Category: News

Some hoodlums brandishing various weapons on Saturday disrupted the Labour Party (LP)-African Democratic Congress (ADC) event in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the event was organised by the parties to officially receive defecting LP members in Alimosho into ADC.

NAN reported that the hoodlums, numbering over 100, stormed the first venue of the event at the LP office in Idimu and sent members, including officials, running in different directions for their safety.

The hoodlums, who were seen wielding different kinds of weapons, including knives and canes, attacked anyone they caught while the mayhem lasted, causing some party members to sustain varying degrees of injuries.

Undeterred by the disruption, officials of the two parties swiftly arranged for an alternative venue at the Eco Centre Event in Egbeda.

Recounting the ordeal, the LP chairman in Alimosho Local Government, Mr Olanrewaju Olushola, described the attack on his members as unwarranted.

He expressed fear that most Nigerians might not be free to express themselves in the build-up to the 2027 General Election.

“What is most painful is that most of my members sustained varying degrees of injuries. This is in spite of the hoodlums going into our party secretariat in Alimosho, destroying our furniture and flags,” Olushola revealed.

The party chairman, however, said that the members had already defected en masse, noting that what was planned on Saturday was a ceremony to let Nigerians know that LP members have defected.

He added that almost the entire members of LP in Alimosho, including its leadership, had joined the ADC and that the decision was collective.

Also speaking, the party’s secretary in Alimosho, Mr Moses Akujuobi, said that plans for the ceremony were earlier stopped by the police on grounds that they did not get approval.

He said they contacted the Area M Commander, ACP Abaniwonda, who said that she did not have the power to give approval for political events in the state, adding that only the Commissioner of Police could give such approval.

“Incidentally, we could not reach the CP but we informed the DSS after which we went ahead since it wasn’t a rally but a quiet ceremony.

“When we got to the venue this morning, we were shocked to see police vans with heavily-armed policemen. They informed us that we cannot hold the event and referred us to the police commissioner.

“While we were at it, the hoodlums besieged the place and began to beat people, causing us to desert the venue.

“We, however, began to contact our members through phones to move to the second venue which is the Eco Event Centre and everyone witnessed what took place here.

“The hoodlums got wind of our second venue and equally attacked us, beating up our members again,” Akujuobi stated.

Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has dissolved the entire political and traditional leadership structure of Amasiri community in Afikpo Local Government Area and ordered the removal of all government appointees from the area.

The decision followed a violent attack on Okporojo, Oso Edda community in Edda Local Government Area, where four persons were reportedly beheaded, with their heads taken away by the assailants.

Those affected by the directive include members of the State Executive Council, Management Committee members, the Town Union Executive, Village Heads and the community’s traditional ruler, whose certificate of recognition and Staff of Office were withdrawn.

Nwifuru gave the directive on Saturday during an on-the-spot assessment visit to Okporojo, where he addressed residents, community leaders, security agencies and government officials.

The governor said the actions of his administration would be firm but guided by the need to prevent further escalation of the crisis.

“I am particularly very saddened. I have never in my whole life expected this kind of development. It’s quite unfortunate. But as a careful leader, you speak less when you are very angry, and at this very moment, I will speak less. But I want to assure the people of Okporojo autonomous community,” he said.

He also directed all affected appointees to immediately hand over government properties in their possession, including official vehicles, to the Secretary to the State Government.

The directive was contained in a public service announcement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Monday Uzor.

…Drums Support for Gov. Mbah’s Second Term

The Executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, Hon. John Chukwuma Ogbodo, has urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the council area to obtain their party membership cards as part of efforts to strengthen the party at the grassroots.

Ogbodo made the call while addressing party stakeholders and members at an APC local government meeting held on Tuesday.

According to him, proper registration remains critical to effective participation in party activities and the consolidation of the APC’s structure in Nkanu West.

The chairman also commended the Governor of Enugu State for what he described as purposeful leadership, commitment to good governance, and consistent support for grassroots development.

He reaffirmed the loyalty and support of Nkanu West Local Government Area to the policies and programmes of the current administration.

Top local government officials were present at the meeting, including the Deputy Chairman, Hon. Friday Nnam, and the Secretary of the Local Government, Hon. Onochie Igweshi.

Other attendees included Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu, who represents Nkanu West Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly; Hon. Chief Nwabueze Ugwu; Chief Barr. Onyemuche Nnamani; Dr. Amaka Ngene; Engr. Frank Nnaji; and other party stakeholders.

