Anambra Government Declares Chieftaincy Title Conferred on Minister Bianca Ojukwu Fake

The Anambra State government has disowned the chieftaincy title of ‘Anyanwu N’Awalu Ora’ reportedly given to Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, stating it was conferred by an impostor, Chief Austin C. Ndigwe, who is not a recognized traditional ruler in Awka or Anambra State.

In a letter dated December 31, 2025, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, emphasized that official chieftaincy titles are conferred only by recognized traditional rulers following proper procedures. The government described Ojukwu’s social media announcement of the title as misleading and disrespectful to Anambra’s culture and the legitimate Eze Uzu II of Awka, HRH Gibson Nwabueze Nwosu.

Residents were reassured that the government will uphold law, tradition, and culture, and Ojukwu was advised to desist from using the unrecognized title.

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#AnambraState #BiancaOjukwu #ChieftaincyTitle #FakeTitle #TraditionalRulers #Awka #NigeriaNews #CultureAndTradition

Anambra Police Rescue 35 Kidnapping Victims, Recover Over 2,000 Arms and Explosives in 2025 Security Operations

The Anambra State Police Command has disclosed that its operatives rescued 35 kidnapped victims, arrested over 300 criminal suspects and recovered more than 2,000 arms, ammunition and explosives in 2025. Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu announced the achievements during an end-of-year briefing in Awka, attributing the successes to intelligence-led policing, inter-agency collaboration and community cooperation. He noted the dismantling of kidnapping syndicates, recovery of over 60 stolen vehicles and a gradual return of normal social life in previously volatile areas such as Ihiala, while assuring residents of strengthened security measures ahead of the festive season.

FRSC RAISES AWARENESS ON SAFE DRIVING ACROSS IDENTIFIED CORRIDORS

The federal road safety corps (FRSC) has intensified public awareness campaigns on the need for safe, responsible and disciplined driving across nNgeria’s first six designated corridors, which experience heavy traffic flow during the festive season.

The awareness drive covers the Lagos–Ibadan–Egbeda;
Abuja city gate–airport road–Giri–Kubwa–AYA (FCT metropolis);
Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria;
Abuja–Lokoja–Zariagi;
Benin–Asaba–Awka; and
Shagamu–Ijebu Ode–ore–Benin corridors.

These routes, including about 50 other corridors serve as critical national arteries and record heightened vehicular movement as citizens travel to reunite with families and loved ones.

The corps marshal however warned that violation of traffic regulations along these corridors poses grave and far reaching dangers, as speeding, wrongful overtaking, lane indiscipline, drunk driving and disregard for traffic control devices significantly reduce reaction time and increase the severity of crashes. Such violations often result in loss of vehicle control, dangerous head on collisions, pedestrian knockdowns and multi vehicle pile ups that overwhelm emergency response efforts and leave families permanently devastated.

Nigerian Whistleblower Nnamdi Emeh Faces Christmas in Detention as Court Delays Persist, Receives 2025 African Award

Nigerian whistleblower Nnamdi Emeh, winner of the 2025 Blueprint Africa Whistleblowing Prize, may spend Christmas in detention after a Federal High Court in Awka adjourned his case until next year. Despite existing bail and release orders, Emeh remains incarcerated, drawing criticism from rights groups and international organisations. His prolonged detention has intensified calls for his release, sparked the #FreeNnamdiEmeh campaign, and renewed concerns over whistleblower protection and judicial compliance in Nigeria.


#NnamdiEmeh
#Whistleblower
#HumanRights

Anambra Journalist Accuses Police, NSCDC of Harassment and Detention at State Assembly Complex

Awka-based journalist Izunna Okafor has alleged that police and NSCDC officers attached to the Anambra State House of Assembly harassed, assaulted, detained, and seized his phones while he attempted to cover a budget defence session. Okafor said the operatives blocked his entry, demanded unnecessary confirmation, pushed him, confiscated his devices for recording the encounter, and later attempted to force him into detention. He claimed he was only released after intervention from officials and resisted calls to write an apology letter. The Police Command, however, denied the allegations, insisting no journalist was detained and that officers only enforced standard security protocol.



