News

Why I went to Court to declare Ekweremadu’s Senate seat vacant -OAU Onyeama

Published

4 years ago

September 24, 2022

Everydaynewsngr

Top Enugu lawyer and politician Barr. OAU Onyeama has been in the news since he filed a suit asking a federal High Court sitting in Enugu to declare the Enugu West Senate position currently occupied by Senator Ike Ekweremadu vacant.

The action has received mixed reactions with some attacking his conscience for taking such a step against a man passing through difficult times in London.

But the legal luminary and former Senatorial aspirant who contested the 2018 PDP Senatorial primary with Ekweremadu has come forward to react and explain his actions.

Hear him: I can understand the emotions and sentiments of the people mostly employees of the Senator representing Enugu West.

Simply put, the name callings are uncalled for, as the law is straight on this matter.

I, Sir OAU Onyema ( Notary Public) have only instituted action for interpretation of the relevant sections of the 1999 constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, the Senate Standing Order 2015, the Senate legislative Calender 2022, the PDP Constitutions 2017, and the PDP Senatorial Guidelines For Nomination of Candidates 2018 / 2022. I did not manufacture their contents, and I only adverted the mind of the court to it.

I instituted this action without sentiment, but as a patriotic citizen of this country (Nigeria). The law is justice, and justice quite different from sentiments , friendship, pretence and name-calling. That is why the symbol of justice is a blindfolded lady, who hold a scale of balance.

As a lawyer, I am devoid of sentiment, emotions, pride or prejudice when it comes to what the law provides.

At all times, the judgment of the court ( which is the decision of the judge in line with the law) is recieved with mixed feelings. While those it benefits jubiliate, those it did not, go sulking.

7. The issue is that everyone cannot shy away from speaking- out. We understand the predicament of our brother, the distinguished Senator who is under incarceration because he wants to help his daughter; indeed I personally feel for him, and pray that he will be vindicated at the end.

However, I know that it is incorrect for our Senatorial zone (Enugu West) to remain UNREPRESENTED at the Senate while the proceedings are on, and decisions are being taken, all to our detriment.

What we thought was a minor issue graduated from days, to weeks, and weeks to months. This is the 3rd month now, that we are unrepresented according to the provisions of the constitution. He has already represented us for 19 years in the Senate, and issues arose in this final 20th year, making it difficult for him to continue offering his services.

I was triggered to speak-out, when the media became awashed with the fact that he was denied bail severally, and his pre-trial fixed for October 2022 and Trial to commence on or around 28th May, 2022, barely 1 day to the end of the current administration.

As a lawyer, my interpretation of this remains that it will be difficult for him to continue this representation under this circumstance. And the question remains, do we fold our arms and remain unrepresented until the end of this administration because of our Senator’s current travail.

The frustrations are that the seat is not delegatable, and he does not have a deputy, more so proceedings goes on with or without him, to the detriment of my humble self and the people of Enugu West.

Surely, it is not the best for the system, and anything one can do to help our system, in the interest of posterity, should be done devoid of sentiments.

The Senator is my Senator, and I grew under him. I ve contested for this seat of Senate thrice without success. That is years 2010, 2018 and 2022. I know the shrewdness, wickedness, meaness, injustice, treachery, inequity, betrayal, lack of conscience and sabortage I experienced, which resulted to my not securing PDP nomination despite my qualifications and hundreds of millions of naira expended. I have contested for House of Reps for Udi / Ezeagu / Federal Constituency twice in Enugu State being in years 2002 and 2006 PDP primary Elections with Hon Ogbuefi Ozomgbachi. I know what I experienced; and at each time, I am made to understand that lack of conscience, sentiment, and shrewdness are the norm, which must be imbibed by politicians. I did not fancy it, but the trait surely crept into me.

I contested the seat of the PDP primaries for the Senate of Enugu West District in 2010 and 2018 with the distinguished senator who is presently being held. It went the way it went, and I did not hold it against anyone.

14. Indeed, I ve never gone to court to challenge the party or anyone for over 22years that I have been denied party Nomination to National Assembly, despite my loyalty, and consistency in the party. Many left the party and returned, and were rewarded, but I have never left PDP, even for once, despite all the disappointments meted to me for no just cause, and I have never been honoured or rewarded. I was forced to learn the bitter lesson that, loyalty to the party does not pay anymore. I work hard to excel on my own. Other incredulous factors now reign supreme, in the choice of candidate.

All these notwithstanding, as a litigation attorney, Notary Public and an employer of labour, I always retire to my shell and face my legal practice. There I remained, till the present unfortunate incident which created a vacuum in the Seat of Senate of Enugu West district.

