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Ohanaeze backs South-East govs on security outfit against terrorists
The South-East governors on Sunday said they would set up a joint security vigilante, Ebube Agu, for the zone.
The governors stated this in a communiqué issued after the first South-East security summit they held with all the heads of security agencies in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
The communiqué read by the Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, stated, “ The meeting resolved to maintain a joint security vigilante for the South- East otherwise known as Ebubeagu. The meeting appreciated the formation of South-East joint security outfit code- named Ebubeagu with headquarters in Enugu to coordinate our vigilantes in the South-East.”
The Ohanaeze in its reaction said it supported the setting up of the security outfit, which it described as long overdue.
The South-East governors, in their communiqué, also condemn terrorism and banditry in any part of Nigeria, particularly in the South- East.
They strongly criticised “the burning of police stations, violent attacks on custodial centres with the unlawful release of inmates, and the killings including security personnel, natives/ farmers and headsmen.”
According to them, the five South-East states are “on the same page with the Federal Government on the issue of security challenges in the country.”
They, therefore, said the South-East would stand resolutely with the Federal Government to fight terrorists and bandits. “The political leadership in the South-East has resolved to bring together all the arsenals at their command, as one united zone, to fight and flush out criminals and terrorist from the zone,” they stated.
The governors said they would mobilise all the relevant stakeholders in the South-East, “the political class, the business community, the bureaucrats and the intelligentsia to provide all necessary support to security operatives in the five south east states to ensure total success in the fight against criminality in the zone.”
They asked heads of security agencies to draw up a comprehensive list of materials needed for sustainable success in the fight against criminality, for the immediate provision by the leadership of the South-East.
They added, “Meeting approve that the acting IGP and other security chiefs do invite the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo and CAN (Christian Association of Nigeria) to find out the reason for increasing insecurity of the South East .”
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation Ohanaeze Ndigbo supported the setting up of Joint South East Security outfit codenamed ‘Ebubeagu’ by the South East Governors Forum to fight and flush out criminals and terrorists that have been killing and terrorising the region lately.
It however, mandated the governors to ensure that the Bills that were sent to various State Houses of Assembly were passed and signed into law for the full operation of the outfit.
Ohanaeze spokesperson, Chief Alex Ogbonnia, who spoke with one of our correspondents on Sunday, said that the establishment of the security outfit was overdue as the people have been waiting for this day to come.
Ogbonnia noted that the formation of the security outfit was sequel to 30 days ultimatum Ohanaeze Elders Council gave the Governors to come up with it to tackle rising insecurity and protect the region from Fulani terrorists that have been killing, raping women and destroying farms across Igboland.
He said “Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide received the formation of joint South East Security outfit by the South East Governors with joy. It is all expected. In the last meeting of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Elders Council, we mandated them to do it. In our release last time we urged them to do it. I am happy they have done so and we believe with this the rate of crimes and criminality in the South East will reduce.”
On the law that would back and legitimize the outfit, the Igbo apex socio-cultural organisation, said “now the outfit had been established, we expect the Governors to do the needful. Before it was a declaration of intent but now it has become a policy statement agreed by the South East Governors. It is good that it has started at all than not at all.
“We gave them 30 days as a matter of fact. The Ohanaeze Elders Council gave them 30 days to come up with this and I am happy that they are responding.
“Now they have to put machinery in motion to ensure that the Bills that were sent to the various State Houses of Assembly was passed and signed into law for full operation to commence.”
The family’s head, Imo Aguiyi-Ironsi, made the demand during an interview with Arise News on Thursday.
“I think the family needs apology. The family needs to be compensated. We need sincere apology. We need sincere reconciliation,” he said.
He described his uncle as a visionary leader who was wrongly punished for a coup he had no role in.
“He was a man of vision. He was a detribalized Nigerian. He was a good leader,” he said.
Imo Aguiyi-Ironsi noted that his uncle’s tenure as Head of State was brief and ended violently.
“He occupied the seat of head of state for only six months, and he was taken away from us.
“Not because of a sin he committed, because he wasn’t part of the January 1966 coup.”
According to him, Aguiyi-Ironsi’s death resulted from his position rather than any wrongdoing on his part.
“Only because of his position as the most senior military officer, he was told to take charge. And then that cost him his life,” he said.
He expressed hope that his appeal would reach those with the power to act on it.
“Well, I hope there are people who are in positions to make this happen that are listening to you tonight,” he said.
Aguiyi-Ironsi served as Nigeria’s Head of State from January 16 to July 29, 1966, taking charge in the aftermath of the January 15, 1966 coup that had claimed the lives of the country’s political leadership.
He survived that coup and helped crush the mutiny, but his later decision to centralise power under Decree 34, along with his failure to prosecute the plotters, fuelled resentment among northern officers.
He was killed on July 29, 1966, alongside his host, Lieutenant Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi, in a mutiny by northern soldiers that became known as the July counter-coup
The directive was contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
Addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers, the circular said the order took immediate effect and formed part of efforts to uphold professional standards within the apex court.
The memorandum read, “I am directed by the Honourable the Chief Justice of Nigeria to notify all Litigation Staff, Legal Practitioners, Court Registrars, and Lawyers that the use of the title ‘Barrister’ as a prefix to names is inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”
It further directed all affected officers to immediately stop using the title in official correspondence and other official materials.
The memo stated, “Consequently, all officers concerned are hereby directed to discontinue the use of the title ‘Barrister’ before their names in all official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials, and any other official engagements with immediate effect.”
The memorandum added, “Heads of Departments and Unit Heads are requested to ensure strict compliance with this directive by all officers under their supervision. Please be guided accordingly.”
