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Anambra election: Fear, doubts over November polls as Nigerian govt mobilizes against unknown gunmen

In less than one month, eligible voters in Anambra State will file out to elect a new Governor for the State. There have, however, been controversies over the election as many believe that the election is already threatened. This is because of the spate of violence in the state, which has for months remained sustained.
The first real doubt about the election holding first came in March 2021, when some unidentified gunmen stormed the home town of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Isuofia in Aguata LGA of Anambra State and attacked a gathering where he was speaking with young people about his vision for the state. Soludo is the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for next month’s election.
The gunmen came at a time when Soludo was still struggling as an aspirant to get the ticket of APGA. Even before the attack on Soludo, there have been sustained attacks on federal establishments, including Police Stations, Correctional Centers and burning of vehicles belonging to government establishments, including attack on INEC. The attack on Soludo, however, gave it a political coloration, leaving all with the question of whether the election would hold or not.
In the last few weeks, the level of insecurity in the State has become alarming. It came to the climax penultimate week when Dr. Chike Akunyili, the widower of the late former Minister of Information and former Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Dora Akunyili, was murdered in the most gruesome manner, along with eight others.
Before then, in Ajalli, Orumba North Local Government Area, a police station was attacked and two policemen killed. Also, the vehicle of a member of the House of Representatives and former PDP governorship aspirant, Hon. Chris Azubogu was attacked, and his driver killed.
The gunmen also set ablaze the offices of the Department of State Services (DSS) and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Nnewi, Anambra State, leaving two people dead on their trail. Also set ablaze was the Nnewi country home of a Lagos-based chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Joe Igbokwe, and the home of another prominent son of Nnewi and former minister, Dr. Chu Okongwu, which was also invaded and burnt down.
In most of the incidents, eyewitnesses have pointed at the separatist group; Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), even though the group has been struggling to extricate itself from it. Those who have witnessed scenes of attack always say the heavily armed groups have always passed one message for their lucky victims who escaped alive to go and tell the concerned authorities that there will be no election in Anambra State.
Away from IPOB, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been in a war of words over who is responsible for the attacks in the State.
The APC had first accused APGA of not doing enough to stem the tide of insecurity in the state. Senator Andy Uba, the party’s governorship candidate, had accused Governor Willie Obiano of having a hand in the increasing violence in the State for the purpose of putting off the scheduled election.
Uba said with the huge monthly security vote collected by the governor and his wife, the security of the State ought to be better managed. Uba who spoke through the media director of his campaign organisation, Hon. Afam Ogene said: “Each time Gov Obiano clownishly adorns himself in military camouflage, does he do so for mere comic display?”
But in a swift response, APGA stated that by accusing Governor Willie Obiano of having a hand in the insecurity in the state, the APC was indirectly accusing President Muhammadu Buhari of ineptitude, since the president is the Chief Security Officer of the country.
The state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr C. Don Adinuba who also doubles as the Director of Media and Publicity of the Soludo Campaign organization, argued that the “Anambra APC indicts President Buhari anytime it comments gratuitously on a negative security development in the state. President Buhari, not Governor Willie Obiano, is the Commander in Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces and head of all security agencies in the country. Security is on the Exclusive List of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
“Each of the 36 state governors in the federation is merely the titular chief security officer of his state. No governor has control over the police force or the Department of State Services or the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in his state, let alone any of the Armed Forces. Even the Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG) is supervised by the state police command, like any other state vigilante service,” Adinuba explained.
As the brickbat continues, there have been arguments about whether there will be election in the state or not. Attorney General of the federation, Abubakar Malami reacting to this said the federal government was determined to ensure that elections hold, and that even if it means imposing an emergency rule in Anambra, it will not hesitate.
Malami has, howeve,r been roundly condemned for the statement, with many stating that he has an ulterior motive by making such an utterance, especially, being that he is a member of the APC campaign council in the state.
Governor Willie Obiano who visited President Muhammadu Buhari on the issue said: “I was warmly received today at the State House in Abuja by President Muhammadu Buhari. I reported the statement credited to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami to him. The Minister had threatened that the federal government will impose a state of emergency on Anambra State over security challenges.
“The President assured me and Ndi Anambra that the federal government is not contemplating taking such drastic action. Rather, President Buhari said that the federal government will increase its support to security agencies operating in Anambra State to contain the challenges. Among other measures, the President said that there will be more booths on the ground”.
