Tag: Anambra State Government

  • Tension in Anambra as Police moves to stop ‘sit-at-home’

    Tension in Anambra as Police moves to stop ‘sit-at-home’

    There was heightened activity in parts of Anambra State, on Monday, as the police and other security agencies stepped up efforts to dismantle the lingering Monday ‘sit-at-home’ order that has disrupted economic life in the region.

    The intensified security patrols took place mainly in Nnewi and Ihiala areas often affected by the sit-at-home directive imposed by non-state actors.

    The move by the police is aimed at reassuring residents and encouraging them to resume normal activities without fear of violence or intimidation.

    The Anambra State Police Command confirmed that a joint security operation was carried out, involving multiple agencies including the Nigerian Army (302 Artillery Regiment), Navy, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Anambra State Vigilante Group. In a statement issued on Monday, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, noted that the patrols are part of a wider strategy to restore public confidence and protect lives and property.

    “The Anambra State Police Command joint security team on Monday, April 7, 2025, intensified security patrols in the state, especially in Nnewi and Ihiala environs to combat the Monday sit-at-home and encourage residents to go about their legitimate business without any fear,” Ikenga said. He added that the convoy included security and operational armoured vehicles, a visible show of force aimed at deterring potential threats and assuring residents of their safety.

    Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, praised the resilience of residents in Awka, Onitsha, and other parts of the state who have continued to defy the sit-at-home order and engage in normal economic activities.

    “We commend the bus drivers’ associations, market leaders, and other stakeholders for rejecting actions that undermine our national unity and disrupt daily life. Their collaboration is crucial in our ongoing efforts to restore peace and revive the local economy,” the CP said.

    The police emphasised that the renewed patrols are not only aimed at maintaining law and order but also at reviving economic activity, particularly on Mondays when businesses often shut down in fear of attacks. “The Police-led Joint Security Force remains committed to ensuring public safety, preserving law and order, and fostering economic growth across Anambra State,” the statement concluded. While tension remains in some parts of the state, Monday’s patrols mark a bold step in the authorities’ mission to reclaim public spaces and dismantle the culture of fear surrounding the weekly lockdown.

  • Anambra polls: Labour Party to hold guber primaries in April

    Anambra polls: Labour Party to hold guber primaries in April

    The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party (LP) has approved April 5, 2025, for the party’s gubernatorial primaries to elect its standard bearer for the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election.

    The party’s national secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, said this in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday.

    According to him, the timetable and schedule of activities for the Anambra State 2025 gubernatorial primaries also indicate that the sale of expression and Interest/Nomination forms will commence on Monday, February 10, 2025, while the sale of delegates’ forms will commence on March 20, 2025.

    Obiora Ifoh, the party’s national publicity secretary, also spoke on the development, enjoining that “all interested aspirants are advised to visit the party’s National Headquarters for the collection of the guidelines for the party primaries and other necessary information.”

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced last year that Saturday, November 8, 2025, would be the date for the Amambra State Governorship Election.

    INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, announced while speaking during the fourth regular consultative meeting with party leaders.

    He explained that Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 requires the commission to issue the notice for elections not later than 360 days before the date of the election, adding that this applies to general and off-cycle governorship elections.

    Yakubu said, “As you are aware, the last governorship election in Anambra State was held on November 6, 2021. By the effluxion of time, the governorship election is due next year. Consequently, the commission has approved that the 2025 Anambra State governorship election will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025.

    “In compliance with the mandatory requirement of 360 days, the formal notice for the election will be published on November 13, 2024. Party primaries will be held from March 20, 2025, to April 10, 2025.

    “The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on April 18, 2025, and close at 6.00 pm on May 12, 2025.

    “The final list of candidates will be published on June 9 2025. Political parties’ public campaigns will commence on June 11, 2025, and end at midnight on Thursday, November 6, 2025.”