Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has sparked widespread reactions after speaking on the current security situation in the country.
According to him, the rise in insecurity is linked to the ongoing political season. He explained that as elections approach, tensions tend to increase, which can affect stability in some areas.
In his words:
“Insecurity is increasing because election is coming, because people don’t know what to do again. Immediately after election, two weeks after election, the insecurity will stop. The insecurity is being sponsored by people.”
Akpabio suggested that once the elections are concluded, the situation is expected to improve within a short period.
He also used the opportunity to criticize the opposition, saying they are not well organized. While speaking, he appeared to take a swipe at Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s candidate in the 2023 presidential election.
According to him:
“Opposition is in disarray, someone got six million votes and abandoned the party, abandoned the six million votes and went shopping for another platform and they are blaming the ruling party.”
Following his comments, many Nigerians have reacted online. While some people agree that election periods can increase tension, others believe security should be a top priority at all times and not something expected to improve only after elections.
The statement has continued to generate conversations, with many citizens calling for consistent efforts to ensure peace and stability across the country now, not later.
As part of activities marking the 59th session of the United Nations Commission on Population and Development, holding at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, a Nigerian female professor, Adaeze Juni Menakaya, was singled out for recognition as the recipient of the prestigious United Nations Initiative on Peace Award.
Her Excellency, Professor Adaeze Juni Menakaya, is celebrated globally for her numerous achievements and contributions to the promotion of peace, social justice, and the empowerment of women. She is also a recipient of the 2025 Global Champion of Gender for World Peace Merit Award, courtesy of the United Nations.
Professor Menakaya earned two PhDs, one in Women and Christian Education and the other in Educational Psychology and Women Studies. A front-bencher in the campaign and advocacy for women’s rights, education in underserved communities, and faith-based empowerment, she is a leader whose work with the United Nations spans diverse projects, including serving as Coordinator of Friends of Mission of Grenada to the United Nations, My Sister’s Health Watch, and as a United Nations Representative/Consultant to NGOs in special consultative status.
She attends United Nations meetings and conferences, presenting relevant statements and contributions at NGO committee sessions, and leads advocacy visits to missions on the girl-child and gender-based violence at the United Nations.
Widely applauded and celebrated for her outstanding accomplishments in the service of the United Nations and humanity at large, she has aligned herself with the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, contributing to global discussions on gender equality. Another initiative of Professor Menakaya is the Gender Priority Strategy, launched in 2020, which prioritizes gender issues through policy advocacy, education, and research.
As a woman, Professor Menakaya is concerned about domestic violence survivors and has been rendering help through programmes, counselling, and mentorship to victims of violence.
The present role of Ambassador Professor Adaeze Juni Menakaya at the global level has attracted her many recognitions and awards, including two from the United Nations. The prestigious Relevant Achievers Impacting Nations Award (Leadership Category) was conferred on her during the Annual Predecessors Event in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2024.
During her formative years, the father of Professor Menakaya had predicted, through affirmation, that his daughter would spend time championing the affairs of women, defending victims of domestic violence, and serving as a role model to the womenfolk.
Born after her mother endured three days of labour, her entrance into the world was unique in many respects, and due to the circumstances of her birth, she was dedicated to the service of women. This early experience shaped her for the task of championing the affairs of women, gender equality, education, and faith-driven leadership.
Professor Menakaya derives great fulfilment working with the United Nations and grassroots organisations, using International Women’s Day as an outreach platform to launch global campaigns on hunger solutions and encourage women to return to agricultural self-sufficiency.
According to Ambassador Juni Menakaya, her ultimate vision is for a sustainable world where women are empowered, children are educated, and communities strive to make life better for the people. She added that her greatest achievement is running a private school in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria, where quality education is provided for children.
The United Nations Initiative on Peace Award bestowed on her at the ongoing 59th session of the United Nations Commission on Population and Development is an honour befitting a woman who, over the years, has contributed more than her quota to strengthening international collaboration within the United Nations as a global champion for world peace.
Arsenal fan threatens to sue the club for emotional distress, professional negligence after painful 2 – 1 defeat to Bournemouth
An Arsenal supporter in Uganda has officially informed the club of plans to pursue legal action, alleging professional negligence, poor tactical decisions, and emotional distress.
In a “Notice of Intent to Sue” addressed to the club’s headquarters in London, Eric Kyama said Arsenal’s recent performance against AFC Bournemouth is a “fundamental breach of the implied contract between the club and its global fanbase.”
