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Ukwuani: Ezhionum Councilor Sees Suspension A second Time Over Breach Of House Rules, Litigation

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The Councilor representing the good people of Ezhionum DSIEC Ward 19 in Ukwuani Local Government Area, Hon. Chukwuemeke Victor, has been suspended indefinitely by the Ukwuani Legislative House over breach of House Rules by dragging the Ukwuani LGA Chairman and the Treasurer of the Council to court over the alleged failure to disclose the council’s financial records as required by law without first exploring the internal mechanism of the House.

This is the second time the Honourable Councilor is seeing suspension by the Legislative House on similar account bordering on breach of House Rules, and this time with a more severe sanctions, with no salaries and any emoluments associated with his office.

The suspension was due to his failure to bring the issue to the house before approaching the court, which reportedly contravenes their rules. Notably, Victor had been suspended previously for allegedly breaking the same house rule, and the suspension was lifted before this latest suspension.

Sources from the LGA have reacted to the development, dismissing Councillor Victor’s query for financial records as baseless and unnecessary, following his securing an order of mandamus from a Delta State high court to effect same.

According to the sources, the financial records Victor seeks are already in the public domain, and he knows where to access the documents or information. The sources alleged that Victor’s decision to go to court was premature and solely ill-intended to drag the name of Ukwuani LGA’s in the mud.

There are also concerns that the Honourable Councilor representing Ezhionum Ward might have lost confidence in the Internal mechanism of the Legislative House after his previous impasse with the House that led to his previous suspension, which must have informed his decision to approach the court without first exhausting internal mechanisms, such as bringing the matter before the house for deliberation.

₦800m Loan Scandal: Bomadi Councillors Move to Freeze Council Accounts, Write Zenith Bank

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Dagidi Andaye

The controversy trailing allegations of financial impropriety and the alleged forgery of councillors’ signatures in the procurement of an ₦800 million loan by the Chairman of Bomadi Local Government Council, Hon. Dagidi Andaye, has escalated sharply, as 15 councillors of the Legislative Arm take decisive legal action.

In a bold move to halt what they describe as continued abuse of public funds, the councillors, through their legal representatives, have formally written to Zenith Bank Plc, demanding an immediate stoppage of further releases of funds to the Bomadi Local Government Council—except for the payment of salaries—pending the determination of impeachment proceedings before the Delta State House of Assembly and the conclusion of ongoing investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The letter, dated January 25, 2026, was addressed to the Branch Manager of Zenith Bank Plc, Ughelli, Delta State, and titled: “RE: Demand for Stoppage of Release of Funds to Bomadi Local Government Council Except for Payment of Salaries.” It was signed by Prof. Damfebo K. Derri on behalf of F.T. Okorotie, SAN & Co. (Abeokuta Chambers), Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, who identified themselves as solicitors to the Bomadi Local Government Legislative Arm.

According to the letter, the firm stated:
“We are solicitors to the Bomadi Local Government Legislative Arm, ably represented by its Leader, Honourable ThankGod Tikiri, hereinafter referred to as ‘our client,’ on whose behalf and instructions we write you this letter.”

The councillors alleged that Hon. Dagidi Andaye obtained a loan of Eight Hundred Million Naira (₦800,000,000) from Zenith Bank without disclosing the purpose of the loan to the elected members of the Legislative Arm.

They further claimed that investigations conducted in the course of their statutory oversight functions revealed that the loan was secured without the consent or approval of the Legislative Arm, in clear violation of the Delta State Local Government Law (as amended), which mandates legislative approval for loans of such magnitude.

More troubling, the councillors alleged that the signatures of about 15 members of the Legislative Arm were forged to facilitate the loan transaction.

“This act is not only a breach of the extant procurement laws of Delta State but also constitutes an economic crime,” the letter stated, adding that the EFCC is already investigating the matter following a petition dated January 8, 2026, submitted by the councillors.

The lawmakers disclosed that, arising from the alleged loan irregularities and other accusations including gross misconduct, abuse of office, and misappropriation of public funds, 15 out of the 20 councillors have issued a Notice and Recommendation to the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, seeking the removal of Hon. Andaye from office.

They noted that the action was taken pursuant to Section 31(1) of the Delta State Local Government Law, which empowers the Legislative Arm to initiate impeachment proceedings against a council chairman. The Notice and Recommendation, they said, is currently pending before the House of Assembly.

