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By Robert Obioha, Columnist As we enter the New Year, it is not in doubt that the politics of 2023 will take the centre stage and assume a life of its own. No matter the stage of our democracy and how our politicians have fared, especially since 2015 when this so-called change regime of the All Progressives Congress (APC) took over from Dr. Goodluck Jonathan administration following the defeat of the Peoples Democracy Party (PDP) in the general election of that year, Nigerians still love democracy and politics. They have also come to believe that multiparty democratic culture has come to stay in the country in spite of its imperfections. What our democracy needs so urgently is for men of goodwill, I mean men who are patriotic and selfless, to mount the saddle and deliver the much-needed democracy dividends to Nigerians. Our democracy is in need of men and women who will be servant-leaders, politicians fired by nationalistic feelings, leaders willing to inspire other Nigerians

BY Our Correspondence, ABAKALIKI The Izhi Nnodo Youth Forum national president comrade Ben Nwovu has warned sellers of the trending drugs, methamphetamine chloride popularly called mkprummiri even they have set up a committee to clampdown all the dealers and consumers in the area. Comrade Ben Nwovu made this known at the state secretariat on Thursday 23rd Dec. during their 2021 end year party in Abakaliki. Nwovu noted that the members of the Forum cutting across three council areas including Abakaliki, Ebonyi and Izzi, have been advised to desist from intake of hard drugs in considering their negative effects on their health. "I have set a committee in various communities in Izhi land, to clampdown all the dealers and consumers of Mkpurummiri in our land. "And the directive is that anybody found taking mkpurummiri, should be tied and corrected to make sure that the mkpurummiri is completely avoided in Izhi land. "It's not only taking the dealers or consume

BY NDUBUISI NWOGHA , ABAKALIKI A major support group of the Ebonyi state Peoples Democratic Party, Ebonyi People's Movement for Anyim Presidency on weekend endorsed the PDP presidential aspirant, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim in his Ishiagu Country home, Ivo LGA of the state. According to statement presented by the national president, Comrade Obiya Sabastine, said the adoption of His Excellency Anyim Pius Anyim was spurred by the enviable track records of the former Secretary to the federal government whose eloquent antecedents has proven him worthy of the position. The national president Ebonyi People's Movement, Comrade Obiya emphasized the need for all leaders of Igbo extraction to rally round the former president of Nigeria senate who according to him has garnerd alot of leadership experiences enough to return the country to it's eldorado. He noted that the pro-democracy group which was formed after the most peaceful generally accepted state party congress that saw the

- - Honours Chieftaincy Title To Police Officer By NDUBUISI NWOGHA , ABAKALIKI In a way to compliment the effort of Ebonyi state government to security of lives and property, the Area Command in charge of metropolitan,Fasesan Ibrahim on Wednesday,29th December,2021 inaugurated six hundred and seventy men of vigilante group at Igbeagu Autonomous Community, Izzi LGA, Ebonyi state. This is coming shortly after the traditional ruler Igbeagu Autonomous Community, His Royal Highness,Eze Michael Ogbonna Ukwa coronated the Area Command as "Agu Ji Egbe 1 of Izzi" in his palace, at Ndidoko Igbeagu. Addressing members of the Council, the traditional ruler appreciated the security personnel for honouring the invitation and described the event as a memorable day in the community. "Today will ever remain a memorable day in Igbeagu Autonomous Community when a crime burster, the Area Command in charge of metropolitan will be honoured in my palace for his contribution in se

-- Visits Senator Orji BY NDUBUISI NWOGHA, ABAKALIKI Frontline presidential aspirant for the 2023 general elections, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim today consulted with Sen. Theodore Ahamefuna Orji, former Governor of Abia State and serving Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District. The visit was greeted with a surprise and superlative host by Sen. Orji After welcoming the delegation, the duo went into a close door meeting. Addressing the delegation Senator Orji said, "our meeting is for the good of Nigeria, and with God and the support of our people, we shall make it happen". Other who spoke among Hon. Livinus Makwe, Member representing Ohanivo Federal Constituency in his vote of thanks, thanked Sen. Orji for the sumptuous host and wished all Nigerians a merry Christmas and prosperous 2022.