He accused the players of professional negligence for showing “a complete lack of industry” and failing to demonstrate urgency or commitment on the pitch after their
2 – 1 defeat to AFC Bournemouth.
He also criticised Arteta, alleging the manager lacked the tactical ability to lead the team, and described the performance as “disjointed” and “directionless.”
March 17, every four years, marks a symbolic “rainbow moment” in Anambra State. Owing to its off-cycle election calendar, the state inaugurates a new governor on that date. Thus, on Wednesday, March 17, 2026, at the now significantly upgraded Ekwueme Square in Awka, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo was sworn in for a second term as governor. By 2030, he will have constitutionally exhausted his tenure.
The governor has since moved swiftly, appointing key officials to kick-start his new administration.
His inaugural address—spanning 36 paragraphs—was both intellectually rich and rhetorically compelling. It highlighted past achievements while outlining an ambitious roadmap for the future. The speech carried emotional weight and philosophical depth, ultimately projecting a vision of sustainable, generational development for the state.
One stylistic feature stood out: the governor’s consistent use of the royal “we,” which reinforced a sense of collective responsibility in governance.
Early in the speech, Soludo advanced a notable hypothesis—that the election outcome validated a politics of transformation and development over transactional politics. While this claim may appear plausible, some analysts remain unconvinced that the reported 73% electoral support for APGA was solely a product of performance-based governance.
This raises a critical question: would the party have secured such a margin without engaging in the same voter inducement practices widely attributed to other political actors? If the answer is negative, then the governor’s hypothesis requires refinement. A more encompassing sociological understanding of voter behavior and governance realities in the state may be necessary.
Critics also argue that the dichotomy between transactional and transformative politics is often situational. For instance, a governor confident in his record would arguably have little need to seek endorsement from leaders of rival political parties during an election in which those parties fielded candidates. Such actions could themselves be interpreted as transactional.
This suggests that the governor may need to reassess both the mechanics and expectations of politics in Anambra State—why it functions the way it does, and how it might be improved.
That said, his gesture of extending a hand of fellowship to his opponents was dignified and statesmanlike.
The speech’s expansive development vision—particularly its 70-year outlook—appears ambitious, perhaps excessively so, given the state’s current challenges. The aspiration to transform Anambra into an “African Dubai–Taiwan–Silicon Valley” may strike some as more bookish than realistic.
Similarly, projections of care for a population of 50 million by the year 2100 raise questions about present-day realities. Housing in Awka and across the state is already prohibitively expensive, driven in part by an informal and often opaque economy. It is troubling that even a top civil servant, such as a permanent secretary, might struggle to afford decent accommodation without incurring debt.
In another instance, the governor’s reference to Onitsha as hosting the “so-called largest market in West Africa” invites interpretative scrutiny. Such phrasing could be seen as either cautious skepticism or an unintended diminishment of a historically significant commercial hub.
While the administration deserves commendation for dismantling 62 criminal camps and restoring relative peace in previously troubled local government areas, questions remain about the sustainability of these gains. Were they achieved through overwhelming force, strategic incentives, or other methods? Understanding this is crucial to preventing a resurgence of criminality.
The governor’s reorientation agenda—particularly efforts to curb practices such as Okeite—should also extend to state institutions where heavy corruption is widely suspected.
There is also concern about the persistence of informal and sometimes coercive revenue practices, such as those associated with Ndi Aka Odo, which appear inconsistent with the state’s modernization ambitions.
In paragraph 26, the governor proposes building an airport to serve an anticipated population of 40 million in the next 50 years. This evokes John Kenneth Galbraith’s concept of “symbolic modernization”—projects that are impressive in form but questionable in utility. Given the existence of the Anambra International Cargo Airport in Umueri, concerns about its underutilization and slow development raise legitimate questions about the necessity of additional infrastructure of this kind.
Despite these concerns, Soludo remains intellectually confident and assertive in his vision.
In the later part of his speech, he urged Anambra citizens to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described in glowing terms. While some may share this view, others strongly disagree, citing concerns about governance style and perceived nepotism.
This endorsement, therefore, demands further explanation.
From this observer’s standpoint, Soludo has, within a single tenure, arguably achieved more than many of his predecessors did in comparable periods. Yet, his popularity does not appear to fully reflect these accomplishments. This gap itself presents an important subject for analysis.
History shows that second terms often introduce distractions, particularly around succession politics. The choice of a successor is critical—not only for continuity but also for the legacy and post-tenure influence of the incumbent.
