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PHIL OKOSE , Onitsha
Tricycle operators in Onitsha that ply Onitsha Main market to Oba, through Onitsha/Owerri road, Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Tuesday, cried out to Governor Chukwuma Soludo over alleged introduction of a new levy payment system called ‘Trans-Pay,’ by the state government.
Speaking on behalf of the operators, Nnamdi Obumse, the coordinator of the Keke Union before the union was suspended,, said that with the new payment system that their situation has been worsened
Explaining further he stated that tricycle (Keke), is for the poor who contribute 90 per cent of votes in the state and will vote for Soludo’s second tenure to enable him complete projects he has at hand.
“What he is doing especially on roads will make our tricycle to have longer life span. Before now Keke contracts were sublet to various contractors until government decided that we should be paying directly to it and we complied.
“Whether you work or not you have to pay and we have been paying till now that government ordered that we start paying through a new system, Trans-Pay, without lecturing us on the new payment system and that we should procure ticket for our Keke to be installed with trackers.
“As law abiding citizens we went for that and discovered that this new payment is worse and we want to return to where we were before because we don’t understand what is happening again. The two contracting films that we pay money to could not even reconcile the payment we make in the new system.
“The duo should reconcile their differences because when we pay to one, Inspector, it will admit and the other, Unified High Breed Enforcement Team, will not, thereby frustrating us when we know we are not owing as we pay at when due. Based on this confusion one of them will send its taskforce to confiscate our tricycles when we put them on the road,” he lamented.
“If you are checked through Trans-Pay they say you are owing and if it is through Inspector they say you are not owing. The two contractors responsible for this payment,, Unified High Breed Enforcement Team and OWASIN should reconcile their differences for us to escape from being victims and that is why we plead to Governor Soludo to allow us to return to the former system,” Obumse pleaded.
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Peace has returned to the Oba community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, after a crisis, which emanated from the election of a new monarch.
DAILY POST had reported that shortly after Sir Augustine Chinedu Emelobe was announced the monarch-elect of the community, the commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Matters in the state, Hon TonyCollins Nwabunwanne faulted the exercise.
The election was to replace its demised monarch, Igwe PC Ezenwa.
However, a community leader later stated that the election followed due process of law and that Governor Soludo was never against the process as reported.
On Monday, the disputes were laid to rest following the installation of the new monarch, HRM Engr Sir Augustine Chinedu Emelobe.
The ceremony was performed by elders and kingmakers, led by the elder of Urueze, otherwise known as ‘Aka ji Ofo Oba’, and elders of the nine villages that make up the town.
They presented the Igwe-elect with a new Ọfọ Oba (the highest staff of authority and spirituality), symbolizing the community’s trust and confidence in his leadership.
The event, which took place at the ancient shrine of the community called Okuana Oba, was at Urueze, the eldest community of the town.
According to ancient traditions, the crown and ‘ofo’ are given to the king by the eldest community of the town.
After the traditional rites had been performed by the elders, the new King went straight to St Bethel Anglican Church, also at Urueze Oba, and dedicated his crown and leadership of the community to God.
Gunmen operating in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State have killed seven people.
The incident happened on Monday.
DAILY POST learnt that out of the seven persons killed, two were unarmed civilians who were in a compound planning a burial that was to take place on January 2, while the other were security operatives.
A viral video being circulated on social media showed the body of two of the victims, who are members of the Anambra State Vigilante Group (AVG).
Meanwhile, the state police command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga has confirmed the incident.
In a press release, he said the commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam has ordered immediate manhunt of the assailants.
He said the incident happened at about 11.20am, and that the attack resulted in the death of seven persons, among which are two unarmed passers-by.
He said: “The Joint Security Team rescued one of the victims who is currently responding to treatment in a hospital.
“The CP while on an on-the-spot assessment visit to the scene interviewed some eye witnesses of the incident. Information also had it that the armed men started shooting sporadically at a venue where preparations are ongoing for a burial ceremony slated for 2nd of January, 2025.
“Also, while escaping the scene, the armed men shot at two Security Operatives at a security Observation Post close to the Local Government Headquarters by the Express Road.”
Ikenga said the CP has extended his condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives, especially the good people of Ihiala over the sad incident.
He further assured that the perpetrators would be hunted down.
