The trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), took a dramatic turn on Friday as Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered court proceedings to be temporarily relocated to the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters.
The move was made to facilitate an on-site inspection of critical evidence linked to the case—specifically, a shipping container reportedly used to import a radio transmitter into Nigeria for broadcasts on Radio Biafra.
The judge and the legal teams travelled to the DSS facility to examine the container, which is considered central to the allegations against Kanu.
According to court sources, the transmitter in question was allegedly used by Kanu for IPOB-related broadcasts prior to his arrest.
The inspection marks a significant development in the high-profile case and could influence the trajectory of the trial moving forward. Further court proceedings are expected to continue following the inspection.
An average Anambra person does not expect much from the people in Government. Ever since the genocidal war which ended in 1970, the mindset of an average Anambra person is to struggle to survive. Personal survival becomes the order of the day! The generation that tested the visionary leadership of Dr Michael Okpara was traumatized with the horror of Biafra – Nigeria war and have to survive by playing politics of praise singing to remain relevant in Nigeria power game. Let’s be clear without any ambiguity, the primary purpose of Government as captured in section 14 (2) b of Nigerian constitution is to provide security and social welfare .
Prof Chukwuma Soludo being a renowned Professor of economics came into the scene with Dubai- Taiwan mantra promising to create at least 130,000 jobs annually . Of course, we trusted him as former CBN Governor with global links in several financial institutions of the world. One would have expected Mr Governor to bring the world to Anambra State to provide the people of Anambra with affordable housing, affordable and steady electricity, surplus and cheap food as well as highly motivated public and civil servants. However, Prof Soludo ”major” achievement in the last three years is building roads and bridges across all the local governments in Anambra State including funcity and new government house. Kudos to Soludo administration for the fit he has achieved in road construction. There was a time in Anambra State when paying salaries is part of campaign achievement. But, after Peter Obi administration, paying salary of civil servants was no longer an issue. Because of low quality jobs done on road construction by two previous administration(s), most roads in State have collapsed, begging for immediate attention including new once, hence the need to play the politics of road construction which is not entirely bad.
Road construction is often heralded as a symbol of progress, development, and good governance. However, in many political contexts—especially in developing nations—it is also a deeply strategic and politicized act, intricately linked to re-election ambitions. As elections approach, roads suddenly appear where none existed, and dormant projects spring to life. This phenomenon speaks volumes about the intersection between infrastructure development and political survival, particularly the quest for a second tenure.
Roads as Political Capital
Roads serve both a functional and symbolic purpose. They enhance connectivity, boost local economies, and improve access to social services. But politically, they are visible, tangible signs of “development” that politicians can point to as evidence of performance.
In contexts where accountability mechanisms are weak, and voters rely heavily on physical signs of progress, road construction becomes a convenient campaign tool. Politicians leverage roads to: demonstrate achievements during their first term; reward loyal constituencies.
But, Timing is everything. Strategy development attracts economic growth, increases the general well-being of the people as well as create happiness among the populace. This is not the case of the sudden accelerated road projects in the election year, often dubbed –electoral roads .Why all this fanfare for completing a road with tax payers’ money? Emptiness and lack of vision could be the main reason most Governor throw party for building public infrastructure
Selective Construction and Strategic Neglect
Not all roads are created equal—politically speaking. Resource allocation often reflects electoral calculations more than equitable development needs. Some characteristics of politically motivated road construction include: favoring vote-rich areas that can swing elections, ignoring opposition strongholds, using roads as bargaining chips for endorsements or political alliances, awarding contracts to cronies who fund campaign machinery among others. In some instances, roads are left incomplete or shoddily built, only to be re-awarded at inflated costs during the next campaign cycle.
The “Second Tenure Syndrome”
The first tenure is often a preparatory phase—setting the stage for re-election. For many incumbents, the second tenure campaign becomes a make-or-break moment. The urgency to show results intensifies, and road construction takes center stage in campaign rhetoric:
“Look at the roads we’ve built” becomes a staple line in campaign speeches
Billboards display before-and-after images of highways
State media highlight road projects in weekly performance scorecards
This strategy often works because roads are easier to communicate to the electorate than abstract reforms in governance or long-term economic policies.