Some outgoing governors genuinely seek capable successors to sustain their achievements. Others, however, may prefer weaker candidates to preserve their own historical standing. Still, others prioritize personal access to state resources after leaving office, making loyalty a key consideration.
In Anambra, however, one overriding factor shapes succession politics: zoning. There is a widely held belief that it is now the turn of Anambra Central to produce the next governor. This principle, rooted in equity and balance, has contributed to political stability in the state.
Within this framework, attention is increasingly turning to Awka zone. Political actors, including the governor and party leaders, would do well to guide this process thoughtfully, ensuring fairness within the zone itself.
As Anambra moves forward on its ambitious developmental path, the question remains: how much of the rainbow will endure through the remainder of Soludo’s administration?
Barely six months after its inauguration, the new Anambra State Government House has once again become a scene of disaster.
On Thursday night, heavy winds and rain brought down barricades surrounding the sprawling complex, sparking panic among workers and visitors and raising fresh concerns about the structural integrity of the multi-billion naira project.
The barricades, erected to shield activities within the premises—particularly around the Governor’s Lodge—gave way during the downpour, leaving debris scattered across the complex.
The collapse occurred at night, averting what could have been a major tragedy.
“We thank God it happened at night. During the day, this road is always busy.
If it had fallen then, many people would have been victims,” a source within the complex said.
The barricades, reportedly costing millions of naira, were meant to secure the 57-building complex.
Their failure during the first major rain of the year has heightened fears about what might happen when the full rainy season begins.
Workers and visitors have long expressed unease about the quality of construction.
From leaking roofs to crumbling sections, the complex has shown signs of poor workmanship since its commissioning.
Staff within the complex lamented that they live in daily fear of structures collapsing.
Visitors noted the absence of diagrams or labels on doors and buildings, making navigation difficult in the 57-building facility.
Restrictions on cameras and phones inside the complex have fueled speculation that authorities are trying to conceal defects.
“The rain was heavy, but nobody expected the barricades to collapse like that.
It shows something is seriously wrong somewhere,” one visitor remarked.
The incident has intensified public skepticism about the hurried construction of the Government House.
Critics allege that the project was rushed to meet political deadlines, with corners cut in the process.
“There have been whispers that the project was fast-tracked to meet a political deadline.
Now we are beginning to see signs that corners may have been cut,” A local trader commented.
Community leaders have described the collapse as a “preventable embarrassment,” calling for accountability and transparency in public infrastructure projects.
As of press time, Governor Charles Soludo, who is currently out of the country, had yet to issue a formal statement.
However, sources within the Ministry of Works indicated that an assessment team may be deployed to investigate both the immediate and underlying causes of the collapse.
Civil society groups are demanding an independent probe, insisting that public funds must not be wasted on substandard infrastructure.
“This is not just about barricades. It raises serious questions about the overall safety of the entire Government House complex,” a community leader said.
Debris from the collapsed barricades is being cleared, though parts of the area remain cordoned off.
The main landing at the entrance to the Governor’s office complex, which had already undergone renovation just days after inauguration, is still under repair.
Residents and workers continue to assess the aftermath, with fears lingering about the safety of the complex as the rainy season approaches.
The collapse of the barricades at Anambra’s new Government House has exposed deep concerns about the quality of public projects executed under political pressure.
With workers and visitors expressing daily fears, and civil society calling for accountability, the incident is expected to intensify scrutiny of government spending and infrastructure standards in the state.
For now, the “Light House” remains under a cloud of uncertainty—its promise of modern governance overshadowed by structural failures and public distrust.
In Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, shelter ranks just after food as a fundamental requirement for human survival.Governments across the world recognize this reality and deliberately design policies to ensure that citizens can afford a roof over their heads. In many economies, minimum wage structures are calibrated to reflect the cost of living—particularly housing, whether through rent or mortgage.
In recent years, however, the cost of house rent across South-East Nigeria has risen at an alarming and unsustainable rate, placing immense pressure on residents—especially low- and middle-income earners.
Major urban centres such as Enugu, Owerri, Awka, Aba, and Abakaliki are increasingly experiencing a housing crisis that is steadily eroding living standards and deepening economic hardship.
What was once considered affordable housing has now become a luxury. A single-room self-contained apartment that previously cost about ₦100,000 per annum now goes for ₦400,000 or more. Self-contained apartments that were once ₦150,000 now command as high as ₦800,000.
In Awka, a three-bedroom flat in areas such as Commissioners’ Quarters can cost up to ₦2,500,000 annually, with additional service charges of about ₦200,000( Note that the national minimum wage is N840,000 per annum) . In Onitsha, a two-bedroom flat averages ₦500,000 per annum, even in relatively less expensive areas like Mgbuke, Awada, and Nkpor—still burdensome when compared to prevailing income levels.