L-r …CEO , Christy Ray Okoye Foundation Ambassador , Christy Ray – Okoye ; her husband Chief Sir.Ray Okoye (Onowu of Ifitedunu); High Chief Prof Ben Arah; and Mr Paul Ray–Okoye, during the Ifitedunu Ofala Celebration in Dunkofia local Government Anambra State. on 29/12/2024.
L-r… Lady Uche Obi ; CEO Christy Ray Okoye Foundation Ambassador , Christy Ray – Okoye; Mr Paul Ray –Okoye and Lady Christie Onwuzulike.
L-r…Lolo Augustina Iwuala ; Ambassador Christy Ray – Okoye; Prof and Mrs Afam Okoro.
L-R…CEO , Christy Ray Okoye Foundation Ambassador , Christy Ray – Okoye ; her husband Chief Sir .Ray Okoye (Onowu of Ifitedunu); received the Ambassador award from High Chief Prof Ben Arah.
CEO Christy Ray Okoye Foundation Ambassador, Christy Ray-Okoye; her husband Chief Sir Ray Okoye (Onowu of Ifitedunu) right, with others arriving at the venue.
Ifitedunu Women General Meeting , CEO Christy Ray Okoye Foundation Ambassador, Christy Ray – Okoye Share gift to the people.
CEO Christy Ray Okoye Foundation, Ambassador Christy Ray–Okoye, empowers 25 widows.
Ambassador, Christy Ray–Okoye, presents gifts to women, during the annual general meeting. Courtesy from CHINYERE IKEANYI.
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PHIL OKOSE , Onitsha
The Igweship crisis rocking Oba community, Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra State, has taken a new dimension following a warning by the state government and Anambra State Association of Town Unions, ASATU, threatening to sanction the President General, PG, of the community, Chief Anthony Ejiofor, if he recognizes anybody as monarch of the community.
In a release by the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Town Union Affairs, Hon. Tony Collins Nwabunwanne, to the PG of Oba, he advised him not to go contrary to the consent judgment by a High court in the suit No HID/223/2023.
The consent judgment was delivered on 10th December 2924 which established negotiation and agreement between plaintiffs and defendants.
He warned the PG that on no account will anybody be addressed as monarch of Oba when there was no election to that effect and that the government was not aware of any having ordered earlier the cancellation of the proposed Oba Igweship election as the matter is still pending in court.
According to the Commissioner, the town union constitution does not reflect the consent judgment and advised that status quo remains pending the determination of the substantive suit.
The release was copied to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Commissioner of Police, State Security Service, Regent of Oba, Prince Noel Ezenwa and Mayor of Idemili South council area.
Also, ASATU, through its National President, Hon. Titus Akpudo, advised Ejiofor to tread with caution the Igweship saga warning him that government expressed displeasure over the unnecessary controversy surrounding the Igweship contest stating that, “Government may invoke the full arms of the law within its disposal if due caution is not applied by your good office to remedy the situation.”
Akpudo warned further, “No legitimate election/selection of Igwe Oba has been held. Be cautious in matters relating to the election of Igwe Oba and avoid recognition of any individual as Igwe Oba.
“You are advised to refrain from recognizing any individual as Igwe come 31st December 2024 when Oba will have its National Convention,” he warned.
Copies of the release were also sent to Commissioner Nwabunwanne, Idemili council Major, Hon. Amaka Obi and DSS
In a similar development, the regent of Oba, Prince Noel Ezenwa, has threatened to sue the owner of the voice record that said that his regency has since expired with the election of Engr Emelobe.
Reacting to the voice record, the regent said, “He has been invited by the police and DSS but his excuse is that he is incapacitated to come alone as his escort is not around.
“I was woken up by the voice record that was almost like threatening, at first it was like urging people to massively enter the palace. I was quite taken aback and then I recognized the voice. It belongs to one Cardinal Onwutalu, this is a man I have come to confirm that he is paid to blackmail people.
“This is what they did at Okuzu, telling the President that if he comes to the venue of Igweship election his head will be cut off and used to play soccer.
“In my own he said that there is nothing like regency again since Emelobe has been elected as monarch and that the cabinet meeting I was to convene will not hold and advised those concerned not to attend. Even if the meeting was held because they know he was on the payroll of one who sent him. What they do is to threaten any perceived enemy”, he revealed further.