Challenges and Consequences
While road construction can indeed bring real benefits, its politicization also raises serious concerns:
1. Misallocation of resources – Projects are not always based on actual needs but on electoral gain.
2. Short-termism – Focus is on quick wins rather than durable, strategic infrastructure.
3. Corruption – Contracts are often inflated or awarded without transparency.
4. Poor quality roads – Rushed projects may not meet technical standards.
5. Neglect of other sectors – Health, education, and job creation may be sidelined.
A Way Forward
To improve the general well-being of the people, the incoming Governor of Anambra State should desist from building political roads and concentration on reforms that will ensure prompt public service delivery, highly motivated workforces as well as creating a productive environment where rule of law is the guiding principle. Strategic road construction should be intentional and will come with master plan for short term and long term plan covering the areas like housing villages and communities, industrial and agricultural areas, markets and business locations. When a Governor inspires the people, they will join hands with him to build a modern society. When Soludo administration was about to be inaugurated four years, not less than 10,000 professionals offered to serve the State pro bono but after the swearing in, those who indicated interest to serve were never contacted. Going forward, the incoming Governor should encourage those with passion and change agents to volunteer their services to the State in the areas of urban and rural planning, food production, voter education, functional education , housing , health etc.
Ultimately, infrastructure should serve the people—not just the political ambitions of those in power.
Conclusion
The politics of road construction reveals much about how development is used—and often abused—for electoral gain. While roads are essential, their politicization can distort priorities, breed inefficiency, and undermine trust in governance. As voters become more discerning, there is hope that performance in office—not campaign theatrics—will become the true road to second tenure. Politics of human development, good governance and lifting people out of poverty should be encouraged as Government has capacity to fix everything with massive support of the people.
The 16 governorship candidates participating in the Anambra 2025 election are to pay the sum of N50 million, each, before they can commence campaigns in the state.
The Anambra State Signage and Advertising Agency (ANSAA) stated this on Wednesday during a press conference. It said the payment would allow them paste posters, host billboards and parade branded cars, vests and other campaign activities.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Mr Tony Ujubuonu who addressed journalists in Awka said all the political parties fielding candidates for the election, including Governor Chukwuma Soludo would pay the fee. He said the decision is not targeted at any political party.
The permit comes with a statutory fee of Fifty Million Naira (N50,000,000) only, payable to the Anambra State government account.
“This campaign fee grants the parties the right to deploy their campaign materials and activities using posters, public address system, branded vehicles, banners, fliers, bunting, T-shirts,caps, street storms, rallies and sundry in location across the cities, villages and communities in the 21 local government areas of the state.
“What we have done is to maintain professional standards in the use of public advertising. This permit is to ensure orderliness, prevent visual pollution and create a level playing ground.”
He said the agency was created by Anambra State government in 2010 and established by law for the purpose of regulating the use of out-of-home advertising structures and control outdoor advertising.
Campaigns for the Anambra governorship election commenced on Wednesday, according to the guidelines released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The governorship election will hold on November 8, 2025. According to INEC, a total of 16 political parties are fielding candidates in the election.
In a dramatic turn of events, Senator Adams Oshiomhole brought operations at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s General Aviation Terminal (GAT) in Lagos to a grinding halt today, June 11, 2025.
According to eyewitnesses, Oshiomhole arrived late for his 6:30 am Air Peace flight to Abuja and, upon discovering he had missed his flight, took matters into his own hands. In a fit of rage, he blocked the entrance to the Zulu Terminal, preventing other passengers and airport staff from accessing the facility.
The senator’s actions caused widespread chaos, with numerous travelers stranded and unable to reach their gates. Despite pleas from airport staff, Oshiomhole refused to budge, sparking a tense standoff.
Air Peace officials condemned Oshiomhole’s behavior, describing it as “unacceptable” and stating that it caused significant disruptions to their operations. The airline also alleged that the senator sealed the terminal gate and personally manned the access point, preventing other travelers from entering the terminal.
The situation was eventually defused after the regional airport manager intervened and convened an emergency management meeting. Following a heated exchange, Oshiomhole relented, allowing airport operations to resume.
