thoughtful gesture,” he added.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned reports that a lawyer was allegedly ordered to kneel in open court, declaring that no judge has such authority under Nigerian law.
Reacting to the incident, which reportedly occurred on Monday, March 16, 2026, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, NBA President, Afam Osigwe, described the development as deeply troubling for the legal profession.
According to him, the reported directive by Justice Mohammed Umar, ordering defence counsel Marshall Abubakar—who appeared for Omoyele Sowore—to kneel in court raises serious concerns about judicial conduct and the dignity of the courtroom.
“The Nigerian Bar Association views this development with utmost seriousness, given its implications for the dignity of the legal profession and the sanctity of the courtroom,” Osigwe said.
He emphasised that while judges have the authority to maintain order and discipline, such powers must be exercised strictly within the bounds of the law and established judicial procedures.
“A judge directing a legal practitioner, or indeed any person whatsoever, to kneel in court is not a recognised judicial sanction under our laws and does not align with the standards of judicial conduct expected on the Bench,” he stated.
Osigwe explained that although courts possess powers to punish for contempt, such powers are guided by clearly defined legal procedures to ensure fairness and respect for the rights of all parties.
“If a judge is of the view that a person has acted in a manner that is contemptuous of the court, the judge must follow the accepted procedure for such allegations,” he added.
The NBA President also cautioned lawyers to uphold professionalism and decorum at all times, even in moments of disagreement with the court.
“While lawyers are entitled to advocate firmly and fearlessly on behalf of their clients, such advocacy must always be exercised within the bounds of courtesy and decorum,” he said.
He noted that the legal profession depends on mutual respect between the Bar and the Bench, describing the relationship as essential to the administration of justice.
Calling for calm, Osigwe urged that any grievances arising from courtroom incidents be addressed through appropriate institutional and disciplinary channels.
“Where necessary, the Association will engage with relevant authorities to ensure that the rule of law, professional standards, and judicial ethics are upheld,” he said.