News
Traditional doctors protest alleged witch-hunt by Soludo’s administration

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Native doctors protest alleged witch-hunt by Soludo’s administration
Some native doctors and traditional medicine practitioners, referred to as Ndi Dibia and Ezenwanyi in Anambra State, have protested against alleged selective justice by the state government.
They claimed that the use of Agunaechemba security operatives was a witch-hunt, anti-traditional faith, and a violation of their constitutionally-backed fundamental rights to practise the religion of their choice.
The native doctors, who gathered from various parts of the state, decried what they termed the stigmatisation of their profession by the state government, which they accused of using Agunaechemba to harass and crack down on their activities.
During the protest, they offered prayers and performed rituals to resist what they described as the governor’s interference.
Speaking at a secret location, the group’s leader, High Priest Ikele, described Governor Charles Soludo’s actions as “unjust and discriminatory.”
Ikele said, “We’re not cultists or criminals. We’re traditional healers serving our communities for generations. Soludo’s attempts to stigmatise and suppress our activities won’t succeed.”
The native doctors rejected the clampdown and vowed to continue their prayers and rituals until their demands are met. They also pledged to oppose the governor’s second-term bid in the November 8, 2025 election.
Meanwhile, the state government has concluded plans to prosecute arrested native doctors for alleged violations of the newly unveiled Anambra State Homeland Security Law.
Those currently in custody for allegedly promoting money rituals, including “Yahoo plus,” and preparing charms for criminals include Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki; Onyebuchi Okocha, also known as Onyeze Jesus (Father of All Men); and Ekene Igboekweze (Eke Hit) from Okija in Ihiala Local Council.
Igboekweze, known for promoting native practices on Facebook, had reportedly criticised Nwangwu and Okocha for being easily captured by security operatives. However, he was also apprehended a few days later.
The state’s Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, confirmed plans to charge the native doctors to court upon the conclusion of investigations. He dismissed claims that Governor Soludo’s administration is opposed to traditional worship.
According to Mefor, the government is focused on combating crime and addressing those who enable it, including native doctors who prepare charms for criminals.
Speaking on the state-owned Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), monitored by The Guardian over the weekend, Mefor emphasised that the accused individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court. Upon conviction, they will be sentenced according to the provisions of the new Homeland Security Law.
He said, “The state government is committed to eradicating criminal activities in Anambra and restoring sanity across the state.”
News
May Day: Senator Manu celebrates with Nigerian workers

The Senator representing Taraba Central Senatorial District, Manu Haruna celebrates May Day with Nigerian workers in Taraba and across Nigeria.
Senator Manu in a congratulatory letter to all Nigerian workers said:
“Your labour towards building a virile nation shall never be in vain as you celebrate May Day today in Nigeria and across the globe.
The former Taraba State Deputy Governor acknowledged the invaluable contributions of workers across various sectors and emphasized their crucial role in driving the nation’s development and progress.
He encouraged continued solidarity among workers while advocating for better working conditions, fair wages, and enhanced opportunities.
News
Ibas Pledges Commitment to Workers’ Welfare

The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of workers across the state.
This assurance was given during a meeting with the leadership of organised labour unions held at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Adviser on Media to the Administrator, Hector Igbikiowubo, the meeting served as a platform for open and constructive dialogue on critical labour matters.
The statement outlined key areas of intervention currently being addressed by the government.
These, he said, included the timely payment of salaries and pensions, as well as the resolution of salary arrears, with approval already granted for the payment of newly employed workers at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the judiciary.
Similarly, he said medical workers in the local government areas would receive their proper wages.
He said the minimum wage was being implemented for all local government employees across the state.
The administrator also noted that his administration was currently reviewing challenges related to the contributory pension scheme, ahead of the July 2025 implementation deadline.
Ibas disclosed that plans were underway to expand the fleet of intervention buses reintroduced to ease the transportation burden of workers.
On capacity building, the administrator announced that specialised leadership training for senior civil servants would begin within the next two weeks.
He also revealed that the government was actively considering the implementation of the N32,000 consequential pension adjustment, along with measures to clear outstanding gratuities owed to retirees.
While commending workers for their dedication to service, he called for continued collaboration with labour unions to ensure lasting industrial harmony in the state.
According to the statement, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Alex Agwanwor, expressed appreciation to the administrator for the steps already taken to promote workers’ welfare.
Agwanwor also lauded the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged the sustained support and cooperation of labour unions in achieving shared goals.
Meanwhile the NLC has directed its members in the state to observe the International Workers’ Day as a peaceful rally, which is expected to be held within the premises of the union, involving all affiliate unions, and would focus on advocating for the restoration of democratic governance in the state.
News
Just In: Explosion rocks Borno military barracks

Panic has gripped residents of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, as multiple explosions rocked the Giwa Barracks in the early hours of Thursday.
The incident reportedly began at about 12:05 am, with residents in the vicinity forced out of their homes by the sounds of loud blasts and the sight of red flares lighting up the sky around the barracks.
While the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, residents living in the area confirmed that the blast came from the armoury area
One of the residents, Rakiya Garba, confirmed the presence of men of the fire service, with sirens sounding all around the area
“We are safe, but we are in fear. The explosion is coming from inside the barracks. It is not an attack because we are not hearing gunshots.
“However, it has been a sporadic explosion,” she confirmed
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Borno state, Dr Umar Kadafur, has called for patience, saying that the explosion is a result of a fire incident that erupted at an Armoury of Giwa Barracks
He dismissed reports speculating that it was a Boko Haram attack.
He encouraged everyone to remain indoors, as security operatives are on top of the situation.
-
News14 hours ago
A Chat with Janet Odio Okolo: A Mother’s Journey Raising a Child with Down Syndrome
-
News20 hours ago
Alleged money laundering: EFCC produces Aisha Achimugu in court
-
News22 hours ago
JUST IN: Major General Paul Ufuoma Omu Rtd, dies at 84
-
News22 hours ago
Tinubu hails Dangote’s World Bank appointment
-
News16 hours ago
Hon. Dennis Agbo Resigns From Labour Party
-
News16 hours ago
Just in: Osun PDP receives defectors from APC, others
-
News20 hours ago
CBN announces revised documentation requirements for PAPSS transactions
-
News20 hours ago
Reps Set Stage for Nigeria’s First Legislative Conference on Renewable Energy