…as former Minister Nweke Jr. dismisses opposition candidates as insignificant, says ‘They pose no threat’

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has received a resounding vote of confidence from the people of Ozalla Community in Nkanu West Local Government Area, as a large crowd of indigenes converged on his country home in Owo, Nkanu East LGA, to express gratitude for his administration’s developmental strides and unanimously endorse his re-election bid in 2027.

The historic gathering, described by stakeholders as both a thank-you visit and a renewal of historical bonds, drew community leaders, government officials, traditional stakeholders, political figures and cultural troupes from the five autonomous communities of Ozalla at the weekend.

Leading the delegation, President General of Ozalla Development Union (ODU), Chief Obiora Okwuibe, praised the governor for what he described as his visionary leadership, inclusive governance, and transformational interventions that have positively impacted the community.

Former Minister, Frank Nweke Jnr speaking during the visit to Gov Mbah

He particularly appreciated the governor for facilitating the appointment of Dr. Kingsley Tochi Udeh, SAN, first as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and later as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, alongside the appointments of Dan Nwomeh as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Mainstream Media, Prof. Uchenna Agu as Chairman of the Enugu State Hospital Management Board, and Francis Aninwike as General Manager of the Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertising Agency (ENSSAA).

The community also commended the administration for key projects in Ozalla, including the functional Smart Green School, the ongoing Type II Primary Healthcare Centre, the renovation of the old Ozalla Health Centre, and the Ituku–Ishi Ozalla road project.

Okwuibe used the occasion to present the needs of the community, lamenting that successive administrations in the state had overlooked the internal roads linking the various parts of the community.

“Although Ozalla may appear adequately served by roads to anyone merely passing through, this impression is misleading. What is visible are largely federal highways that cut across our community. Beyond these major highways, the internal road network linking our autonomous communities, villages, and farmlands remains in a severely dilapidated condition,” he stated, calling for the governor’s intervention to pave them.

In a major political declaration, Okwuibe announced Ozalla’s unreserved endorsement of Mbah for a second term, assuring him of overwhelming electoral support in 2027.

“We commit ourselves to full political mobilisation across our community, ensuring massive voter turnout and delivering overwhelming support for your re-election,” he stated.

He also reaffirmed their support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose government approved the appointment of their son into the Federal Executive Council as Minister, saying they recognized this as a gesture of inclusion and national recognition.

“Accordingly, we pledge to support Your Excellency in 2027 and continue to align with the Federal Government in the spirit of cooperation, continuity, and national development,” he added.

Former Minister of Information, Chief Frank Nweke Jr., who spoke on behalf of the community, said Ozalla’s support for the governor was rooted in conviction and appreciation of his exceptional performance.

According to him, Mbah has demonstrated audacious vision, capacity for implementation, respect for public trust, and a genuine commitment to the welfare of the people.

Nweke noted that despite years of neglect by recent administrations, Ozalla has witnessed unprecedented government presence under Mbah through critical infrastructure and strategic appointments.

He described the governor’s nomination of Udeh as Minister as a rare honour for the community and praised other appointments extended to deserving Ozalla sons.

Throwing his weight behind Mbah’s re-election, Nweke dismissed opposition aspirants as politically insignificant, saying they did not pose any threat to the governor’s re-election.

“Come 2027, you have our full support. Yes, there could be a few skirmishes here and there, but they are like flies and nothing serious. They do not constitute any threat,” he declared, drawing loud applause from the crowd.

Also speaking, the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Mainstream Media and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dan Nwomeh, described the visit as a reaffirmation of a long-standing historical bond between Owo and Ozalla.

He recounted how Governor Mbah personally intervened to ensure the successful delivery of the Ozalla Smart Green School and approved the renovation of the community’s oldest healthcare facility, which now operates on 24-hour solar-powered electricity.

Responding, Governor Mbah thanked the community for what he described as a profound expression of trust and endorsement.

He reiterated that his administration’s development philosophy is anchored on inclusivity, equity, and ensuring that no community is left behind.

“If Ozalla is strong, Enugu is strong; if Enugu is strong, the region is strong, and if the region is strong, the country is strong,” the governor stated.

Mbah assured the community that after the ongoing major investments in education and healthcare, his administration would embark on aggressive road infrastructure development across rural communities.

He reiterated plans to construct about 1,250 kilometres of roads annually, noting that this target is achievable as resources would now be freed up following the completion of substantial investments committed to the Smart Green Schools programme.

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochi Udeh, SAN; former National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Barr. Victor Chukwuani; and the traditional ruler of Ishi-Ozalla Autonomous Community, Igwe Sylvanus Okeke, were among the prominent leaders of the delegation.

…Haul in 1,071 rounds of ammunition, 17 AK-47 rifles, GMPG, rocket propelled rifle, grenades, others

…Charges property owners on background checks of prospective tenants

…Hails Tinubu for releasing funds to revamp security training institutions

…Lauds passage of State Police Bill

A major breakthrough has been recorded in the security sector in Enugu State, as security agencies, during a major operation conducted last week, apprehended six notorious criminals who had been on the state’s security watch list. The operation also led to the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition.

The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, while inspecting caches of arms at the Enugu State head office of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Friday, said the suspects now in the security net included those involved in various deadly security breaches in the state.

