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By Madu Obi The Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon.Somtochukwu Udeze has said that the relevant committees of the house would embark on sensitization programme to educate the people on the importance and benefits of the newly passed Anambra State Homeland and Security Law. According to the Speaker, members of the Assembly's standing and adhoc committees on security, as well as committee on local governments, will embark on massive sensitization of the public to acquaint them with the new law. He commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo's security initiatives, assuring that the state legislature will continue to contribute meaningfully towards the security of lives and property of the people. Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Emma Madu, Udeze added that it was due to the importance the state legislature attached to security that informed speedy passage of the Anambra State Homeland and Security Bill presented by Governor Soludo to provide a legal framework for the establishment and operations of the security Outfit. He enjoined the officials of the outfit to comply with the principles of the law and ensure strict collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders in the state for the total security of lives and property of the citizenry. He described security as a collective responsibility and called on well- meaning Anambra people to contribute their quota through to support the governor's fight against insecurity. This, he said, they could do by funding security operatives, both in the state and in their various communities.

By Madu Obi The wife of the former governor of Anambra State, Mrs. Margaret Peter-Obi, has empowered 300 women from her home town, Agulu, Anaocha local government area as part of her contributions to alleviate the hardship in the country. Fifteen women selected from each of the 20 villages in the community received cheques of ₦100,000 each. Mrs. Obi, who expressed hope that the beneficiaries were truly those in need, described the initiative as her modest way of identifying with the people and assuring them of her solidarity during this critical period in the nation’s history, marked by extreme poverty. She urged the recipients to add the money to their capital for petty trading, assuring them that with hard work and faith in God, they would overcome the hard times. Speaking during the event, the chairperson of Udoka Micro Finance Bank, Emily Enemuoh who accompanied Mrs. Obi to the ceremony, advised the beneficiaries to use the money wisely and carry out their businesses with honesty, assuring them of better days ahead. The President-General of Agulu, Mr. Oliver Afamefuna, praised the Obi family for its continued commitment to the people of Agulu, adding that although they are national and international figures, they have never stopped identifying with their community, especially during trying times. Also speaking, the traditional prime minister of the town, Chief Paulinus Anagboso, who recalled the massive empowerment initiatives by Mr. Peter Obi for the town, which involved distribution of vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles, also thanked Mrs. Obi for her gesture. He noted how the Obi family have consistently supported the people of Agulu, adding that over 70% of what the Obis do for the community, such as providing scholarships for indigent students over the past 40 years, is done privately. The Woman Leader, Mrs. Magaret Ejike, thanked Her Excellency, Mrs. Magaret Peter-Obi, and her husband, His Excellency, for their kind gestures and urged the women to make effective use of the money. One of the beneficiaries from Obe Village, Mrs. Ann Agwubike, expressed immense gratitude to Mrs Obi, noting that the financial support had “literally resurrected” some people. “After depleting our trading capital during the Christmas season, this timely gesture will save many businesses from collapse", she stated.