#AnambraNews #PressFreedom #PoliceBrutality

Fresh Assassination Plot Against Whistleblower Nnamdi Emeh in Anambra Prison Exposed as Global Rights Groups Demand His Release

Global human rights organisations have raised alarm over a fresh alleged plot to assassinate detained whistleblower Nnamdi Daniel Emeh inside Awka Correctional Centre. A weapon was reportedly smuggled into the prison with instructions to stage a fight and kill him, despite multiple court orders granting him bail for more than 18 months.
Blueprint for Free Speech and 20 other international groups have petitioned Nigerian authorities, demanding his immediate release, an independent probe into the threats, and accountability from the police whose investigation findings remain hidden.
Emeh, who exposed alleged extrajudicial killings and organ harvesting by Anambra police officers, continues to face prolonged detention, vanished court documents, and repeated obstruction of justice — even as he recently won an international whistleblowing award.


#NnamdiEmeh

#WhistleblowerProtection

#HumanRightsNigeria

Nigerian Whistleblower Nnamdi Emeh Wins Global Prize While Detained for Exposing Police Organ Trafficking

Blueprint for Free Speech has honoured Nigerian whistleblower Nnamdi Emeh with a 2025 global Whistleblowing Prize, even as he remains imprisoned despite a court-ordered bail. Emeh, 26, exposed a notorious police-led organ trafficking and extortion ring in Anambra State, triggering international attention and investigations. After fleeing Nigeria, he was arrested on an Interpol Red Notice in 2023 and charged with offences civil society groups describe as fabricated retaliation. Despite meeting bail conditions, he has remained in detention for nearly three years amid alleged assassination attempts, court obstruction, and claims that implicated officers were promoted instead of prosecuted. Rights groups say the case exposes deepening impunity in the Nigerian security system and poses a critical test for whistleblower protection and rule of law in the country.




#NnamdiEmeh
#NigerianWhistleblower
#PoliceOrgantraffickingNigeria
#BlueprintforFreeSpeechPrize
#WhistleblowingAwards2025
#AnambraPoliceAtrocities
#ExtrajudicialKillingsNigeria
#InterpolRedNoticeNigeria
#WhistleblowerRetaliation
#HumanRightsAbusesNigeria
#AwkaCorrectionalCentre
#RULAAC
#PPLAAF
#PoliceCorruptionNigeria
#WhistleblowerProtectionAfrica
#NigerianJusticeSystemFailures

ASUU Threatens Strike November 21 Over Unmet Demands.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Owerri Zone, has issued a stern warning that it will resume its suspended strike from November 21, 2025, citing the Federal Government’s failure to address the union’s long-standing demands.

The declaration was made by Prof. Dennis Aribodor, Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Owerri, during a press briefing at the ASUU Secretariat in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, on Thursday.

ASUU Owerri Zone represents academics from Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State University, Owerri, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

Prof. Aribodor, joined by other union officials, stressed that the eight-day window before the proposed strike must be used by the Federal Government for meaningful negotiations.

INEC declares Soludo winner of Anambra Governorship Elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Chukwuma Soludo, candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), winner of the Anambra State governorship election.

INEC announced that a total of 584,054 votes were collated across the state, with Soludo securing 422,664 votes, maintaining a decisive lead over his closest rival, Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who garnered 99,445 votes. Other candidates include ADC: 8,208 votes and PDP: 1,401 votes.

State Collation Officer and Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Edogah Omoregie, announced the figures after the collation exercise on Sunday at the commission’s headquarters in Awka.

Results:

Dunukofia LGA
APC: 3,284 | APGA: 14,892 | LP: 71 | PDP: 16

Awka North LGA
APC: 3,661 | APGA: 15,895 | LP: 299 | PDP: 203

Njikoka LGA
APC: 5,687 | APGA: 22,213 | LP: 311 | PDP: 47

Nnewi South LGA
APC: 9,281 | APGA: 17,286 | LP: 73 | PDP: 12

Nnewi North LGA
APC: 5,441 | APGA: 20,320 | LP: 1,140 | PDP: 45

Police Restriction Order Flouted in Anambra as Commercial Vehicles Operate Freely on Election Day.

Some residents and commercial vehicle operators in Awka and Onitsha, Anambra State, on Saturday disregarded the restriction of movement order issued by the State Police Command ahead of the governorship election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the restriction, expected to last from midnight to 6:00 p.m., was meant to cover all roads within the state, including interstate highways.

However, NAN observed that commercial vehicles operated freely in several parts of Awka, the state capital, as commuters openly boarded vehicles without hindrance. A similar situation played out from Ogidi Local Government Area to the Nkpor junction, where movement continued unhindered.

Security personnel were spotted at strategic points, including the popular Nkpor Road, monitoring activities across various junctions in the capital city.

