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Author: Monday Ajogun

  • Anambra tipper drivers protest alleged N200,000 extortion by government agents

     

    Extortion

    By Monday Ajogun

    Onitsha (Anambra), June 27, 2024 (NAN) Tipper drivers in Anambra have expressed dismay over the alleged forceful collection of N200,000 from each driver by officials of the Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA).

    The Chairman of the association, Mr Ebuka Unekwe, made the allegation during a press briefing in Onitsha, on Thursday.

    Unekwe alleged that ARTMA officials extorted its members of money ranging from N200,000 and above under the guise of traffic control.

    He lamented that tipper drivers were being extorted in the state on a daily basis, noting that the roads from where they loaded sand were dilapidated and impassable.

    The chairman complained that due to the unmotorable condition of the roads, vehicles always fall and often create problems for the drivers.

    He noted that tipper drivers now resorted to plying Niger Street, through Port Harcourt Road down to Upper Iweka all in Onitsha.

    According to Unekwe, when we drive to Upper Iweka to connect the flyovers, ARTMA officials and some security agents would suddenly jump into our tippers.

    “They do this every night and they compelled us to move into their park where they forcefully collect N200,000 from us on the condition that it was Gov. Charles Soludo they were working for.

    “The ARTMA officials do not accept cash transfers but they insist that they must be given physical cash before any tipper in their net would be released.

    “They are being led by one Akachukwu, an indigene of Ebonyi State, allegedly employed by the ARTMA Managing Director to act as their commander and ensure that the N200,000 were extorted from the tipper drivers and remitted to him privately.

    “So far, between Tuesday and Wednesday alone, ARTMA officials have forcefully extorted N200,000 each from eight tipper drivers in the area.

    “So this morning, some of us who loaded at Asaba and plied the road have been forcefully made to pay N200,000 to ARTMA,” he said.

    He said as a result of the continuous extortion, the tipper drivers have concluded to stage a peaceful protest to draw the attention of the state governor towards their plight.

    “We are set to block the Onitsha axis of the federal highway in the state to draw government attention,” the chairman said.

    However, when contacted on the telephone, the Managing Director, ARTMA, Mr Emeka Konti, denied the allegations, adding that he did not send any of his officials to collect the sum of N200,000 from tipper drivers.

    “That is totally false. No official was asked to collect N200,000 from tipper drivers.

    “We only asked the tipper drivers to stop plying one way at night hence they started the propaganda,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AJOM/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

     

     

  • Police launch manhunt for officer in Anambra over alleged N800,000 extortion

     

    Extortion

    By Monday Ajogun

    Onitsha (Anambra), June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Anambra has launched a manhunt for a yet-to-be-identified officer,  who allegedly extorted the sum of N810,000 from one of its victims.

    The command Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday.

    According to Ikenga, the command is aware of the information on X social media platform of the alleged extortion of the sum of N810,000 by a yet-to-be-identified officer of the command.

    “We have initiated steps to identify the alleged officer; information about the incident has been escalated to Area Commander, Onitsha, for necessary actions.

    “The command also wishes to invite the victim to its Headquarters in Awka to get information that will help in facilitating the necessary procedures involved in the process,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AJOM/CHOM/MNA

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Maureen Atuonwu

     

     

  • Obi suggests ways to tackle  exodus of multinationals

    Obi suggests ways to tackle  exodus of multinationals

    Multinationals

    By Monday Ajogun

    Onitsha (Anambra), June 24, 2024 (NAN) Mr Peter Obi, Labour Party’s Presidential Candidates in the 2023 General Elections, on Monday suggested  ways Nigeria could tackle exodus of multinational companies.

    The former governor of Anambra State made the suggestions  on his X handle.

    According to Obi, exodus of multinational companies from Nigeria has cost the nation N95 trillion in the past five years.

    Obi said that tackling the issue would require creating a business-friendly environment that would  boost investment, innovation and growth.

    “This includes prioritising security, stabilising our policies and reducing energy costs.

    “We must also cultivate a culture of transparency, accountability and good governance.

    “We can build an economy that benefits all Nigerians. Let us unite to transform Nigeria into a nation conducive for business and  attractive to investment.

    “Together, we can make Nigeria a beacon of hope and progress in Africa and the entire  world,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AJOM/OJI/IGO

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    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Ijeoma Popoola

     

  • Obi never commented on National Anthem – POMR

     

    Anthem

    By Monday Ajogun

    Onitsha (Anambra), June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) says the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate has never commented on Nigeria’s new National Anthem.

    It said that reports that Obi had been among detractors, who had been vocal against alleged expenditure on the new National Anthem is “false”.

    This is contained in a statement by its spokesperson, Dr Yunusa Tanko, obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) on Sunday in Onitsha.

    According to the group, reports that an alleged sum spent by the Federal Government on the new national anthem that had attracted Obi’s criticisms should be disregarded.

