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Monday, October 12, 2026
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Anambra Lawmaker, Akpua Sponsors Motion Calling For Sensitisation On Adverse Effects Of Hard Drugs

By
Joseph Albert
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The Anambra State House of Assembly has called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to direct the Commissioners for Health, Information, Youths, Technology, Creative Economy and other relevant agencies to embark on a continuous sensitisation programme on the adverse effects of hard drugs.

The House made the call following a motion sponsored by the member representing Njikoka Two Constituency, Dr. Jude Akpua, and seconded by his Njikoka One Constiuency counterpart, Mr. Chidi Ibemeka, during plenary.

Speaker of the House, Right Honourable Somtochukwu Udeze, who presided over the plenary session, had moved for the resolution of the House on the matter, while the lawmakers unanimously adopted it through voice votes.

He advised that religious leaders, teachers and community leaders should be encouraged to assist in the sensitisation of the youths on the need to shun hard drugs.

Speaking on the motion, Dr. Akpua expressed worry that a recent report indicated that 14.4 percent of people between 15 and 64 years old abuse drugs in Nigeria.

He said the figure amounts to about 14.3 million people suffering from illicit drug disorder, and that one in four deaths occur as a result of illicit drug use.

“In fact, more deaths, illnesses and disabilities are associated with substance use disorder than any other preventable health condition,” Akpua explained.

The lawmaker equally expressed concern over the ugly trend mostly associated with the youths, saying that if left unchecked, it will lead to further breakdown of societal peace and tranquility; as a result of drug related or induced crimes.

“It will also increase the number of mentally deranged individuals in the state and deplete our human resources”, he stated.

Dr. Akpua however expressed optimism that concerted and coordinated efforts geared toward continuous sensitisation programmes on the negative effects of hard drugs to Ndi Anambra would go a long way to eradicate the menace and educate the people on the need to desist from the unhealthy practice.

He noted that the Act establishing the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) mandated it to enforce laws against the cultivation, processing, sale, trafficking and use of hard drugs, and to empowered it to investigate persons suspected to have dealings in drug and other related matters.

“Aware that hard drugs are substances that are seen as more potent and toxic, both physically, mentally and highly addictive which are usually injectable, inhaled and ingested causing the most damages to organs and natural functions in the shortest amount of time,” he stressed.

Credit: Anastasia Agunwa/Chizoba Okeke/Gloria Abugu

United Nigeria Chaplaincy Accuses One-time Commandant General, Ejie Of Flouting Court Order, Using Trademark To Extort

By
Joseph Albert
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… No, i’m obidient to the court, have since left UNC – Ejie

A one-time Commandant General of the United Nigeria Chaplaincy, UNC, Chaplain Commandant General Jidejisos Josiah Ejie, has been accused of fraudulently using the name and trademark of the association in organizing programmes and extorting money from unsuspecting members of the public across the 36 states of the federation, in flagrant contempt of a subsisting court order.

It was gathered that Federal High Court (1) Awka, on 6th February 2019, declared that Ejie has been lawfully and constitutionally removed as the Chairman of UNC, restrained him from holding or further holding himself out as the Chairman of the UNC and from performing or further performing the functions of the office of the Chairman of the association, and ordered him to account for all the monies of the association; which he collected, and to return all the association’s properties in his possession.

Speaking on reputational and other damages the said actions of Ejie are causing the association, a representative of the Board of Trustees, the apex governing body of the United Nigeria Chaplaincy, Chaplain General Uzoma C. Nwandu, said UNC has instituted court action against Ejie over the alleged disrespect to the court, adding that the matter was shifted to 21st November.

On the account of stewardship the court ordered Ejie to render to the UNC, Nwandu stated that the accused once concocted an account and tendered in the court, saying it is wrong and is being challenged because UNC is a corporate organization.

Nwandu, who is the BoT Admin, UNC, further alleged that Ejie formed another groups – the United Nigeria Chaplaincy Corps and the United Nigeria Chaplaincy Institute of Peace, and registered them in UNC name and with UNC trade mark in order to confuse and continue extorting money from the unsuspecting members of the public.