In contrast, INEC operations suffered delays as officials arrived late at multiple polling units in Awka and Onitsha. At Agwuoka Polling Unit 008, officials were dropped off at exactly 8:40 a.m., while their counterparts at Aroma Polling Unit 022 were still setting up their stand around the same time.

Mrs Mary Fajoye, an INEC monitoring official in Awka South Local Government Area, confirmed that both sensitive and non-sensitive materials had been dispatched from the council office on Friday. She attributed some delays to difficulties encountered by polling officers in locating their designated registration areas, adding that the challenges had been resolved.

At Amawbia 02, Polling Unit 3, Central School III, officials and voting materials were already in place by 8:19 a.m., ahead of the official commencement of voting at 8:30 a.m.

The Presiding Officer, Mr Mark Kalu, was seen briefing voters on the conduct of the election, assuring them that priority would be given to albinos, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and the elderly.

As of the time of filing this report, accreditation of voters had commenced at Eze Chima Primary School Polling Unit on Awka Road.

Anambra governorship election: “You’ll suffer” — AAC’s Ifemeludike alleges in new video as she warns Anambra residents against re-electing Governor Soludo.

African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate, Chioma Ifemeludike, has cautioned Anambra residents and alleged that they will “suffer” if they reelect Governor Chukwuma Soludo instead of voting for her in the November 8 election.

The Nollywood actress and producer criticized Soludo over the poor condition of roads in Awka, particularly Uche Ekwunife Crescent, which she described as “totally dilapidated.” She accused the governor of neglecting basic infrastructure while constructing a new Government House with “wide, paved roads for himself and his generations.”

Ifemeludike said Soludo’s administration has failed to deliver good governance or quality social amenities, claiming he is only interested in showmanship. “If you miss out, you will suffer for it because Soludo is not ready to provide real leadership,” she said.

In a Facebook post directed at the governor, she asked, “@ccsoludo, why are you afraid to repair the capital city’s bad roads? Awka shouldn’t look so rural and undeveloped. With FAAC, local allocations, and IGR, we should have Dubai/Taiwan-style infrastructure.”

She urged voters not to be deceived but to come out en masse to make a better choice on election day. “On November 8, you have a choice — and that choice is Chioma for governor 2025,” she declared.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed that 16 political parties will participate in the Anambra governorship election.

MDCAN begins 21-day warning strike over salary disparity.

The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka, has begun a 21-day warning strike in Anambra over non-implementation of Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

The Chairman of MDCAN-COOUTH, Amaechi Nwachukwu, made the disclosure at a news conference on Monday in Awka.

Association is demanding that the CONMESS recently granted to resident doctors be extended to its members.

It warned that failure to implement the adjustment within the stipulated period would lead to an indefinite industrial action by its members.

Mr Nwachukwu said the association had earlier engaged the hospital management over their demand and received the assurances that the issue would be resolved.

He, however, expressed disappointment that the promised adjustment was yet to be reflected in the soon-to-be-paid October salary.

According to him, it is customary for any salary increment or allowance approved for resident doctors to be automatically extended to their supervising consultants.

“The consultants are responsible for training resident doctors and conducting medical research,” he said.

Strike: ASUU to hold strategic NEC meeting as action enters week two.

The national leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities, ASUU, will meet today, Tuesday, to evaluate its position on the ongoing strike by its members.

The development comes after ASUU disclosed that the Government’s Renegotiation Team, led by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, came to the negotiation table with a documented response to the union’s demands and made some offers to it.

In a strike bulletin issued on Monday, the union acknowledged that progress was being recorded in certain areas such as the release of third-party deductions, arrears of promotions, mainstreaming of Earned Academic Allowance, EAA, confiscation of University of Abuja land, and victimization of its members in KSU, LASU and FUTO.

ASUU members on Monday held congresses across its branches in the various universities to vote on whether the union should suspend or continue its labour action.

Recall that the union had given a 14-day ultimatum to the federal government for the conclusion and implementation of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement, as well as addressing other demands of its members.

However, there’s indication that ASUU wasn’t ready to throw in the towel yet as feelers are that many of the branches have voted in support of the continuation of the strike.

Officials of ASUU at the University of Abuja, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. They confided in DAILY POST that the matter is far from being over.

According to them, their members in respective branches were in support of the continuation of the strike despite some offers being made to ASUU by the Nigerian government.

EFCC pledges to obey Court order on Anglican Archbishop.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has pledged to obey court order on the purported arrest of the Anglican Archbishop on the Niger, Most Rev Alexander Ibezim.