I then reviewed the provisions of the law, as the next available runner-up in the Senatorial Primary election which sent the present senator-in-trouble to the 9th Senate; and realized that I am the next in law to go in as his replacement without any bye election, in line with the laws, hence I sued, so as to ensure that our representation in the Senate does not suffer set-back.

I am aware that many of those who worked against me during our primary election with the present Senator, has taken to the radio and media to criticize my audacity and temerity to sue, irrespective of whether it is right or wrong. I do not blame them, for they are apprehensive of loosing their allowances. But, if I find myself in the Senate within this last lapse, I do not think my priority will be to sack any aide of the Senatorial Constituency offices. We will work together as brothers.

Mind you, the Senator whom I am seeking for his seat to be declared vacant by default has been in the Senate for 5 ( Five) Tenures of almost 20years. We are at the 19th year plus, before this trouble erupted. Is it this remaining 1year, which I sought to complete because of his default of representation, that they are so bitter about.

To them, let all keep quiet, fold arms and watch the remaining 1 year of the 9th Senate eflux without representation of our people, and the attendant loss, no problem. Honestly, my father Barr T.A.Onyema did not train me that way. I cannot encourage waste in the system; even in my own private enterprise.

Some of the senator’s hench-men and beneficiary, like Mr Emeka Ezenwugo of my maternal town- Umuabi, Udi has bolded-up to fiercely confront me, threatening fire and brimstone, but I am not perturbed. God has designed the destiny of all man, and only time shall tell.

The State authority has intervened, to see how the issue could be sorted out, and for more time to be given, considering the predicament of our brother-the Senator, and their position is seriously recieving attention.

This matured intervention is considered a better approach, rather than threat being offered by Mr Ezenwugo.

It is about 11 (eleven) lawyers in my chambers and other Senior lawyers outside my chambers that reviewed the laws and instituted this action; and I am only the Plaintiff as the next available runner- up. Any other person from Enugu West district could have been the plaintiff and still bring up the reliefs sought; so even my demise does not solve the problem. It is the law in action; and the primary Cause of action of ‘declaring the seat vacant’ survives the exit of parties, hence parties can always vary, and the case continue.

In summary, the action was brought on good faith, without prejudice or sentiment. It is all about speaking up to save the country.

I was disappointed with those supporters saying “what of when Governor ‘this and that’ were in prison, were they not taking their salaries and allowances as Senators? I felt so bad with these illustrations, and shall we continue in a lackadaisical attitude in this country, where abnormality is made a norm? Mind you, those cases of Ex- governors in prison, that were then recieving salaries were NEVER judicial precedents. No court pronounced it right. And to the best of my knowledge, no one sought to declare their seat vacant by default. Is it unheard-of, that a person in prison will be taking salary for job not done , or sitting allowance for sitting not done, and no one raises eye- brow. So shameful for a nation. Meanwhile, our children have been out of school for almost a year now because of incessant strike of aggrieved lecturers seeking for their entitlements.

I will only seize this opportunity to ask our people to stop being pretentious, or allowing sentiment to becloud our sence of reasoning. People, should find something doing, so that they can feed themselves and their families; by that, they can have independent reasoning to give the best of appraisal to issues.

Someone has represented for 19years, out of his 20years (5 tenures) mandate; and issues arose that he is in default of representation in the 20th year, and someone with good sense, is saying that it is evil or Satanic, to sought for another person to complete the representation in the few months remaining. I believe, you will know who is actually evil or satanic.

Having played politics in the Apex in Enugu State for over 22years, the outcome from the pupil, is what he was taught.

Those supporters who have gone to URBAN RADIO, AND DREAM FM radios to be castigating and slandering my name, are only doing a great disservice to the meaningful States intervention. I strongly advise them to retrace their steps and retire home, if they have no ideas or solutions to offer.

News

Sacked Works Commissioner: Release or Charge Him to Court, Oganiru Izzi Challenges Nwifuru

Published

6 hours ago

October 4, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

“If You Have Evidence Against Stanley Mbam, Charge Him; Otherwise, Release Him” — Oganiru Izzi

A socio-cultural organisation of Izzi extraction, Oganiru Izzi, has challenged Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, to either release the state’s sacked Commissioner for Works, Mr Stanley Mbam, or charge him before a competent court if the government has credible evidence of wrongdoing against him.

The group said the continued detention of the former commissioner without a formal charge raises concerns about due process, constitutional rights and the rule of law.

The leader of Oganiru Izzi, Mr Godwin Mbam, made the demand while speaking with correspondents of National Issue Newspapers at the Crack Department of the Ebonyi State Police Command in Abakaliki.

Mbam condemned what he described as the prolonged detention of Stanley Mbam without allowing a court to determine whether he had committed any offence.

He challenged the state government to produce evidence if it believes the former commissioner committed a criminal offence.