He regretted that Ejie has continued to frustrate efforts to achieve peace in the UNC, adding that the association had petitioned the Inspector General of Police, IGP, over the matter, believing that one day the long arm of the law with catch the culprit.

Nwandu however said that they are presently in court to seek solutions to Ejie’s gimmicks in order enable the UNC continue rendering it’s humanitarian services to the nation.

Contributing, the Commandant of the United Nigeria Chaplaincy, Anambra State Command, Chaplain Service Commander David Arinzechukwu, said peace building, empowerment of widows and other humanitarian services are some of the things the society stands to benefit from the UNC, but regretted that the activities of Ejie have led to about 13 years of legal battle that has continued to constituted a cog in their wheel of progress.

Reacting, the embattled one-time Commandant General of the UNC, Chaplain General Ejie, who said that all allegations levelled against him were false, and that he has complied with all court order in respect of the matter, noted that he has since left the association.

Update later…

Southeast Has Been Conquered – Akpabio Boosts As Ifeanyi Ubah Defects To APC

By
bvichannel1
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The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has said that the ruling party conquered the southeast with Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s coming into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Southeast has fallen, and it has fallen into APC. So the man that comes will be the torch to lead the southeast to the national politics of Nigeria. It is my privilege to hand him over to you, sir,” Akpabio said while presenting Ubah to APC national chairman Dr Abdullahi Gaduje.

On his part, Ganduje said the party’s journey to capture the southeast geopolitical zone had begun with the defection of Senator Ubah, a member of the Young Progressive Party (YPP), into the ruling party.

He expressed worry that four different political parties governed the southeast, comprising five states., adding that such a scenario was not politically healthy for the zone.

He said the lawmaker’s defection would embolden APC, which currently controls two out of five states, to take over the remaining three states for political necessity.

“This is the biggest fish I have gotten. Marginalisation is controversial. Let’s see what is happening in the southeast. With the five states, three states are controlled by different political parties.

“We have PDP, LP, APGA and the remaining two APC. Now, a geopolitical zone with five states controlled by four political parties. Is this a sense of unity? Is this a sense of collective decision in order to participate in national politics? No.

“Now, we have started seeing the answer. We will start a revolution. Already, we have two states in the southeast, and with this man of timber and calibre, juggernaut, I think we have found the answer. Answer liberating the southeast geopolitical zone,” Ganduje said.

Ubah promised to deliver his constituency and beyond to the APC. He said he joined the ruling party because of President Bola Tinubu’s antecedents and political magnanimity.

Politics Nigeria had earlier reported that the YPP accused the APC of trying to foster a one-party state in Nigeria.

The party accused the APC of forcefully poaching Ubah and berated the senator for claiming there is a division within the YPP.

Just In: CBN Suspends Forex Ban On Importation Of Rice, Cement, 41 Other Items

By
bvichannel1
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The Central Bank of Nigeria on Thursday finally lifted the foreign exchange restriction ban placed by a former governor of the bank, Mr Godwin Emefiele on the importation of 43 items.

The apex bank lifted the restriction in a statement issues by the Director, Corporate Communications Department, Isa AbdulMumin.

The Apex bank said in the statement made available to our Reporter that the 43 items are now allowed to purchase foreign exchange in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market.

To sustain the stability of the naira and ensure the efficient utilisation of forex, the CBN excluded importers of 41 items from accessing forex at the exchange markets to encourage local production and modified the list subsequently to 43 items.

The list are ;
Rice
Cement
Margarine
Palm kernel/palm oil products/vegetables oils
Meat and processed meat products
Vegetables and processed
vegetable products
Poultry – chicken, eggs, turkey
Private airplanes/jets
Indian incense
Tinned fish in sauce (geisha)/sardines
Cold-rolled steel sheets
Galvanised steel sheets
Roofing sheets
Wheelbarrows
Head pans
Metal boxes and containers
Enamelware
Steel drums
Steel pipes
Wire rods (deformed and not deformed)
Iron rods and reinforcing bars
Wire mesh
Steel nails
Security and razor wire
Wood particle boards and panels
Wood fibre boards and panels
Plywood boards and panels
Wooden doors
Furniture
Toothpicks
Glass and Glassware
Kitchen utensils
Tableware
Tiles – vitrified and ceramic
Textiles
Woven fabrics
Clothes
Plastic and rubber products, polypropylene granules, cellophane wrappers
Soap and cosmetics
Tomatoes/tomato paste
Dairy/milk
Maize

In the statement, the CBN said it will continue to promote orderliness and professional conduct by all participants in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market to ensure market forces determine exchange rates on a willing buyer – willing seller principle.

