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N50 Million Support For Soludo: Njikoka Mayor’s Aide, Okogba, Arrested Over Publication Against LG APGA Chairman, Anaekwe

N50 Million Support For Soludo: Njikoka Mayor’s Aide, Okogba, Arrested Over Publication Against LG APGA Chairman, Anaekwe

 

Chris Okogba, an aide to Barrister Chinedu Dominic Ononiba, the Mayor of Njikoka Local Government Area, has been arrested.

It was gathered that the arrest was in connection with a publication he made on Facebook and other social media platforms on or around 17 February 2026, accusing the Njikoka Local Government APGA Chairman, Pharm. Chinedu Anaekwe, of pocketing fifty million naira contributed by stakeholders in the area to support Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s re-election.

The publication reads:

“WHERE IS THE ₦50,000,000 DONATED BY NDI NJIKOKA FOR THE GOVERNOR’S RE-ELECTION?

Serious concerns have continued to trail the reported ₦50,000,000 (Fifty Million Naira) donation made by Ndi Njikoka stakeholders toward the re-election campaign of Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR. The donation, publicly announced during the Governor’s campaign visit to Njikoka Local Government Area on November 1, 2025, was presented in the form of a dummy cheque, symbolizing what appeared to be a fully mobilized financial contribution from the people of Njikoka.

Months after the Governor’s re-election, Njikoka LGA stakeholders found out that the money had not been remitted to the Governor’s campaign organization. After the event, Pharm. Chinedu Anaekwe (Nwa Jesus), the Njikoka LGA party chairman, was mandated to remit the ₦50,000,000 to the appropriate campaign account as directed by stakeholders.

However, months after the campaign season, concerns began to surface among stakeholders that the ₦50,000,000 had not been remitted as directed to Parm. Chinedu Anaekwe This development has raised questions within the local government, particularly as the donation was made in the collective name of Ndi Njikoka, thereby placing a responsibility of accountability on Pharm. Anaekwe entrusted with handling the funds.

Stakeholders have since demanded clarity on whether the funds were actually transferred to the Governor’s campaign organization. Hitherto, the N50,000,000 has not been remitted; absence of any publicly presented receipt, acknowledgement, or official statement confirming remittance has further intensified calls for transparency. Many believe that a matter of this magnitude requires open disclosure to prevent misunderstanding and restore public confidence.

Ndi Njikoka stakeholders therefore pose a straightforward question: Where is the ₦50,000,000 donated for the Governor’s re-election, Phar. Chinedu Anaekwe?

Reports reaching us indicate that he (Anaekwe) has used the N50,000,000 for his personal use. As he is currently building a house with the funds in Amansea, Awka. And he has been running around to borrow money to replace the funds he has misappropriated proves abortive.

Therefore, Njikoka LGA is given him from now to Wednesday 18th February to remit the N50,000,000 to the campaign organization of Mr. Governor or face disciplinary action.

Maintaining transparency will end speculation, and accountability will ultimately restore trust among party faithful and the wider Njikoka, hoo-haa!”

Announcing Okogba’s arrest, one Charles Faminda (Voice in the Wilderness) stated, “We have just received reports that Hon. Chris Okogba was arrested this morning by the Njikoka APGA Party Chairman, Pharm. Chinedu Anaekwe,” adding that “the arrest follows his recent publication about the ₦50 million donated by Njikoka stakeholders to support our working Governor’s second-term bid.”

“We stand united in demanding transparency and justice. All roads lead to Awka—let our voices be heard and justice prevail. We call on all supporters, community members, and well-wishers to remain steadfast and peaceful as we seek his immediate release and fair treatment. Together, we stand for truth, fairness, and justice.”

When contacted, the Njikoka Local Government APGA Chairman, Pharm. Anaekwe said he didn’t use Njikoka money for anything, the money has also been remitted, publication against him done in bad faith and meant to malign him, adding that he invited the police to “clear certain things”.