The regent lamented that people because of money no longer regard Igweship as pure traditional but rather politicize it adding that if he had wanted to remain as regent he would not have within months of the demise of his father, done the last ofala.
On the Oba PG, he said, “I see him as my son, his father was a cabinet leader during the reign of my father. PG worked with Emelobe when he came out from school and that is the relationship between the two. But the relationship can’t make you change the rules,” he stated.
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The Government of Anambra State has expressed deep concern over the recent trend of bonfires on newly constructed roads, including the multibillion-naira Abakaliki/Club and Isu roads.
This destructive behaviour it noted not only damages public infrastructure but also poses a significant threat to the safety and well-being of our citizens.
This warning was contained in a statement by Dr. Law Mefor, Commissioner for Information, Anambra State.
It read in part: “As we celebrate and mark special occasions, we urge our citizens to explore alternative and more creative ways to express themselves, rather than resorting to acts that harm our collective assets.
“The government is committed to providing quality infrastructure, but we need the support and cooperation of our citizens to protect and preserve these assets.
“We call on community leaders, mayors, and vigilantes to join us in sensitizing our citizens about the importance of safeguarding public infrastructure. It is essential that our citizens understand that they are the owners of these critical assets and have a vested interest in protecting them.
“In light of our appeal for public support, engagement, ownership and protection of our collective infrastructures and critical assets, we would like to remind the public that vandalism is a serious offense punishable under our laws.
“Therefore, all security agencies, including the Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA), are on high alert and will rigorously enforce any breaches of our infrastructure.
“We urge all citizens to report any incidents of vandalism or destruction of public property to the authorities immediately.
“Together, we can build a safer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Anambra State. We must work collectively to prevent the destruction of our public infrastructure and promote a culture of responsibility and stewardship”.
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PAMELA EBOH, Awka
The Ford car belonging to the kidnapped member representing Onitsha North Local Government Area at the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon Justice Azuka has been recovered by the police.
Azuka was kidnapped on Christmas Eve while on his way home for the Christmas holiday by unknown gunmen.
Th recovery of the car was revealed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO Tochukwu Ikenga in a statement on Thursday.
He said that there has been an ongoing intense operation to rescue the lawmaker since his abduction
The Statement read in part; “The recovery (of his vehicle) followed an intense ongoing operation by Police Operatives attached to the Inland Town Division.
“A separate rescue team sighted the abandoned vehicle at Upper Iweka Road, and the Commissioner of Police has charged the deployed rescue team to intensify efforts for the possible rescue of the Honourable member.”
As at the time of filing this report, it is still unclear if his abductors have opened talks with his family for payment of ransom.
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PAMELA EBOH, Awka
Police in Anambra State police have confirmed the abduction of the member representing Onitsha North 1 constituency at Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Justice Azuka at about 9 pm on Tuesday night.
Azuka, a chieftain of Labour Party (LP) regained his mandate after a court sacked Mr Douglas Egbuna of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) previously announced as the winner of the 2023 election.
A resident of Onitsha, who had earlier announced his abduction under the condition of anonymity, urged the police and other relevant authorities to intensify efforts towards rescuing him.
He lamented that no contact had been established since the lawmaker’s abduction.
Speaking through the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Command said that efforts were on to rescue the abducted lawmaker.
According to a statement by Ikenga, Azuka was kidnapped on December 24th while on his way home at Ugwunapampa, In-land town, Onitsha.
The statement read in part: “Anambra Police Command has activated Operational plans for the possible rescue and arrest of the kidnappers of Mr Justice Azuka, Honourable State House of Assembly member representing Onitsha North Constituency.
“The report of the sad event reveals that on 24/12/2024 by 9:20 pm, while returning home at Ugwunapampa road, he was abducted by yet unidentified persons. The Command is already working on some clues for possible rescue and arrest of the kidnappers. Further development shall be communicated, please.”
According to the Police Spokesman, the state Police Command has activated Operational plans for the possible rescue and arrest of the kidnappers.
“We are working on some clues and will communicate further developments”, he stated.
According to Ikenga, ‘The Anambra Police Command has activated operational plans for the possible rescue and arrest of the kidnappers”.
Meanwhile, the latest unconfirmed report has it that the lawmaker is feared killed.