By Madu Obi The newly appointed chairman of the Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Chidubem Iweka of Obosi( Eze Iweka 111) has swung into action, saying his first move is to bring the Royal Fathers together to plan how to positively impact on their subjects. Igwe Iweka became the chairman following the removal of the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe from the position by the state governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo at the weekend. Igwe Iweka, a renowned author said: "The first thing we will do is to come together as traditional rulers and dialogue on how to help our various communities in solving the problem that is currently facing everybody". Governor Soludo had announced the change in the leadership of the traditional institution in the state on Saturday at the International Convention Centre Awka, during the launch of the "Operation udo ga-achi" security initiative. According to the governor, Igwe Iweka's appointment aligns with the newly amended State Traditional Rulers law, which provides for the rotation of the chairman among the three senatorial zones. The change of guards, however, did not come as a surprise following the feud that had existed between the governor and the Obi of Onitsha for some time. Recall that Igwe Achebe had faulted the governor's suspension of Igwe Damian Ezeani, the traditional ruler of Neni community, over a chieftaincy title conferred on the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. The Obi of Onitsha had accused the state government of disrespecting traditional rulers and violating their rights, describing the government's actions as the apogee of the progressive dehumanisation and dismantling of the traditional institution under Soludo's administration. In an open letter to Gov. Soludo in the heat of their misunderstanding, Igwe Achebe alleged that the Anambra State government had been treating the traditional rulers in the state shabbily. Achebe, who was apparently angered by the way the governor handled the issue involving the traditional ruler of Neni, who was suspended by the state government for conferring chieftaincy title on the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, said the government ought to respect the traditional institution. The Obi of Onitsha, in a letter to the governor said: ”Without providing evidence for your sweeping statement about trading chieftaincy titles for money, you also, wittingly indicted the entire traditional institution of the state. Your press release to a global audience put the institution into disrepute when a direct circular letter to all traditional rulers as the parties of interest would have sufficed. The tone and language of your letter were, by any measure, a public riot act and pontification to the same majority of traditional rulers that you extolled as acting with dignity and integrity. The letter lacked respect and sensitivity in addressing the traditional rulers of Anambra State who, by any standard, are held in very high esteem in the comity of the traditional institutions of Nigeria and beyond". Since that altercation, the traditional rulers council in the state had remained inactive and work on the new council chamber for the Royal Fathers inside the Government House, has since been abandoned.

By Madu Obi A governorship aspirant of the Labour Party for the November 8 election in Anambra State, John Nwosu has expressed reservations about the newly enacted Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025. The law came into effect following the setting up of the new security outfit codenamed 'Operation udo ga achi' at the weekend by Governor Chukwuma Soludo. Although he described the law as a step in the right direction, Nwosu cautioned that its success hinges on faithful implementation and the non-abuse of certain provisions. In a statement in Awka, Nwosu criticized the Anambra State government for not acknowledging its primary constitutional responsibility to protect citizens and residents all these while. He said: "The state government's failure to acknowledge its primary responsibility to protect Anambra State citizens and residents is telling and unfurls the prevailing didactic leadership mindset. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), clearly states in Section 14 (2) that 'the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. The prevailing crisis of wanton brutality and dehumanization being meted out by private companies acting as agents of ANSG in the tax collection and waste management sectors, should have informed the need for better clarity in the definition of the role of armed private security companies." Nwosu also expressed concerns about the law's provisions, which devolve most tasks to local governments, traditional rulers, municipalities, communities, and private security companies. Warning against the potential dangers of private security companies and government agencies overreaching their authority, he cited the ongoing crisis of brutality and dehumanization in the tax collection and waste management sectors in the state. He urged the state government to implement the law without overreaching, otherwise it would exacerbate the state's already troubling security situation, stating that the provisions of the country's laws must be respected by the state. "As the implementation of the Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025 commences, it is crucial that the ANSG prioritizes the protection of citizens' rights and ensures that the law is not used as a tool for oppression or exploitation. The people of Anambra State deserve a secure and peaceful environment, and it is the responsibility of the government to provide it," Nwosu stated.