Awka Traditional Stool Dispute: Soludo Inaugurates Commission Of Inquiry To Determine Whether “Eze Uzu II” Was Appropriately Dethroned

Awka Traditional Stool Dispute: Soludo Inaugurates Commission Of Inquiry To Determine Whether “Eze Uzu II” Was Appropriately Dethroned

The Governor of Anambra State, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has inaugurated a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the protracted dispute surrounding the traditional stool of Awka, known as the “Eze Uzu” throne.

The Commission was formally inaugurated on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the Deputy Governor’s Conference Hall at Light House, Awka.

The Commission is chaired by Hon. Justice Paul Obidigwe (Rtd), former Chief Judge of Anambra State. Other members of the panel include:

Prof. Kate Omenugha – Secretary

HRH Dr. Ben Emeka (Igwe Umueri) – Member

Barr. Nnaemeka Francis Patrick Egonu – Member

Rev. Fr. Barr. Maurice Izunwa – Member

The Governor charged the Commission to conduct a thorough, impartial, and comprehensive inquiry into the issues that have led to tensions over the revered traditional stool.

The Commission is mandated to:

1. Determine the remote and immediate causes of the dispute over the traditional stool “Eze Uzu” of Awka.

2. Ascertain whether Chief Gibson Nwosu, known as “Eze Uzu II” of Awka, was appropriately dethroned.

3. Determine whether Chief Austin Ndigwe was duly selected and installed as the legitimate traditional ruler of Awka and whether he is legitimately functioning in that capacity.

4. Make recommendations to the State Government on necessary steps to bring the dispute to a definitive end.

In carrying out its assignment, the Commission is expected to be guided by the provisions of:

The Traditional Rulers Amended Constitution for Awka Town, 1986

 

The Constitution of Awka Development Union

The Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law, 2007

Governor Soludo, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, emphasized the importance of upholding due process, respect for tradition, and the rule of law in resolving the matter, noting that the peace and unity of Awka remain paramount to his administration.

The Commission is required to conclude its inquiry and submit its report to the Governor on or before March 17, 2026.

The establishment of the Commission marks a significant step by the Anambra State Government toward resolving the lingering leadership dispute and restoring harmony in Awka.

Credit: Onyinyechi Edokwe.

GGM Condemns the Attempted Assassination of Mr. Peter Obi.

The Good Governance Ministry (GGM) strongly condemns the barbaric and cowardly attack on Mr. Peter Obi and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) during their political visit to Benin City, Edo State.

Reports indicate that a delegation of the ADC, which included former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Edo State Governor Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, was attacked by armed hoodlums while on a visit to receive former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Olumide Akpata, into the party. Eyewitness accounts reveal that the attackers opened fire indiscriminately, causing panic and forcing the delegation to seek refuge at Chief Odigie-Oyegun’s residence.

We are deeply disturbed that such brazen violence could be unleashed on law-abiding citizens engaged in legitimate political activity.

Few casualties were recorded and several vehicles in the convoy were damaged and the residence gate was riddled with bullet holes — a clear indication of the gravity of the attack.

GGM views this incident as a dangerous assault on democracy. Political engagement, freedom of association, and peaceful opposition are fundamental pillars of any democratic society.

The increasing wave of political violence, particularly as the 2027 general elections approach, raises serious concerns about the safety of political actors and the health of our democratic process.

We call on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to conduct a swift, transparent, and thorough investigation into this incident and ensure that the perpetrators are identified and brought to justice. Silence or inaction will only embolden enemies of democracy.

Good Governance Ministry stands in solidarity with Mr. Peter Obi, the ADC leadership, and all Nigerians who believe in peaceful political participation. Violence has no place in our democracy, and we must collectively reject every attempt to intimidate or silence opposition voices.

Nigeria must not descend into a state where bullets replace ballots.

Nigeria must be re-negotiated before the indigenous people could make any significant progress.

