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Council Chairman breaks worker’s head, brags ‘nothing will happen’

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Head of Local Government Administration, Anambra East Local Government Area, Anambra State, Mr Chike Obuekwe, JP, has been transferred out of the council area after he was beaten up by the Transition Committee Chairman, Hon. Pius Ifeadi.

The transfer by the Anambra State Local Government Service Commission Chairman, Dr Peter Egenti, came while Obuekwe was expecting action on a petition he wrote against Ifedi, who reportedly boasted that nothing would happen as he is Governor Willie Obiano’s ‘brother’. The unelected council boss was equally reported to have boasted that Obiano ordered a stop to further investigation of the matter as he (Ifedi) contributed to the Governor’s election. This reporter could not confirm the allegations.

A petition to the Nigerian Police Commissioner, Anambra State Command, by Obuekwe’s lawyer Gab Muoneke Esq of Udoka Chambers, Awka, narrated how his client was molested for uncovering fraudulent activities, in particular, the diverting of the council’s internally generated revenue (IGR) under Ifeadi’s watch.

Obuekwe had in a petition intimated the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission about the molestation. However, rather than get the justice he was seeking, Obuekwe was suddenly transferred out.

Obuekwe’s petition obtained from the Local Government Service Commission alleged that since he wrote a memo to Ifeadi on his observations of diversion of daily IGR by his men –

to which he got no response – the council boss had seen him as an enemy and had constantly abused him orally.

The petition to the police reads in part: “In the course of the discharge of my duties, I discovered that a lot of illegal collections were going on particularly around the waterways by some people who were agents of the Transition Committee Chairman and I did my best to curtail some illegal collections. I attach some proofs of those illegal collections and I mark same Annexure B.”

Obuekwe alleged that a Pontoon belonging to the council area was sold under suspicious circumstances. The Pontoon is now domiciled in Anambra River.

On how he got his head broken, Obuekwe said that Ifeadi invited him to his office to discuss issues of booklets printed allegedly at high cost and birth certificate without ‘East’ as a prefix. He said that after explaining his part, he informed Ifeadi that fraud could be traced in some activities authorised from his office and not the workers. Obuekwe said that at this juncture the council boss ordered him out of his office, but before he could turn and go, he removed his shoe and hit him severally, breaking his head and shoulder.

Obuekwe was rushed to COOU Teaching Hospital and was admitted for three days. He reportedly informed Governor Obiano and the Local Government Service Commission Chairman, Dr Egenti, of his ordeal but was ignored.

The embattled Head of Local Government Administration had appealed to the Governor and Local Government Service Commission Boss that the issues be satisfactorily and critically addressed, especially the physical assault on him occasioning bodily harm that could have led to his death. He also appealed for a thorough investigation into the activities of Ifeadi as Transition Committee Chairman.

Members of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Anambra East led by Comrade Victor Udealor have protested the attack on Obuekwe.

When contacted, Ifeadi admitted that he broke Obuekwe’s head but that the issue has been resolved as he has apologised to the victim and council workers over the incident.

Ifeadi denied having a hand in Obuekwe’s sudden transfer. He did not speak on the issues of fraud raised by Obuekwe and other sundry allegations like boasting that he would break his head and nothing would happen as Governor Obiano is his brother.

When contacted, Obuekwe said he had nothing more to say on the issue.

Egenti could not be reached as at the time of filing this report.
(Source: NewsExpress)

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Emulate Christ’s virtues, Glo urges Christians at Easter

Reporter: Sandra Ani

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Glo and Globacom
Globacom

Digital solutions provider, Globacom, has congratulated Christians in Nigeria on this year’s Easter celebration, and urged them to emulate the noble qualities of Jesus Christ.  

The company, in a goodwill message to the Christian faithful in the country, lauded their perseverance through the Lenten period which preceded Easter. It enjoined them to always promote the ideals of selflessness, love and peace among all as a way of demonstrating the virtues of the exemplary life of Jesus Christ. 

“Peace, love and sacrifice are the central message of Easter. Christ offered himself in atonement for the sins of the world and he lived a life which made Him an eternal symbol of peace and goodwill for mankind”, Globacom added. 

The company enjoined all Nigerians to share in the lessons of promoting selflessness, a necessary ingredient in the growth and development of every society. It also enjoined all Nigerians to join hands to make Nigeria a better place for all. 

