News
Umahi, Peter Obi have no issues, Commissioner…alleges fabricated lies against Gov
Ebonyi State Commissioner for information and State Orientation Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji has lambasted those allegedly sponsored to fabricate falsehood against Governor Dave Umahi.
In a statement made available to EverydayNews, the Commissioner condemned the publications “orchestrated by a group of political hirelings, including Paschal Oluchukwu of the Association of Ebonyi Indigenes Socio-Cultural in Diaspora (AEISCID), Igboayaka O Igboayaka of Ohaneze Youth Council and Kabir Yusuf of Premium Times and Prestige News etc.
He accused them of being idly engrossed with sponsored motives of fabricating falsehood against the Governor with a view to “undermining his soaring leadership hallmarks in the last seven (7) years.
Barr Orji described the renewed orchestrations of falsehood against the Governor as a product of ill will that came as a political lashback on Umahi for championing the cause of national unity and South East mainstreaming in national politics, especially his commitment to the victory of APC in the 2023 Presidential Election
“Recent publication of Pascal Oluchukwu is one of the series of his infamous, disrespectful and unfounded fabrications calculated at running down on the person and policies of the Governor of Ebonyi State for not conforming with his clannish and divisive entreaties in his native community in Ebonyi State where he has been declared wanted by security agencies for his complicity in violent crimes and killings in the area.
“Since then, the said Pascal Oluchukwu has been operating fugitively and concocting melancholic and mendacious fictions against the person of the Governor and the institution he represents.
“The false political narratives chronicled in the publication of Pascal Oluchukwu shows that the great achievements of Governor Umahi has become an albatross of Pascal Chukwu that prevents him from living a normal life.
“The publication of Igboayaka O. Igboayaka is nothing but a clueless propaganda politically calculated to defraud the collective sensibilities of the gullible public on the actual state of security in Anambra State or any part whatsoever in South East.
“The uncoordinated narrative of his records of killings and unconscionable reeling of unfounded security reports indicting SARS of involvment in extra- judicial killings is as strange as a tale imaginatively recounted to curry cheap sympathy in desperation for political actualizations.
“It must be mentioned that Ebonyi State Government knows nothing about his rhetorics about the said crimes allegedly committed between 2004 and 2013 as the stories have no nexus with any incident of security breaches in any part of Ebonyi State or South East in the life of the Umahi administration.
“In his high sense of mischief and falsehood the said Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, tried to pitch our dear Governor against the person of His Excellency Mr Peter Obi, a Presidential candidate of Labour Party over the clear stand of Ebonyi State on the Political Platform of her choice.
“It is inviolately factual that Ebonyi State under Governor Umahi is APC solid and shall not leave any stone unturned in delivering Ebonyi State to APC come 2023. We have no personal matter with Mr Peter Obi.
“He is a friend of our dear Governor. If he were a candidate of our great Party, the APC we would have still been under obligation to vote for him. We can neither be cowed nor brainwashed into going to the dark age of senseless and fruitless tribal partisan alignment.
“We have moved to the party at the centre under the political principle of Umahism which is a resonation of Zikism, the Pan African model of modern nationalism.
“It is foolhardy, absolutely reprehensible and most unconscionable for the said Igboayaka to attempt to find fault in the clear stand of the Governor and the people of Ebonyi State over our preference for APC.
“We take exception to the blackmail of Labour revolution in South East, the linking of the activities of IPOB under Mr Simon Ekpa with our dear Governor. The Governor remains the strongest voice in the battle against banditry and violent agitations in the South East.
“We would rather hold that from Igboayaka’s indept knowledge of the groupings and inclinations of the ringleaders of violent agitations and banditry in South East, he should submit himself for security surveillance.
“For the records, Governor Umahi never made any allusion to the person of Mr Peter Obi in reference to his candidacy when he said that the people of Ebonyi State will vote APC.
“This decision to continue to build bridges is an irreversible conviction by the people of Ebonyi State, borne out of the need to take our destiny into our hands in our commitment to nation building as this is our sacrifice in launching South East to the mainstream of national governance.
“There is no going back in the stand of Ebonyi State on the ineffectiveness and insensitiveness of the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo over galvanizing advocacies for South East Presidency when it mattered most. It is not about Governor Umahi; it is about the sons and daughters of South East who were jilted by their people for a porridge of yam.
” It is about the failure of Ohaneze Ndigbo to galvanize the opinions of prominent Nigerians who spoke for fairness and justice to South East, whereas the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo went into hiding in honour of those who pay the piper from South East.
“We are also not unaware of the mischief sought by the online publication made in Prestige News and other online platforms by Yusuf Kabir.