Obiano said that President Buhari frowned at those who use his name and that of the federal government to intimidate Anambra voters. “We also discussed the November 6th. 2021 Anambra gubernatorial election. President Buhari assured me that he will not support intimidation of the electorates in any form, and promised that the federal government will support INEC and other agencies connected with the election to ensure the conduct of a free, fair and credible Anambra gubernatorial elections”.
On the feasibility of elections holding in Anambra State, the federal government has responded by launching operation Golden Dawn, not only for Anambra State, but for the entire South east. DAILY POST confirms that there is a massive presence of the military and mobile police operatives in all corners of Anambra State.
Hon Emeka Aforka, a member of the House of Assembly, while reacting said: “Anambra has not recorded death above 15 persons since the new scales of violence in the state. For a state that has for the past 7 years enjoyed well-deserved reputation of being Nigeria’s safest and most peaceful state.
“Anambra has not recorded a fraction of casualties the nation has seen in places like Borno, Zamfara, Katsina, Benue, Plateau, Yobe, Niger, Adamawa, Taraba, amongst others, where terrorists have killed several thousands of civilians and attacked military formations. The bandits operating in Northern part of the country have even brought down some sophisticated combat aircraft, were elections not held successfully in these states in 2019?
“Is the number of victims of the politically motivated violence in Anambra State anything near what the nation has seen even in such states as Imo and Ebonyi controlled by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)? Why hasn’t Malami considered a state of emergency in these APC-controlled states? Anambra will hold its election, and it will be peaceful,” he declared.
Echoing same stand, A human rights Lawyer, Barr Kelechi Eze who spoke with DAILY POST said, “Let us assume that the insecurity continues, have there not been elections in other states in the North, even in the heat of terrorists attacks? I am very confident that elections will hold in Anambra. The state governor has said he is ready for the election, the APGA, APC and even PDP have also said same. So, is it people from other states as the governor has said that will come and destabilize what we are doing here?
“It is a one-state election, and so all focus would be here. I think the federal government can also mobilize to ensure that the state is better protected for the election.”
Daily Post
metro
Natasha: Protesters at UN House demands evidence of allegation

Natasha: Protesters at UN House demands evidence of allegation
A civil society organisation, Women for Change Vanguard, yesterday held a peaceful protest at the United Nations House, in Abuja, urging Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to provide concrete evidence to prove her sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The group, led by Mrs Irene Imoh, expressed concern over the damage that has been caused by ‘unsubstantiated allegations’ against public figures in the country.
Imoh stated that while accountability was critical in cases of sexual harassment, allegations must be thoroughly scrutinised to prevent misuse of such claims.
“We gather here today at the esteemed UN House to express our support for His Excellency, the President of the 10th Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio. Over the past few weeks, he has faced significant reputational damage due to unsubstantiated allegations of sexual harassment made by his colleague, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.”
She emphasised the importance of providing evidence when making such weighty allegations of sexual harassment, noting that the burden of proof lies with the accuser.
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“It is important to remember that in any allegation of misconduct, the burden of proof lies with the accuser. If Senator Natasha claims to have been a victim of sexual harassment, we urge her to come forth with credible evidence to support her accusations. The gravity of such claims demands accountability.”
The group also warned against the potential misuse of sexual harassment allegations, expressing concerns about the #BelieveAllWomen movement being applied without due process.
“We are particularly troubled by the growing trend of misusing the #BelieveAllWomen mantra, which can inadvertently shield unfounded accusations against men. This is not the first time Senator Natasha has made serious allegations against a prominent figure. Such actions risk becoming a weapon she wields against men in power, undermining the core principles of our fight against sexual violence.”
The Women for Change Vanguard stressed that false or unverified accusations not only harm the accused but also weaken the credibility of real victims of sexual abuse.
The group further stated that their protest was not just about supporting Akpabio but about ensuring that both parties are held accountable.
“Our peaceful protest today is not merely about demanding justice, it is also about holding both parties accountable. Senator Akpabio must have the opportunity to clear his name, while Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan must show evidence that she was sexually abused.”
Chanting solidarity songs, the protesters carried placards with inscriptions, such as, “We believe in actual victims of sexual harassment not people who weaponise it” and “The burden of proof lies with the accuser”, among others.
The protesters, who submitted a petition to the UN were received by the UN Senior Human Rights Advisor, Adwoa Kufuor, who promised to channel their grievances to senior UN officials.