This trend is not only unsustainable but socially destabilizing.
Several factors are responsible for this sharp escalation. Rapid urbanization remains a key driver, as increasing numbers of people migrate to cities in search of better economic opportunities.
Unfortunately, this population growth has not been matched with corresponding housing development, resulting in a widening gap between demand and supply—and inevitably, higher rents. Compounding this is the lack of reliable housing data; state governments have not been sufficiently intentional about tracking residential stock and projected demand.
Equally significant is the rising cost of building materials. Cement, iron rods, roofing sheets, sand, laterite, labour, and other construction inputs have witnessed steep increases due to inflation, exchange rate volatility, and high transportation costs. Landlords, seeking to recoup their investments, transfer these costs directly to tenants through higher rents.
Moreover, the weak enforcement of effective regulatory frameworks has worsened the situation. In many parts of the South-East, landlords fix rents arbitrarily, with little or no oversight. Weak tenancy laws (and in some states, their outright absence) have enabled exploitative practices such as excessive advance payments—often one to two years—unjustified rent hikes, and hidden charges.
The consequences are far-reaching. Many families are forced to relocate to substandard housing on the outskirts of cities, increasing transportation costs and reducing overall quality of life. Young people, including students and early-career professionals, are increasingly unable to secure decent accommodation. Overcrowding and the proliferation of informal settlements are rising, posing serious health and security risks. In extreme cases, the psychological toll has led to tragic outcomes.
This growing crisis demands urgent and deliberate government intervention. Housing must be treated as a central pillar of social welfare and economic stability. Recent public engagements by some state leaders suggest a worrying underestimation of the scale of the problem, as well as a lack of clear, actionable housing policies. While reliance on market forces is a legitimate economic philosophy, housing—given its social importance—cannot be left entirely to market dynamics.
Well-designed housing policies, including measured rent regulation, can help stabilize the market and curb arbitrary pricing. Contrary to common fears, effective regulation can also attract investment by creating a more predictable and structured environment for developers.
Governments should actively partner with private developers through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to deliver affordable housing at large scale. Strategic incentives—such as tax reliefs, subsidized land, and support for local building materials—can stimulate private sector participation and reduce construction costs.
Access to housing finance must also be expanded. Many Nigerians are unable to build or purchase homes due to limited access to affordable mortgage systems. Strengthening housing finance institutions and introducing flexible, single-digit interest mortgage schemes will significantly ease pressure on the rental market.
Equally important is the strict enforcement of tenancy laws. Regulatory authorities must ensure fairness and transparency in landlord-tenant relationships, including reasonable rent increments and standardized payment structures.
In conclusion, South-East governors must, as a matter of urgency, collaborate with the private sector to develop large-scale, high-density housing projects—including multi-storey residential buildings—to accommodate low-income earners while creating employment opportunities for the youth. There is also a need for strategic engagement with the Federal Government to review wage policies, potentially incorporating productivity-based and hourly remuneration structures to better align incomes with the rising cost of living.
The time to act is now. Housing is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Any society that neglects this fundamental need risks deepening inequality, social instability, and economic decline.
Ndubuisi Anaenugwu
Ambassador General
Good Governance Ministry (GGM)
Email: ggovernanceministry@gmail.com
The US has heightened its travel warning for Nigeria, advising Americans to reconsider travel to the country due to security concerns. The US Department of State has placed 23 Nigerian states under its “Do Not Travel” category, citing terrorism, crime, kidnapping, and civil unrest.
The states listed include:
– Northern states: Borno, Jigawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and parts of Adamawa
– Southern states: Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers (excluding Port Harcourt)
– Other high-risk states: Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara
The US has also authorized the departure of non-emergency embassy staff and their families from Abuja, citing a deteriorating security situation. The advisory warns of widespread crime, including armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping, and notes that Americans are often targeted due to perceived wealth.
The Nigerian government has expressed concern over the advisory, but has assured that it is taking steps to address security challenges.
Amara Okoye Of ABS Lays Father To Rest In Igboukwu, Aguata Council Area
Management and staff of the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Onitsha, joined their colleague, Amara Okoye of the News and Current Affairs Department, alongside family members, friends, and sympathisers, to lay her father, Late Mr. James Anagboso, to rest in his compound in Ihuekili, Ezihu Village, Igboukwu, in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The burial ceremony commenced with a special service held at his residence, officiated by the priest and congregation of Holy Trinity Anglican Parish, Igboukwu, and the event attracted dignitaries and well-wishers from within and outside the country.