BY Current News24 Reporter, ABAKALIKI The Ohaziri Mba Renaissance Movement (OMRM) under the leadership of the newly Ebonyi, APC elected Chairman, Alhaji (Dr)Haroun Ogbonnia Ajah Friday welcomes the Chairman of the Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress and the Executive Governor of Yobe State, His Excellency,Alhaji Mai Mala Buni and his colleagues to Ebonyi State. According to press statement signed by the Director General of the factional group led by Chief Alex Okemini and made available to our reporter, the group lamented the high level of anti party activities exhibited by the state Governor and his penchant for sidelining old party members in the affairs of leadership in the state. "We want to use this oppurtunity to inform and alert Gov.Mai Mala Buni about the negative activities going on in Ebonyi APC ochestrated by Gov. David Umahi and his anti old APC members stand. "Your Excellency would r

BY NDUBUISI NWOGHA, ABAKALIKI In her usual way of showing love to the downtrodden, Prof Adaeze Nwuzor, founder Indigent Care Foundation on 15th December,2021 celebrated with the Indigents persons and aged charging them to see hope in the birth of our lord Jesus Christ. Prof Nwuzor gave the charge on the 12th years anniversary of Ben-Laz family Christmas celebration. Speaking during the event in a seminar entitled "Role of Education in development of our youths" by Honourable Oliver Nwachukwu, charged the youth to invest more in their educational career as a way to make positive impact in the society. Hon Nwachukwu described education as a bed rock of every developed society, and encouraged the youths to shun all forms of social vices inorder to excel in life. Earlier, the spiritual director of the home, Reverend Fr James Nwofoke enjoined christians to share with their neighbours as giving is the greatest way to show love. The Catholic priest admonished christians to cu

BY NDUBUISI NWOGHA ANDY, ABAKALIKI In their effort to improve health sector in Ebonyi state,a non governmental organization known as Development and Integrity Intervention Goal Foundation,DIG, has organized a two days orientation training curriculum for civil society organizations across the three senatorial zones in the state. The two days training took place between 17-18 December,2021 in Geneza Hotel,Onwe Road, Abakaliki, Ebonyi state capital. According to the state Leadership and Governance Advisor IHP USAID Integrated Health Programme, Mrs Ikwuakor Chinyere Geraldine noted that the essence of the training is for stakeholders of civil society organizations to be deeply involve in budget planning as to contribute to the development of the health of their people. Ikwuakor emphasized on the need for civil society groups across the three senatorial zones to be part of the state budget planning until implementation knowing that they have great role to play including influe

Our Reporter Only 25 varsities have their courses fully accredited, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has affirmed in its 2021 universities ranking. None of the best-ranked varsities was listed among the 25 institutions that have their courses 100 per cent accredited. Here is the full list of 25 varsities fully accredited in Nigeria 1. Adeleke University, Osun State 2. Al-Qalam University, Katsina State 3. Caleb University, Lagos State 4. Chrisland University, Lagos State 5. Crescent University, Ogun State 6. Federal University, Lokoja 7. Federal University, Wukari 8. Federal University, Kashere 9. Hallmark University, Ogun State 10. Hezekiah University, Imo State 11. Ibrahim Babangida University, Niger State 12. Igbenedion University, Edo State 13. Kano University of Science and Technology, Kano 14. Kebbi State University of Science and Technology 15. Kogi State University 16. Maitama Sule University, Kano State 17. McPherson University, Ogun State

BY MBAM EJIKE, ABAKALIKI The Member Representing Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo federal constituency, Makwe Livinus has flagged off a two day free medical outreach in his constituency. The programme, which is in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN), was flagged off at Oshiri Central school. The two day exercise saw participants in each of the three local councils where the event held trooping out in their large numbers to be examined and treated. Makwe, while addressing the beneficiaries of the medical care, said the intervention was geared towards addressing the medical needs of his constituents, especially the indigent and less privileged persons. He said the outreach was targeting at least 20,000 patients to benefit from the free medical care scheme in the three communities Makwe said, “The the aim is to bring out as many of our constituents who have medical needs, provide them the opportunity to assess medical care free of cha