“If there is credible evidence against him, charge him to court and let the court decide. If there is no case against him, he should be released,” Mbam said.

He also appealed to the Ebonyi State Police Command to uphold the Constitution and resist any pressure that could result in unlawful detention.

Vanco Flyover: “We Will Reveal the Full Details”

Mbam also issued a three-day challenge to Governor Nwifuru, declaring that if the former commissioner was not released or charged to court, his organisation would make public what it described as the “full details” of the Vanco Flyover project.

According to him, the proposed disclosure would address issues surrounding the project, including its funding, payments, contractual arrangements and other financial details.

“We will let the world know the full details of the Vanco Flyover and how the funds were utilised,” he warned.

He further challenged the state government to demonstrate transparency by making relevant documents concerning the project available to the public.

“What About the Alleged ₦1.5 Billion Forfeiture?”

The Izzi group also questioned what it described as the selective application of the state government’s anti-corruption campaign.

Mbam referred to allegations involving an account reportedly frozen by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and an alleged ₦1.5 billion forfeiture to the Federal Government.

He questioned why, according to him, the governor had allegedly not taken similar action if the facts surrounding the matter warranted it.

Mbam stressed that he was not opposed to the fight against corruption but insisted that any anti-corruption campaign must be comprehensive, transparent and applied equally.

“If Governor Nwifuru wants to fight corruption, let him fight it holistically. Nobody should be targeted while other serious allegations are ignored,” he said.

“If Nwifuru Says He Knows Nothing, We Will Produce the Facts”

Mbam further challenged Governor Nwifuru to publicly state whether he was aware of alleged corruption issues within the Ministry of Works.

“If Nwifuru publicly claims that he is unaware of corruption in the Works Ministry, I will make public the facts available to me. The facts will shock the state,” he declared.

He insisted that the matter should not degenerate into a political vendetta, arguing that the appropriate place to determine criminal liability is a court of law.

According to him, the people of Ebonyi State deserve clear answers concerning the Vanco Flyover and other issues involving public funds.

“Everybody Should Be Subject to the Law”

The Oganiru Izzi leader maintained that the controversy should be resolved through transparency, documentary evidence and due process.

“If there is a case, charge him. If there is no case, release him. The government cannot claim to be fighting corruption while abandoning the principles of justice and the rule of law,” he said.

Mbam warned that failure to address the issues could compel the organisation to make further disclosures concerning the Vanco Flyover and other matters it considers to be in the public interest.

News

Nigeria at 66: Ebonyi Reps Candidate Urges Nigerians to Keep Hope Alive

Published

3 days ago

October 1, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

By Our Correspondent

As Nigeria celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, the candidate for the House of Representatives seat representing the Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu, has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to building a better country.

Chukwu, also known as Ochiri Ozua 1 of Amagu Ikwo, made the call in an Independence Day message to Nigerians, particularly the people of Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency and Ebonyi State.

He described the anniversary as not only a moment for celebration but also an opportunity to reflect on the state of the nation and the responsibilities of leaders in building a Nigeria that meets the aspirations of its citizens.

According to him, Nigeria’s journey since independence has been marked by significant challenges, with millions of citizens currently facing economic hardship, while young people continue to search for opportunities and many communities contend with insecurity and uncertainty.

Despite these challenges, the Ebonyi politician said the resilience of Nigerians remained a source of hope for the country’s future.

“I believe in the resilience of our people. I believe in the ingenuity of our youths, the strength of our women, the wisdom of our elders and the determination of ordinary Nigerians who wake up every morning and refuse to give up on this country,” he said.

Chukwu, however, stressed that hope must be matched by responsible leadership, arguing that public office should be viewed as a responsibility rather than a privilege.

He called for leadership that prioritises the protection of lives, creation of economic opportunities, provision of infrastructure, strengthening of institutions and responsible management of national resources.

The candidate also emphasised the need to create an environment where young Nigerians can pursue successful lives within the country and where hard work, merit and enterprise are rewarded.

He said Nigeria had “come too far to surrender to hopelessness,” urging citizens and leaders alike to remain committed to the country’s progress.

“A better Nigeria is still possible, but it will require responsible leadership, accountable institutions and citizens who refuse to give up on their country,” he said.

Chukwu concluded by expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future, declaring: “Nigeria will rise. Nigeria must rise. And together, we must build the Nigeria we deserve.”

He also paid tribute to the nation’s past heroes, praying that their sacrifices would continue to inspire the country.

“May the labour of our heroes past never be in vain,” he said, as he wished Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary.

News

Nigeria @66: Democracy Evolving, Says Anambra APC Chairman Anosike

Published

3 days ago

October 1, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

By Okey Maduforo, Awka

As Nigeria celebrates its 66th anniversary of independence from colonial rule, democracy in the country has continued to evolve and deepen, the Anambra State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Emma Anosike, has said.

