News
Uncertainty in Anambra as Litigations Threaten Inauguration of LG Mayors, Councillors
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
An air of uncertainty currently surrounds the planned inauguration of the newly elected 21 Local Government Area (LGA) mayors and councillors in Anambra State, following a legal challenge by 56 incumbent councillors.
The inauguration is expected to take place early next month, in line with the provisions of the Anambra State local government laws. However, the process is being challenged before the State High Court in Awka by the incumbent councillors, who contend that their constitutionally protected four-year tenure has not expired.
The plaintiffs, in an Originating Summons filed before the court, are asking for declarations affirming that democratically elected local government officials are entitled to a secure four-year tenure, in line with the democratic mandates enjoyed by elected officials at the federal and state levels.
They are also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their agents, privies or anyone acting on their behalf from dissolving, terminating or interfering with the tenure of elected local government officials at the expiration of two years.
Among the questions the plaintiffs have asked the court to determine is whether Section 110(4) of the Anambra State Electoral (Amendment No. 3) Law 2024, as well as Sections 44(3) and 64 of the Anambra State Local Government Administration Law 2024, which provide for the compulsory dissolution of elected local government executives and councillors after two years, are inconsistent with Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution and therefore null, void and of no effect.
They are also asking the court to determine whether, in view of the decisions in Hon. Anam Hamisu Mohammed v. Attorney-General of Plateau State & Ors and Attorney-General of the Federation v. Attorney-General of Abia State & 35 Ors (2024) 17 NWLR (Pt. 1996) 425; (2024) LPELR-62576(SC), the provisions of Section 110(4) of the Anambra State Electoral Law can stand.
The plaintiffs contend that the Supreme Court judgment affirmed the democratic status, self-governance and constitutional autonomy of elected local government councils and their officers.
They have further asked the court to determine whether the Electoral (Amendment No. 3) Law 2024 is inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
Another issue raised is whether, having regard to Sections 7(1), 135(3) and 180(2) of the Constitution and the principles of Nigerian federalism, elected local government officials can have their tenure reduced to two years while elected officials at the federal and state levels enjoy constitutionally recognised four-year terms.
The plaintiffs argue that such an arrangement violates the constitutional recognition of democratic governance at the three levels of government.
They are therefore seeking a declaration that Section 110(4) of the Anambra State Electoral (Amendment No. 3) Law 2024 and Sections 44(3) and 64 of the Anambra State Local Government Administration Law 2024 conflict with Sections 1(3) and 7 of the Constitution and are, to that extent, unconstitutional, null and void.
They also want the court to declare that the provisions of the state laws cannot lawfully be interpreted or applied in a manner that permits the defendants to arbitrarily terminate the subsisting mandate of democratically elected local government officials by conducting elections to replace them midway through their tenure.
The plaintiffs further seek a declaration that any decision or action by the first and second defendants, their servants, agents or privies, treating the councillors’ mandates as having expired after two years is unconstitutional, illegal, null and void.
They are also asking the court to declare that the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) had no lawful authority to conduct elections for the purpose of replacing them or other subsisting elected local government officials during their alleged four-year tenure.
Among the reliefs sought is an order of perpetual injunction restraining ANSIEC, its officers, agents and anyone acting on its behalf from recognising, swearing in, inaugurating or otherwise giving effect to the purported election or return of persons elected in the local government elections conducted on August 29, 2026.
The plaintiffs are also seeking an order reinstating them, with their rights, privileges and emoluments, pending the determination of the Originating Summons.
In addition, they are demanding N10 billion in general damages against the defendants.
The councillors have also asked the court to order the defendants to comply with the final decision of the Supreme Court in Attorney-General of the Federation v. Attorney-General of Abia State & 35 Ors and Gov. Ekiti v. Olubunmo, as well as Section 287(1) of the Constitution, particularly on democratic governance at the local government level.
They contend that the constitutional provisions prohibit the arbitrary replacement or alteration of the mandates of democratically elected local government officials through arrangements inconsistent with Section 7(1) of the Constitution.
Meanwhile, it was gathered that the suit, which was expected to come up for hearing last week, was not listed on the cause list of the Awka High Court.
There are also indications that the matter could attract the attention of the Attorney-General of the Federation, as parties continue to canvass the enforcement of what they describe as the constitutional provisions governing democratic local government administration.
With the legal challenge still pending, uncertainty now surrounds the proposed inauguration of the newly elected local government mayors and councillors in the state.
ENUGU — Five members of the same family have died after a concrete water reservoir attached to an uncompleted building collapsed onto their home in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The incident occurred at about 5:45 a.m. on September 18, 2026, at Umuike-Aja Village, Nenwenta Community, according to the Enugu State Police Command.
The victims were identified as Raphael Onwu, his wife, his mother and their two children. The collapsed reservoir reportedly fell onto the adjoining house where the family was sleeping.
Police operatives from Awgu Division, supported by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and community members, responded to the scene and rescued a nine-year-old boy. The child was taken to hospital, where he is receiving treatment.