“The allegation contained in the said publication is weighty as it is empty. Contrary to the information that Ebonyi State Government disbursed N400million COVID-19 funds for personal estate development of officials of the three arms of government in the State, the State Government never spent any COVID-19 grant(s) on any of such investments as blindly posited by these enemies of progress.
“The Government in furtherance of her welfare Programmes and in the implementation of the outcome of the Citizens’/Stakeholders Consultative Meeting on the 2020 revised budget (effected as a response to the scourge of COVID-19) made welfare policies to different Stakeholders including, granting of facililties, taxes rebates, tax holidays and other forms of palliatives.
“The welfare funds which is a semblance of the Civil Servants N3billion Agricultural empowerment scheme earlier disbursed by the State Government before the advent of COVID-19 in 2020 is a welfare facility drawn from the State Government budgeted funds.
“It will be recalled that there had been similar welfare Programmes like that given as empowerment to the people of Ebonyi State. For the avoidance of doubt, the housing facility to the Public Office holders ( Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary) was never sourced or released from COVID-19 grants or contributions.
The Commissioner urged the public to discountenance the antics of frustrated politicians and their chronies “as their falsehood and deliberate attacks on the honest and germane views of our dear Governor on national issues is nothing but a sign of helpless frustrations.”
…as SSDO calls for improved youth policy implementation
By Chinedu Adonu
Stakeholders have urged Nigerian youths to unite and take active roles in political leadership in line with the youth policy framework aimed at shaping the future of the nation.
They also cautioned youths against engaging in praise-singing for politicians or allowing themselves to be used as political thugs against fellow youths for token benefits.
The call was made during a stakeholders’ engagement on the Enugu State Youth Policy Implementation Framework organised by the Enugu State Ministry of Youth and Sports in collaboration with the South Sahara Social Development Organisation (SSDO), with support from ActionAid Nigeria and the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA).
Speaking during the engagement, the Head of Programme at SSDO, Udochukwu Egwim, said the programme was designed to deepen understanding and improve implementation of the Enugu State Youth Policy, which was domesticated into state law in 2025.
He clarified that the exercise was not intended to review the policy, which remains valid until 2029, but to help ministries, departments, agencies, and young people understand their responsibilities and the provisions of the policy.
According to him, the programme, supported by ActionAid Nigeria and DANIDA, was timely as preparations for the 2027 budget cycle would soon commence.
“We want MDAs to align their projects and budgets with the youth policy and ensure young people are considered in decision-making,” he said.
Egwim lamented the absence of effective reporting structures to monitor implementation of the policy since it came into effect, noting that local governments and ministries were expected to submit reports on youth-related programmes to the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
“The issue is not the absence of the document, but the implementation structure. We cannot accurately assess progress because reporting mechanisms have not been fully operationalised,” he stated.
He added that the engagement would also focus on strengthening coordination, accountability, and funding mechanisms needed to drive effective implementation of the policy.
Also speaking, the President of the Enugu State Youth Parliament, Chibuike Okechi, described the programme as an important platform for uniting youths across the state and enabling them to make submissions on challenges affecting them in their various communities.
“I believe that at the end of this programme, youths will gain valuable insights that will help unite us towards achieving a common goal,” he said.
A Director in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mrs Ezezuo Chidimma, expressed satisfaction that Enugu State now has its own youth policy similar to the National Youth Policy.
“Before now, we relied on the national policy to implement youth programmes, but today we are using the Enugu State policy, which will make implementation easier and more effective,” she stated.
Peter Obi Praises Air Peace London Experience, Commends Complimentary SIMPLAA Ride Service
Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has applauded Air Peace for delivering what he described as a seamless and impressive travel experience on its London route.
Speaking upon arriving in London aboard Air Peace, Obi commended the airline’s service delivery and encouraged Nigerians to support the indigenous carrier. “Since the inception of Air Peace’s London flights, each one of these experiences with Air Peace have been very smooth and very exciting, and I believe that we should all patronize Air Peace,” he said.
Obi also highlighted the airline’s complimentary drop-off ride service in partnership with SIMPLAA, noting that the added convenience further enhanced the travel experience.
“The whole experience of having even the complimentary drop-off ride makes it even more fascinating,” he added.
The complimentary ride service, introduced as part of Air Peace’s customer experience offering for its London route, is designed to provide seamless transportation for Business Class and First Class passengers upon arrival, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to comfort, convenience, and world-class service.
Since commencing its Lagos-London operations, Air Peace has continued to position itself as a strong player in international aviation, offering competitive fares and enhanced passenger-focused services while promoting national pride in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
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.*
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