The anti-graft agency invited the Cleric for questioning following allegations of impropriety by some Anglican members over sales of lands belonging to the church

The EFCC confirmed this when the matter came up at the weekend,in the Awka High court in suit No.A/MISC-446/2025, presided over by Justice Peace Otti

EFCC said that it will stay all actions pending the determination of the substantive suit on the matter.

Counsel for the Commission C.A Okoli, assured they will neither issue any more invitation letter to the applicant nor try to arrest the preacher until the case is determined.

While the petitioner, Prince Echezona Bonti Onuigbo, was absent in court, Archbishop Ibezim was represented by Beluolisa Nwofor, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria,SAN

The trial Judge, Justice Peace Otti adjourned the case to 27th November 2025 for the hearing of the substantive suit.

Universities Shut Down Nationwide as Lecturers Dare Tinubu Government.

According to a report by The Punch on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, academic activities were paralysed across public universities nationwide on Monday as the Academic Staff Union of Universities commenced a two-week warning strike over unmet demands by the Federal Government.

ASUU president, Prof. Chris Piwuna, announced the strike in Abuja on Sunday, following a breakdown in negotiations.

In immediate response, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, ordered vice-chancellors to enforce a no-work-no-pay policy and submit attendance lists of academic staff within seven days.

The Nigeria Labour Congress rejected the directive, describing it as intimidation. NLC president, Joe Ajaero, warned that failure to heed ASUU’s demands after the strike would trigger broader labour action.

Universities nationwide reported total compliance. At Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, branch chairman Haruna Jibril said the strike reflected years of accumulated frustration. Lecture halls were deserted, with students seen loitering in groups.

A similar situation played out at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba; the University of Uyo; University of Ibadan; Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; University of Jos and Plateau State University, Bokkos.

At some institutions, examinations were disrupted. At Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, only Veterinary Medicine students had pending papers. At Olabisi Onabanjo University and Tai Solarin University of Education, lecturers vowed to remain off duty until their demands were met.

Despite threats of withheld salaries, ASUU members insisted they were prepared to endure hardship to protect the future of public education. Piwuna dismissed attempts at division, stating: “Nobody can threaten us. We are victims, just like students.”

Gov. Soludo Bans Graduation Ceremonies, Christmas Parties in Anambra Schools.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has banned graduation ceremonies and Christmas parties in all schools across the state to ease financial pressure on parents and guardians.

Speaking during an All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) campaign rally in Awka North on Friday, ahead of the November 8 governorship election, Soludo said the decision is part of efforts to make education more affordable and equitable.

He expressed concern that many schools—government, private, and mission-owned—had turned education into a source of unnecessary financial burden for struggling families.

“This directive applies to all schools in Anambra. We are setting basic standards to ensure poor parents are not made to spend excessively because their children are in school,” he said.

Soludo also announced a ban on the use of textbooks designed for students to write in, explaining that such books prevent them from being reused by younger siblings. “Once a child finishes a class, he should be able to pass on his textbooks,” he said.

The governor criticized schools for organizing elaborate “graduation ceremonies” for pupils advancing from one class to another, describing the practice as exploitative since it often requires parents to pay for special gowns or uniforms.

“Even Christmas parties should not be funded by parents. These are unnecessary expenses,” Soludo declared.

He warned that the state government would begin strict enforcement of the new policy, adding that any school found violating it would be sealed. “We will begin enforcement immediately, and if your school fails to comply, we will close it. You can go to court—we will meet there,” he said.

Soludo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing quality, accessible, and affordable education for every child in Anambra State.

Anambra United Behind Soludo: Governor Celebrates Massive Grassroots Support Ahead of 2025 Election!


Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State has expressed deep gratitude over the growing wave of grassroots support for his re-election bid, declaring that the people of Anambra have “taken ownership” of his campaign ahead of the 2025 governorship election.

Speaking at the International Convention Center in Awka during a special endorsement event organized by the Patriots, a coalition of ethnic groups from 35 states residing in Anambra, Soludo said the unity and acceptance he has received reflect the inclusivity his administration has built over the past three years.

The governor described the endorsement as humbling and inspiring, noting that his government’s focus on fairness, unity, and development has strengthened trust among citizens, regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds.

Soludo stated,

“I’ve been in public service at both national and state levels, and my principles have remained the same — merit, inclusiveness, and equal opportunity for all. Leadership is about service and results, not personal ambition.”