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Gwamnatin Jihar Anambra tayi kira ga duk masu gudanar da ayyukan tallafi su bada muhimmanci kan tsaro da lafiyar mabukata domin kaucewa faruwar hatsarori masu kama da turmutsutsin da ya faru a Okija, ƙaramar hukumar Ihiala.
A wata sanarwa da mai magana da yawun Gwamnan Jihar Anambra, Mista Christian Aburime, ya fitar, gwamnan jihar, Farfesa Chukwuma Charles Soludo, ya bayyana damuwarsa kan rashin tsaron da ya haifar da wannan mummunan al’amari.
Sanarwar ta ce: “Gwamnatin Jihar Anambra tana kira ga duk masu rarraba kayan tallafi, musamman ga mabukata, su tabbatar da cewa an samar da tsari mai kyau da kuma ingantaccen tsaro domin kare rayuka da lafiyar masu karɓar tallafin.”
Gwamnan ya kuma jajantawa iyalan waɗanda suka rasa rayukansu a turmutsutsin, musamman mata, tsofaffi, yara, da masu juna biyu. Ya ce: “Wannan mummunan abin da ya faru yana jaddada muhimmancin samar da tsari mai nagarta wajen gudanar da ayyukan taimako.”
Haka kuma, Gwamnati ta yi kira ga masu kishin al’umma da ƙungiyoyi masu gudanar da ayyukan taimako su maida hankali kan kare lafiyar mutane a yayin gudanar da ayyukansu. “Tsaro da jin daɗin jama’a sune ginshiƙan da za a gina ingantattun ayyukan taimako,” in ji sanarwar.
*says incidences were avoidable
CHIDIMMA UCHEGBU, Abuja
Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has lamented the losses of lives in Maitama, Abuja and at Ibadan, Oyo State as well as at Okija, in Anambra State during food distribution drives by Individuals and private institutions aimed at supporting the people as they celebrate the festive season.
The minister expressed deep grief describing the gestures of the donors as laudable, but condemned the crowd management approaches adopted.
In a statement on Saturday by her media team, Sulaiman-Ibrahim stated that they were avoidable incidences, and prayed for the repose of their lives, and speedy recovery for those injured.
While condoling with the FCT Minister, His Excellency Nyesom Wike and the Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, the minister called for thorough investigations into the incidences in order to forestall future occurrences.
The minister emphasized the need for crowd assessment which involves estimating the number of recipients and planning accordingly as a preventive measure.
She also admonished Nigerians who are planning similar distributions to choose spacious, open areas with minimal obstacles, adding that distributions should be scheduled at a time when the crowd is likely to be smaller.
The statement reads in parts : “I am deeply pained by the news of stampedes in Abuja, Ibadan and Okija in Anambra State today. As a mother, I understand the pain of losing anyone in death under such horrible circumstances. I join the families and governments of the FCT, Oyo and Anambra States in these distressing moments, and feel the pains of those directly affected.
“These incidences are avoidable if adequate safety measures are put in place. I hereby call on security agencies to investigate these cases in order to forestall future occurrences.
“By implementing the above measures, the risk of stampedes during food distribution would be minimized.
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Tragedy struck the Okija community in Anambra state on Saturday morning as an unconfirmed number of residents lost their lives during a stampede at a rice distribution event.
The victims were predominantly women, with multiple social media videos showing lifeless bodies scattered on the ground in the aftermath of the incident. Some survivors have reportedly been rushed to nearby hospitals for medical attention.
Charles Aburime, chief press secretary to the Anambra state governor, confirmed the occurrence and stated that the state government is closely monitoring the situation.
The heartbreaking incident comes just days after a similar tragedy in Ibadan, Oyo state, where over 35 people, mostly children, died in a stampede during a carnival.
This latest event raises concerns about crowd management and safety at public gatherings, especially during events involving the distribution of essential items amid the country’s economic hardship.
Watch the video below …
The scenes from Okija is not looking good at all, over 20 people died while trying to a bag of Rice😭 https://t.co/YPPXsn9DkL pic.twitter.com/dLHQISWjbn
— Chudé (@chude__) December 21, 2024
PAMELA EBOH, Awka
Scores of people are feared dead in Okija, a neighboring town to Ihiala in Anambra State following a stampede during rice sharing on Saturday, December 21, 2024.