By Ndubuisi Nwogha, Abakaliki The Chairman of Ebonyi State House of Assembly Service Commission Deaconess Mrs Roseline Obasi Nwode has tasked Christians to extend arms giving to less privileged even as she said the State Governor, Engr David Nweze Umahi has made the celebration of Christmas worthwhile in the state as he has provided salvation to the people from backwardness, neglect, poverty, inferiority complex, underdevelopment and bad governance. Deaconess Obasi Nwode stated this in Abakaliki while analyzing the reason why Ebonyians should shove other impending factors aside to celebrate Christmas and thank God for keeping them alive to see Ebonyi becoming the State of their dream. The Commission Chairman maintained that before the advent of David Umahi led administration , it was an uphill task for Ebonyians in diaspora to come home for Christmas as a result of bad roads that lead into the state but within six years of the leading administration, all the leading roads h

BY NDUBUISI NWOGHA , ABAKALIKI The Senator representing Ebonyi Central, Senator Obinna Ogba on weekend has boasted that he has all it takes to withstand the transitional government of Engr David Umahi come 2023. Recall that Governor Umahi was recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress with body language showing that he's hunting for his predecessor. Ogba made the statement at the State Executive Committee, SEC Meeting of the Party at Salt Lake Hotel, Abakaliki. Distributing vehicles to the State Party Chairman and his Deputy, and chairmen of the 13 Local Government Areas of the PDP, the Senator representing Ebonyi South zone, Hon.Ogba called on the party faithful to have trust in the PDP as the party would not disappoint them come 2023. “I have all it takes to match Governor David Umahi in any elections. Am giving rice to all PDP 171 wards. This will be given to them latest 20th December, 2021. “Am giving out these cars to

BY MBAM EJIKE, ABAKALIKI High Court sitting in Abakaliki on weekend convicted Mr. Njoku Shedrack who poured acid/corrosive substance on Chukwunonso Caleb Onwe Esq, a member of Abakaliki Branch of NBA and sentenced him to 7 years imprisonment without an option of fine. In delivering the judgment in Charge No. HAB/151C/2020- State v. Njoku Shedrack, the court presided over by Hon. Justice I.P Chima held that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that it was the defendant who poured acid on the lawyer on 1/10/2019 without any justification and accordingly convicted him for the offence of Assault Occasioning harm. Reacting to the judgment, the Prosecution counsel J.U Chukwu, Assistant Chief State Counsel thanked the court for doing justice in the matter. Similarly, the defendant' s counsel Odiegwu Ibekwe, Esq.thanked the court for delivering a well considered judgment stating that courts should always ensure that justice is done in all circumstances.

BY MBAM EJIKE There is anxiety in the All Progressives Congress (APC) over an alleged plot to hold presidential, governorship and other primaries before the National Convention of the party. The party’s Caretaker/ Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) is yet to fix a date or set up a committee for the convention although President Muhammadu Buhari last month advised the Caretaker Committee to consider February for the convention, But the Director-General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Salihu Moh. Lukman, has warned the CECPC that further delay in holding the party’s national convention is not in the best interest of the APC. According to investigation, some forces are opposed to the conduct of the National Convention before the primaries for the 2023 polls. Those behind this new game felt it is better to hold all party leaders and members “hostage and be loyal” than to leave APC disunited after the National Convention. It was learnt that shifting