The five victims were also recovered and taken to hospital, where they were confirmed dead. Their remains have been deposited at a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse.
Police also arrested the owner of the building on which the reservoir was constructed, identified as Nkwo Onyedikachi Geoffrey, in connection with the incident.
The police said the outcome of the investigation would determine further appropriate action.
The Commissioner condoled with the bereaved family and the affected community, while urging residents to avoid unsafe construction practices and comply with approved safety standards by engaging qualified professionals.
The police statement was signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, and dated September 24, 2026.
The Federal Government has opened discussions with the World Bank for three new loans worth a combined $1.5bn, even as Nigeria’s public debt rose to a record N166.79tn at the end of June 2026.
Documents from the World Bank indicate that the proposed financing consists of three separate $500m facilities targeting climate resilience, social protection and early childhood development.
The first facility is a proposed $500m additional financing for the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes project, known as ACReSAL. The World Bank is expected to consider the facility on October 29, 2026.
The Federal Republic of Nigeria is listed as the borrower, while the Federal Ministry of Environment will serve as the implementing agency.
If approved, the additional financing will increase ACReSAL’s total funding from the previously approved $700m to $1.2bn. The entire facility is expected to be financed through the International Development Association, the World Bank’s concessional financing arm.
According to the World Bank, the government requested the additional $500m to expand the project’s results and strengthen the institutional, operational and financing arrangements required to sustain integrated landscape management.
The funds are expected to support landscape restoration, watershed rehabilitation, erosion and flood management, irrigation and drainage, water harvesting and storage, reforestation and other climate-resilient initiatives.
Of the proposed $500m, $310m would be allocated to dryland management, $165m to community climate resilience and $25m to institutional strengthening and project management.
ACReSAL currently operates across 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, focusing on land degradation, water insecurity, climate vulnerability and declining agricultural productivity.
The World Bank estimates that desertification and land degradation affect about 43 per cent of Nigeria’s land area. It also warned that inadequate action on climate change could reduce Nigeria’s GDP by about 2.6 per cent annually by 2030 and as much as 6.7 per cent by 2050.
$500m Social Protection Loan
The second proposed facility is a $500m IDA credit for the Household Prosperity and Empowerment-Social Protection Project, known as HOPE-SP.
The project is still at an earlier stage of preparation, with a technical design review scheduled for October 30, 2026. The World Bank has tentatively set March 16, 2027, for consideration of the project by its board.
The Federal Ministry of Finance is listed as the borrower, while the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction is expected to implement the programme.
The project has an estimated cost of $500m, comprising a $420m results-based programme and an $80m investment project financing component.
The proposed programme is aimed at establishing regular social assistance for poor and vulnerable households while gradually increasing the role of federal and state governments in financing social protection.
The World Bank said the programme would support targeted unconditional and conditional cash transfers, modernise the social registry, integrate the National Identification Number into the social protection information system and strengthen implementation at the federal, state and local government levels.
The lender noted that Nigeria spent only 0.14 per cent of its GDP on social safety-net programmes in 2021, compared with a global average of 1.5 per cent and 1.2 per cent among lower-middle-income countries.
The World Bank also estimated that the proportion of Nigerians living in poverty rose from 40 per cent in 2019 to 56 per cent in 2023 and could reach 62.5 per cent in 2026.
It attributed the worsening situation to factors including the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, natural disasters and conflict, while noting that the removal of fuel subsidies and exchange-rate reforms increased living costs in the short term.
$500m Early Childhood Development Programme
The third proposed facility is another $500m IDA credit for the Nigeria Early Childhood Development Programme, which is expected to be considered on March 15, 2027.
Like HOPE-SP, its technical design review is scheduled for October 30, 2026.
The Federal Ministry of Finance will be the borrower, while the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning is expected to implement the programme.
The project will cover all 36 states and the FCT and is designed to improve access to integrated health, nutrition, early learning, childcare, water, sanitation and other essential services for children aged zero to five.
The proposed $500m financing will comprise a $400m programme-for-results component and a $100m investment project financing component.
If approved, the three facilities would bring the total value of the Federal Government’s proposed new World Bank borrowing to $1.5bn.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won all chairmanship and Councillorship seats contested in the Sept. 26 Local Government Election in Enugu State.
It would be recalled that the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) conducted election into the 17 Chairmanship and 260 Ward Councillorship positions in the state on Saturday.
Declaring the election results at the ENSIEC headquarters in Enugu on Sunday, the Chairman of the Commission, Prof Christian Ngwu, said that the election was free and fair.
Ngwu said that the election was conducted according to rules guiding the Commission, and “subsequently, we are issuing the winners with certificate of returns.”
Speaking after collecting his certificate of return, Chairman of Enugu South Local Government Area, Chief Caleb Ani, attributed the landslide victory of the candidates of APC to the massive developmental works of Gov. Peter Mbah.
Ani urged the residents of the state to vote for Mbah en masse in the forthcoming 2027 General Election to continue the good works.