Calling on Zenith Bank to demonstrate corporate responsibility, the solicitors urged the bank to align with principles of accountability and transparency by halting further fund disbursements to the council—except for salaries—until the impeachment process and EFCC investigation are concluded.

The letter warned that failure to comply would leave the councillors with no option but to pursue legal action to protect their constitutional and statutory rights.

Copies of the correspondence were forwarded to key state officials, including the Accountant-General of Delta State, the Auditor-General of the State, the Auditor-General for Local Government, the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, and the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission.

The crisis in Bomadi deepened earlier this month after the councillors formally served Hon. Andaye with a notice of impeachment, accusing him of gross misconduct, abuse of office, misappropriation of public funds, and the alleged fraudulent procurement of the ₦800 million loan—allegations that have cast a long shadow over the council’s administration and sparked growing calls for transparency and justice.

The impeachment petition, titled “Impeachment Notice and Recommendation for Removal from Office of the Chairman, Bomadi Local Government Area,” dated January 5, 2026, was submitted to the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and the Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government.

However, the councillors expressed concern that more than three weeks after submitting the petition, no public action or acknowledgment has been made by the Speaker or any investigative panel, contrary to the provisions of Section 31(1) of the Delta State Local Government Law (as amended).

Ukwuani: Ajede Presents 2026 “Enuoma” Budget, Receives Vote of Confidence By The 8th Assembly Amid Pending Litigation ‎

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‎The Executive Chairman of Ukwuani Local Government Area, Hon. Barr. Possible Solomon Ajede, has presented the 2026 budget which he termed the “Enuoma Budget”, to the 8th Assembly of Ukwuani LGA Legislative Arm. This is coming amid pending litigation initiated by one of the legislators, representing Ezhionum Ward.

Recall that there is a subsisting court order made on January 19, 2026, by Justice S. L. Okeleke, following an ex parte application filed by Evans Ufeli, the lead counsel at The Chambers of Evans Ufeli on behalf of Hon. Chukwuemeke Victor, Councillor representing Ward 19, Ezhionum Kingdom, Ukwuani LGA

That notwithstanding,  ‎the 8th Assembly of Ukwuani LGA Legislative Arm, on receiving the 2026 Budget, passed a vote of confidence on the Executive Chairman, commending him for explicitly outlining how funds appropriated in the 2025 fiscal year were judiciously expended in line with his Do More Agenda, noting that the clarity and accountability demonstrated reflect responsible governance and commitment to sustainable development across the local government.
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‎The motion for the vote of confidence was formally moved by the Majority Leader of the House, Honourable Comr Gabriel Otunuya Ibobo , Councillor representing the good people of DSIEC Ward 10, Amai, and was seconded by Honourable Damian Ishie Councillor representing the good people of DSIEC Ward 6, Umukwata.

‎In passing the motion, members of the Assembly expressed their continued support for the leadership of Hon. Barr. Possible Ajede and reaffirmed their readiness to collaborate with the executive arm to ensure effective implementation of the 2026 budget for the overall progress and development of Ukwuani Local Government Area.

Onitsha Main Market Closure: Soludo Spits Fire, Refuses To Bow Amid Protest

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The Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has refused to back down on the order he made on Monday 26th January 2026 to shutdown Onitsha Main Market and its adjoining markets for one week, following business owners’ defiance to doing business on Monday in the name of sit-at-home order in sympathy of the acclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB.

The now two-term Governor of Anambra State has insisted that the Onitsha main market and in fact any other market in Anambra State complying with the illegal Sit-At-Home order would be shutdown as punitive measure till Monday when they should have been ready to open their businesses and serve the public.

Traders had taken to the street in protest against what they perceive as draconian and a breach of their rights by the Governor. This is the second day of the protest which has gone way off, causing blockage in Onitsha head bridge against vehicular movement.

Despite the degenerating disquiet, Soludo has refused to back down on his order, taking the bull by the horn and insisting there couldn’t be a better time to stop the oddity than now.  “I don’t mind closing this market for the rest of this year, and if it gets too much, we will bring bulldozers and level this market. If you are not ready to trade on Monday, leave Anambra and go elsewhere.”, Soludo insists.

Maris Lecture 2026: Former CDS Gen. Irabor To Make Public Outing, Confirmed As Keynote Speaker

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Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Eluonye Onyenuchea Irabor, CFR, has been confirmed as the Keynote Speaker at this year’s edition of the Maris Annual Public Service Lecture series.