Anosike made the observation in a message to mark Nigeria’s Independence anniversary, noting that despite the challenges the country had encountered since 1960, its democratic system had continued to improve under successive administrations.

According to him, since the return to democratic rule in 1999, Nigeria has witnessed relatively smooth transitions from one administration to another, while citizens have continued to exercise their fundamental rights to hold governments accountable for their performance.

“Before the return of the democratic process, it was indeed difficult and near taboo to challenge the leadership of the country, and those who may have attempted it in the past faced grave consequences.

“Similarly, we have had smooth transitions from one dispensation to another, producing five presidents through the ballot and not through the barrel of the gun. These elected presidents were produced by different political parties.”

Anosike said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had sustained the country’s democratic principles and created an avenue for Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, race or religion, to express their views on government policies and programmes.

“Under the stewardship of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigerians have been enjoying the freedom to express themselves over issues, policies and programmes of government, and those expressions have been shaping and guiding the administration of Mr President,” he said.

The APC chairman said Nigeria’s 66th independence anniversary provided an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the country’s journey as a nation and the progress made since independence.

He said President Tinubu’s Independence Day broadcast had offered another opportunity for Nigerians to renew their hope for a greater and more prosperous country.

Anosike also commended what he described as the “enormous infrastructural development” taking place across the country under the Tinubu administration.

He urged Nigerians to continue to support and have faith in the administration as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

News

66th Independence: Elder statesman wants policies to reduce hardship, calls for peace

Published

3 days ago

October 1, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

An Elder Statesman, Chief Hycienth Ngwu, has called on political leaders and policies formulators to ensure governmental policies and programmes directly touch lives of the people and reduce hardship in the country.

Ngwu, who is a prominent community leader in Enugu, urged Nigerians to maintain peace within neighbourhoods and communities, as no meaningful development can take place without peace.

The statesman made the call on Thursday in Enugu while reacting to the developmental efforts of Nigeria at its 66th Independence.

He said that previous and present administrations had put in place policies and programmes to reset the socioeconomic fabric of the nation.

Ngwu said that while the removal of fuel subsidy, and unification of the foreign exchange had good intentions, their impact is yet to reflect on the lives and livelihoods of vast majority of Nigerians.

He urged leaders to ensure that public resources were properly managed while citizens remained patient with reforms aimed at improving the socioeconomic status of the country.

The elder statesman noted that at 66th independence, the country was still struggling on keeping its peace and co-existence as a country; adding that the founding leaders of Nigeria envisaged a closely united, bonded and peaceful country.

He called for return to policies that promote local production, indigenous industries and entrepreneurship, arguing that excessive dependence on imports had continued to weaken the country’s productive capacity.

According to him, we are yet to achieve economic independence even as we needed to do more on non oil revenue earns as the greater part of the world is moving towards greener and clean energy.

“Greater emphasis should be on skills acquisition, creativity and entrepreneurship education system, as academic qualifications without practical skills could leave graduates dependent on scarce white collar jobs.

“We ought to be economically productive nation capable of producing and exporting goods while developing its human capital,” he said.

Ngwu noted that current insecurity and social instability could be partly attributed to poverty and ignorance, while calling for greater honesty and trust between leaders and citizens.

“Corruption, tribalism and selfishness must be addressed if Nigeria is to achieve peace and lasting progress,” he added.

He also called for the scrapping of state electoral commissions as they have not helped in deepening democracy at that level. The National Election body should take over that responsibility.

News

Nigeria at 66: Macmaduson Concepts Limited Sends Independence Day Greetings to Clients

Published

3 days ago

October 1, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Day, Macmaduson Concepts Limited, a leading provider of HVACR,industrial parts, sensors, electrical and plumbing materials, has extended warm Independence Day greetings to its customers, clients and business partners across the country.

In a goodwill message to mark the occasion, the company expressed appreciation to its valued customers for their continuous support, trust and partnership over the years.

Macmaduson Concepts Limited, which specialises in HVACR,Industrial Materials, sensors, air-conditioners, refrigerators, cold rooms, chillers, refrigerants, electrical materials and plumbing materials, said the occasion provides an opportunity to celebrate Nigeria and reflect on the nation’s journey.

The company wished Nigeria continued growth, unity, peace and prosperity, while expressing hope for a brighter future for all Nigerians.

The message from the company reads in part:

At Macmaduson Concepts Limited, we celebrate our great nation, Nigeria, and appreciate our valued clients for their continuous support, trust and partnership. May Nigeria continue to grow in unity, peace and prosperity.”

The company concluded its Independence Day message with the theme: “One Nation, One People, A Brighter Tomorrow.”

Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!
Happy 66th Independence Anniversary from Macmaduson Concepts Limited.