    “POMR wishes to state clearly that while Obi has been a critic of wasteful spending of public funds, he has not said a word directly or indirectly on the new national anthem.

    “Most of Obi’s statements are based on verifiable facts and he never embarked on frivolous remarks.

    “POMR has been made aware of some hirelings whose assignment is to push out funny statements and attribute them to Obi to finally discredit his laudable opinions on national issues.

    “We, therefore, wish to alert the general public especially, media houses to be wary and watch out for such induced materials.

    “Peter Obi’s media office can always be reached for any clarifications,”  he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AJOM/CHOM/MNA

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Maureen Atuonwu

     

     

     

  • Obi, others, bid farewell to late Nollywood actor, Amaechi Muonagor

     

    Farewell

    By Monday Ajogun

    Obosi (Anambra), June 21, 2024 (NAN) Mr Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, the State Commissioner for Culture, Tourism and Entertainment, Mr Dom Onyenji, among others were present to mourn the late Nollywood icon, Mr Amaechi Monagu.

    Muonagor was on Friday buried in his Obosi country home in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state, amid tears from family members, relatives and the Nollywood family.

    Obi, while delivering his condolence speech, lamented the death of the icon and urged the bereaved family to take heart and prayed God for repose of his soul.

    On his part, the State Commissioner for Culture, Tourism and Entertainment, Onyenji, described Nollywood as an industry for those who were creative.

    He noted that the industry had lost a creative personality in the late Amechi Muonagor.

    Onyenji maintained that the government of Anambra was on ground to mourn with Nollywood as the legend played his roles well while alive and mentored stars in the industry.

    In his remarks, the National President, Actors Guild of Nigeria, Mr Emeka Ejezie, urged the bereaved family to take heart as the deceased was a great man.

    Ejezie, who was represented by a veteran actor, Mr Steve Eboh, prayed that God in His infinite mercy will give them the heart with which to bear the loss.

    In her speech, the state chairman of AGN, Mrs Chinyere Anyaegbunam, said that they lost somebody who was very precious to all, emphasizung that the late icon was somebody people looked up to as a father figure in the industry.

    Anyaegbunam said that late Muonagor mentored so many of them in the movie industry. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AJOM/

     

  • Fire destroys 2 shops in Anambra community market

    Fire destroys 2 shops in Anambra community market

    Fire
    By Monday Ajogun
    Nnobi (Anambra), June 19, 2024 (NAN) An early morning fire, on Wednesday, gutted two shops at the Afor Nnobi Market, by Nnobi Roundabout, in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inferno destroyed goods, including household items and clothing, worth millions of naira.

    The Chief Fire Officer, Anambra Fire Service, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Onitsha on Wednesday.

    Chiketa said: “The Anambra Fire Service received a distress call at 7:52am about a raging fire at Afor Market.

    “The firemen and fire truck at Nnewi Fire Station were deployed immediately and they turned out to the scene and contained the fire.

    “No life was lost, the fire affected about two shops.

    “The cause of the fire was suspected to be power surge in one of the affected shops.”

    According to him, fire kills but it can be prevented.

    He said that it was necessary for the public to know that the time of call always determined the time of response. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AJOM/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

     

     

  • Collapsed DMGS building: Anglican Church inaugurates investigative panel

     

     

    Investigation

    By Monday Ajogun

    Onitsha (Anambra), June 18, 2024 (NAN) The Diocese on the Niger, Anglican Communion Onitsha, Anambra, on Tuesday inaugurated a 9-man panel of enquiry to investigate the cause of the Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) Onitsha Centenary building collapse.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday reports that the five-storey building collapsed within the premises of DMGS on June 12, leaving one dead and two persons rescued.

    Most Rev. Owen Nwakolo, Bishop on the Niger, told newmen at the site of the building collapse, that the committee was given nine terms of reference.

    Nwakolo noted that the 9-man committee comprising architects and surveyors was headed by Justice Pete Ohioto, while Mr Andy Obiamwu would function as secretary.

    He gave the names of other members as Mr Ofodile Anieto, Mr Chukwunonto Igboka, Mr Peter Okpala, Mr Shed Omwuasoanya, Dr Azuka Onweluzo, Mr Samuel Akabogu and Mr Kingsley Ibekwe.

    According to him, we expect your report within one month from June 18, being the date of the inauguration of the panel.

    “You are therefore constituted as a panel of enquiry to investigate and determine the cause of the collapse of the building,” he said.

    Nwakolo listed the terms of reference to include, examining the administrative and technical processes followed during the building to ensure that proper procedures were followed.

    Others are for the committee to study the building plans to ensure that they meet the expected standards, enquire whether approval was sought and obtained from the approving authority for the building to proceed.

    He stressed that they were also to enquire whether the architectural design of the building was done by a qualified architect registered with the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria, amongst others.

    On his part, Dr Alexander Ibezim, Archbishop, Province of the Niger, Bishop of Awka, thanked God that the situation did not escalate more than it did.