The incident has sparked outrage and raised questions about the senator’s behavior and the impact of his actions on innocent travelers.
From 1970- 1979, the generation of the Igbo who had fought and funded the war (Biafran/Nigerian War) were not talking of marginalization. They took on the task of *Restoration* . I remember the story the late Mbazulike Amaechi told me when I once visited him in Ukpor. At the end of the war, the Igbo business elite who had been in PortHarcourt, and whose properties had been forcefully acquired by the new government in Rivers State went to Ukpabi Asika to intervene. Asika sat with them and urged them to seek the intervention of the Courts and make this a seminal case on the defense of Igbo property rights in Nigeria. He did not want to be seen to put undue pressure in a very sensitive time on the Government of Rivers State. The Igbo were being harassed and stopped from work and resuming their life in PortHarcourt. Asika encouraged them to seek the legal benefits of Chief Obafemi Awolowo who was the most powerful politician in Government at the time. These Igbo businessmen met Awo in Lagos, and after he heard them, Awo demanded that they go and pay one million pounds into his Chambers account, before he could take on their plea. The Igbo business men asked Awo where he thought they could get one million pounds, having just come out of a devastating war. He said it was their business and dismissed them. The men later met in ZC Obi’s home, and after rounds and rounds of discussions, they agreed at ZC Obi’s house urging, that they would no longer pursue the matter. ZC Obi said, “ let us get back to work. Let us send our young men back to work. We shall build Aba until it gets into PortHarcourt, and no one will know the difference.” And that was precisely what they set out to do, and were about accomplishing that feat up till 1987. By 1979, the Igbo were powerful enough to get a serious factor in Nigerian politics. Between 1979-83, the Igbo were not talking about marginalization. They were engaged in *Restoration* . Mbakwe had asked Dr. Ihechukwu Madubuike as Minister for education, to place as priority the establishment of another Federal University in Igbo land. Thus FUTO in 1980. Between him and Jim Nwobodo, they launched an Industrial Policy that quickly turned the East once more into an active economic belt. They did not wait for the Federal Government. Imo State University and Anambra state University of Technology were the first State Universities to be established under the State Laws. I was reading the Imo State University Act that established the charter of the old Imo State University the other day, and I am still utterly impressed by the quality and precision of thought that went into organizing that University under the inimitable Professor MJC Echeruo, one of Igbo lands sharpest minds of the 20th century. The same goes for ASUTECH. Chief Jim Nwobodo went specifically to Harvard to make Prof Kenneth Dike to return to Enugu and establish ASUTECH. Now, compare that Igbo, to this generation of the Akalogoli. Mbakwe took Shagari specifically to Ndiegoro, in Aba, wept publicly with dramatic impact, and forced Shagari to promise to establish the ecological fund to deal with places like Ndiegoro in Igbo land. He compelled Shagari to understand that Gas and Petroleum were abundant natural resources from Imo State, and that Imo deserved and must be given new shares/consideration, if the Federal Government did not want Imo to sue, and even begin to raise questions about the Federal Government’s seizure of Eastern Nigerian oil and gas investments, like the PortHarcourt refinery for which no compensation has even been paid to this day. Chief Sam Mbakwe pushed the oil issue and said to Shagari that the proposed Petrochemical Plant must be located in Imo, otherwise he would begin to build the Imo Petrochemical Industries himself. The grounds had been cleared by October 1983, and work started at the Imo Petrochemical Plant at Izombe by the time the military struck on Dec. 31, 1983. It was Major General Muhammadu Buhari Rtd who later relocated that plant to Eleme. Mbakwe began the first Independent Power Company with the Amaraku Power Station under Alex Emeziem at the Ministry of Utilities. The father of my high school buddy at the Government College Umuahia was the project manager who designed and installed the Power Station at Amaraku and had begun work at the Izombe Gas Power Station; all with Engineers and Technicians from the Imo State Ministries of Works and Public Utilities. They did not go to China to sign a contract. They just went to South Korea to procure the parts they designed and which they installed themselves! By 1981/2 most towns in Imo state had electricity under the Imo State Rural Electrification Project. Same with the Five Zonal Water Projects under the Mbakwe Program. The Project Manager was Engineer Ebiringa. They did not go to China or America or wait for the Federal Government. 