The Senator representing Enugu East Zone and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, were represented by their aides.

During the meeting, party leaders and stakeholders pledged their support for the re-election of the governor, citing confidence in his vision and ongoing developmental initiatives across the state.

The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by party members to work collectively towards strengthening the APC in Nkanu West Local Government Area.

Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has urged Abians at home and in diaspora to bring their investments home to develop the State.

Governor Otti was speaking on Wednesday, January 28, in his office while receiving in audience a delegation of the Abiriba Communal Improvement Union (ACIU) World Wide, led by the General President, Chief Yuccee Ottah Uwah.

Gov. Otti said that he has recovered Aba and created the enabling environment for businesses to thrive, adding that, attraction of investment into Abia is very critical.

“For us as a government, some of the things we do are a way of laying the foundation and creating the enabling environment for investment to flow in.

“So, we wanted to recover Aba first, which we have done now, and other parts of the State. And having done that, we have armed our people to get their investments back.

“It is good to talk about foreign investment, but you will be amazed at how much local investment that has gone out there. A lot of your people have manufacturing outposts in China, Turkey, and the rest of them.

“So, home is still home, we want to start by getting them to come back. And a lot of them are coming back,” Gov. Otti stated.

Governor Otti challenged Abiriba people to invest in Star Paper Mill previously owned by their son, Chief Nnanna Kalu of blessed memory and recently acquired by the Abia State Government, from AMCON after several years that it went moribund.

The State Chief Executive said that he is open for negotiation with private individuals who would be ready to put it to good use and provide jobs for close to 2,000 people as the company used to have.

“I’m happy you also spoke about Star Paper Mill. We have taken it over completely. We have paid AMCON. It now belongs to Abia State Government.

“We are open. As a government, we don’t intend to run it. That’s not our job. Our job is to encourage the private sector, because it’s the job of the private sector to run business.

“But as a government, it would be irresponsible of us to sit here and allow companies like that to die.

“So, if you have people who are interested, who have the capacity, who also have the capital and have the character, then we are happy to discuss with them so that we can put it back.

“I’ve received a lot of proposals, including proposals from China. But I’m wary to hand it over to foreigners when a local set it up several years ago.

“So, Mr. President (of ACIU), it’s a challenge that I’m throwing back at you to say, yes, we’ve taken it back, but we still need our people to come and invest and turn it around and employ our people. That’s all that I’m interested in.

“So, that’s the message, for every one of us. And there are no better people to give this message than Abiriba people,” Gov. Otti stated.

Governor Otti directed his Chief of Staff, Commissioners and other line staff to further engage with the people and have a coordinated approach towards getting investments from Abians “who are in different places, in the diaspora, in Lagos, in Abuja, in Ghana, in Jos, in different places. We want to get them back home.

“They don’t necessarily need to close what they are doing there, but whenever they are thinking of expansion, their passion should be back home,” Gov. Otti maintained.

On the request by the Abiriba Community to fix the ravaging erosion challenges in communities in Abiriba and the Light challenge in Abiriba communities, Governor Otti assured that holistic efforts are already on ground to restore the light problem not only in Abiriba but the entire Abia North while solution would be provided for the erosion challenges.

The Governor, who assured that the Akahaba General Hospital renovations would soon start, thanked the Abiriba Community for setting the pace as usual and hosting him at Aba on June 12 last year.

In his speech, the General President, Abiriba Communal Improvement Union (ACIU) World Wide, Chief Yuccee Ottah Uwah applauded Governor Alex Otti’s giant strides in the State and said that they came to thank him for various projects he has done for the State.

He pointed to the road, Umuahia – Uzuakoli – Akara – Alayi – Abiriba road renamed Joe Irukwu road, ongoing redesigning work of the Akahaba General Hospital, fulfilling his promise to reclaim the Star Paper Mill among others, assuring him of the Abiriba community support in 2027 elections.

The General President used the opportunity to draw the Governor’s attention to some erosion challenges in their communities and the lack of electric power in Abiriba for about 15 years as well as their intentions to activate their networks outside the country to attract investors to the State since the Governor has fixed Abia and restored security.

Contributing, former Secretary to Abia State Government, Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa extolled the sterling performances of Governor Alex Otti in all sectors of the State economy, saying that Governor Otti’s achievements have surpassed those of the previous civilian Governors in Abia State.

“Your Excellency, I am privileged, and I give God the glory that I have traversed all the administrations in the civilian administration, through Orji Uzor Kalu, through T.A Orji, and through Governor Ikpeazu.