By Madu Obi In a bold move to tackle the rising insecurity in Anambra State, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, has unveiled the Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025 and launched a 2000-strong special security operation code - named, "Udo Ga-Achị" Speaking during the launching, the governor noted that security, law and order remained pivotal to the attainment of his vision of a liveable and prosperous homeland, adding that the massive revolution by his administration in all sectors must be cemented with a robust security system with zero tolerance for criminality. He said that despite the unique challenges of lucrative criminality adorned with deceptive ideology and propaganda, his administration is determined to fight criminality and ensure that Anambra becomes the safest state in Nigeria. The governor revealed that the character and dynamics of criminality in the Southeast and Nigeria have evolved and become hydra-headed, and so the response must be thoughtful, deliberate and comprehensive, involving both the kinetic and non-kinetic agenda. Soludo observed that kidnapping for ransom is not new, recalling that his 78-year-old father was kidnapped in 2009 and spent 15 days with his abductors in the bush. He stated that the new law establishes a robust security system with zero tolerance for criminality, while the special operation aims to upscale intelligence gathering, reward whistleblowers, and enhance rapid response to root out criminals from the state. He also explained that the law provides a framework for community/citizens ownership and participation in the sustainable security and social re-engineering of the homeland. The governor announced the establishment of Agunechemba, a new vigilante architecture at the community and local government levels, which underscores that most cases of insecurity are local. He said that the Operation Udo Ga-Achị special intervention force has 2,000 personnel, consisting of the police, army, navy, civil defence, DSS, and Agunechemba, to root out criminals from the state. The governor revealed that his administration is investing heavily in logistical support, with 200 vehicles made available to aid operations, and many more to be procured soon. He also announced the deployment of technology, including best-in-class Tracking System, Command-and-Control system, and AI-powered surveillance cameras, to enhance security management. Also, a reward system has also been put in place, with a bounty of up to N5 million to be paid to whistleblowers who provide credible information leading to the arrest of kidnappers, armed robbers, or the rounding up of criminals in camps. The governor also extended an offer of amnesty to kidnappers, cultists, drug dealers, and other categories of criminals, calling on them to surrender themselves, with their weapons, and be rehabilitated and empowered to become productive citizens. The governor emphasized that security is a collective responsibility and called on all citizens, communities, and stakeholders to join forces to tackle the menace of insecurity in the state. He noted that the criminals are not spirits, but human beings who live among the people, and that it is the responsibility of everyone to report any suspicious activity to the authorities. The governor also announced plans to review possible assistance to the existing Correctional Centres to expand their facilities and to embark on building the State's Correctional centres. He also revealed plans to partner with the federal government, communities, patriotic Ndi Anambra, and corporations to gradually re-build the 28 divisional police offices that were burnt down by hoodlums. The governor called on all communities, traditional rulers, president-generals, clergy, and civil society organizations to join in deconstructing the dangerous narratives that legitimize criminality. He emphasized that collective action is necessary to guarantee sustainable success and called on every resident or citizen of Anambra to ask themselves what they have done every day to enhance security and prosperity in the homeland. The governor warned that the next few months will be turbulent, as the criminals will seek to strike at soft targets to test the will of the government. He assured that his administration is determined to take the criminals head-on and quadruple their efforts in security. He called on the people to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

By Madu Obi There is excitement at Nimo, Njikoka local government area of Anambra State, following the bursting of a camp set up by gunmen in the area some months ago. While the gunmen operated in the community, several people were abducted for ransom , while some had their vehicles snatched. Worried by the situation, the community invited soldiers who, after identifying the dreaded camp, attacked and demolished it to the delight of the people. Since the demolition of the camp on the Christmas Eve, the people say they now go to their farms unmolested, while people drive along the Nimo - Neni road without fear of the cars being snatched. The traditional ruler of Nimo, Igwe Maxi Ike Oliobi and the 120- member Royal Cabinet of Nimo Community, at a meeting on Friday, commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for dislodging the unknown gunmen in the community. In a letter signed by the traditional ruler and the traditional prime minister, Hon Justice Godwin Ononiba, and addressed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the community expressed profound gratitude to the state government for rescuing the community. The monarch said: "These gunmen camped at Owa Nimo forest and they were terrorizing our dear town and neighboring towns. However, during the yuletide period, there were no news of kidnapping, car snatching and other social vice in Nimo. This singular act of His Excellency enabled our people and the neighboring towns to celebrate the yuletide comfortably without fear of any form of insecurity, be it social or otherwise. We are sincerely happy, as the various quarters, villages, social clubs, cultural groups, etc. carried out their respective proposed annual programmes and activities under guaranteed safe environment enabled by His Excellency. We cannot thank him enough for the protection of life and properties during this past yuletide. We also implore him to maintain the tempo by making sure that the criminals do not return. We, the good people of Nimo know that security is key to a good governance." They also thanked the governor for the construction and rehabilitation of Uruegbe Nimo road, through Eke Udo to Oye Agu Abagana road, which is 95% completion, rehabilitation of Nimo - Neni road and the ongoing construction of St. Vincent Primary School Nimo / Ekeudo Nimo road. They believed that the governor's activities would ultimately make Anambra State a prosperous and liveable state and urged the people of the state to support him.