​The Secretary of the Maris Trust Council (MTC), organizers of the lecture series, disclosed this on Tuesday in Warri.

​According to him, It is a thing of joy to announce to the public, especially loyal participants of the Maris Annual Public Service Lecture series, that former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, CFR, has accepted to be the Keynote Speaker at this year’s lecture.

​”Gen. Irabor confirmed that he will personally be at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 12:00 Noon prompt to speak on a topic which will be unveiled to the public in a few days’ time.

​”We thank the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, PhD, for supporting the Maris Annual Public Service Lecture series.

“It is a thing of joy that Governor Oborevwori has made Delta more conducive for hosting international discourse, tourism, and other business activities.

“The Governor has, again, approved the prestigious Unity Hall at Government House, Asaba, for this year’s lecture.

​”We are also grateful to the public, who suggested 64 topics and nominated 33 persons to be the Keynote Speaker.

“From your suggestions, Gen. Irabor emerged as the speaker, and his topic will be selected from those you proposed.

​”Your interest in proffering solutions to the challenges of society can only be rewarded by God.

“From us at MTC, we say thank you, and we look forward to your active participation on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

​”Kindly understand that we can only select one Keynote Speaker and one topic for discussion, though we greatly appreciate all your suggestions and follow-up activities.

“Continue to pray and work for a better society because, collectively, we can leave the world better than we found it,” Egugbo, said.

​Profile of Gen. Irabor
(Abridged from the Nigerian Military Gallery)

​General L.E.O. Irabor was born on October 5, 1965, in Aliokpu, Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State.

He gained admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1983 as a member of the 34 Regular Course and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1986 into the Signals Corps of the Nigerian Army.

​Irabor holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and two Master’s degrees from the University of Ghana and Bangladesh.

​General Irabor played a significant role in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency and other security threats.

As the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Irabor was known as the “Boko Haram nemesis” due to his courage and determination in tackling the insurgents.

Under his guidance, the Nigerian Army reclaimed various occupied territories. He also planned and executed operations that led to the clearance of the Sambisa Forest, a notorious insurgent hideout.

​On January 26, 2021, Irabor was appointed as the 17th Chief of Defence Staff, the highest-ranking military position in Nigeria.

He has received numerous awards for his exceptional service, including a national honour in 2022.

General Leo Irabor retired on June 19, 2023.

State Creation: Tinubu Narrows Down To One State Only..; Anioma Favourite

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The President and Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has posited that only one new state would be created after due legislative diligence.
There are strong indications that Anioma State, which promoters say will assuage the feeling of marginalization among South-Easterners, is likely to take the slot.

Vanguard gathered in Abuja on Monday that consultations have reached an advanced stage among various interests, especially among those opposed to the proposed state being listed among states in the South East.

This is coming amid renewed calls by Senator Ned Nwoko for sustained and unified support from Ndigbo for the creation of Anioma State as the sixth state of the South-East.

Recall that there has been strident opposition from some groups within Delta State against the creation of Anioma State as part of the South-East.

The groups have instead argued that the proposed state should be carved out within the South-South geopolitical zone, a move that would increase the number of states in that region to seven.

The South-East currently has only five states, making it the zone with the least number of states in the federation.

Sources close to the Presidency revealed that only Anioma State is being seriously considered for creation and that it would emerge as the sixth state in the South-East.

According to the source, the decision is aimed at addressing long-standing concerns over imbalance and perceived marginalization.

“Anioma State would be created to compensate the South-East region and Ndigbo in general,” one of the sources said. “Mr President is fully aware of the arguments for and against the creation of the state, but he considers Anioma the most viable among the various requests for state creation.

“He is also keen on achieving geopolitical balance, equity, fair representation, and justice, particularly to assuage the feelings of marginalisation expressed by Ndigbo, whose region currently has the fewest states.”

The source dismissed ongoing agitation by some stakeholders in the South-East for the creation of a proposed ‘Anim-Oma State’, which would combine parts of Anioma in Delta State, the old Orlu Zone in Imo State, and Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, with Orlu proposed as the capital.

Under the current plan, Anioma State would be created as the sixth state in the South-East, with Asaba as its capital, barring any last-minute change.

Although it is not yet clear when a proposed meeting between President Tinubu and stakeholders over the issue will take place, presidential sources said it would follow consultations with the leadership of the National Assembly, who are reported to be favourably disposed to the idea.