The directive comes weeks after the Council of Legal Education cautioned prospective lawyers against wearing wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners before they are formally called to the Nigerian Bar.
The council said such conduct undermined the dignity of the legal profession and warned that violators could face disciplinary measures.
It also reminded candidates that the use of legal regalia is governed by the Rules of Professional Conduct and is reserved for duly qualified legal practitioners
The Enugu State Government says it has intensified fight against quackery across all health professions, particularly in the laboratory practice within the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, revealed this on Friday while receiving the National President of Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Dr. Casimir Ifeanyi, on a courtesy visit to his office in Enugu.
Ugwu decried the growing trend of unprofessional practices and establishments where laboratory services are combined with pharmacies, patient treatment areas, provision stores, and other unauthorised activities.
According to him, such practices are unacceptable and dangerous to public health.
He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to eliminate quackery especially in laboratory practices and operations through sustained monitoring, regulation and enforcement.
The commissioner also commended the association for its dedication to promoting excellence in medical laboratory science and public health advocacy.
He assured the team of the ministry’s willingness to collaborate with professional bodies whose activities align with the government’s vision of delivering accessible, quality, and people-centred healthcare services across the state.
Ugwu stressed the remarkable strides recorded under the administration of Gov. Peter Mbah in transforming the health sector, including investments in healthcare infrastructure, workforce development, primary healthcare revitalisation and improved service delivery.
He urged the association to remain steadfast in upholding professionalism and ethical standards, emphasising that stronger partnerships between government and healthcare professionals remained essential in building a healthier Enugu State.
Earlier, Ifeanyi, who made the visit with some members of his national executive and Enugu State Chapter of AMLSN, briefed the commissioner on the association’s forthcoming AMLSN Annual Public Health Lecture.
He solicited the state government’s goodwill, support and participation in the event, which would be held in Enugu.
“The annual lecture is aimed at advancing quality healthcare delivery, promoting public health awareness, and fostering stronger collaboration among healthcare professionals and government institutions,” he said.
He noted that the association remained committed to improving professional standards and supporting initiatives that would enhance healthcare outcomes for residents of Enugu State and Nigeria at large.
…Inaugurates Amufie Town Union executives
By Chinedu Sabastine
The Enugu State Government has urged Town Union President Generals (PGs) across the state to adopt inclusive leadership that promotes peace, unity and sustainable development in their communities.
The Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Chief Charles Egumgbe, gave the charge on Wednesday while inaugurating the newly elected 14-member executives of the Amufie Town Union in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area.
The executive committee, led by the President-General, Engr. Kenneth Okechukwu Ogili, was presented with certificates of return at the ministry’s headquarters in Enugu.
Egumgbe urged the new leadership to ensure transparency, accountability and regular engagement with members, stressing that women and youths must be carried along in decision-making.
He advised the executives against operating exclusive caucuses, noting that town union affairs should be conducted openly through regular meetings where decisions are collectively taken.
“You must carry everybody along. Let your policies be all-inclusive and ensure that members are well informed about your activities. Matters should be tabled before the executive and decisions reached collectively,” he said.
The commissioner warned against abuse of office, particularly in matters relating to community land, stressing that anyone found working against the interest of the community could be removed under the state’s Town Union law.
“I don’t know whether you will receive remuneration because this is service to humanity. But whatever you do, don’t sell community land illegally. Land has a way of fighting for itself,” he cautioned.
Responding, the new inaugurated President-General, Ogili, pledged to lead with transparency and work closely with his executive to promote peace, unity and development in Amufie.
He said the administration would prioritise security by strengthening the neighbourhood watch and collaborating with security agencies to flush out criminals from identified flashpoints.
Ogili also promised to maintain a cordial working relationship with the traditional ruler of the community.
“The Igwe is our father. We have different constitutional roles, and there will be no conflict between us. We shall work harmoniously for the peace and progress of Amufie,” he said.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate dissolution of the Presidential Implementation Committee (PIC) on the Alienation of Federal Government Properties, ending the operations of a body that has overseen the privatisation, sale and lease of federal assets for more than two decades.
The decision was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, President Tinubu directed that all matters relating to the committee’s activities will henceforth be handled by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
The PIC was established in 2000 under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to supervise the disposal of Federal Government landed assets under the monetisation policy.
The committee was chaired by the then Minister of Housing and comprised representatives of the Ministries of Transportation, Justice, Health and Agriculture, as well as the Nigeria Police Force. Professor P.T. Ahire served as its pioneer secretary, while members were drawn from both the public and private sectors.
The statement recalled that the Federal Executive Council approved the establishment of a Panel of Inquiry on March 22, 2001, to produce a White Paper guiding the implementation of the committee’s recommendations. The panel worked for 21 months before submitting its report.
Explaining the decision, Onanuga said the Federal Government concluded that the committee had outlived its usefulness, as its activities had extended beyond its original mandate and resulted in multiple litigations across the country.
“After careful consideration, the Government has noted that the activities of the PIC had extended beyond its original mandate, resulting in multiple litigations across the country, and the continued existence of the Committee is no longer justified,” he said.
President Tinubu also directed that, with effect from November 5, 2025, all outstanding matters previously handled by the committee be coordinated by the Attorney-General of the Federation.
In addition, the former Secretary of the committee, B. S. Dutsin-Ma, was directed to immediately cease acting on behalf of the dissolved committee and the Federal Government on related matters.
The Presidency said the move is aimed at streamlining the management of issues relating to the alienation of Federal Government properties under the supervision of the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
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