Natasha: Protesters at UN House demands evidence of allegation
metro
Abuja sex workers lose case seeking to legalise prostitution

Abuja sex workers lose case seeking to legalise prostitution
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, yesterday, declined to legalise prostitution in the country, even as it dismissed a suit that sought to enforce fundamental rights of commercial sex workers in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.
The court, in a judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho, while describing prostitution as an immoral act that is alien to cultural values of all the ethnic groups in the country, said it found no reason to stop the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and security agencies, from arresting those that engage in such illicit business.
According to the court, prostitutes have no legal rights to enjoy under any known law or the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
The judgement followed a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/642/2024, which the sex workers filed to bar the FCT Minister and the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, AEPB, from harassing, intimidating, arresting and prosecuting them.
Aside from Wike and the AEPB, other respondents in the legal action that was initiated on behalf of Abuja-based prostitutes, by a Non Governmental Organisation under the aegis of Lawyers Alert Initiative for Protection of Rights of Children, Women and Indigent, were the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, andAttorney-General of the Federation, AGF.
The applicants had through their team of lawyers led by Mr. Rommy Mom, prayed the court to enforce their right to prostitution, in line with all the fundamental human rights that inure to them from the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
Specifically, they urged the court to determine whether the duties of the AEPB under Section 6 of the AEPB Act, 1997, extends to the harassment, arrest, detention and prosecution of women suspected of engaging in sex work on the streets of Abuja.
As well as, whether by the provision of Section 35 (1) (d) of the AEPB Act, 1997, women can be regarded as articles or their bodies regarded as goods for purchase.
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Upon the determination of the questions, the applicants sought a declaration that a charge the AEPB entered before the FCT Mobile Court, which referred to arrested women suspected of engaging in sex work as “articles” and considered their bodies as “goods for purchase,” was discriminatory and a violation of Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution.
They sought a declaration that the duties of the board does not extend to the harassment, arrest and raid of women suspected of engaging in sex work on the streets of Abuja.
metro
Portable: Monarch frowns on ‘King of Street’ chieftaincy title, demands revocation

Portable: Monarch frowns on ‘King of Street’ chieftaincy title, demands revocation
Controversial singer Habeeb Olalomi Okikiola, popularly known as ‘Portable’, is in the eye of a storm again. This time, it is about the conferment of “King of Street” chieftaincy title on him by the Olu of Itori, Oba Abdulfatai Akamo.
Another monarch, Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in the Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, has expressed disappointment about the title and demanded its reversal.
He described the action as an abuse of the institution of traditional rulers.
Oba Akinyemi, in an open letter he personally signed and made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, said the title as bestowed on ‘Portable’ was strange to all palaces in Yorubaland, and must be reversed to avoid chaos.
The traditional ruler said his colleague Oba should not have generalised the title, but ought to have limited it to his jurisdiction by naming the title “King of Itori Street”.
He called the attention of Chairman of Ogun State Council of Obas and Chiefs, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland to the untraditional and illegal installation done by Olu Itori.
He added that the decision by Oba Akamo to confer the chieftaincy title on Portable was not well thought out, at a period the singer was being tried before an Ogun State High Court over alleged assault on some government officials.
The open letter read in paer, “The title “King of Street” which Olu Itori gave the controversial musician at His Majesty’s 21st Coronation Anniversary is absolutely unknown in all palaces of Yoruba Land, so given such a title to honour any personality is not only illegal, but a call for chaos if not reversed.
“Using the title “King of Street” can be interpreted as the King of all Streets in the State. This is unacceptable. Olu Itori ought to have limited the title to his domain. Kabiyesi ought to have titled it “King of Itori Street” and the musician would know that his title is only confined to Itori Kingdom.
“All streets in Ogun State have their Kings and they know how they choose them, so this generalization of the title Street should be reversed to prevent any problems in the State and beyond”.
“Apart from the wrong title given to Portable, His Royal Majesty’s decision to install the musician as a Chief was not well thought out because of the unruly and questionable behaviour of the singer who is currently facing a trial in a competent court in Ogun State.
“Giving him a chieftaincy title is like encouraging him to wreak more havoc. An effort that will make the musician live a better life is what is necessary.
“In fact, the unruly self-made kings in the fuji industry have caused lots of divisions among themselves which is entirely different from the love and good legacy the pioneers left behind. Portable is one of the self-made kings who need to refine their lives.”
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