Reacting to the development, Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents the Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly and has been at the forefront of the campaign for the creation of Anioma State, expressed confidence that the agitation would soon yield results.

He said, “This is a historic clamour that has never enjoyed this level of national attention and support.

“It is a golden opportunity for the Igbo people to reunite with their kith and kin across the Niger.

“The Ohanaeze constitution recognises Anioma as the sixth Igbo state and Ikwerre as the seventh. It is therefore not a coincidence that over 90 senators have declared their total support for the creation of Anioma State.”

Concerned Citizens Laud Aniocha South Chairman Over Ewulu Earth Road Intervention

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By Afokobah Celestine

Concerned citizens from within and outside Ewulu community have commended the Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government Council, Hon. Jude Chukwunwike, for his timely intervention in the grading of the Ewulu Earth Road, describing it as a critical relief for residents.

In a statement made available to journalists, the group, led by the Special Adviser to the Delta State Governor on Infrastructure, Chief Nat Igbadi, expressed deep appreciation to the council chairman for his swift response in rehabilitating the road and restoring motorable access to the community at a crucial time.

Chief Igbadi noted that the intervention had significantly eased movement and improved access for residents and visitors alike.

“With this intervention, the people of Ewulu can now conveniently access their community through the Ogwashi-Uku axis. This has brought much-needed relief to commuters and boosted socio-economic activities,” he said.

The group also lauded the Delta State Government, under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, for the successful completion of Phase I of the Isheagu–Ewulu Road project.

He described it as a testament to the governor’s commitment to infrastructural development across the state.

While commending the progress recorded so far, the concerned citizens appealed to Governor Oborevwori to consider awarding the contract for Phase II of the project, which spans about five kilometres from the Ogwashi-Uku axis.

According to them, completing the remaining phase would enhance connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and further integrate Ewulu with neighbouring communities.

Chief Igbadi also acknowledged the support and contributions of illustrious sons of Ewulu, particularly Prince Chukwuka Ezechie, for his role in supporting the completion of the project.

He further appreciated members of the Peace Committee for their financial, moral, and supervisory contributions, which, he said, ensured the successful execution of the initiative.

Those commended included Mr. Patrick Odimegwu, Mr. Celestine Ibegbunem, and Hon. Gerrald Odimegwu.

Others are Hon. Alex Chukwunwike, Comrade Celestine Afokobah, Mr. Maduka Okubulu, and Mr. Ikwemefuna Nwokolo.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to supporting developmental initiatives that promote unity, accessibility, and sustainable growth in Ewulu and Aniocha South Local Government Area at large.

Sit-At-Home: Heavy Protest Erupts In Onitsha Main Market Over Closure

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In the bustling city of Onitsha, Anambra State, a wave of unrest swept through the streets on Tuesday 27th January 2026, as traders from the Onitsha Main Market took to protesting against the government’s decision to shut down the market.

This decision, enforced by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, was a response to the traders’ continued compliance with the “sit-at-home” orders, which have been a point of contention in the region.

The shutdown was announced after traders defied the state’s directive to open for business on Mondays, a day that has been unofficially observed as a sit-at-home day in solidarity with the incarcerated leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

The Governor was categorical in wierding the big hammer, insisting that the market would remain closed for one week, and this measure would extend to any other market in Anambra that failed to operate on Mondays.

As the closure took effect, security agencies, including hundreds of personnel supported by Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and Hilux vans, were deployed to enforce the order. They barricaded the market, ensuring that the Governor’s directive was strictly adhered to. This heavy security presence, however, did not deter the traders, who gathered in large numbers to express their dissatisfaction.

The protest was marked by chants and songs in support of Nnamdi Kanu, highlighting the deep-rooted political and social tensions in the region. The traders’ demonstration was not just a reaction to the economic implications of the shutdown but also a manifestation of their solidarity with the IPOB leader.

Governor Soludo’s decision to close the market was part of a broader strategy to curb what he described as “economic sabotage” disguised as the sit-at-home order. He emphasized that the state could not afford to lose economic activity every Monday and warned that similar actions would be taken against other markets that failed to comply with the state’s directives.

Despite the tension, the Anambra State Government acknowledged the disturbance and commended the police for their swift action in restoring order. The situation remains delicate, with the potential for further unrest if a resolution is not reached soon.

This protest in Onitsha Main Market underscores the complex interplay between economic activities and political allegiances in southeastern Nigeria, reflecting broader challenges faced by the region in balancing governance, economic stability, and political expression.