In her condolence message, the Director of News and Current Affairs, ABS, Mrs. Chinyelu Obiejesi, urged the family to take solace in the impactful life and legacy their father left behind, noting that the loss of a father is always a significant blow to a family.
She described Amara as a peaceful and dedicated staff member whose humility and selfless nature endeared her to management and colleagues, as reflected in the turnout of ABS staff at the burial.
In separate interviews with ABS, the first son of the deceased, Mr. Okwukwe Anagboso, and his daughter, Amara Okoye, said their father lived a fulfilled and impactful life, evident in the values he instilled in his children and the calibre of individuals who came to pay their last respects.
They described their late father as a peace-loving man who cared deeply for the well-being of others and provided his children with a solid foundation that has helped them excel in their various endeavours.
The family expressed appreciation to all who came to support them in bidding their father farewell and prayed that God would reward them and meet them at their points of need.
Late Mr. James Anagboso, aged 75, is survived by his wife, six children, and many grandchildren.
“Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, David Mark, Rotimi Amaechi, and other prominent opposition figures led a massive protest, dubbed “#OccupyINEC”, at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, on April 8, 2026. The protest was in response to INEC’s decision to withdraw recognition of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership, citing a Court of Appeal ruling.
The protesters, including Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rauf Aregbesola, and Dino Melaye, demanded that INEC respects the party’s internal democracy and recognizes the leadership headed by David Mark. They carried placards with messages like “Tinubu, why are you afraid?”, “Judges must give justice”, and “Let democracy breathe”.
Atiku Abubakar stated that the protest aimed to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy and prevent authoritarianism. Peter Obi emphasized the need to protect democratic values, while Rotimi Amaechi urged Nigerians to defend their future and resist political manipulation.
The ADC alleges that INEC’s decision is part of a broader effort to prevent the party from participating in the 2027 general election. The party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the situation as a “dangerous contradiction” and urged INEC to reverse its stance.
The protest highlights growing concerns about INEC’s impartiality and the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
Former Anambra Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Sylvia Ifemeje, has said that her four years in office were not a bed of roses but very challenging, as there were many contentious cases she represented the state in up to the Supreme Court and “problematic garnishee orders” to contend with when she came on board.
Addressing members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Aguata Branch, during a meeting she hosted, Professor Ifemeje, who described Anambrarians as litigious, explained that she tackled the garnishee order problem head-on and succeeded in drastically reducing to the barest minimum the number of garnishee order attachments on government accounts through negotiations and expeditious minuting of hearing notices to the appropriate legal departments of the Ministry of Justice for proper legal representation by state counsel.
She listed her achievements in office to include transformative digitalization and full end-to-end automation of the justice sector, facilitating the drafting of 25 landmark executive bills and their subsequent passage into law, championing the establishment of specialized courts such as the Sex and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and Small Claims Courts, and the establishment of an SGBV unit in the Attorney General’s Chambers for diligent prosecution.
Others include the creation of a website for hosting all Anambra laws online once the revised laws currently before the House of Assembly are authenticated, which will enable Anambrarians to have easy access to the laws, as well as the construction of four judges’ quarters and six court halls.
Professor Ifemeje explained that the online hosting of all Anambra laws will enable Anambrarians to have easy access to the laws, while expressing the belief that the four judges’ quarters and six court halls, which are 95% completed, would pave the way for the employment of more judges to quicken the dispensation of justice in Anambra.
Welcoming the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to her base, the NBA Aguata Chairman, Barrister Chijioke Nwankwo, noted that the branch is proud of her for performing well in office and representing members without any scandal.
Thanking Professor Ifemeje for visiting her “constituency,” the NBA First National Vice President, Barrister Sabastine Anyia, and former NBA Aguata Branch Chairman, Barrister David Umeobika, said the former Attorney General was very humble and easily accessible while in office, adding that she has the potential to serve as Attorney General of the Federation and in other higher positions.
Barrister Umeobika, in particular, noted that Professor Ifemeje rendered unblemished service to Anambra that would be remembered for a long time in the state’s history, especially her use of technology in justice delivery, describing it as “an imprint on the sand of history.”
On his part as “an insider” in the government, a member of the NBA Aguata Branch, Barrister Chuks Ezewuzie said that what Professor Ifemeje listed at the event as her achievements in office was just the tip of the iceberg.