The event followed another major endorsement by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) during World Teachers’ Day, where members applauded Soludo’s administration for improving teacher welfare, upgrading school facilities, and implementing reforms that have transformed education in the state.

Governor Soludo reaffirmed his commitment to consolidating Anambra’s progress through infrastructure renewal, education reform, and economic empowerment, promising to sustain policies that enhance the state’s prosperity and unity.

Anambra Government Bans Writing of Assignments in Textbooks; Calls it Wasteful.

The Anambra State Government has banned writing assignments directly inside textbooks, describing it as wasteful and unsustainable.

Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, announced the directive on Friday during a capacity-building workshop for private school proprietors and teachers at St. John of God Secondary School, Awka. She explained that the move is to make textbooks reusable, especially for younger siblings.

Chuma-Udeh noted the initiative is part of government efforts to reduce financial pressure on families and promote sustainable education, while also stressing that textbooks should reflect inclusivity, diversity, and equality.

She said, “The decision is aimed at making textbooks reusable, especially for younger siblings of pupils who would need them when they advance to the next class. There is also the need for textbooks to be inclusive, reflecting diversity, equality, and the needs of all learners.

The government would not tolerate non-compliance with the directive; parents, teachers, and school administrators are urged to ensure strict adherence.

We also encouraged stakeholders to report cases of defaulters to the Ministry of Education.” The government also announced a clampdown on graduation parties in nursery and primary schools, describing them as unnecessary and exploitative.

She stated, “It has come to the notice of the state government that graduation parties have turned out to be avenue for financial exploitation by some school owners and the government can no longer keep quiet over the issue. Teaching and running a school is a divine call and should not be mortgaged for financial gains.

Indulging in such runs contrarily to the mission and vision of the government as regards making education accessible and equitable for Anambra State school children.”

Igbos abroad remit $60b to Nigeria every year Diaspora leader, Dr Anakwenze.

A United States of America, USA, – based medical practitioner and the Traditional Prime Minister of Abagana in Njikoka local government area of Anambra State, Dr Nwachukwu Anakwenze has said that Igbo people in the diaspora remit more than $60 billion to Nigeria every year.

Anakwenze, who is the leader of Igbo people across the globe and runs a chain of hospitals that employs over 5,000 professionals in the USA, told journalists in Awka that the amount made great positive impact in the economy of the South East region

He added, however, that the main concern of Nigerians residing abroad is enthronement of the right leadership to make the country to take its rightful place among the comity of nations.

According to him, the people in the diaspora have been contributing significantly to the development of their communities and are prepared to do more, provided the right atmosphere is created.

He said, for instance, that his people in the USA have raised substantial amount to renovate the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, UNTH, outpost in his community to improve healthcare services in the area.

“We are raising the funds from individual Abagana people and as a group. We already have over $100,000, which was raised last month. We’re also going to approach our people in other parts of the world to do the same. Whatever the government can do is good, but we want to help ourselves as a community,” he added.

“We have a lot of educated people and those in business who have a lot of money and they are prepared to support the development of their towns. All they need is to see that we are serious and the money will flow.

“The UNTH outpost has been abandoned and we want to make it big. It’s a federal government institution, but it’s been abandoned.”He argued that Nigeria could do much better than it is doing at the moment, lamenting that the problem is that the people running the governments are below average and that is why they are failing the people.

Governor Soludo Sacks 8 Vigilantes for Brutal Assault of Female Corp Members in Anambra State.

The Anambra State Government has dismissed eight operatives of the Agunechemba Security outfit for assaulting and publicly stripping a female corps member, Jennifer Elobor.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Special Adviser on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, announced the dismissal on Wednesday at the agency’s headquarters in Awka. He said the operatives would be handed over to the police for prosecution.

According to Emeakayi, the officers had been chasing suspected cultists on Tuesday when they attacked the corps member—an act he described as “totally outside the agency’s mandate and utterly condemnable."

He stressed that the Soludo administration would not tolerate brutality, abuse of office, or unprofessional conduct, warning that any officer found guilty of misconduct would face dismissal and legal action.

Despite appeals from the victim’s family and NYSC officials for a quiet resolution, the state government insisted on pursuing justice to serve as a deterrent.

Emeakayi added that the government had settled the victim’s medical expenses, replaced her damaged belongings, including a laptop and phone and issued a public apology to her family, the NYSC, and the public.

He said the incident would mark a turning point in reforming the outfit and restoring public trust in community security operations.