Comrade Chinedu Asuzu
Leader, Good Governance Ministry (GGM)
ggovernanceministry@gmail.com

Veteran Journalist Thankgod Ofoelue Dies at 48 -Queen Madu

Veteran Journalist Thankgod Ofoelue Dies at 48

By Queen Madu,BVI Channel 1 Online

The Ofoelue family of Ezi Nde Ukpabi, Ugbo Village, Arochukwu, has announced the sudden passing of veteran journalist, Mazi Onukwube Thankgod Ofoelue.

He died on the evening of Monday, February 23, 2026, following a brief illness. He was 48 years old.

Ofoelue, who previously worked with The Sun Newspaper, where he began his journalism career, was widely respected for his professionalism, courage, and dedication to the media industry.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Mazi Obozuluike Ofoelue expressed deep sorrow over the loss. “We are devastated by the loss of my younger brother — a man of courage, vision, and dedication. His absence leaves a painful void in our hearts and in the media community he so passionately served,” he said.

Colleagues described the late journalist as a man of integrity, passion, and unwavering commitment to truth, noting that his contributions to the media landscape were widely recognized and appreciated.

In his reaction, Comrade Chinedu Asuzu commiserated with the Ofoelue family over the painful loss. He stated that the media community has lost a great comrade whose dedication and service will not be forgotten. He prayed for strength and comfort for the family during this difficult time.

Burial arrangements will be announced at a later date.

 

US Congress Submits Report on Persecution of Christians in Nigeria, Recommends Sanctions

The United States House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs have formally submitted a comprehensive report to the White House detailing findings and recommendations on the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The report, presented on Monday, outlines proposed measures to address religious violence, impose accountability, and strengthen security cooperation between the United States and Nigeria.

Congressman Riley Moore, who led the investigation, confirmed the submission, stating that the document contains “concrete actions to end the persecution of Christians in Nigeria and counter growing extremist violence in the region”.

The report recommends establishing a bilateral US-Nigeria security agreement to protect vulnerable Christian communities and dismantle jihadist networks. It also proposes withholding certain US funds pending demonstrable action by the Nigerian government to curb violence.

Other recommendations include imposing sanctions and visa restrictions on individuals and groups allegedly responsible for religious persecution, providing technical support to address violence attributed to armed Fulani militias, demanding the repeal of Sharia and blasphemy laws, and working with international partners such as France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom.

The investigation followed President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and his directive mandating Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole to lead a detailed congressional probe into the situation.

Here are the U.S. Congress recommendations to President Trump on persecution of Christians in Nigeria:

1. Bilateral US-Nigeria Security Agreement: Establish a security pact to protect Christian communities and dismantle jihadist networks
2. Withhold US Funds: Suspend certain US funds until Nigeria takes concrete action to stop violence against Christians
3. Sanctions and Visa Restrictions: Impose sanctions and visa restrictions on individuals and groups responsible for religious persecution
4. Technical Support: Provide technical support to Nigeria to eliminate violence from armed Fulani militias.
5. Repeal Sharia and Blasphemy Laws: Demand Nigeria repeal Sharia and blasphemy laws.
6. International Cooperation: Collaborate with France, Hungary, and the UK to address the issue.
7. Remove Fulani Militias: Remove Fulani militias from confiscated farmland and enable displaced communities to return.
8. Humanitarian Aid: Provide humanitarian aid to affected communities, especially in the Middle Belt region.
9. Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: Expand counter-terrorism cooperation with Nigeria

10.Designate Fulani Militias as FTO Consider designating Fulani militias as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

bvi channel one

“Nwa boi” Who Murdered His Oga Confesses to The Crime and Reasons for the Attack

Speaking with The Nation newspaper at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) where his case was transferred to, the suspect denied most of the allegations, including drug addiction and returning home late on the fateful day. He however confessed to killing his master with pestle as well as attacking Ogechukwu with the same object.

He said: “I came over to Onitsha in 2023 to learn the trade at the instance of my elder brother who had connection with my master.