The arms and ammunition recovered include 17 AK-47 rifles, one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), one rocket-propelled rifle, one tear-gas gun, 12 AK-47 magazines, two hand-held grenades, and three tear-gas canisters, and 1,071 rounds of ammunition (323 special ammunition, 270 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and 478 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition). Others include different quantities of various uniforms and four lanyards.

The suspects and the recovered weapons

Mbah, who was received by the State Director of the DSS, Mr. Humphery Ohikhuare; the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa; the Garrison Commander, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, Brigadier General Garba Suru, and other senior security personnel, said the state’s investment in modern security infrastructure was paying off.

“First of all, I would like to acknowledge and salute the gallantry of our security agents. What we are witnessing here today is the triumph of vigilance, the triumph of hard work, and the triumph of dedication to duty.

“Recall that sometime in December last year, we had an incident that took the lives of some of our officers. If you also cast your mind back at that time, the state government actually placed bounties on the heads of the criminals. We have before now been able to apprehend some of the criminals who participated in that heinous act. The people we have here today are those who have been on the run.

“But we have always said in Enugu State that we have no room for criminals. And if you commit crime here, no matter how long it takes, we must identify you, we must get you, and we must ensure that you are brought to justice.

“We are happy that officers who paid the ultimate price, their sacrifices have not been in vain because we are bringing to a close that chapter, where we now believe that these people will face justice,” he declared.

He also expressed happiness that his administration’s huge investment in modern security infrastructure had continued to pay off.

“It is also heartwarming for me and the people of Enugu State that the investment we have made in the security sector, and the cooperation and dedication of our security agencies in the state, is paying off.

“We can see results with this tracking of criminal elements and cracking of criminal gangs. I am sure the people of Enugu State can now sleep knowing that we have their backs covered.

“That is why we believe that there is no amount you invest in security that is too much.

“However, while we pride ourselves as major investors in technology, we must not forget that technology is also operated by humans. You will need a dedicated workforce. In most cases, you do not hear a lot in terms of the achievements we have recorded because the crimes are nipped in the bud, and it is to the credit of both our technology and vigilant officers,” he explained.

He gave a marching order to every criminal element still within Enugu State’s territory.

“To the criminals out there, we do not have room for you. I can also assure you that if you come in here and commit crime, no matter how long it takes, we must identify you, we must get you, and we must ensure that you are brought to justice,” the governor declared.

The governor charged property owners to conduct background checks on their prospective tenants, maintaining that the government would continue to prosecute erring property owners and demolish properties linked to violent crimes.

“You cannot be exculpated on the ground that you said that you did not know. The law has placed the duty on you. You must ensure that you know who you are giving your house to as a landlord,” he emphasised.

Mbah, who chairs the Presidential Committee on the Revamp of Security Training Institutions, also hailed President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to security, manifesting in the President’s support for the creation of state police and the revamp of security training facilities in Nigeria.

“We have received the funds to ensure that all the training institutions for our security agencies are rehabilitated and reconstructed. What that means is that we are going to also have standardisation of training across the country.

“Again, as you may know, the House of Representatives just passed the State Police Bill. I commend them. This will essentially help us to eliminate the tragedy of the commons. And I believe as a state, we must take full responsibility to ensure that we provide effective security within our borders,” he concluded.

….11 babies found during raid on his house

The Anambra State Government has confirmed the arrest of a pastor accused of taking dozens of married women as wives and allegedly compelling members of his church to engage in wife-swapping arrangements.

The cleric, identified as Harrison Charles, founder of Day Spring Assembly in Awada, Onitsha, was arrested by operatives of the state’s security outfit following allegations that surfaced in a viral video, government officials said.

Authorities said the pastor has been handed over to the police as investigations continue into the claims made against him.

Pastor Harrison Charles

According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr Ejimofor Opara, the arrest forms part of an ongoing crackdown by the state government on individuals accused of operating fraudulent religious ministries.

“Pastor Harrison Charles, owner of Day Spring Assembly in Awada, Onitsha, was arrested by operatives of Agunechemba following a viral video containing several allegations against him,” Opara said.

“He is currently being investigated by the police, in collaboration with the Anambra State Government.”

The pastor has been accused by alleged victims, many of whom are said to be members of his congregation, of persuading married women to leave their husbands and become his wives. Some accusers claim as many as 75 women were involved.

He has also been accused of encouraging wife-swapping among church members, allegations that authorities say are being investigated.

Officials stressed that no court has ruled on the claims and that investigations remain ongoing.

Opara said security operatives discovered 11 babies during the arrest operation at the pastor’s residence.

“During his arrest, about eleven babies were found in his home. He claims to be the father of these eleven babies, stating they are from eleven of his wives,” he said.

“He also claims he does not know the number of wives he has married or the total number of children he has.”

The state government said it is collaborating with the police to establish the full circumstances surrounding the allegations and determine whether any laws were violated.

Authorities have urged members of the public with relevant information about the pastor’s activities to assist the ongoing investigation.

The arrest comes as the Anambra State Government intensifies efforts against individuals accused of exploiting residents through religious practices, with several suspected fake pastors recently arraigned in court.