It said, “The CBN reiterates that the prevailing Foreign Exchange rates should be referenced from platforms such as the CBN website, FMDQ, and other recognised or appointed trading systems to promote price discovery, transparency, and credibility in the FX rates.

“As part of its responsibility to ensure price stability, the CBN will boost liquidity in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market by interventions from time to time. As market liquidity improves, these CBN interventions will gradually decrease.

“Importers of all the 43 items previously restricted by the 2015 Circular referenced TED/FEM/FPC/GEN/01/010 and its addendums are now allowed to purchase foreign exchange in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market.

“The CBN is committed to accelerating efforts to clear the FX backlog with existing participants and will continue dialogue with stakeholders to address the issue.

“The CBN has set as one of its goals ,the attainment of a single FX market. Consultation is ongoing with market participants to achieve this goal.

Wife Of Gabon’s Deposed Leader Ali Bongo Jailed.

By
Adamma Ikeogu
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Sylvia Bongo Ondimba Valentin, suspected of allegedly embezzling public funds, was jailed late on Wednesday, her lawyer Francois Zimeray told AFP, condemning the “arbitrary… illegal procedure”.

Bongo’s wife was charged on September 28 with money laundering, forgery and falsification of records. Sylvia Bongo has been under house arrest in the capital, Libreville, since the August 30 coup brought the curtain down on 55 years of Bongo dynasty rule.

The putschists allege the former head of state and his entourage falsified the election results. They accuse Sylvia Bongo and her son, Nourredin Bongo Valentin, of manipulating the former president, who has not fully recovered from a serious stroke in 2018. They say the two have effectively run the oil-rich country for the past five years and have misused public money.

Nourredin Bongo Valentin has been placed in detention since the coup, charged with corruption.

Source : Channels News

BREAKING: Senator, Ifeanyi Ubah Dumps YPP For APC

By
bvichannel1
-

Anambra South Senator, Ifeanyi Ubah, has defected from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah was the only member of the YPP in the present Senate.

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah representing Anambra South defects to APC from YPP

Just In : President Tinubu Appoints new EFCC Chairman

By
bvichannel1
-

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Ola Olukoyede as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for a renewable term of four years, pending Senate confirmation.

Tinubu also approved the appointment of Muhammad Hassan Hammajoda as the Secretary of the EFCC for a renewable term of five years in the first instance, pending Senate confirmation.

The appointments were announced in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, on Thursday, October 12, 2023.

“By the powers vested in President Bola Tinubu as established in section 2 (3) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004, that “the Chairman and members of the Commission, other than ex-officio members, shall be appointed by the President,” President Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Ola Olukoyede to serve as the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for a renewable term of four years in the first instance, pending Senate confirmation.

“Mr. Ola Olukoyede is a lawyer with over twenty-two (22) years of experience as a regulatory compliance consultant and specialist in fraud management and corporate intelligence. He has extensive experience in the operations of the EFCC, having previously served as Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman (2016-2018) and Secretary to the Commission (2018-2023). As such, he fulfills the statutory requirement for appointment as Chairman of the EFCC.

“Mr. Olukoyede’s appointment follows the resignation of the suspended Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa.

“Furthermore, President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Muhammad Hassan Hammajoda to serve as the Secretary of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for a renewable term of five years in the first instance, pending Senate confirmation.

“Mr. Muhammad Hassan Hammajoda is a public administrator with extensive experience in public finance management who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Maiduguri and a Masters in Business Administration from the same university. He began his career as a lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi. From there, he went into banking, including successful stints at the defunct Allied Bank and Standard Trust Bank.

