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Ohanaeze Gets New President General
Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu has been appointed as the new President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, succeeding the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who passed away on July 25, 2024, after a brief illness. Chukwu’s emergence was confirmed during an Ime-Obi meeting held on Saturday in Enugu.
According to a statement from Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chukwu will serve for the remainder of the tenure allocated to Imo State, which runs until January 10, 2025. His appointment follows the chain of events triggered by the deaths of two key leaders: Ambassador Professor George Obiozor in 2022 and, more recently, Chief Iwuanyanwu. In line with the “doctrine of necessity,” Ime-Obi Ohanaeze, the governing body, endorsed Chukwu’s nomination to finish Iwuanyanwu’s term.
The motion for Chukwu’s adoption was moved by Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, Chairman of the Imo State Council of Elders, and seconded by Chief Simon Okeke. Eze Ilomuanya praised Chukwu as a “cerebral thinker” with outstanding qualities, describing him as a seasoned management executive and entrepreneurship consultant with degrees from prestigious institutions, including Templeton College, Oxford University, Harvard University, and the University of Lagos, among others.
Chukwu has had a distinguished career, having served as a director at Inland Bank Plc, Managing Director of Nigeria Merchant Bank (NMB) Plc, and as a founding member of the Technical Committee for Privatization and Commercialization (TCPC). He also held significant roles, including Chairman of the Presidential Committee for the Reorganization of the River Basin Development Authorities in Nigeria and member of the 2005 National Political Reform Conference. Chukwu’s commitment to public service has earned him multiple accolades, including the Worthy Knighthood of St. Mulumba (KSM) and the Papal Knighthood of Saint Sylvester (KSS).
In his career, Chukwu has contributed to various national and international development initiatives, such as the South East Development Council (SEDC) and the South East Development Initiative (SEDI). He has also been involved with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC) and is a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC) and the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).
At the Ime-Obi meeting, many dignitaries, including state governors, senators, and various Ohanaeze leaders, expressed their support for Chukwu’s appointment. These included Enugu State Governor Barr. Dr. Peter Mbah, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of Enugu State, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, as well as Rear Admiral Allison Madueke, Sen. Eyinnaya Abaribe, Chief Chekwas Okorie, and Archbishop Prof. E. O. Chukwuma, among others.
Dr. Lucky Ekeji, the President of the Rivers State Chapter of Ohanaeze, expressed his excitement at the appointment, noting that the next President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo will come from Rivers State. Ambassador Okey Emuchay MFR, the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, called the day “phenomenal” in Igbo history, offering gratitude for the unwavering support of the Igbo nation throughout the challenges faced in the organization.
Members of the Ime-Obi praised Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu for his integrity, organizational acumen, and moral principles. They described him as a dependable leader who prioritizes honesty and effectiveness over the pursuit of power for its own sake. His tenure is expected to provide a smooth and credible transition of power, and it is anticipated that under his leadership, Ohanaeze Ndigbo will continue to thrive.
Iran has carried out the execution of two individuals accused of collaborating with Israeli intelligence, according to an official statement from the country’s judiciary.
Authorities said the two men were convicted on charges of espionage linked to Mossad, and were found guilty of working with what officials described as a hostile intelligence network operating within Iran.
According to the judiciary, the suspects had been under investigation for activities considered detrimental to national security.
Their death sentences were subsequently upheld by the country’s Supreme Court prior to being enforced.
The executions were confirmed on April 20, 2026, although officials did not provide specific details regarding the exact time or location.
Iranian authorities stated that the case is part of ongoing efforts to counter and dismantle foreign intelligence operations within its borders.
There has been no independent confirmation of the allegations, and Israeli authorities have not issued any immediate response.
The incident reflects the persistent strain in relations between the two countries, with Iran frequently reporting the uncovering of alleged espionage networks tied to Israeli operatives.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new campus of the Police Academy in Erinja, Yewa South Local Government Area in Ogun State.
President Tinubu also approved a special take-off grant of N15billion for the college.
The President’s approval was in fulfilment of the provisions of the Nigeria Police Academy (Establishment) Act, 2021, particularly with respect to the expansion of the Police Academy based in Wudil, Kano state, into multiple campuses across the country.
The intervention fund will be sourced from the TetFund 2026 allocation to finance priority infrastructure, academic facilities, student accommodation, and core training assets.
A high-level consultative meeting involving the Minister of Police Affairs, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, officials of the Federal Ministry of Education, the Inspector-General of Police and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) recommended the siting of the new campus in Erinja.
The meeting considered student intake capacity, funding realities, academic quality assurance, and the long-term needs of the Nigerian Police Force, which is currently recruiting more men.
President Tinubu believes the expansion will strengthen institutional governance, modern policing education and national security.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), South West Zone, has disowned a press conference purportedly held in Ibadan on Monday, which claimed that the zone had condemned the former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, declared support for Governor Makinde of Oyo State and loyalty to a Turaki-led National Working Committee.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Zonal Publicity Secretary, Akinloye Oyeniyi, described the event as the work of organised impostors who do not represent the party at any level.
“The Zonal Chairman, Engr. Deji Doherty, was away in Abuja attending the 108th meeting of the National Executive Committee of our great party and no zonal officials held any press conference. The claim of an Ibadan press conference is therefore a barefaced lie,” Oyeniyi said.
The statement said those behind the Ibadan gathering do not speak for the party, hold no mandate, and are not recognised by any organ of the PDP from ward to national level.
Oyeniyi further said the illegality of the group was very pronounced, noting that they do not even have a Zonal Vice Chairman, which is very significant for any structure claiming to speak for the PDP South West.
“These are the ones whose agenda was to destabilise the party but they failed. Looking at them, one could see that their group is now a psychiatric ward with no staff. Destabilising elements always end up as wanderers. Karma never forgets, and wickedness by default carries consequences too,” the statement read.
According to Oyeniyi, “these ones slung toboggan, and now the stones are expectedly raining on them, and their current noise and theatrics will not substitute for acceptance by party members or the public.”
The PDP South West said its loyalty to the Abdulrahman-led National Working Committee and the National Leader, His Excellency Nyesom Wike remains unalloyed and also advised the impostors to retrace their steps and rejoin the party through the proper channels, rather than constituting themselves into a nuisance, as no amount of media stunts or paid propaganda will confer any legitimacy on illegitimacy.
He urged the general public, party faithful, and the media to disregard the publication, stating that official communications of the PDP South West Zone would continue to come only through recognised party channels in the zone under the leadership of Engr. Deji Doherty.
Iran executes two men over spying for Israel
Tinubu approves N15bn take off grant for new police academy
PDP South West Disowns Ibadan Press Conference, Calls Organisers Criminal Impostors
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