Easter is celebrated yearly at the end of the Lenten season of fasting and prayer considered as a ritual of purification for the Christian faithful. It also precedes the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ on Good Friday and His eventual resurrection on Easter Sunday.

The company assured its customers of seamless voice, data and Short Messaging Service (SMS) during and after the Easter celebrations, while urging them to avail themselves of the various data and voice offerings on the network.

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NUJ at 70: Private Broadcast Members Congratulate Union

Reporter: Ikenna Oluka

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NUJ at 70
NUJ

The Guild of Private Broadcast Managers  has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) as it celebrates its 70th Anniversary.

In a congratulatory message signed by the Guild’s National President, Ambassador Patrick Uzoyi-Peters, JP MNGRM, the guild described the milestone as a testament to the NUJ’s unwavering commitment to upholding press freedom, journalistic integrity, and the advancement of democracy in Nigeria.

“For seven decades, the NUJ has played a pivotal role in shaping the media landscape, advocating for the rights and welfare of journalists, and ensuring that the voice of the people remains strong and unyielding. Your resilience, professionalism, and dedication to ethical journalism have been instrumental in fostering transparency, accountability, and national development”.

Celebrating this historic achievement, the Guild’s President, Uzoyi-Peters recognized the sacrifices and contributions of journalists across the nation who work tirelessly to inform, educate, and empower society.

The Guild reiterated it commitment towards collaborating with the NUJ in promoting responsible journalism and strengthening the media industry for the greater good.

While wishing the NUJ continued success, growth, and greater impact in the years ahead, President Uzoyi-Peters prayed that the anniversary serve as a renewed call to uphold the principles of truth, fairness, and press freedom in our collective pursuit of a more informed and just society.

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Family Marks one-year Memorial of Late APC Chieftain, Ojougboh with Charity Outreach

By Ikenna Oluka

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Mrs. Bose Ojougboh
Mrs. Bose Ojougboh, wife of the Late Dr. Cairo Ojougboh (Centre) flanked by other members of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation during the outreach programme.

The family of the late chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, led by his wife, Mrs. Bose Ojougboh, marked his one-year memorial anniversary with a series of charitable initiatives aimed at honoring his legacy of philanthropy and service to society.

The memorial activities included the donation of school books and bags to pupils of Erigbe Primary School, in Agbor within the Ika South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education.

The outreach also included extension of financial assistance to patients at Central Hospital, Agbor, and the provision of toiletries, cash, and food items to children at the Salve Regina Children’s Home, Agbor.

The outreach was carried out under the ‘Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation’, a family-led initiative established to immortalise him and continue his lifelong commitment to education, healthcare, and social welfare.

Speaking during the event which took place recently, Mrs. Ojougboh reaffirmed the family’s dedication to sustaining the ideals of the late APC chieftain, describing him as a man who strongly believed in education and giving back to society.

“We are here to celebrate the life of my husband, Late Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, who passed on a year ago. In his honour, we decided to give back to society. He was a man who valued education and was always willing to help others. It is only fitting that we continue his legacy through acts of generosity,” she stated.

Honouring his passion for education

The first visit was to Erigbe Primary School, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education. The Foundation distributed school bags, writing materials, and food packs to the pupils. The family encouraged the pupils to take their education seriously and strive to become responsible citizens.

Supporting patients at Central Hospital, Agbor

At Central Hospital, Agbor, Mrs. Ojougboh and her entourage moved through the medical wards, offering financial support to patients to assist with their treatment costs. The hospital staff and beneficiaries responded with prayers and words of gratitude for the kind gesture.

Reaching out to orphaned children

The outreach team also visited Salve Regina Children’s Home in Agbor where they donated cash, food items, and toiletries to the children.

Mrs. Bose Ojougboh -
members of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation during the outreach programme.

The Matron of the home expressed her deep appreciation to the Ojougboh family, commending their commitment to sustaining the late politician’s legacy of compassion and social impact.

Dr. Cairo Ojougboh’s enduring legacy

Reflecting on her late husband’s contributions to society, Mrs. Ojougboh emphasised that his legacy of generosity and service to humanity would not be forgotten.

“Dr. Cairo was a selfless man who touched many lives. His contributions to the Nigerian political landscape, his mark in Agbor Kingdom, Delta State, and the country at large, will always be remembered. He may be gone, but his impact will continue to be felt for generations,” she said.

The Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation has pledged to continue supporting education, healthcare, and social welfare initiatives in his memory, ensuring that his vision for a better society lives on.

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