“President Bola Tinubu tasks the new leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to justify the confidence given to them in this important national assignment as a newly invigorated war on corruption undertaken through a reformed institutional architecture in the anti-corruption sector remains a central pillar of the President’s Renewed Hope agenda.”

Gov. Mbah unveils New Enugu City, pledges support for NTA

By
bvichannel1
-

Enugu Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah has unveiled a world-class smart city called New Enugu City with information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure and other modern facilities scheduled for flag off tomorrow, even as he assured the management of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) of support and partnership.

The governor, who disclosed this, Wednesday, when the NTA Zonal Director, Mrs Nwadi Elobuike, led members of the federal government-owned television station on a courtesy visit to him at the Government House, Enugu, further stressed that the administration was determined at rebranding the former capital of the old Eastern Nigeria and headquarters of the South-East zone through partnership with grassroots media outlets like NTA.

He said the government was committed to working with both development agencies and service providers to achieve the unprecedented economic agenda envisioned by the state such as the eradication of poverty, migrating the state from public sector to private sector driven economy with the target of achieving a $30 billion economy, creating wealth for the teeming youths and providing enabling environment for sound education.

“Partnership with an institution like yours will enhance our programmes in the state,” he added.

Governor Mbah further said the administration had started doing things differently as promised during electioneering campaign through its creative alternative financing model aimed at shoring up internally generated revenues that would enable the government achieve its plans for the people.

“We are not relying on the current revenue model which we inherited. We are harnessing our natural resources through our creative alternative financing model.

“We are migrating our operations to digital space to facilitate ease of doing business. In the Ministry of Lands, an application for Certificate of Occupancy would be approved within 72 hours. We’ve commenced e-ticketing in the transportation sector and in the area of water, we are deliberate in delivering water to the people within the 180 days we promised them,” Mbah noted.

The governor also disclosed that the rehabilitation and reconstruction of 81 roads would be flagged off on Thursday and work would commence immediately, saying the pilot scheme for the 260 smart schools across the state would be ready for use next week.

Speaking earlier, Mrs Elobuike commended the governor for rolling out life-changing projects which the people had started enjoying.

“Barely a hundred days in office, your vision for Enugu State has begun to concretize into physical projects. The reality of your pipe-borne water agenda in particular, is an indication that yours is a people-oriented Government,” Nwadi stressed.

While recalling that the Enugu NTA was positioned to serve the people of the South East zone as a federal news agency, the Zonal Director appealed to the governor for intervention as the agency was facing series of challenges that had restricted its operational capacity.

“Our inability to transmit 24 hours has restricted us to less popular digital platforms. Help us, Your Excellency, to reposition and return NTA Enugu to its ‘second to none’ station for excellence status. Enugu is the soul and heart of the Igbo man and ought to keep leading the way in all facets of our national life,” she said.

Elobuike further added that the television station could no longer transmit a 24-hour operation due to logistics and power problems, saying the state could redeem the station from the challenges.

She called for support for the station on the area of solar power to enable the television migrate from the more expensive diesel-powered generator to a cost-effective renewable energy in order to operate seamlessly and effectively.

Israeli-Palestinian Hostility: CAN Deeply Concerned Over Humanitarian Crisis – Archbishop Okoh

By
Joseph Albert
-

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed deep concern over the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian war that has resulted in loss of countless lives, destruction of infrastructure and deepened humanitarian crisis in the region.

In a “Press Statement on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict” signed by the President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the Christian body said it is also concerned about the implications of the war for Nigeria and Nigerian pilgrims.

Describing the situation as distressing, and one that undermines the pursuit of global peace, CAN condemned any act of violence that threatens the lives of innocent individuals, regardless of their nationality or religious background.

Recognizing the sanctity of human life, as well as principles of justice and peace; as upheld by the Christian faith, CAN called for the immediate cessation of hostilities and violence between Israel and Palestine, and urged all parties involved to engage in dialogue and seek diplomatic solutions.

Details of the statement:

*CAN Press Statement on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict*

1. *Abuja, Nigeria* – The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is deeply concerned about the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict that has resulted in the loss of countless lives, destruction of infrastructure, and deepened the humanitarian crisis in the region. We are also concerned about its implications for Nigeria and Nigerian pilgrims.