The rice sharing is said to be a yearly activity sponsored by Chief Obiejesi Azudialu, popularly known as Obi Jackson Foundation.
Obiejesi, an indigene of Okija is the Chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of Nestoil and Founder of Obijackson Foundation.
Though the number of casualties is yet to be confirmed, sources say over 40 people mostly women died in the stampede.
A video corroborating the incident which is making its rounds on social media showed dead bodies of women, young and mature lying on the floor.
The male voice in the video said, “These are dead bodies of people that went to share Obi Jackson rice. All these people lying here are dead, including pregnant women. They were trod to death. We are in one of the lady’s compounds. Many were also injured.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, SP Tochukwu Ikenga could not be reached for confirmation.
Details later…
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Not less than 20 residents of Okija community in Anambra State have reportedly lost their lives in a stampede.
The stampede occurred on Saturday during an event for the distribution of rice.
Multiple social media videos sighted by DAILY POST show lifeless bodies lying on the ground after the incident.
The cable reports that Charles Aburime, Chief Press Secretary to the Anambra governor, has confirmed the incident.
Aburime said the state government is monitoring the situation and would soon release a statement.
The incident comes a few days after over 35 people, mostly children, died during a stampede at a carnival in Ibadan, Oyo state capital.
PAMELA EBOH, Awka
The Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma has reeled out plans aimed at returning Anambra to the spot as the safest state state in Nigeria on security.
The operation is codenamed Operation Udo Ga Achi, meaning, Let Peace Reign.
Making the revelation in a 30-minute programme on Arise Television called “Frank Talk”, Soludo assured that by next month (January 2025), the state will launch a new robust Security outfit named “Operation Udo ga achi’.
Reeling out his 16-point template, the governor said that the security would be a technology-based security outfit stationed at every nook and cranny of the State and the bushes, saying that everyone in the bush must be flushed out and the bush cleared.
He stated that anyone who gives support of any kind to Criminals who claim to be agitators must be treated the same way as the Criminals.
The Governor said, “No one lives in the bush. Anyone found in the bush henceforth is a Criminal.
“There will be active phone numbers for reporting of information.
“Anyone who gives support of any kind to Criminals who claim to be agitators must be treated the same way as the Criminals.
“There will be a security-tight State in Anambra from next month with stop and search method (People must submit to the search everywhere).
“PGs and Igwes must be the first to report the bushes where the Criminals set up camps in their communities.”
Soludo warned that any PG or traditional ruler that FAILS to report the location or the camps or allow the Criminals to set up camp in any part of their communities, the land be cleared and taken over by the government.
His words, “If the Government discovers the camp, the land will be cleared and automatically belong to the Government ( the Bill is currently at the State Assembly and will be passed soon)
“Any building where the kidnapped victim is kept will be cleared and automatically belongs to the Government.
“Any Land Unknown Gun Men set up camp the PG or Igwe must IMMEDIATELY report to the State Security otherwise the land will be taken over by the Government.
“Any community that sees Criminals as savior, praises or supports the Criminals, such individual (s) in the community will be identified and treated like the Criminals.
“Anambra State Government is so determined to clear Ihiala LGA, Orumba North and South from the Criminals and there is an intensed clearing currently ongoing in these LGAs.
“There are 4 FOBs currently fighting in Ihiala to clear these Criminals and the war is ongoing and must be won. There are 2 FOBs fighting in Orumba North and South clearing the LGAs.”
According to the Governor, the Anambra State Government has arrested more than 3,000 unknown gunmen 90% of them of Igbo extraction, out of which 70% of them are not Anambra indigenes.
While saying that there will be a new dimension of security forces in Anambra State in January with all possible systems, he urged people to bear with the SState noting that, that will be the best way to end criminality in the state.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the Governor is out for the Criminals and there will be some unfavorable circumstances. Get prepared, he added.
This is coming as gunmen on Monday evening shot and killed a lecturer with Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Dr Osita Chinedu after he allegedly resisted an attempt to snatch his car for operation.
The lecturer was accosted by the men at Aroma junction in Awka and was later shot in the head, while his Toyota Corolla car was snatched from him. Anambra has been a hotbed for insecurity for sometimes now.