By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Anambra State government has finally sealed Okija Shrine to crackdown on fake native doctors and criminal activities.

The shrine, allegedly operated by Ekene Igboegbueze, a self-proclaimed native doctor who promises unsuspecting individuals super wealth, was shut down following numerous complaints from Okija residents.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Prince Ken Emeakai, stated that the government took action based on reports from the local community.

“Igboegbueze’s business is illegal under Anambra State Homeland Security Laws,” Emeakai said, adding that properties acquired through the illicit trade have also been sealed.

“All items found in the shrine will undergo forensic examination, and the results will determine further government action,” he added.

Director of Operations for Agunechemba Security Outfit, Chinenye Ihenko, cautioned youths against patronizing fake native doctors and pastors.

“The activities of fake spiritual leaders are fueling a get-rich-quick mentality in the state,” he said.

“Our mandate is to sanitize Anambra, and we are committed to that. Anything contributing to the desecration of the state or aiding criminal activities will be eradicated. That, we can assure the people.”

He urged the youth to engage in legitimate ventures to avoid falling foul of the law.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council is saddened to announce the death of a senior journalist, Elder Gabriel Gwajime.

The late Gwajime died on Monday February 10, 2025 in Abuja after a brief illness at the age of 60, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in journalism and a commitment to truth and integrity.

He was a respected figure in the field of journalism and until his death, worked with the Citizens Watch Advocacy Initiative, (CWAI) and has served in many capacities with several Nigerian mainstream newspapers and a Board member of the Guild of Civil Societies and Media Executives for Equity, Justice and Transparency in Nigeria, (GOCMEJ).

Throughout his career, he reported on numerous significant events, providing insightful analysis and in-depth coverage that informed and engaged audience.

He was known for his dedication to uncovering the truth and giving a voice to the voiceless even in the face of intimidation.

The deceased had contributed in no small measure to the success stories achieved in the union and civil society community while in active service.

The loss of Elder Gwajime is not only felt within our NUJ FCT Council but also across the journalism community.  He was a mentor to many and a friend to all and his contributions to the journalism profession will not be forgotten.

The veteran Comrade would be missed for his meaningful impact in fostering unity, peace and love among members.

He is survived by five children and a few grandchildren. He hails from Onyian, Kunshisha, Local Government Area of  Benue State.  

The NUJ FCT Council uses this medium  to condole with the immediate family and friends of the deceased and prays to God to grant all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss as well as grant his soul eternal rest.

The funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in due course.

E-signed
Comrade Jide Oyekunle
Secretary of Council

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Edo Guber Election Petition Tribunal on Wednesday suffered a major setback when a key witness for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Afuda Theophilus, admitted under cross-examination confessed that over-voting occurred in Esan North East Local Government Area—directly contradicting his sworn testimony.

The witness, who had been presented by the APC to defend the election’s integrity, initially asserted in his written witness statement that there were no incidents of over-voting.

However, when confronted with official polling unit results, he conceded that the total number of votes cast exceeded the number of accredited voters.

This shows there was over-voting?” Asue Ighodalo’s lead counsel, Abiodun Owonikoko (SAN), asked.

“Yes,” Theophilus replied, before attempting to offer an explanation.

His testimony became even more damaging when he was questioned about Form EC25B, the INEC-prescribed document for recording the serial numbers of sensitive election materials before voting. Referring to the INEC Manual for Election Officials, Owonikoko asked him to confirm that Form EC25B was the required document for documenting the serial numbers of result sheets and ballot papers. Theophilus agreed.

However, when presented with the actual Form EC25Bs used during the election, he was forced to acknowledge that they had not been filled in—lacking serial numbers, signatures, or any identifying details.

“There is no entry of serial numbers of result sheets or the BVAS machine. Can you confirm?” Owonikoko asked.

“I can’t find it…” Theophilus hesitantly responded.

When pressed further to confirm that the serial numbers were missing, he admitted, “Yes, they are not there.”

Reacting to the revelations, Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor, speaking on behalf of the opposition, stated that the testimony exposed serious irregularities in INEC’s handling of the election and raised major doubts about the credibility of the results.

“Our legal team has argued that failure to complete Form EC25B alone constitutes non-compliance with electoral guidelines, invalidating results from affected polling units.

” This is the law—it is not my opinion. It is a strict liability issue, and once again, we are grateful to the APC for sending us such honest witnesses,” he remarked.

With its own witness inadvertently strengthening the opposition’s case, the APC’s defence appears increasingly fragile. The tribunal’s ruling on these revelations could have significant consequences for the outcome of the governorship election.