Critics Slam Soludo Over Onitsha Main Market Shutdown, Say Action Unlawful And A Breach Of Rights

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Critics have slammed the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo following the order he made on Monday 26th January 2026 to shutdown Onitsha Main Market and its adjoining markets for one week to enforce compliance against the perceived defiance of the illegal sit-at-home order on Mondays in some South Eastern part of Nigeria.

One of the Critics, a political activist Justice Ozobi, threatens to sue the Governor for 1 billion naira damages, noting that It is not by force to open shops, but by choice which embodies the exercise of one’s fundamental right.

Ozobi  described the Governor’s action as an infringement on personal and business rights which are ancillaries to fundamental human rights.

Reacting to reports that Governor Chukwuma Soludo has considered closing the Main Market to enforce Monday trading, Ozobi advised traders to remain calm and seek legal redress if necessary.

He suggested that affected traders could sue the government for damages, insisting that operating a business should not be done under compulsion, but by freewill.

“Going to shops shouldn’t be by force. I have the right to open my shop any day I want,” Ozobi said. “If I decide to close my shop for one year, that is my choice. I’m not owing Anambra State a kobo.” he insist.

He further maintained that the decision of when to open or close a shop is the prerogative of the business owner and should not be dictated by government directives, urging authorities to respect individual freedoms,. fundamental rights and the rule of law.

Government should rather redirect its powers legally by cracking down on unlawful enforcers of the Monday sit-at-home order so as to protect public offices and those who choose to open their shops on Monday, and allow others who choose not to open on Monday to exercise their rights and freedom to take the Monday leave,.he added.

Recall that monday sit-at-home, which has been observed in some parts of the South-East for about four  years now has been consistently condemned by the Soludo administration, describing it as illegal and harmful to the region’s economy.

Legal Fireworks Break Out In Ukwuani LGA Council. Read The Bone Of Contention.

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The High Court of Delta State sitting in Obiaruku has granted leave to a councillor of Ukwuani Local Government Area to commence mandamus proceedings against the Chairman and Treasurer of the Council over alleged failure to disclose the council’s financial records, as required by law.

The order was made on January 19, 2026, by Justice S. L. Okeleke, following an ex parte application filed by Evans Ufeli, the lead counsel at The Chambers of Evans Ufeli on behalf of Hon. Chukwuemeke Victor, Councillor representing Ward 19, Ezhionum Kingdom, Ukwuani LGA.

In granting the application, the court held that the applicant had established sufficient interest to approach the court, being a serving councillor of the local government, and consequently ordered that the application be granted as prayed.

With the leave secured, the councillor has now filed a Motion on Notice, seeking substantive reliefs against Barrister Chiamaka Solomon Possible Ajede, Chairman of Ukwuani Local Government Council; Solomon Johnson Udih, Treasurer of the Council; and the Ukwuani Local Government Legislative House.

In the motion, brought pursuant to Order 44 Rules 1–3 of the Delta State High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2018, and provisions of the Delta State Local Government Establishment Law, 2017, the applicant alleges persistent refusal by the council’s executive to publish and declare the council’s monthly revenue, income and expenditure from July 2024 to date.

The councillor is asking the court to declare that the failure of the Treasurer to publish the council’s financial records amounts to a breach of statutory duty. He is also seeking an order of mandamus compelling the council chairman to direct the treasurer to immediately publish the said financial records in compliance with the law.

In addition, the applicant is praying the court to compel the chairman to furnish the legislative arm with the council’s monthly wage bill and performance index for the 2025 budget, with copies served on each councillor.

The suit also challenges the budgetary process of the council, alleging that the 2025 draft budget was hurriedly passed within two days without proper legislative scrutiny or debate. According to the applicant, the budget allegedly combined expenditure items belonging to Ukwuani and Ika North East Local Government Areas, a development he described as illegal and opaque.

Consequently, the councillor is seeking injunctive reliefs restraining the chairman from presenting the 2026 draft budget to the legislative arm pending full compliance with statutory financial disclosure obligations. He is also asking the court to restrain the legislative house from receiving or approving the 2026 budget until the alleged breaches are remedied.

In a statement in support of the application, the councillor maintained that all internal mechanisms to compel compliance had failed, insisting that judicial intervention had become necessary in the interest of transparency, accountability and good governance at the grassroots.

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