Category: News

Former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has re-emphasized that Dr. George Moghalu is the most experienced, mature and compassionate among the candidtes in the forthcoming November 8 governorship election, describing him as a person that would govern with human sympathy.

According to a statement issued to PACESETTER by the George Moghalu Media Center, Obi, who spoke during the 39 Days Marathon Space: Meet the Candidate Townhall, explained that his endorsement was based on merit and not on political party considerations.

He said Moghalu had demonstrated competence, exposure, and the human touch required for governance.

“From my own standpoint, he is the candidate I am supporting for the Anambra Governorship election. I have assessed all the other candidates, setting political party differences aside, and he stands out as the most experienced. Above all, he has the right compassion for governance,” Obi stated.

The former governor expressed concern over the tone of campaigns in the state, lamenting that debates have shifted from critical issues to personal attacks.

He recalled that in previous elections, three to seven months before the polls, the political atmosphere was usually vigorous and issue-driven.

“Politics by its very essence must be issue-based morning, afternoon, and night. But what we see now is worrisome, as people abandon the key challenges facing the state,” he cautioned.

Responding at the townhall, Dr. George Moghalu thanked the Obidient Movement for their encouragement and support. He raised concern over voter apathy, pointing out that although Anambra has more than three million registered voters, the last governorship election was won with just 112,000 votes.

He pledged to restore public trust in government by ensuring transparency, accountability, and participatory governance.

Moghalu also promised to revive education, noting Anambra’s slide from a top-ranking position under Peter Obi to 23rd place in the latest NECO results. He identified insecurity as the state’s biggest challenge, warning that it has driven away investors and crippled livelihoods.

Condemning the recent killings in Onitsha, Moghalu assured that such incidents would never be tolerated under his administration.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has led a distinguished Nigerian delegation to the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum (GPSCF) taking place from 16th – 18th September 2025 in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China.

The IGP’s participation in this high-profile international gathering comes at the invitation of the Government of the People’s Republic of China. The Forum brings together Ministers of Security, Chiefs of Police, law enforcement leaders, and security experts from across the globe to deliberate on collective strategies to confront transnational crime, strengthen partnerships, and advance global public safety.

As part of the programme, IGP Egbetokun will on 18th September 2025 deliver a Keynote Address on the theme “Combating Transnational Crime and Countermeasures.” His presentation will spotlight Nigeria’s ongoing counter-crime initiatives, innovative policing reforms, and collaborative efforts with international partners in disrupting cross-border criminal networks and safeguarding communities.

Ahead of the Forum, the IGP will on 15th September 2025 hold a bilateral meeting with the Deputy Minister of Public Security of China, Mr. Qi Yanjun. Discussions will focus on enhancing security cooperation, intelligence sharing, capacity building, and strengthening law enforcement ties between Nigeria and China.

The attendance of IGP Egbetokun at this global platform underscores the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to international security collaboration, intelligence-driven policing, and proactive responses to emerging security threats. It equally reaffirms Nigeria’s position as a responsible global partner in shaping the future of public security and law enforcement.

Resident doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have begun an indefinite strike, saying that their demands have not been addressed by the authorities.

Speaking in a statement signed by the association’s President in the FCT, George Ebong, the doctors disclosed that they had decided after an emergency general meeting that took place on Sunday.

According to Ekong, the strike would continue until the government showed a genuine commitment to the welfare of doctors and the health of FCT residents.

“The government is to meet any of our demands financially and non-financially.

“The Government of FCTA has refused to listen; the Congress has mandated that until they listen, we will go on strike starting from this morning, Monday, September 15th, 2025.

“This is not targeted against the minister or mandate secretary, but against a failed health system.

“We call on the Minister of FCT to do the needful. The Congress voted for an indefinite strike until our demands are met. Non-payment of 26 of our members after a long dialogue of seven months.

“The issue of unemployment has continued to affect the service to our patients. Unexplained deduction of salary and promotion since 2023.

“Some of the hospitals do not have X-rays. Hospitals are not favourable for working,” he said.

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its five-day nationwide warning strike.

NARD explained that the suspension followed its virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting on September 13, 2025.

The association disclosed in a statement on Saturday that the Federal Government committed to addressing the issues outlined in the doctors’ strike communiqué, as well as the “commencement of payment of the 2025 MRTF to members who were hitherto owed.

The statement was signed by NARD’s President, Osundara Tope; its Secretary-General, Odunbaku Oluwasola; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Amobi Omoha.

“After due deliberations, considering the plight of Nigerians who are grappling with health issues under the present harsh economy, the NEC resolved to suspend the strike action effective 8 a.m. on Sunday, September 14, 2025, to allow the government a two-week window to fully implement the demands contained in our communiqué,” it stated.

NARD also called on the Oyo State Government to comply with the 15-day ultimatum issued by the Oyo State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to address the lingering issues affecting doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

“Failure to do so will compel the NOC of NARD to direct all members within Oyo State to embark on an indefinite solidarity strike,” it added.

NARD further urged other state governments to promptly resolve the welfare challenges facing resident doctors.