85% of the Imo Water Project had been completed by the time the Soldiers struck. There are still giant iron pipes buried underground in almost all the towns in the old Imo State under that project which was designed to give Imo the first constant, clean water of any State in Nigeria. Only a phase of the Owerri Water Project was completed by the time Mbakwe was kicked out of office, but even so, Owerri had the cleanest, most regular water of any city in Nigeria. Imo State organized her public schools. Imo State organized a first class public health system. My own father was commissioned under the Health Management board as the Government’s Chief Health Statician, to conduct the first broad epidemiological survey of Imo state in 1982. I saw him at work. They were serious and professional men, who took their duties very seriously because they were highly trained. The Imo State Civil Service was possibly the finest Civil Service in West Africa; finer than the Federal Service, because they had a
highly selected and well trained pool of Civil Servants who delivered value to the people. They were not talking about marginalization. You may say what you like today about Jim Nwobodo, but he started the independent Satellite Newspaper In Enugu, which balanced the story coming out of Lagos. No one was talking about marginalization until Chuba Okadigbo, rightly used that word to describe the way the Federal Military Government of Nigeria was treating the Igbo, in terms of access to real power. There were not enough Igbo Military Officers represented in the organograms of the Nigerian Military Government, and yes, that word was apt, in that period . But we have taken it too far, and turned it into an excuse for our intellectual and political indolence. The Igbo have waited for their comeuppance on Nigeria, but shit ain’t happening. Nigeria is moving on without us, for better or worse. We must now recalibrate and engage. Let us use the final gas in our tanks, all of us now, between 55-75 years, to complete the work of *Restoration* which the last generation began but which we have abandoned because we dropped the ball. We may weep all we want and complain that Nigeria is unfair, but the universe is indifferent. I dare say, Nigeria actually has no capacity to marginalize the Igbo. We better stop marginalizing ourselves or risk our children and their children inheriting the slave’s mentality!! That’s the danger we court with this story of Igbo marginality, which is actually self imposed, and self indulgent!
*Onye ajulu anaghi aju onwe ya!*
Portugal beat Spain in the UEFA Nations League Final held at the Allianz Arena on June 8, 2025. The match ended 2-2 after extra time, with Portugal winning 5-3 in a penalty shootout. The goals were scored by
– *Portugal:*
– Nuno Mendes (26th minute)
– Cristiano Ronaldo (61st minute)
– *Spain:*
– Martin Zubimendi (21st minute)
– Mikel Oyarzabal (45th minute)
Portugal’s victory marks their second Nations League title, reclaiming the trophy they first won in 2019. The win was sealed by Diogo Costa’s crucial save from Alvaro Morata’s penalty kick.
The Nigerian Naira (NGN) has been exchanging for approximately N1,584.54 per US Dollar (USD) as of today, according to recent currency conversion rates.
– Buying Rate:1 USD = N1,582.53
– Selling Rate: 1 USD = N1,584.54
Please note that currency exchange rates can fluctuate frequently, so these rates might change soon. For the most up-to-date rates, it’s best to check a reliable currency conversion website or app.
The Anambra State Government has assured contractors who supplied diesel for powering streetlights between March and April 2022 that it will investigate and resolve complaints over unpaid contracts reportedly worth N900 million.
The contractors, who gathered at the Government House, Awka on Thursday, appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to intervene, stating that only seven out of 71 contractors have been paid for the supplies made during the transition period from the previous administration.
Addressing the group, the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Ernest Ezeajughi, promised that the state would look into the matter. He assured that if it is confirmed the contractors have not been paid, appropriate steps would be taken to remedy the situation.
We are going to verify the claims thoroughly to avoid issues of double payment, especially as some contractors have acknowledged receiving their dues,” Ezeajughi stated. He also appealed for patience and commended the contractors for their peaceful approach, noting their loyalty to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Earlier, contractor Hon. Nnaemeka Oraka explained that they continued their diesel supply after the March 17, 2022 handover from former Governor Willie Obiano to Governor Soludo, under the understanding that street lighting would remain operational. However, payments stopped after February 2022, with the new administration urging them in April to continue supplies.