“But I dare to say, and without any fear of contradiction or equivocation, that in two years, you’ve done what could not be done in 24 years.

“Nobody ever imagined that the roads in Umuahia, metropolis, could be widened, asphalted as they are today.

“Certain things we thought were privileges, you have liberalised.

“For eight years, I sought for a certificate of occupancy (CofO) before you came. Surprisingly, when you came, I received a phone call from that office, and they said, you applied for a C of O years back. Come and receive your C of O.

“For me, it looked like a dream. I said, could this be Abia? Could this happen in Abia State? This is a transformed Abia.

“I wished I had the opportunity to serve in this administration. Because all my efforts in the previous administrations, I appeared to be drowned.

“And all of us were classified as unproductive. It’s a pride and for those of you who are in this administration, thank your God. Because you are part of the glory that he is making of us” Prof. Mkpa declared.

The erudite professor thanked the Governor for hiring professionals who are serving the State with humility. He particularly singled out the Chief of Staff as one whose humility and access is uncommon compared to what the office used to be in the past.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D, Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr Matthew Ekwuruibe, SA on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs Magdalene Ugoanusi, and the Executive Secretary, Abia State Diaspora Commission, Rev. Annie Onu were all present during the visit.

Prof. Udenta O. Udenta, founding National secretary of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), has defended Governor Peter Mbah’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), arguing that the decision reflects strategic governance thinking rather than political opportunism.

According to Udenta, Nigerian politics operates less as an ideological contest and more as a survival-driven system shaped by power, performance, and institutional stability.

“Politics is a complex business,” Udenta said. “The PDP started strong in 1998 and governed Nigeria for 16 years, but since its defeat in 2015, the party has been struggling—crippled by legal challenges, internal contradictions, and institutional strain imposed by governors, lawmakers, and other stakeholders.”

He argued that while party identity matters, governance outcomes often force leaders to make hard choices to protect reform agendas and political viability.

Using Enugu State as an example, Udenta said Governor Mbah’s defection should be evaluated beyond partisan emotion and within the context of technocratic governance.

“I’m from Enugu State. Governor Peter Mbah was one of the leading lights of the PDP before his defection to the APC. When it happened, my immediate question was simple: why move to another party that also appears troubled nationally?” he said.

Udenta said his position evolved after spending weeks in Enugu during the Christmas and New Year holidays, where he interacted with residents and assessed developments firsthand.

“For the first time in six years, I truly went home, put my ears to the ground, and asked hard questions. What I saw was a technocratic mindset that is disruptive—in a positive sense—redefining what Enugu has become,” he said.

According to him, Mbah’s administration has pursued a coherent reform agenda centred on infrastructure, education, aviation, urban renewal, innovation, and revenue generation, aimed at repositioning Enugu in line with global best practices.

“This is not about party labels. It is about how to combine technocratic zeal with political strength and depth of penetration,” Udenta said. “The question becomes: how do you protect reform, innovation, and performance within a political structure that can sustain it?”

He argued that the APC, despite its limited appeal in parts of the South-East, offers federal leverage, institutional stability, and political cover that a reform-driven governor may require while operating within a fragile opposition platform.

“Maybe the PDP will not recover in time. Maybe the legal challenges are enormous. Maybe the party needs to reconnect with its soul,” he said. “In the meantime, governance cannot wait.”

Udenta extended the argument to other states, including Rivers, noting that governors under intense political pressure often pursue realignment as a defensive strategy.

“When a governor is under siege, the question becomes whether to remain in a platform weakened by internal battles or seek sanctuary where the state apparatus can offer protection,” he said.

He acknowledged that Mbah’s reforms have imposed short-term pain but insisted they are part of a necessary economic and institutional restructuring.

“Yes, people feel immediate pain. There are questions about taxation and adjustment,” Udenta said. “But the message from the governor is clear: the pain is temporary, the restructuring is necessary, and the outcome will be a stronger, more prosperous Enugu for future generations.”

Udenta contrasted Enugu’s reform trajectory with what he described as the lack of clarity at the national level, arguing that citizens are more willing to endure hardship when progress is visible and timelines are defined.

“When pain is imposed, people must see evidence—not just macroeconomic theory—that their lives will improve within a defined timeframe,” he said.

He concluded that Governor Mbah’s political choices represent a strategic recalibration anchored on development, innovation, and long-term electoral viability rather than blind party allegiance.