BY NDUBUISI NWOGHA ANDY, ABAKALIKI Prominent northern traditional ruler and Emir of Lafia, Hon Sidi Bage, Retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria has recommended frontline presidential aspirant, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim as a capable hand to solve the problems of Nigeria. Justice Bage stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the Awards/Honours Symposium organized by The Nigerian News to mark the 5th anniversary of the media outfit. He said that after listening to the former President of the Senate's speech at an award ceremony in Lagos recently, he was left with no doubt that Anyim understands the problems of Nigeria and that he is capable of fixing them. Bage described the former secretary to the government of the Federation (SGF) as Nostradamus who has seen and understood what Nigeria should be in future. "He knows what Nigeria should be today and tomorrow", he insisted urging, "let all Nigerians read that speech." "He (Anyim) made me beli

Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested a staff of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki and a principal Nurse, at the hospital’s Annex, Nwezenyi junction, Igbeagu Autonomous Community, Izzi Local Government Area of the state, over child trafficking. According to statement issued by the command Spokesperson, DSP Loveth Odah, on Tuesday 14th December,2021 said the Command also recovered two babies, male and female between the ages of three days and two weeks. The suspects were identified as Ndidiamaka Enyinta Emeka, Chinenye Idam and Maryjane Inya. She said the suspects were arrested on December 10, following a report to the Divisional Police Officer by a concerned citizen of the area who alleged that one of the suspects, Maryjane was seen with two newborn babies suspected to have been stolen. Odah stated that preliminary investigation revealed that one of the suspects, Ndidiamaka Enyinta Emeka is the biological mother of the male child, adding that s

BY CURRENT NEWS24 REPORTERS There has been a legal brawl between some Local government Areas of Nigeria against the Federal government simply for the determination of who has the power to operate marriage registries, conduct marriages and issue marriage certificates. Statutorily, the Local governments are the ones empowered to conduct marriages and issue marriage certificates, for this reason, the LGAs have insisted that their powers to register marriages which are statutorily provided are being usurped by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Interior. The Eti Osa LOcal Government Area of Lagos state took the Ministry of Interior and Attorney General of the Federation to court in suit no.: FHC/ LS/CS/816/18 between Eti-Osa LGA & 3 others v. Hon. Minister of Interior & 2 others (Federal High Court, Ikoyi Judicial Division), where the accused Federal Ministry of Interiors of usurping the Local Government’s power to operate marriage registries, conduct marriages and

--Describes him as man of courage BY NDUBUISI NWOGHA ANDY, ABAKALIKI The presidential candidate under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim today felicitates with the governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike on his 58th birthday. He disclosed the felicitation known in a letter endorsed by himself and made available to newsmen. Anyim who described Wike as a brother and a man of courage, noted that the Rivers State Governor has proven his leadership prowess in different positions of trust including as a former Minister. He pointed out that Chief Wike as a Governor showed himself as a man of principle and courage in leadership. The former Secretary General of the federal republic added that that the landmark achievements of the state Governor even far from the state speak for itself, hence, posits him as a visionary leader the people could becon. He admitted that associating with the governor is a thing of joy and summarized him with what he

BY NDUBUISI NWOGHA ANDY, ABAKALIKI The Ebonyi State Goverment has donated a total amount of N21million and over 4,000 bags of rice as 2021 Christmas gifts to the staff of tertiary institutions in the state. The Special Assistant to the Governor on Inter-Party and Labour Matters, Comr. (Mrs.) Jennifer Onyekachi Adibe-nwafor who presented the items to the managements of the institutions on behalf of the Governor, said that the governor has sent the items to the workers to help in making their Christmas a joyous one. Mrs Adibe-Nwafor noted that the gesture has become an annual event under Gov. Umahi which is designed by the governor to assist the workers as prices of commodities usually skyrocket during this period. She added that Gov. Umahi has shown uncommon love towards Ebonyi workers and advised the workers to be supportive of His Excellency's administration. Mrs Adibe-Nwafor lauded the developmental strides of Engr Umahi in the institutions she visited, and specif