The statement added, “In line with the NEC resolution, members in state tertiary hospitals are empowered to continue their industrial action until their respective governments demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing their concerns. NARD remains committed to working with all levels of government to ensure a healthy Nigeria for all.”

Resident doctors — medical school graduates training as specialists — are crucial to quality health care delivery nationwide as they dominate the emergency wards of hospitals in Nigeria.

Following the expiration of a 24-hour ultimatum they issued to the federal government to meet their outstanding demands, the doctors embarked on a five-day warning strike last Friday.

The ultimatum came after an earlier 10-day deadline, which lapsed on September 10 without resolution.

NARD, in a statement issued on September 1, 2025, demanded immediate payment of the outstanding 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, and other long-standing salary backlogs demands.

Others are the payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, and restoration of the recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates.

They also called on the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to issue membership certificates to all deserving candidates, implement the 2024 CONMESS, resolve outstanding welfare issues in Kaduna State, and address the plight of resident doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso. Channels TV

Doris Ewoh, Enugu

The Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has assured residents of the state of sustained and enhanced security as he outlined key achievements recorded since he assumed office.

He made this known during a press conference held on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), where he presented a comprehensive assessment of his activities and accomplishments over the past six months.

CP Giwa reiterated his commitment to building a police force that is professional, proactive, and people-oriented, an approach he said has shaped his leadership style since assuming office

He commended the command’s efforts during the recently held NBA Conference, stating: “No crime was recorded before, during, or after the event, which participants and observers widely described as remarkable.”

Detailing key developments since he assumed office on March 11, CP Giwa noted that the long-standing herders-farmers clashes in communities of Uzo-Uwani and Isi-Uzo Local Governments had been effectively addressed, restoring peace and order in the affected communities.

Speaking on arrests and recovered items made so far, he said:

“Within these six months, we have arrested a total of 5,176 suspects for various offenses. This includes 98 for armed robbery, 87 for kidnapping, 50 for murder, 16 for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, 11 for rape and defilement, and 122 for cultism and related crimes. Additionally, 4,792 suspects were arrested for other offenses such as theft, vandalism, human trafficking, and burglary.

“A total of 113 abducted or kidnapped victims were successfully rescued. We also recovered 105 firearms, including 8 AK-47 rifles, one G-3 automatic rifle, 271 rounds of ammunition, and 71 vehicles linked to various criminal activities. Many other incriminating exhibits were also recovered during the operations.”

Among the notable cases was the arrest of a widely known suspect: “Obieze Levi, also known as ‘E dey pray, e dey show’, was apprehended alongside two accomplices and charged with kidnapping and ritual murder.”

He further disclosed: “Two sisters, Juliet Chukwu and Ngozika Nancy Chukwu, were arrested for kidnapping a kinsman and demanding a ransom of 10 million naira, which was also recovered.”

He added that many of the cases had already been charged to court, with suspects remanded in the Nigerian Correctional Service. Investigations are ongoing in other cases, and upon conclusion, they will be duly prosecuted.

CP Giwa reaffirmed his zero-tolerance stance on extortion, corruption, and any conduct capable of bringing the force into disrepute. He urged the public to report any unprofessional behavior by police officers, emphasizing: “If you see something, say something.”

He emphasized that discipline is non-negotiable within the Nigeria Police Force and assured that the highest standards of discipline are maintained within the command. Any officer found wanting, he said, will face appropriate disciplinary measures.

However, he stressed the need for police officers to be friendly and humane in their interactions with the public, emphasizing the importance of emotional and social intelligence in building and sustaining trust.

CP Giwa assured residents that maximum security will be deployed across all parts of the state as the ‘Ember’ months begin.

He expressed appreciation to the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for his unwavering commitment to security, which has enabled a safe working environment. He also acknowledged the contributions of other sister security agencies for their support in ensuring the safety of the state.

He concluded by calling on stakeholders, residents, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organizations, the media, and all security partners to support the efforts of the police command in making Enugu State peaceful and safe for all.

Enugu State has been confirmed as the host of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) 2025.

The announcement was made in Enugu on Wednesday by the Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Obi Asika, during the Culture and Creative Economy Summit, which was held at the Landmark Nike Lake Resort Hotel, Enugu.

At the event, Asika also formally handed over the symbolic NAFEST Gong to the Enugu State Government, noting that the festival, which would run from November 22 to 29, 2025, would be the first time Enugu would host NAFEST since 2008.

Governor Peter Mbah was represented at the ceremony by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke.

Sharing the news on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, @PNMbah, the governor described the return of the festival to Enugu as historic and a testament to the state’s growing profile in Nigeria’s creative economy.

He assured that Enugu was fully prepared to host the country and the world to a memorable cultural celebration.

“Today, Enugu State received the NAFEST Gong, officially confirming us as the proud host of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) 2025,” he said.

“From November 22 to 29, 2025, the Coal City State will once again take its place at the heart of Nigeria’s cultural map. Seventeen years after we last hosted NAFEST in 2008, we are honoured to welcome the nation and the world back to celebrate our unity in diversity,” he stated.

He further assured that Enugu would deliver the most memorable edition yet.

“Enugu is ready. With our thriving creative economy, rich cultural heritage, and the legendary warmth of our people, we are set to deliver the most memorable NAFEST in history,” he said.