By Madu Obi The former governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate in the last election, Mr Peter Obi, has explained the motivation behind his extensive contributions to education, healthcare, and empowerment initiatives, which in 2024 amounted to over N1.5 billion. According to Obi, his acts of giving are not about self-promotion, but are driven by a genuine concern for humanity. Citing his recent donations of ₦10 million to Bishop Ephraim Ikeakor for the College of Nursing Sciences, Amichi, and another ₦10 million to Bishop Ndubisi Obi for ongoing projects at ADON College of Health Technology in Nnewi as examples of initiatives that inspire him to continue giving, Obi explained that his philanthropy is motivated by the visible impact of such efforts and the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to people’s lives. He said: “Even before my public life, I had always derived satisfaction from contributing to worthy causes that uplift humanity. For instance, I was in Haiti after the earthquake, where I contributed to its rebuilding. Similarly, even before I became governor, I had extended help to places in need according to my capacity. When you witness such dedication to humanity, it is impossible not to contribute - not for personal recognition, but for the sake of humanity,” Obi remarked. “It is not about me, but about the impact we can make together in building a better society.” He also recounted his visits with Bishop Ndubisi to facilities such as the Diocesan Rehabilitation Centre for victims of drug abuse and a school for children with special needs. He noted that he was deeply moved by the Bishop’s commitment to improving the lives of the vulnerable. When asked if his philanthropy was an attempt to bolster his public image, Obi dismissed the notion, stating that giving back to society is his way of fulfilling not only his moral and spiritual obligations, but also his duty to the society that nurtured him. He affirmed his commitment to continuing these efforts as long as God grants him the resources to do so.

By Madu Obi Mrs Tochukwu Ezemma, the wife of the missing Anambra -based billionaire and estate developer, Benjamin Ezemma, has urged security operatives to find her husband, saying she is not satisfied with the way her husband's disappearance is being handled. Ezemma, popularly known as BigBen, who is the Managing Director of Dubai Estate, Awka, was abducted on 12th November 2024 and has not been seen. In a statement, Mrs Ezemma alleged what she called 'the conspiracy of silence and inaction from the state government', which showed that it is not disturbed that Bigben who is a great investor in this state, boosting the state’s economy via his fashion industry and real estate business, is missing. She said: "I can no longer be quiet, it’s been over two months of extreme torture for me, my children and the entire family. I ask again, Where is my husband and the father of my three innocent children? What exactly is the problem? What in the name of God is this problem that cannot be talked over? They have surmised the abduction of my husband as business gone wrong. My husband is not a nobody in Anambra state. He has imparted a lot through his entrepreneurial spirit and his disappearance deserves the attention of the state government. Ndi Anambra please help me ask the authorities if the law has changed on investigations and arrest because my husband, a young man in his prime, is missing. Everybody please come to my aid. I need to know what happened to the father of my innocent little kids. I need answers as to my husband’s disappearance. Who are these high profile men he had this meeting with that can’t be told to the world or arrested? Consider my one year old who doesn’t even know her father and find my husband for me. The DSS said the case is in court, that the family should get a lawyer to follow up for us in court but we need to know, Who is the case against? What is the person/s charged with? Anambra people should rise up, it is Bigben today, it can be anyone tomorrow where someone can be abducted from a meeting venue with known people from DSS investigations, yet nothing will be done because they’re highly connected." Describing her husband as a serial entrepreneur who is a great investor in his state, boosting the state's economy via his businesses, she said , her husband’s biggest dream is to get over 10,000 youths off the streets and give meaning to their existence.

