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Lawmaker cautions Soludo over sit-at-home policy in Anambra
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr Obi Aguocha, has cautioned the Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, over moves to halt the Monday sit-at-home order in the state, warning that the approach could escalate insecurity across the South-East.
Aguocha, who represents Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia State, said efforts by him and other stakeholders to stabilise the region were gradually yielding results before what he described as the recent intervention by Gov Soludo.
He also warned that the continued detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, by the Federal Government would continue to fuel agitation and violence in the South-East.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, the lawmaker said Gov Soludo’s actions had unsettled a fragile peace that was slowly returning to the region.
“Gov Soludo, unfortunately, has unleashed terror on an army of silent agitators who, for so long, had helped to abate the significance of the Monday sit-at-home rituals,” Aguocha said.
“Over the last three years, many markets, plazas and shopping centres across the South-East have gradually returned to normalcy, operating freely and unencumbered. I have worked tirelessly in this direction, and peace was steadily returning to our rural and commercial trading centres.”
He argued that while the governor’s intention to end the sit-at-home might be well-meaning, the method adopted was counterproductive.
“The governor’s effort has been executed in the most unconstructive and unacceptable manner. These misguided ordinances and actions have reignited embers of fear, hardened resistance and resurrected old resentments which, if left unchecked, could plunge the region into renewed violence, serious crimes and widespread criminality,” he said.
Aguocha maintained that a state government has no legal authority to compel private business owners to open or close their shops.
“Gov Soludo cannot force, punish or compel private business owners to close or open their shops, or to trade or refrain from trading,” he said.
He questioned whether similar punitive measures would be applied to those who close their businesses early on Wednesdays to attend midweek religious services.
“Such decisions fall squarely within the ambit of their fundamental rights and are not governed by any state, labour or market-union relationship,” he added.
On the broader security crisis, the lawmaker said the failure of the Federal Government to address core grievances in the region remained a major driver of unrest.
“Until the Nigerian state genuinely and sincerely addresses the unjust detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the bias in the administration of criminal justice, the marginalisation and entrenched hostility against the Igbo people, and the root causes of youth agitation, we must brace ourselves for a vicious cycle of resentment,” he warned.
Aguocha also cautioned against attempts to coerce political support from the region, saying such tactics would fail.
“If nothing urgent is done, no one should expect votes from the region on the basis of being coerced, manipulated or compelled. Our votes will count, and we will defend them, even at the cost of our lives,” he said.
He stated that as a member of the House of Representatives, he had a duty to pursue the best path towards freedom and justice, pledging to carry out that responsibility with resolve and wisdom, guided by the hopes and prayers of his constituents.
The Monday sit-at-home order in the South-East began in 2021 following the arrest and extradition of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Initially observed as a protest demanding his release, the directive gradually became enforced through fear, threats and violent attacks by armed groups, leading to widespread closure of businesses, schools and markets every Monday.
Although IPOB later announced the suspension of the sit-at-home order, compliance continued in many areas due to insecurity and lingering fear. Successive state governments have since struggled to restore normal economic activities, with enforcement measures often triggering fresh tension and resistance among residents.
No fewer than six inmates have died within one week following a suspected cholera outbreak at the Kurmawa Maximum Prison in Kano State.
Amnesty International raised the alarm in a post on its official Facebook page, calling on authorities to immediately declare an emergency at the correctional facility.
Amnesty said several other inmates were currently receiving treatment, warning that the death toll could be higher as the suspected disease continues to spread among prisoners.
It urged the authorities to immediately transfer critically ill inmates to hospitals for proper medical attention to prevent further deaths.
The organisation warned that failure to urgently intervene could amount to arbitrary deprivation of life, which it described as a serious human rights violation under international law.
Amnesty also expressed concern over the broader conditions in Nigerian correctional facilities, particularly the prolonged detention of inmates awaiting trial.