Mbah also extended an open invitation to Nigerians and the international community.

“We invite all Nigerians, friends of Nigeria, and lovers of arts and culture everywhere to converge on Enugu this November 2025 – to witness the strength of our traditions, the creativity of our people, and the dawn of our cultural renaissance,” he declared.

... Enugu is clean, Says First Lady

… Mrs. Mbah: We’ll keep pushing

Enugu State has bagged a N100 million award as the cleanest state as the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, unveiled the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI, Green Nigeria Challenge.

The Challenge is a nationwide environmental competition aimed at families, youth groups, communities, and states to engage in tree planting and environmental cleanliness.

She unveiled the Challenge at the quarterly meeting with Wives of State Governors and Coordinators of the RHI at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday.

The Challenge, with the motto “Go Green Today for a Greener Tomorrow,” is in three categories: Households, Communities and States, offering a grand prize of N20 million for the best-performing household, N50 million for the best community, and N100 million for the best state.

At the event, the First Lady presented a cheque for N100 million as well as a plaque to the wife of Enugu State governor, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, who received the honour on behalf of Enugu as “Model Green State.”

“They earned it. It is not only in planting trees, but in environmental cleanliness. If you go to Enugu, Enugu is clean,” the First Lady emphasized.

She recounted a conversation with the wife of the Enugu State governor, praising the proactive approach of the government to tackling environmental issues.

“When she sees anything that the governor doesn’t want to see — any litter around — they call and fix it immediately. And I think that’s the best way to go,” she added.

The RHI Green Nigeria Challenge is divided into three categories. The Household Category focuses on 11 northern states (Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara) vulnerable to desertification, encouraging tree planting with a minimum of one tree per household to qualify.

The Community Category invites local governments, youth groups, schools, and NGOs nationwide to reclaim and transform degraded or abandoned spaces into parks, gardens, and eco-friendly areas.

The State Category involves competition among states (excluding Enugu, which has already been rewarded) based on tree coverage along major roads and inner streets, encouraging tree planting.

On the motivation behind the initiative, the First Lady of Nigeria shared her personal history and inspiration.

“As a biologist, I’ve always loved to go clean. During the time my husband was governor of Lagos State, I used to go clean clogged drains. I was young, and I used a lot of energy,” Senator Tinubu said.

She emphasized leading by example, saying, “People have to see you do what you want them to do. And it’s more appealing and attractive that way.”

Reflecting on her experience at an international level, Senator Oluremi Tinubu recalled attending the G20 Summit in Brazil with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“One of the things they are going to be looking at is plastic waste. Every country is buying into it, cleaning their oceans and waterways because the fauna in the sea is being affected by waste dumped into the sea,” she recounted.

The First Lady highlighted ongoing efforts by the RHI to address this issue, which include RHI’s collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment.

“We are working with the Minister of Environment. We’ve had several meetings, including one in Lagos, and teams have visited Ghana to learn more,” she said.

She disclosed that the RHI will be working with the Ministry to establish Environmental Clubs for Senior Secondary Schools and Environmental Societies for Tertiary Institutions with its modalities still being fine-tuned.

Speaking to newsmen, Mrs. Mbah thanked the Nigerian First Lady for the recognition as well as her husband, Governor Peter Mbah, the state functionaries and the people of the state for their efforts that earned the state the award.

“First, I want to thank the First Lady and the mother of the nation for recognizing Enugu State as a green and clean state. I also want to thank my husband, the Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for his tireless effort to keep Enugu clean and green. I thank the commissioners, the local government chairmen, and relevant agencies like ESWAMA for their efforts too.

“The key to keeping the state clean and green is not just by giving instructions, but also by being proactive, moving around, carrying out inspection, and doing all the needful. They had actually helped in making Enugu State clean.

“I promised Her Excellency the First Lady that we will not relent. We will keep pushing to remain that role model state,” she stated.

Meanwhile, the RHI Green Nigeria Challenge is poised to inspire a nationwide commitment to a cleaner and greener environment, with key submission deadlines set for 2026.

Interested participants were advised to learn more and submit entries at www.rhinitiative.org.

…Describes Anambra As A State Founded On Law And Order

Anambra State Governor Professor Chukwuma Soludo has extended his condolences to the family of Miss Chinwe Igwe, the victim of a tragic incident at the Onitsha Market earlier this week.

Governor Soludo met with representatives of Igwe’s family from Ikwo in Ebonyi State at the Onitsha North Local Government Headquarters.

During the meeting, Governor Soludo assured the family that a thorough investigation will be conducted to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident, emphasizing that any security personnel found to be at fault will face prosecution, adding that it is essential that operatives adhere to established protocols to prevent preventable tragedies because every life matters.

Furthermore, the Governor praised law enforcement agencies for their swift response to the situation, urging them to continue their efforts to maintain peace and order throughout the state.

In addition to addressing the family of the victim, Governor Soludo visited a private Hospital in Onitsha to offer his sympathies to one of the injured individuals, who is reportedly recovering well, extending same to two other injured victims who are hospitalized at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital in Nnewi.