“Gov. Mbah has done well in all ramifications, this is partly while the APC candidates won overwhelmingly.
“I urge the people to vote for him, come 2027 General Elections so that he will continue with his good works and do more,” he said.
Reacting, the APC Chairman in Enugu State, Dr Martin Chukwunweike, said that the resounding victory at the polls indicated the dominance of the national ruling party, APC, in the state.
“We will not rest as we push the developmental efforts of President Bola Tinubu and our amiable governor, His Excellency Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for the world to see.
“Tinubu, Mbah and all the APC candidates will be reelected in 2027 as they have performed exceptionally well in the past three years,” he said.
In the numerical figures of the results pronounced, APC chairmanship candidates won with margins while the opposition parties trailed behind with minimal votes.
For instance, in Udenu, Igbo-Eze North and Igbo-Eze South local Government Areas respectively, the APC chairmen elect secured virtually the whole votes cast.
The Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, says the All Progressives Congress (APC) have come to stay with dominance in Nsukka axis of Enugu State.
Ugwu said this to newsmen on Saturday after casting his vote at polling unit 4 in Obukpa Ward in Nsukka Local Government Area.
He commended the electorate for the organic and block votes the people of Obukpa and by extension Nsukka gave to the APC, adding: “This is true show of acceptance and love.”
According to him, our people will repeat this organic and block votes system in the reelection of Gov. Peter Mbah and all line up of APC candidates come 2027 General Elections.
Ugwu commended Gov. Mbah for providing the environment for a peaceful local government election, noting that the exercise reflected the government’s commitment to grassroots democratic participation.
He lauded the electorate in Nsukka for their peaceful conduct and orderly atmosphere demonstrated during the election.
Ugwu said, “Our people trooped out to cast their votes for APC.
“The gesture is to show appreciation to the monumental developmental projects His Excellency, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, have executed in the council area and by extension Nsukka axis of the state.
“We are also here to return our hard working and people-loving Council Chairman, Engr Chinedu Asogwa, who have shown leadership capacity, done developmental projects and provided human face to the council’s administration,” he said.
He also appreciated security agencies and the media for discharging their duties professionally.
It would be recalled that ENSIEC conducted election into the 17 Chairmanship and 260 Ward Councillorship positions in the state.
Seven political parties, who signed the Peace Pact for the election on Monday, participated in the council election.
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AMOFIA AGU AFFA, UDI — One year after the passing of Mrs Sylvia Ifeyinwa Isaac Nwoye, family members, friends and loved ones continue to remember her as a loving mother, devoted wife, cherished grandmother and a woman whose life was defined by strength, resilience, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to her family.
Fondly called “Mum,” Mrs Nwoye was described by her family as a remarkable woman who built and nurtured a family of five children with diligence, honour and perseverance. Through her life, she instilled in her children enduring values of love, humility, hard work and the fear of God.
REST IN PEACE, ADA-IFE
Mrs Nwoye was remembered as a loving mother and devoted wife who demonstrated formidable strength, patience and dedication throughout her marriage and family life.
“She came, she saw, and she conquered,” her family said, describing a woman whose influence extended beyond her immediate household to the generations that followed.
At the peak of her life and career, Mrs Nwoye had become a grandmother and the proud mother of five energetic children, who, according to the family, were always ready to celebrate her achievements and honour the woman who had given so much to them.
Her death, however, came quietly and unexpectedly.
Just as preparations were gathering momentum to celebrate the life and achievements of the beloved mother and wife, she went to sleep and never woke up.
“Without a word, without the opportunity for a final hospital visitation, Mum, as she was fondly called, answered the eternal call of the Almighty,” the family said.
A LEGACY THAT LIVES ON
One year on, the pain of her absence remains deeply felt by those she left behind. Yet, for her family, her memory continues to live through the values she embodied and the lives she touched.
“No amount of tears can adequately express the pain of your absence,” the tribute states. “Yet, your presence continues to resonate whenever you are mentioned.”
Her strength, wisdom, courage and warmth, the family added, remain alive in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Mrs Nwoye is remembered not only as a wife and mother, but also as an exceptional woman whose legacy was built on love, sacrifice, humility and perseverance.
“She was a remarkable woman, a loving wife, an exceptional mother and a cherished grandmother. Her legacy of love, sacrifice, humility and perseverance will live on through her family,” the family said.
MEMORIAL MASS
To mark the first anniversary of her passing and pray for the repose of her soul, a Thanksgiving/Memorial Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Amofia Agu Affa, Udi Local Government Area, on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
The Mass will provide an opportunity for family, friends and loved ones to come together in thanksgiving, remembrance and prayer as they honour the life and enduring legacy of Mrs Sylvia Ifeyinwa Isaac Nwoye.
As the family bids farewell once again to their beloved wife, mother and grandmother, the tribute concludes with words of love and faith:
“Adieu, Nwunye Odogwu.
We love you, but God loves you most.
May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace until we meet again, never to part.
Amen.”
Hon. Prince Isaac Nwoye
Husband, for the Family
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