By Madu Obi Retired Archbishop of Nnewi Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Most Rev Godwin Okpala, who was kidnapped on December 6 has recounted his ordeal in the hands of his abductors for 27 days. Archbishop Okpala was taken alongside his driver, but were only able to regain freedom on January 3rd. Okpala who spoke with reporters in Nnewi when the former governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi visited him , said the experience was not what anyone would wish for a fellow human being. Narrating his ordeal, Archbishop Okpala said: "Those 27 days were hellish because the people were not behaving like human beings. They kicked us about like thrash. They kept us in a very thick forest and none of them cared. I was in my cassock and they knew that I was a Bishop, but they didn't care. They pulled down my cassock, asked me to undress and I had only shorts, a shirt and my collar on. For the 27 days that I was with them, I didn't take my bath, I didn't brush my teeth. They were giving me water which I don't know the source. They were giving me one meal a day and it was either rice or garri. The food was usually remnants from those they gave to boys who worked with them. They have cooks who prepared food there." The 75 - year old Archbishop , who retired a few years ago, praised Mr Peter Obi for coming to visit him, saying that since his return from the kidnappers' den, no one had visited him until Obi came. "He (Peter Obi) has again shown the humility in him. I'm not the first person he is coming to see in this manner. I want to say thank you to Peter Obi who came to visit me after my travails," the cleric said. Also in Nnewi on Thursday, Nnewi Catholic Diocese buried Rev. Fr. Tobias Okonkwo a pharmacist , who was killed by gunmen on the Boxing day at Ihiala. Until his death, the priest was the manager of the Schools of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala. Fr. Okonkwo hailed from Ekwulumili in Nnewi South local government area of the state and was one of the vibrant priests in Nnewi Diocese. The priest was murdered on Boxing Day in Ihiala where he was working by gunmen operating in the area. Buried along with him were two other Reverend Monsignors Donatus Ike and Monsignor Christopher, who died recently. The Bishop of Aguleri Diocese, Most Rev Dennis Isizor presided at the burial ceremony.

By Madu Obi ANAMBRA State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has lamented the growing incidence of kidnapping in the country, saying Nigerians may have paid no less than N10 trillion as ransom for kidnapped victims last year. In an emotion -filled address he delivered during this year's armed forces remembrance day celebration in Awka, Soludo commended soldiers for enduring all manner of horrendous inconveniences to secure the people, including sleeping in the bush sometimes. He said: "According to the published statistics, last year, by the National Bureau of Statistics, more than two trillion naira was paid as ransom. But that was the reported one. We believe that for everyone reported, more than five or six was probably not reported. And so, if you then cascade that, maybe then more than ten trillion was paid as ransom, kidnapping for ransom has become the most lucrative business in town. In Anambra State, these hoodlums organize themselves to attack the police, the army, the navy, the civil defense, the vigilante, and all those involved in trying to secure us. When they started this mission initially, they came on a populist stand, concealing their real intentions. This was sold to Ndi Anambra and largely, a large part of the South East, that people were going into the bush to secure them, to save them against what they called the herders, the herdsmen. They will go to the checkpoints and shoot policemen and take their AK-47 rifles. They will go and dismantle the barracks, cart away the weapons, and several people. I must say, a large chunk of society were complicit in silence, not speaking out, or doing nothing, or saying nothing. We hardly condemn these activities and actions by these hoodlums, and now with this arms that they've accumulated, they've gone into the bush and organized themselves. Of course, how do they feed on a day-to-day basis? How do they feed their families? I want us also to remember that many of the security personnel who have died in the last few years did not die at the warfront, fighting another country. They died in the line of duty, coming to keep the peace, and the criminals intentionally, deliberately, in an organized fashion, went after them, killed them, and leaving their widows and widowers behind. We must remember that we are part of the problem, and unless we understand that we are part of the problem, by either keeping silent and not saying anything, not condemning these actions when they are perpetrated, or even giving out information about the identity of the perpetrators, to that extent, we also share responsibility. It will be sheer hypocrisy for us to come every year to say we are remembering these people, while the threats are still within and amongst us. These criminals are not spirits, they live amongst us, they live in our villages, they are people's brothers, they are people's children, they are people's relations, they are people's husbands and wives, they live amongst us. It is not just enough to walk every fifteenth of January, solemnly walk, and lay the wreath, and remember our fallen heroes. We must make the point and realize that we are contributing, one way or the other, by acts of omission or commission, in having a continuing flow of people who die needlessly and senselessly." The governor said that when the state officially unveils its new comprehensive security architecture this weekend, it would go after these criminals in a comprehensive and sustainable manner. He said that, hopefully, the new law, titled, the Homeland Security Law of Anambra State, which is before the House of Assembly now, would have been in place. "Anambra people cannot wait to have that comprehensive law from the House of Assembly that will codify several of these misdemeanors and criminal activities; so we can have the legal basis to be able to prosecute and go after these criminals. We must cleanse Anambra, and we will also be calling on everybody, all citizens, all residents of Anambra, that it is our homeland and everybody has something to do. Even if you can't do anything physically, at least you can say something. You know something, you say something. I want to call on our people that this moment today, the fifteenth day of January, while we remember the dead, while we celebrate the living, all of us as a people must remember that the issue of security is our collective responsibility. " The governor urged the people to continue to work together to build a safer, more secure, and more prosperous Anambra State.