“In the end, politics must serve development,” Udenta said. “And Governor Mbah’s governance is about strategic disruption—using power, technology, and innovation to rebuild a state—not about party labels.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has extended its membership e-registration exercise scheduled to end on Saturday, January 31, to February 8, 2026.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has rejected calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan.

The Shari’ah Council had demanded the immediate removal and prosecution of the INEC chairman, alleging compromised integrity following a legal brief in which he reportedly acknowledged claims of persecution and genocide against Christians in Nigeria.

In a statement on Thursday, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, and its Secretary General, Bishop Mohammed Naga, questioned the motive behind the demand.

The association warned against what it described as the dangerous politicisation of religion, asking why those behind the campaign were pursuing political interests under the cover of a religious organisation.

CAN described the call as an attempt to undermine a critical national institution, stressing that Prof. Amupitan has a constitutional right to freedom of religion.

According to the group, raising concerns about challenges faced by one’s faith does not amount to bias or grounds for disqualification from public office.

Northern CAN noted that several Muslims have previously held sensitive government positions despite controversial religious antecedents, without facing similar scrutiny.

It urged national stakeholders to prioritise competence, integrity, and national interest over sectarian considerations.

The association warned that the controversy reinforces long-standing concerns about religious discrimination against Christians, especially in appointments to strategic national positions.

It also recalled that the two immediate past INEC chairmen were Muslims from Northern Nigeria, cautioning against narratives that imply only adherents of a particular religion are qualified to lead the electoral body.

“Anyone hiding under the guise of the Shari’ah Council to demand the removal of the INEC chairman over political or sectarian interests should come out openly. Otherwise, the ploy has died naturally,” the statement said.

CAN commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing a Christian as INEC chairman despite being a Muslim, describing the decision as an act of statesmanship and inclusivity.

It likened the move to that of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who retained a northern Muslim as INEC chairman in the interest of national stability.

The association urged the Shari’ah Council to openly identify any individual or group behind the campaign against the INEC chairman, warning that religious platforms must not be used as “cheap cover” for political interests or intimidation.

It also advised Prof. Amupitan not to be distracted by the controversy but to remain focused on his constitutional responsibility to conduct free, fair, and credible elections.

Kano governor, Abba Yusuf, on Thursday disclosed that the Federal Government has approved the construction of a ₦1 trillion Metropolitan Rail Service for the State.

The governor who recently defected from the New Nigeria’s Peoples Party, NNPP to the All Progressives Congress, APC however did not state when the rail system was approved by the Federal Government.

However, Yusuf’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, quoted him as disclosing the approval of the rail project while addressing the Kano State contingent that participated in the 2025 National Qur’anic Recitation Competition in Borno.

The Governor said the rail project will transform urban transportation, boost economic activities, and ease traffic congestion in Kano metropolis.

Yusuf promised that his administration would work closely with federal agencies to ensure smooth implementation and transparency,” the Governor added.

“The project aims to provide a modern, efficient, and affordable mass transit system, connecting key districts and enhancing mobility for the residents.

‘It is expected to stimulate trade and investment, improve quality of life, and position Kano as a major transportation hub in Northern Nigeria.

Yusuf appreciated the Federal Government’s initiative and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to keying into all supportive policies and infrastructure development. NAN

…Abolishes Ogbonecheagu Fees

The Enugu State Government has announced sweeping reforms in the land sector, including the immediate abolition of illegal levies and the streamlining of land-related charges, as part of Governor Peter Mbah’s broader economic transformation agenda.

The government disclosed that ground rent, land use charge, and all property-related charges have now been unified and reduced by over 60 per cent, with property owners required to pay only a single Unified Land Use Charge annually through the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), whether their properties are located within estates or outside them.

Governor Peter Mbah made the announcement at a stakeholders’ townhall meeting on land sector development, which held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, on Thursday.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the Governor said his administration remained committed to building a transparent, efficient, and investor-friendly land administration system anchored on legality, digitisation, and accountability.

He described land as the legal foundation for housing, infrastructure, agriculture, commerce, and investment, stressing that since inception, the administration has pursued deliberate reforms to modernise land governance, reduce uncertainty, curb abuse, and restore public confidence in the land tenure system.

“These reforms are anchored on transparency, predictability, digitisation of records, and strict adherence to statutory processes for land allocation, registration, and development control,” he said, adding that effective land governance must be driven by continuous engagement with communities, professionals, investors, traditional institutions, and citizens.