2. The recent surprise attack by a militant group on Israeli citizens, resulting in the tragic loss of numerous lives and abduction of several persons, including women and children, is a distressing event that undermines the pursuit of global peace. CAN firmly condemns any act of violence that threatens the lives of innocent individuals, regardless of their nationality or religious background.

3. While recognizing Israel’s right to self-defense, we emphasize the importance of proportionality and the avoidance of harm to innocent civilians in any military response. The loss of innocent lives on both sides of the conflict is a tragic consequence of this escalating situation, and we extend our deepest condolences to all those who have suffered the loss of their loved ones in these incidents.

4. Consequently, we call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and violence between Israel and Palestine. We believe in the sanctity of human life and the principles of justice and peace, as upheld by our Christian faith. We urge all parties involved to engage in dialogue and seek diplomatic solutions.

5. Many Nigerian Christians undertake pilgrimages to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and other sacred sites. The ongoing conflict in the region raises concerns about the safety and well-being of Nigerian pilgrims. Therefore, we advise that the airlifting of Pilgrims be suspended until normalcy returns in the area.

6. Furthermore, the ongoing war holds significant implications for Nigeria’s faith communities. It is crucial for religious leaders and communities in Nigeria to actively promote understanding, compassion, and peaceful coexistence among diverse religious groups. We must resist the temptation to allow this conflict to deepen divisions or inflame religious tensions within our nation, Nigeria.

7. In light of these developments, CAN prays for the repose of the souls of those who were killed in the violent attack and the resultant war, as well as reconciliation, healing, and enduring peace in the region. May God Almighty comfort their families. We also call upon the international community, including the United Nations and relevant stakeholders, to redouble their efforts in facilitating a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

8. Finally, we encourage all religious congregations in Nigeria to engage in fervent prayers for peace and unity in the region, for the protection and well-being of those affected by the conflict, and the speedy release of the abducted individuals. Let us remember that our faith calls us to be peacemakers and agents of reconciliation, even in the midst of conflict and adversity.

9. May the God of peace guide us as we navigate these challenging times, and may His grace and mercy prevail in the lands of Israel and Palestine.

Stolen genitals: Monarch, security agents warn against jungle justice

By
Adamma Ikeogu
-

A monarch, the Esu Karu of Karu, Nassarawa State, Luka Payan and security agents, on Wednesday, warned residents of Karu against taking laws into their own hands and avoiding all forms of ‘jungle justice.’

Panya said this at a meeting with security agents, traditional rulers, community, religious, motorcycle and tricycle leaders, following the recent bizarre story of stolen genitals.

He said that in the last three weeks, there had been incidents of stolen genitals around Karu, Masaka, Ado, New Nyanya and the latest in Sharp Corner, where the suspect and his car were burnt.

He stressed that it was his duty to ensure that his subjects were safe because the essence of leadership is to ensure that the community is peaceful and attains the required development.

“We have a duty to talk to our people so we know how to manage these issues of stolen genitals, so we don’t take laws into our hands.

“I urge every representative, especially the chairman of the motorcycle/tricycle riders association to pass the message to their people.

“There is no society that is free of crime, but there are ways to handle these through security agencies, not jungle justice because anybody can be affected,’’ the Esu said.

Jatau warned that no act of jungle justice would be tolerated any longer in the community. He said that Karu was a sensitive town and close to the Federal Capital Territory, and therefore, expressed his fears that if the present situation was not well managed, could escalate to religious or ethnic crises. Jatau advised the people to be careful not to raise false alarms as anyone seen at the scene where jungle justice was being carried out, would be charged to court too.

Similarly, the Police Area Commander in charge of Karu, Francis Obigwa, said that the issue of alleged stolen genitals, which had been proven to be untrue medically, was becoming overwhelming.

According to Obigwa, there have been ongoing arrests regarding the case and both the suspect and victims will be charged in court. He said that some persons were now capitalizing on the trending issue to commit all manner of crimes, adding that the police are on the alert to deal with such individuals.

Source : Punch Newspapers

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