BY NDUBUISI NWOGHA, ABAKALIKI In his contributions to uplifting humanity in the society,the President cum Co-founder of Ebele & Anyi-Chuks Foundation , High Chief (Dr) Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii will be commissioning all the houses built by his foundation for the less privileged, aged traditional institutions, schools, churches, among others in Ebonyi state. This was contained in a statement signed and made available to journalists by the Executive Secretary of the foundation, Comrade Okorie C. Okorie on Sunday in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state capital. According to Mr Okorie, the foundation is working tirelessly to ensure the successful completion and commission of the building projects soon. "Work is seriously in progress in all the project sites of Ebele and AnyiChuks Foundation as H.E High Chief Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii FHL, our President/Co-founder is set to commission houses built by the foundation," Okorie hinted. He noted that the foundation has embarked on build

BY NDUBUISI NWOGHA, ABAKALIKI Contrary to speculations as to why President Muhammadu Buhari postponed his visit to Ebonyi State this month, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State, today stated that the postponment was because of the appeal he made to the President while in Paris. According to him, “I was in Paris and I told Mr. President that the leaders of South-East would want to visit him over the issue of peace in South-East and appeal to him to postpone the visit till early next year. “ Umahi stated this during the Ebonyi State Thanksgiving Service held at the new Government House Chapel, Abakaliki. Meanwhile, the insinuations behind the postponement was that Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB threatened to cause mayhem in Ebonyi, if the President dares visits the State. “I saw where one misguided element that calls himself IPOB, that said Mr. President is not welcomed in Ebonyi. He is inconsequential and I want you to put on social media. He is so consequential. “But I did

--Appoints Eguavoen Interim Super Eagles’ Boss BY NDUBUISI NWOGHA, ABAKALIKI The Nigeria Football Federation has appointed Mr Augustine Eguavoen, currently its Technical Director, as the Technical Adviser of the Super Eagles on an interim basis. This is with immediate effect, and follows the termination of the relationship with Franco-German Gernot Rohr, who has been in charge of the three –time African champions for the past 64 months, and is Nigeria’s longest –serving manager.   Following a virtual meeting of the NFF Executive Committee on Sunday, it was decided that Eguavoen will work with Salisu Yusuf (Chief Coach); Paul Aigbogun (Assistant Coach); Joseph Yobo (Assistant Coach); Dr Terry Eguaoje (Assistant Coach) and Aloysius Agu (Goalkeeper Trainer). Former Nigeria captains Augustine ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu and Garba Lawal have been appointed to provide technical and ambassadorial support for the crew.   General Secretary of the NFF, Dr Mohammed Sa

BY NWOGHA, ABAKALIKI Commissioner For Trade and Investment, Barr Chioma Jennifer Nweze today commended Apostle Engr David Umahi for giving Ebonyi citizens reasons to come home and celebrate their Christmas with all dimension achievements they would be proud to see in their state. Barr Nweze highlights achievements of the state governor while addressing newsmen at Ochudo centenary city, Abakaliki, Ebonyi state capital. The Trade and Investment Commissioner who noted that the achievements are enough to celebrate Christmas in ecctassy went in memory lane to point out landmark projects of the state governor and pointed out that Governor Umahi would do well if voted as president come 2023. "The landscapes have been so utterly transformed in so little time as the slice of South Eastern Nigeria called Ebonyi state. The terrain itself, until half a decade ago, was mocked as the dust of the nation. Visitors who dared venture into it ended up with a bitter taste in their mouth. The

By NDUBUISI NWOGHA Ahead of the 2023 general election and the nationwide consultation move, one of the first class Traditional Rulers in Nigeria who retired as Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Sidi Bage Muhammed, JSC Rtd, the 17 Emir of Lafia Barebari and Chairman Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs today received Senator Anyim Pius Anyim and assured him of his support. Anyim was greeted with Royal reception at the palace as they rolled out her drums in celebration of Anyim's delegation. The former Secretary to the Government of the country in his address expressed his desire to reposition the country to catch up with the future citizens would be proud of if given the opportunity. " In the next few years, the type of employment we will be talking about will not be the type we are talking right now. And sir, we need to reposition this country to catch up with the future so that we can preserve the future for our children. " That is what I st