    “God has done wonderful; it could have been a tragedy, a lot of lives could have been lost, but because God is with his people, God did not allow the wishes of our enemies to come to pass.

    “Anybody seeing this knows that God is a living God, even to say that one life was lost shows that this God is a miraculous God.

    “And shows the children schooling in this school and teachers are innocent.

    “We, as a province, are standing with the Diocese on the Niger in this difficult time in whatever we can do. We are already praying,” he said.

    Those in attendance are; Bishop Obiora Uzochukwu of Mbamiri Diocese, Bishop Prosper Amah of Ogbaru Diocese, Bishop Ephraim Ikeakor of Amichi Diocese and Bishop Ndubuisi Obi of Nnewi Diocese, and many priests of the Diocese. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AJOM/DE/MNA

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    Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Maureen Atuonwu

     

  • Police condemn killing of vigilante, 2 others in Anambra

    Killing
    By Monday Ajogun
    Nnewi (Anambra), June 18, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Anambra has condemned the killing of a vigilante commander and two others as well as the abduction of one person by unidentified gunmen in Nnewi Hotel on Monday.
    The command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Ikechukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the incident on Tuesday in Onitsha, said that the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam, had ordered immediate manhunt for the fleeing armed men.
    Ikenga said that the gunmen operated in a red Highlander SUV and abducted a resident in Nnewi at about 1:30 p.m. on Monday.
    He said that the police trailed the gunmen to Nnobi, in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state where they engaged security operatives in a gun battle.
    Ikenga said that during the gun duel, one of the security operatives was fatally hit by a bullet from the hoodlums.
    “In an attempt to escape the scene, the bullet also fatally struck two innocent passersby in the area.
    “The police response team at the scene recovered the bodies of the victims and took them to the hospital.
    “Regrettably, three of the victims, including a 22-year-old lady, were confirmed dead by the doctors on duty, while two others are currently receiving treatment,” he said.
    The spokesman said that the commissioner of police condemned the killing in strong terms, describing the killers as cowards who had murdered sleep.
    He commiserated with the families of the deceased and vowed to get justice for the heroic act of the murdered vigilante operative and innocent bystanders at the scene.
    The police commissioner also called on members of the public, especially eyewitnesses, to assist the police with information on the ongoing operation.
    An eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity, said that the hoodlums, who carried out the act, were enforcing the Monday sit-at-home order.
    The source also said that the gunmen collected cell phones and other valuables from their victims in the hotel.
    The development, according to the source, forced many people who disobeyed the sit-at-home order to quickly close their stalls and run home. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AJOM/CHOM/WAS
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma and ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Anambra police intercept alleged gun runner, recover 375 live cartridges

    Anambra police intercept alleged gun runner, recover 375 live cartridges

    Crime
    By Monday Ajogun
    Onitsha (Anambra), June 17, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in anambra says it has arrested 48-year-old Felix Owaya, in possession of 375 live cartridges.

    SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Onitsha on Monday.

    Ikenga stated that the suspect hail from Ika South Local Government Area of Delta.

    He also stated that the police operatives attached to Fegge Division made the arrest, while on patrol along Niger Street, Onitsha on Saturday.

    He added that during interrogation, the suspect confessed that he was sent by one Mr Charles Ogboma to a yet-to-be-identified man to collect the ammunition.

    He explained that investigation on the matter was still ongoing.

    According to him, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Nnaghe Itam, commended the operatives for their vigilance and tenacity of purpose.

    Itam was quoted to have directed all the personnel in the command to sustain the tempo of crime prevention and detection in service of the people and state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AJOM/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

  • Obi urges Muslims to draw strength from Prophet Muhammad’s teachings

    Sallah
    By Monday Ajogun
    Onitsha (Anambra), June 15, 2024 (NAN) Mr Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has urged Muslims to draw strength from the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ( PBUH).
    This is contained in a statement by his spokesperson, Dr Yunusa Tanko, on Saturday in Onitsha.
    Obi in a message of felicitation to Muslims on the celebration of Sallah urged Muslims to draw strength from Prophet Muhammad’s teachings.
    “My dear Muslim brothers and sisters, as we gather to celebrate Eid-al-Adha, the feast of sacrifice, I want to extend my warmest wishes to you all.
    “May this Sallah bring us all closer to Allah, to one another, and our true potential as individuals and as a nation.
    “Amid challenges and uncertainties, let us draw strength from our faith and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. (Peace be upon him.)
    “His unwavering trust in Allah, his courage, and his willingness to sacrifice for the greater good are objects of inspiration to us all.
    “As we celebrate, let us strive to be a source of hope, comfort, and support to those around us.
    “May Allah accept our prayers, our fasting, and our charity and May He grant us the wisdom to walk in His path, the courage to stand for what is right, and the grace to be a blessing to our communities,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AJOM/CHOM/JNC
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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/ Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma