News
Enugu govt moves to reposition local govt areas for development
By Maurice Okafor
The current administration in Enugu state led by Governor Peter Mbah is very optimistic in impacting social amenities across the 17 local government areas in the state.
More importantly,the administration in what it termed ss ‘DISRUPTIVE INNOVATION’is bent on discovering the various socio cultural and economic potentials in the various rural communities and harnessing them for even development of the state.
Checks revealed that the means of achieving this feat informed the state government’s 60/40 percent partnership agreement on projects development with the 17 Council chairmen.
The implementation of this policy and realisation of the noble dream of developing and harnessing the various potentials in the rural communities in Enugu state is the reason for the current tour of the 17 local government areas embarked upon by the state commissioner for local government,rural development and chieftancy affairs, Deacon Hon. Okey Ogbodo.
The tour is meant to discover the various but yet untapped economic potentials in the rural communities, note the various developmental strides of the Council chairmen, interact with stakeholders, town union executives and other interested parties on rooms for improvement.
The tour of the 17 local government areas embarked upon by the state commissioner for local government,rural development and chieftancy affairs, Deacon Okey Ogbodo is also meant to resolve all crises areas that would enhance peaceful leadership and development of the rural areas.
The tour commenced on Tuesday,October 31st with a visit to Uzo-Uwani local government area,under Enugu North senatorial district.
At a Town Hall meeting held at the council headquarters at Umulokpa, with the stakeholders, Deacon Ogbodo thanked the people for their unflinching support to Governor Peter Mbah led adminidtration in the state, assuring them that Governor Mbah will unrelentlessly work for the good of the grassroots.
Commissioner Ogbodo noted that Uzo-Uwani local government area has the comparative advantage for agro-allied industries, stating the state government will capitalise on the massive and rich soil in the council area for investments in agriculture, that would create employment opportunities for unemployed youths in the envisaged agro-allied industries to be established in the council area, ginger food abundancy in the state and attract other socio economic and commercial activities to Uzo Uwani communities.
Deacon Ogbodo cautioned that the present administration in Enugu state demands accountability and transparency by the council chairmen, with emphasis on inclusive administration which would enhance peace and development.
He tasked the council chairman and party stakeholders to reconcile differences if any for optimal performance.
Giving account of his stewardship, Hon Chukwudi Nnadozie, Chairman Uzo Uwani LGA enumerated his developmental and political achievements and it’s impacts on the people.
According to him, his administration which started in 2020 has carried out a lot of developmental projects and programmes and above all, worked hard to keep the party intact.
He enumerated his projects to include provision of 300KVA transformers to some Communities, ashphalted 3km road, grading of community roads, provision of security Vehicles and Motorcycles to enhance adequate Security, massive support to the health sector which attracted UNICEF and WHO awards to him.
Nnadozie said he makes prompt payment of workers salaries, just as Traditional Rulers and Town Union President Generals receive stipends from his administrstion as at when due. He also promoted the education sector.
Some of the Stakeholders who spoke during the interactive meeting were HRH Igwe Emma Chukwuemeka Umunna, Chairman Uzo Uwani Traditional Rulers Council, Mr. Mathew Anuka of Uv uru Community confirmed the good works of the Chairman. They promised to maintain peace in their various communities for the good plans of the Governor to strive.
Speaking on behalf of women in politics, Hon. Princess Nwanneka Okoro and Lady Vera Ezeugwu maintained that their chairman has being carrying them along but they want to be involved the more.
The Enugu state commissioner for local government, rural development and chieftancy affsirs, Deacon Okey Ogbodo and his team continued their tour of the 17 local government areas of the state wiyh a visit to Oji River local government area on Thursday, November 2. Stakeholders of Oji River local government area assembled at the council headquarters to interact with him.
Deacon Ogbodo remarked that Oji River local government is well represented in the executive alm of government as two serving commisioners in Governor Mbah’s administration are from Oji River local government area.
He said the state government is still very desirous on how to improve on the lots of the rural dwellers which informed the reason of the local government tour embarked by his ministry.
He disclosed that the proposed Ugwuoba Industrial Park,Oji River is an initiative of Governor Mbah which will turn into reality for the benefit of the people,the South East zone and the country,based on it’s scope and viability.
Speaking on behalf of Oji River traditional rulers, Igwe Sunday Orah, commended Governor Mbah for having done so much within short a period.He said Mbah’s initiatives and achievements so far has shown that he is ready to serve Enugu state.
Some of the stakeholders demanded for more state government projects in communities within the local government. Some demanded for the constructoon of Umuabi-Nachi-Ehuhe Achi hinterland road, as a measure to reduce traffic hold up and pressure on Enugu-9th mile-Udi road- Oji River -Achi road. They pointed that it will serve as an alternative route to Achi with a shorter distance from Enugu in addition to opening up the rural areas interconnected along it’s route.
Another stakeholder lamented that the Oji River South Development center at Ugwuoba, whose roof was burnt some time ago, is still abandoned as such that the workers no longer come to work,most especially nurses and other health attendants attached to the Development center.
The Oji River Council Chairman,Hon. Kingsley Onyeagba,represented by his deputy,Hon Sopuluchi Onyebuchi,enumerated the achievements of his boss to include purchase and installation of a transformer at Oji -Urban, grading of several rural roads leading to the communities, Youth empiwerment, rural farm roads,drilling of boreholes etc.
The tour will continue this week with a visit to some other council areas.