“I had to agree to relocate to Onitsha since my parents, who are peasant farmers, could not sponsor my university education even when I had passed both West African Examination Council (WAEC) and Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exams.

“My relationship with my master was cordial until recently. I remember one of the days I came back from church activity and my Oga (boss) pounced on me, insisting I should tell him where I went to.

“I reported that experience to my elder brother who linked me up with him, but my brother advised me to patiently endure and see the maltreatment as part of the apprenticeship experience.

“In July last year, I met with a friend in Ogbo-Ogwu Market, Nnabuife and requested for his assistance to open a bank account for me so I could be saving money there. He agreed and opened the account, which I kept monitoring through PoS until it got to N5 million and I requested Nnabuife to help me withdraw the money.

“By then, I was already planning to quit apprenticeship to enable me establish mine. But by the time Nnabuife (who also is currently in police custody) withdrew the money, the amount he handed over to me was not complete. It was roughly above N3million.

“When I complained, he threatened to collect the entire money, insisting it was his own gain for assisting me to open the account and monitor it.

“This got me angry because I had already planned what I would do with the money.”

Asked what triggered the murder incident, he said: “I came back from the market around 7.30pm on that Saturday. I didn’t come back late, neither did I visit any girlfriend.

“Rather, I was not feeling fine. I noticed that my head was aching and I had to visit a chemist shop where I bought some drugs.

“Meanwhile, I took permission from my master’s sister before going. But before I came back, she had already called my boss to tell him that I was not at home, and he instructed that they should not let me in.

“I was outside for a long time before my Oga’s wife, who was ignorant of the directives from his husband, opened the door for me.

“I remained in the kitchen till around 3am when my master returned, and as he entered, I took the pestle in the kitchen and hit him thrice in the back of the head.

“I also dashed to the room where the sister was sleeping and hit her too. She suddenly woke up and struggled over the pestle with me before rushing out to call for neighbours’ intervention.

‘Why I k¡lled my boss’

“I had been hearing rumours that my master had learnt about my savings, and was planning to collect the entire money and punish me severely.

“Since I was already fed up with what I was doing and had decided to quit so I could use the money to set up my own business, I had no option but to take the action.

“Besides, I had also begged him several times to buy a phone for me, being the only person in the entire compound without a phone, but he refused.”

Chiemerie, who denied his actions were triggered by drugs or alcohol, blamed it on the devil.

He said: “I used to take tablets of Tramadol. But when my Oga discovered I was taking the drug, he warned me to stop and I obeyed. I was not taking the drug before I came to Onitsha. So it was neither drugs nor alcohol that caused it.

“I can’t just explain what came over me on that day. I think it was the devil’s manipulation.

“Actually, my intention was not to kill him, but the maltreatment, especially the call from my Oga’s sister to him and his instructions to lock me out of the house, forced me to act that way.

Asked how he felt after the incident, the innocent looking but fearless boy, who showed no sign of remorse or penitence, said he was prepared to face the consequences of his actions. He said it was needless asking for forgiveness because he knew he would not be forgiven.

“I’m ready to face the consequences; whether death by hanging or by shooting. I am ready to die and face judgment, because I know I will not be forgiven even if I ask for it,” Chimerie said.

The Nation

117 “Repentant” Terrorists Graduates from Rehabilitation and Reintegration Program

No fewer than 117 repentant terrorists from Borno State have completed the Disarmament, Rehabilitation and Reintegration programme under Operation Safe Corridor, as the initiative expands to the North West.

This is, as the Benue State Government has requested, the establishment of a DRR camp in the North Central region.

A statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba said the graduation was disclosed at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting convened by Defence Headquarters at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre to finalise modalities for transferring rehabilitated clients to national and state authorities for reintegration.

The Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor, Brig. Gen. Y. Ali said the 117 graduates completed the DRR process at Mallam Sidi Camp in Borno State.

He described the development as a reflection of improved coordination between federal and state authorities on reception, monitoring and community reintegration.