By Madu Obi Officials of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra, OCHA Brigade, have arrested 10 sex workers lodging at Happiness Guest House, Amawbia, Awka South local government area and shut down the hotel. This operation was carried out after intelligence report shows that their illegal activities has aided various crimes, ranging from drug trafficking, under-aged sex workers and a hideout for armed robbers and other criminal activities. Managing Director of the agency, Chief Celestine Anere, who spoke after the raid, vowed to ensure that the suspects would be arrested and prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others who might be running similar illegal activities in the State. He urged people to report anyone suspected to be involved would in such criminal activities, assuring that all complaints, inquiries and submissions should be reported to his office.

By Madu Obi The Anglican Bishop of Amichi Diocese in Anambra State, Rt Rev Ephrem Ikeako and his Nnewi counterpart, Rt Rev Ndubuisi Obi have commended the humidity of the former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi for pursuing goals that uplift human beings. They both spoke when Peter Obi donated N20 million to two hospitals in the two dioceses. In their separate speeches, they observed that Obi has once again demonstrated his commitment to human development and societal advancement through his support for educational and humanitarian causes. While receiving a cheque of ₦10 million for the College of Nursing Sciences, Amichi, Bishop Ikeakor, described Obi as a “Special specie of human being.” He recounted Obi’s long-standing support for the Diocese, noting that his interventions have been pivotal in the growth of the hospital and affiliate schools. Bishop Ikeakor reflected on the hospital’s transformation from a bushy site to a thriving healthcare facility and credited Obi’s consistency and generosity as crucial to this progress. “Since the commencement of these facilities, Obi has owned the vision and has remained steadfast in his support,” he said. Speaking at the event, Obi revealed that his ongoing visits to the school and hospital were inspired by the exemplary leadership of Bishop Ikeakor. He commended the Diocese’s dedication to human development and called on governments to collaborate with organisations of goodwill for the betterment of society. He also disclosed that the cheque was for the previous year’s intervention, promising to return for the 2025 support. In Nnewi, Obi presented another cheque of ₦10 million to the Anglican Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most Rev. Ndubisi Obi, for ongoing projects at the Diocesan College of Health Technology. During the visit, he also toured the Diocese’s rehabilitation centre for individuals recovering from substance abuse and praised the Bishop for his thoughtfulness in establishing the facility and encouraged the residents to take their rehabilitation seriously and reintegrate into society as productive citizens. Obi also visited the Diocesan school for children with special needs and pledged to support the Bishop in caring for them. He expressed profound gratitude to Obi, describing him as a “rare creature with a good heart and a beautiful spirit.” He commended Obi’s exceptional commitment to the Church and society, noting how rare it is for individuals at his level to remain so connected to the people and their needs.