A major highlight of the reforms is the immediate ban on the controversial Ogbonecheagu fees collected by some communities and local governments. Prof. Onyia said Governor Mbah has declared all such fees illegal and directed their outright abolition following widespread complaints by residents.

A task force has been constituted to enforce compliance, while members of the public who are compelled to pay such illegal charges have been urged to submit evidence to Whistleblowing@enugustate.gov.ng for prompt intervention.

The SSG further revealed that the reforms were informed by the recommendations of a multi-stakeholder Committee on Land-Related Revenue and Administration constituted by the Governor to address complaints of multiple taxation and revenue abuse in the state.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Barr. Chimaobi Okorie, said Governor Mbah has introduced critical policy directions and legal instruments, including an executive order declaring nine of the state’s seventeen local government areas as urban areas to enable planning and structured infrastructural development.

He also said that the Mbah Administration enacted the Enugu State Geographic Information System (ENGIS) law to serve as a one-stop platform for land transactions and to drive the full digitisation and digitalization of land processes and systems. According to him, land records are now fully harmonised, eliminating cases of missing files, while every plot of land in the state can be digitally tracked.

The Commissioner added that applicants seeking Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) can now apply online or walk into designated government offices for seamless processing. He further noted that the Property Protection Law signed by Governor Mbah guarantees the security of legitimate property ownership and protects investors’ assets.

In his presentation, the Managing Director of ENGIS, Mr. Chiwetalu Nwatu, announced that all buildings located in housing estates owned by the Ministry of Housing and the Housing Development Corporation must henceforth obtain building approval directly from the Ministry and the Corporation, irrespective of their locations.

He added that building approval for houses in non-government estates within the Enugu municipal area will now be processed exclusively by the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA) to eliminate jurisdictional overlaps and administrative delays.

Mr. Nwatu further announced that Certificates of Occupancy for all buildings in both private and government estates will now be processed directly for individual property owners, thereby strengthening security of titles and improving assets bankability.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ES-IRS), Mr. Emmanuel Ekene Nnamani, said the newly signed Tax Law was designed to place a greater tax burden on the wealthy while protecting low-income earners.

He urged residents to obtain their Tax Identification Numbers free of charge and comply with tax filing requirements to enable the government to generate accurate data for development planning.

Responding to questions from participants, Prof. Onyia announced the constitution of a committee chaired by the Managing Director of ENGIS, Mr. Chiwetalu Nwatu, to address complaints related to layouts and recommend practical solutions within one week for government consideration.

The townhall meeting attracted a broad section of stakeholders, including heads of government agencies, community landholders, estate developers, surveyors, town planners, property agents and lawyers, traditional rulers, town unions, business operators, religious organisations, financial institutions, civil society groups, development partners, and members of the public.

The Ekiti State Government has approved N76.6m as vehicle and housing loans for primary school teachers in the state.

Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Udeh, SAN, has stated that Nigeria will henceforth commercialise its research outcomes into viable products.

Udeh, who is among President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s entourage to Türkiye, revealed this while speaking to ARISE News.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria noted that Türkiye had become advanced in turning research outcomes into marketable products and that Nigeria, through his ministry, had reached an agreement with Türkiye to collaborate in that regard.

“We want to use commercially viable products to solve our national problems, and Türkiye is a nation that has actually become advanced in turning research outcomes into products and marketing them across the world.

“So, part of the agreement we had today is to design an action plan between Nigeria and Türkiye to support taking research outcomes and turning them into viable products,” Udeh stated.

Our correspondent reports that through one of the agencies of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Nigeria is also pursuing new opportunities in technology, space research and innovation with Türkiye.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit is intended to deepen the cordial relations between Nigeria and the Republic of Türkiye, while exploring new areas of cooperation to advance a mutually beneficial partnership between both countries.

According to a post shared on the president’s verified X handle, the state visit will be “creating a clear pathway to a five-billion-dollar trade volume between Nigeria and Türkiye”.

Continuing, the president’s post read:

“Our conversations were practical and forward-looking: trade and investment, energy, education, defence cooperation, peace and security, and the creation of a Joint Economy and Trade Committee to unlock new flows of capital and deepen Turkish investment in Nigeria.

“At the conclusion of our meetings, nine agreements were exchanged across defence, education, media, diaspora policy, trade, social development and institutional cooperation between our foreign ministries.”

Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has declared that there will be no reversal of the decision to shut the Onitsha Main Market, insisting that the continued Monday sit-at-home by traders amounts to deliberate economic sabotage.