The statement read in part, “Providing operational updates, the Coordinator disclosed that 117 clients from Borno State have successfully completed the DRR process at Mallam Sidi Camp, reflecting strengthened federal–state harmonisation in reception, monitoring and community reintegration.

He also highlighted the expansion of OPSC to the North West, where a DRR camp established in February last year marked a significant stabilisation milestone. Ongoing engagements with Zamfara State aim to recalibrate the facility toward a comprehensive Victim Healing, Rehabilitation and Reintegration framework, integrating psychosocial recovery, community reconciliation, livelihood support and structured monitoring.”

In the North Central region, Ali disclosed that Benue State had formally requested the establishment of a DRR camp. He added that Defence Headquarters had assessed proposed sites and advised alignment with national infrastructure, security and sustainability standards before approval.

Participants at the meeting included representatives of federal ministries, the Office of the National Security Adviser, state governments, and neighbouring countries—Burkina Faso, Chad, Niger and Cameroon—as well as international partners such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Organization for Migration, alongside Norway, the United Kingdom, the European Union and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Delivering the keynote address, the Chief of Defence Staff and Chairman of the OPSC National Steering Committee, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, represented by the Chief of Defence Operations, Maj. Gen. Jamal Abdusalam said Operation Safe Corridor remained a key component of Nigeria’s security architecture.

He noted that while kinetic operations created space for stability, structured rehabilitation and reintegration were essential to sustain security gains and prevent a return to violence.

Nigeria’s counter-insurgency strategy combines military operations with the rehabilitation of surrendered fighters through Operation Safe Corridor, launched in 2016 to support disarmament, deradicalisation and reintegration. The programme is now being expanded beyond the North East as more states affected by insurgency and banditry seek DRR camps to support stabilisation and recovery efforts.

Punch

Rivers State House of Assembly Suspends Impeachment Proceedings Against Governor Fubara and Deputy

The Rivers State House of Assembly has suspended the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu. The decision was made during the Assembly’s resumed plenary in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Thursday, February 19, 2026

The impeachment process was initiated in January 2026, citing allegations of gross misconduct, including the demolition of the State Assembly complex, extra-budgetary spending, and disobedience to a Supreme Court ruling on legislative financial autonomy. However, the process was halted due to court injunctions and President Tinubu’s intervention .

The suspension of the impeachment proceedings is part of an agreement reached between the Governor, the Assembly, and President Tinubu, aimed at resolving the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State. As part of the agreement, the Assembly will withdraw its appeal at the Court of Appeal, and the Governor and Deputy Governor will also withdraw their suits at the High Court.

 

bvi channel one

Just In: A Serving Senator is Dead

Lawmaker representing the South East Senatorial district of Rivers State, Senator Mpigi Barinada is dead.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, confirmed the sad development in a tribute post on his official X handle on Thursday.

He wrote, “Good night my dear friend. Rest in Peace, Senator Mpigi Barinada. Sen Mpigi represented Rivers South East in the Senate”.

The Rivers Senator was the Chairman, Senate Committee on Works.

Details on the circumstances surrounding his unfortunate death could not be ascertained of press time.

Daily post

Again we are showing the world, why we are “Now Disgraced Nation” – Obi

Today, in our beloved country Nigeria, harmless citizens performing their constitutionally guaranteed duties peacefully were tear-gassed simply for asking for what is right: free, fair, and credible elections in a democratic nation. Those who yesterday claimed to be champions of democracy, have today become destroyers of our democracy and the worst enemies of good governance.

I urge Nigerians, en masse, to resist these continued evil plans, to stand united against the destruction of our nation and collective future, and to ensure that free and fair elections are firmly established for the sake of our future.

We insist that there must be real-time mandatory electronic transmission of polling unit results to ensure transparency and trust in our elections.

May God grant us the strength to build a better country, founded on free, fair, and credible elections, justice, and good governance, for the future of our dear nation.

A New Nigeria is Possible.

– PO