According to the organisation, detainees without financial means face greater difficulty having their rights protected, with some spending years in custody without being convicted of any crime.
It further said many inmates were being held in overcrowded and unhygienic cells without adequate food and healthcare.
Amnesty called for urgent reforms to improve conditions in Nigerian correctional facilities and ensure compliance with international best practices.
Popular media personality and self-acclaimed relationship expert, Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has reportedly lost her second son while remanded in custody.
The development was confirmed in an online appeal by Amira Agiye, head of the Isaamira Love Foundation, who spoke on Okoro’s behalf to request public financial assistance.
She said, “It is sad to announce to you all that Blessing CEO just lost her second son. My name is Amira Agiye.
“I’m here to appeal on behalf of Blessing CEO, who is currently in custody. I understand that people might have different opinions about her and the circumstances surrounding her case.
“And like every one of us, she deserves compassion and an opportunity for redemption.
She needs N20 million to meet the bail requirements. She also needs N36 million to pay the people she owes who brought the case against her.
“Please, Nigerians, let’s forgive her for the sake of that boy who is still in the mortuary. With Blessing’s full consent and authorisation, I’m appealing to all Nigerians to help donate so we can help her out of this situation.”
Also speaking in a voice conversation played by Amira, Blessing, CEO, said, “My second son, Bryan, was full of life. While in custody, I lost Bryan.
I pray this turns out positive so I can leave this place, pick up the pieces of my life and pay my respects to him.”
Recall that the self-acclaimed relationship expert was remanded in Kirikiri Prison over an N69.15 million property fraud trial.
She was granted N20 million bail in July 2026, with two sureties in like sum, and each surety was required to provide three years’ proof of deposits valued at N20 million.
Following her inability to meet the bail conditions, Blessing CEO, remains in prison facility two months after she was granted bail.
Deaconess Angel Oyakhilome, mother of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome of Christ Embassy LoveWorld Nation fame, is dead.
Reports from Edo State say that she died at the age of 88 yesterday, Friday, September 25, 2026.
A local publication, Esan News Magazine, reported thus:
“An Iroko has fallen. A mother of nations is gone. Heaven has gained a saint.
According to information made available to Esan News Magazine by a prominent member of the Ekagholo Family of Idunwele, Ewu, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, the matriarch of the great Oyakhilome Clan, the beloved mother of our son Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, Deaconess Angel Oyakhilome, fondly called Big Mummy, has transited to glory.
September, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, humility and motherhood that touched generations across the world.
“Big Mummy was not just the mother of Pastor Chris. She was the mother of all. A virtuous woman, a prayer warrior, a woman of uncommon grace who raised children that have become global blessings and pride to Esan land.
“Idunwele Ewu is mourning. Ekagholo Family is mourning. Ewu Kingdom is mourning. Esanland is mourning. For we have lost an Okpokhuo, a true jewel of Esan motherhood.
“Her life was a testimony. She lived for God, she lived for family, she lived for humanity. Her laughter brought joy. Her prayers brought strength. Her counsel brought wisdom.
“On behalf of the management and staff of Esan News Magazine and the entire Esan Nation home and abroad, we extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to our dear elder brother, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, the entire Oyakhilome Clan, the Ekagholo Family of Idunwele Ewu, and the Christ Embassy family worldwide.
“We mourn with you in this time of grief. We stand with you. We pray that the good Lord who called Mama home will grant you all the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.
“May her gentle, beautiful and faithful soul rest in perfect peace. Rest on, Big Mummy. Rest on, beloved mother of Pastor Chris. Rest on, Iroko of Ewu.
“Adieu Mama!”
Meanwhile, a senior official of Christ Embassy who was contacted by News Express this Saturday afternoon neither confirmed nor denied the report.
He said: “I have heard the news, too, but it is not for me to confirm her death. I mean, she was aged 88.”
The official promised to make relevant contacts, adding: “I am sure that a statement would be issued if the news is true.”
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