The Commander, 4 Special Forces Command, Nigerian Army, Doma, Maj.-Gen. Olurotimi Awolo, has inaugurated a General Court Martial (GCM) to try 12 soldiers accused of various offences, including alleged murder, assault and aiding criminality.
Speaking during the inauguration on Tuesday in Doma, the Commander, represented by the President of the General Court Martial, Col. Salihu Ibrahim, said the convening order was issued pursuant to powers conferred on him by Section 131(2)(d) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
He said the court was constituted to hear the cases of all accused personnel and determine each matter strictly on its merit.
“The court will be guided throughout the trial by the principles of natural justice as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
“We are also mindful of the cardinal principle of criminal justice that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“Where the prosecution fails to establish any allegation beyond reasonable doubt, the court will discharge and acquit the accused person.
“Conversely, where an accused person is found guilty, the law will take its course in accordance with the provisions governing such offences,” he said.
He assured all parties of the court’s commitment to fairness, justice and professionalism, urging prosecution and defence counsels to avoid unnecessary delays and frivolous adjournments.
The court president maintained that speedy disposal of the cases would serve the interest of justice and ensure confidence in the military justice system.
However, trial could not commence immediately after the inauguration as six of the accused persons present in court were declared medically unfit to stand trial.
The court’s Medical Orderly, Sgt. Audu Ahmadu, informed the panel that five of the six accused persons had elevated blood pressure levels.
Following the development, the prosecutor, Capt. Shamsondeen Sadiq, urged the medical orderly to ensure that the affected personnel received adequate medical attention to enable the trial to commence.
The President of the court subsequently adjourned proceedings to a later date, which would be communicated to all parties.
Speaking with newsmen after the inaugural sitting, Barr. George Illah, counsel to one of the accused persons, commended the Command for constituting the court martial.
He expressed confidence in the competence of the panel, noting that the president of the court, other members and the Judge Advocate were qualified to discharge their responsibilities.
“As a defence counsel, I will do my best to ensure that the soldiers standing trial before this honourable court martial get the justice they deserve.
“It is important for people to understand that military personnel standing trial before a court martial are entitled to all constitutional and legal rights guaranteed under the law, and we will ensure that those rights are protected,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that members of the General Court Martial include Col. A.A. Buhari, Lt.-Col. Victor Yamu, Lt.-Col. A.K. Karma and Lt.-Col. S. Abdullahi.
Others are Maj. J.M. Usendeng, Maj. A.D. Ahmed, Maj. U. Ahmed, Maj. S.L. Sagu, while Capt. U. Nna serves as Judge Advocate. (NAN)
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ordered the stay of execution of the judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties.
*In a unanimous decision, a three-member panel of the appellate court led by Justice A. B. Mohammed, berated Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja for flouting an order it made on May 22, which directed him to suspend proceedings before him.*
*The appellate court held that Justice Lifu’s action amounted to an affront on the hierarchy of courts.*
*It held that the lower court’s action was “the highest form of judicial impertinence,” stressing that the Supreme Court previously held that a judge who acted in such manner “is unfit for the bench as it amounts to judicial rascality.”*
*“Courts are enjoined to protect their integrity. This Court has supervisory authority over the trial court. The decision of the lower court to proceed with the judgment despite the express order of this court is a brazen violation of the hierarchy of the court and the 1999 Constitution.*
*“This court has the duty to invoke its powers in ensuring that its orders are made.*
*“The application for stay of execution is here yet granted. The enforcement of the judgment is stayed,” the appellate court held.*
Appeal Court suspends execution of judgment against ADC, 4 others
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade have rescued Mrs. Abubakar, the widow of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was abducted by bandits shortly before the retired senior military officer died in captivity.
According to military sources, the rescue operation was carried out in Tunga Village, where troops encountered the armed bandits holding her captive. During the exchange, the kidnappers reportedly shot Mrs. Abubakar before fleeing as soldiers advanced on their position.
The troops immediately secured the area, rescued her and administered emergency first aid.
Military authorities said Mrs. Abubakar sustained gunshot wounds and was bleeding when she was rescued. She is currently receiving medical treatment.
The rescue comes days after the burial of Major General Rabe Abubakar, whose death while in captivity sparked widespread outrage and renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of the country.
Following Major General Abubakar’s death, the Defense Headquarters’ Joint Task Force North West, under Operation Fansan Yamma, launched a major offensive operation, codenamed Operation Clean Sweep III, targeting terrorists and bandits operating in Matazu Local Government Area and neighbouring communities in Katsina State.
According to the military, the operation commenced on 14 June 2026 to locate and neutralise those responsible for the attack, dismantling criminal networks, and restoring security across the affected communities.
-
Politics2 days agoCourt orders INEC to deregister ADC, Accord, three others
-
News2 days ago
Popular Businessman dies in captivity despite ₦5 million ransom payment
-
News3 days ago
Leave Enugu or face the music, Mbah warns criminal elements as Security Forces nab 6 notorious gunmen, recover caches of arms, ammunition
-
News2 days ago
Troops rescue Widow of late Major General Rabe Abubakar
-
News2 days ago
Over 50 Bandit Attacks Recorded in a Week as FG Spends N57.78bn on Security
-
News3 days ago
Bandits kill three, burn houses in Niger – Police
-
News3 days ago
Anambra govt arrests Pastor accused of converting 75 women as wives
-
News2 days ago
Insecurity: Ministers, Senators, Governors may become targets — Buratai warns