“In May, we were instructed to stop, yet fueling continued in June and those suppliers were paid, while our payments for March and April remain outstanding,” Oraka said.
He emphasized that their demands are not politically motivated. “We are loyal APGA members. I personally hosted His Excellency in Nimo after his election victory. Governor Soludo remains our choice for the November 8 governorship election and we believe he will serve for eight years,” he affirmed.
The last Tuesday heavy downpour that swept across the major towns in Anambra state yesterday submerged an estimated two thousand buildings in the commercial town of Onitsha as well as major markets in the state.
The flood which cut off major roads and vehicles in Onitsha also swept away goods of traders at the main market, Ochanja market and Oye – Agu Abagana markets respectively while vehicles were stocked for several hours far into the night as commuters lamented over their predicaments .
The flood also carried large supply of debris from the upper part of Onitsha to the lower plane heading towards the River Niger only to hang up at blocked water channels.
To this end Gov Charles Soludo has ordered the relevant departments and his Aides to commence work in Onitsha and make proper assessment of the remote and immediate causes .
In compliance to the governor’s order the Secretary of Onitsha South local government area Mr Paul Onuachala who carried out inspection of the area noted that the flood is caused by blocked water channels being perpetrated by residents of the town who empty their wastes into the drains thereby blocking the flow of water .
Onuachala however announced that a fifty years old bridge with narrow water channels is the cause of the flood announcing that the bridge is currently being demolished and a new one being constructed as well as widening the water channels.
The thing actually harvested a lot of wastes along that line and automatically block the water channels”
“Towards Genis bread side there is a colvert there that was equally blocked and that also contributed to what is happening”
“We are demolishing the bridge and we are constructing a new bridge along Genis bread that would empty into the River Niger and that will empty the Ochanga and lower part of that area quicker “
We are going to widen the water channel to accommodate water and flood during this rainy season”
“These flood carrying debris from the upper part of Onitsha a d given our topography it follows from upper Onitsha down to the lower part of Onitsha to the River Niger”
“This is an old bridge because by the time the bridge was constructed the population of Onitsha was not the same with the population that we have now and that bridge was constructed about fifty years ago ” he said.
Reacting to the disaster the Anambra Commissioner for Environment Engr Felix Odumegwu said that the Ministry is working with the Ministry of Works as well as the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra aka OCHA Brigade to address the situation and ensure a permanent solution to the problem.
We have contacted the Commissioner for works and we are carrying out the desilting of the drains “
“When the rain sets in the first few rains present this type of difficulty sometimes because of some areas where there are blockages but along the line it would ease off after identifying the areas that we have problems and take care of them “
Since February we have been announcing to people to start desilting their drains because of the coming rains and we set out a deadline and the OCHA brigade has been mandated to carry out enforcements but we are gout around and you noticed that yesterday we were on the streets and all efforts are being made to ensure that we do not witness this kind of thing again”
“Any man made causes of flooding will not happen a d we a are taking proactive measures in that area”
“We are aware of the fact that there would be flooding this year and we have been carrying out sensitization campaigns at the targeted areas and as a government we are on too of the situation ” he said.
In a sweeping legislative move aimed at curbing crime and unregulated spiritual practices, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has transmitted an Executive Bill to the Enugu State House of Assembly. The bill, titled “Maintenance of Internal Security, Vigilance and Order,” seeks to combat illicit activities among native doctors, herbalists, and spiritualists, while also targeting ritual practices, illegal forest encampments, and property misuse for criminal operations.
The bill proposes a ban on money rituals, commonly referred to as ‘okite’, and criminal bulletproof charms, known locally as ‘odeshi’. It also prohibits the unlawful occupation or use of forests and private properties for kidnapping, banditry, and other criminal purposes.
According to Section 3 (1) of the bill:
“Every person, who engages in the practice or rendering of spiritual services within the state, whether as a native doctor, herbalist, spiritualist, chief priest, diviner, seer, or by any other traditional or spiritual title or designation, shall be registered with the ministry, department or agency (MDA) of the state as may be designated by the Governor for that purpose.”
Failure to register would attract a fine of not less than N1 million and not more than N5 million, or a two-year jail term, or both.
