Book Review 

Title: A NATION ON THE BRINK 

A HANDBOOK FOR NDIGBO 

 PAGES: 494

 PRINTERS: Psycom Publishing LTD

Author: UKAEGBU CHUKWNENYE N. 

REVIEWER: Ori Martins

The book, A NATION ON THE BRINK, is written in a simple English for all to read and comprehend without difficulties. The author employed all the elements of English, including lexis, structure, and syntax. In many pages of the book, he used simple narration and at the same time obeying fundamental grammar rules which pay much emphasis on technical accuracy, figures of speech as well as painting many chapters of the book with idiomatic expressions and poetic licence.

As the name of the book clearly suggested, it is all about the  enterprising beginning of the Igbo Nation in the larger context of Nigeria and her current dwindling fortunes. 

The author, Ukaegbu Chukwunenye N. was quite clear in his conclusion that the Igbo Nation is really on the brink of collapse. He lamented that unless urgent steps were taken, the South East would practically go under. 

He listed some factors militating against the progress, stability and development of the Igbo Nation. He noted that "Ala Igbo is in disarray and in serious need of our collective attention. We have neglected our homeland for too long in pursuit of greener pastures where we consider the grass to be more greener than it is at home. We have built business empires everywhere in the colonial enclave called Nigeria but have neglected the Igbo land. We turn forests into modern cities in other parts of the country but have allowed our home to become derelict and made the advice of our fathers - aku ruo ulo - a sad joke".  

In a most defining moment, Ukaegbu gave this structured piece of advice to Ndigbo: "Ndigbo must have a rethink; we need to pullback and rebuild our own nation like other groups have done. There is the need to learn how to live in a complex country like Nigeria and  do well as a people".  

There are 20 chapters in all, divided into Part One and Part Two. The introduction of the book is located on chapter one. Here, the author made efforts explaining the meaning of the word "brink". According to him, "Brink literally means the edge, or border of a steep slope or a river, or the extreme of a piece of land like the top of a cliff...

"Figuratively, the term connotes a difficult situation with a probability of success or failure as well as anxiety mingled with apprehension and fear. 

"But in some paradoxical way it connotes above all hope. In this connection, the word brink mirrors the human condition, especially the situation where people not contented or satisfied with their state of being, because the happenstances that befall them are contrary to their aspirations, normally yearn for a  change - a peaceful, legitimate change. When the change takes too long in coming and their difficult circumstances in form of oppression, exploitation, discrimination, or balkanization continues, they resort to the use of unconventional, illegitimate or violent modes to effect it". 

Taken together, Ukaegbu revealed that such circumstances usually make such a people to search for their freedom by joining liberation or irredentist movements. He gave the example of the South Africa's ANC and the IPOB in Nigeria. 

He argued that the situation of Ndigbo in the country since after the civil war had been a terrible one. He highlighted the various ways in which the successive governments at the centre have been maliciously treating Igbo wards and Igbo country ever since the war ended. 

As a possible way out, Ukaegbu pointed out that the ugly situation of Ndigbo was not a very good time for any Igbo person to play "a better politics than the other Nigerians". He gave the example of the Israelites who built a viable economy while in Egypt but left thier wealth when the place became hard and harsh. He said, "A nation on the brink is a nation on the cliff" therefore "This is the time to make the right  changes to give ourselves the needed stability".    

In chapter two with the headline THE JOURNEY, the author discussed the horrendous and horrific conditions of Ndigbo who live in the other parts of the country. He made known how despite the wonderful contributions of Ndigbo to the development of their hosts economy and physical growth, they are always targets of attack even unprovoked.

He wondered why even when Ndigbo at various times have indicated thier readiness to exit the country, Nigerian leaders and authorities have always turned it down. It was in chapter two that he preached the philosophy of "onye ayala nwanne ya" which he translated to mean "we should not leave our brothers and sisters behind". He introduced another Igbo proverb that says "anya bewe imi ebewe" which he interpreted to mean  "what affects one person will also affect the next". 

Down the chapter, the author decried the bad attitude of Igbo women and ladies who are actually not worse than their counterparts from the other parts of the country just that they are too loud even as they carry out their activities arrogantly. 

In view of the foregoing, Ukaegbu challenged Ndigbo - men, women and youths -  to have a sense of belonging rather than confronting those who are telling us to go home and develop Igbo Nation. 

He has a question for Igbo leaders and authorities: Why is it that there are no FUNCTIONAL international airport in the entire South East in spite of Igbo wards' contributions to Nigeria's trade and commerce? 

With a stunning quote from Abraham Maslow: "If you plan to be anything less than you are capable of being, you will probably be unhappy all the days of your life", Ukaegbu opened chapter three of his book. 

According to the author, " We have tried everything possible to be the people we are not in order to please other people but it has not worked for us. We copy their culture and traditions, speak their language, dress like them, eat their food and invest our resources in their land, yet they are not satisfied and still make unpleasant remarks about us. That is why we are unhappy in the Nigerian project. We have built other people's economies and developed their neighbourhoods hoping that they will like us for our contributions but they even hate us the more". 

Justifying the above view, he said, "Today, we  have proved Kurt Cobain right who also at one time said: " Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are; I would rather be hated for who I am than loved for whom I am not". 

Certainly, this is a very true analysis of what the Igbo are in Nigeria of today. Not minding how Ndigbo are been treated disdainfully, Igbo wards still continue developing other tribes' areas while abandoning Igbo communities to rot and decay without adequate infrastructure or amenities.  

To underscore the fact that Nigeria can never be a nation, Ukaegbu recalled what the other leaders said about Nigeria. Sir Tafawa Balewa who later became the prime minister in 1960, noted that no matter what the British had been doing to make Nigeria look like one country, Nigerians themselves know they are not one. Chief Obafemi Awolowo enthused that "Nigeria is not a nation", insisting that it is a mere "geographical expression". It was only Zik who believed in one Nigeria.   

He went on to list the number of both Northern and Western leaders who live in the north and west so as to make their regions better. This is in contrast with Igbo leaders who live and reside in Abuja and Lagos and only return to Igbo Nation when there is a political or social event. This, he said, is at the root cause of Igbo problem. 

There is absolutely something very intriguing between man and his ancestors and that is the point Ukaegbu hammered home in chapter four as he advised Ndigbo to  maintain their ancestral connections. 

And in chapter five he cautioned Ndigbo to avoid the spirit of selfishness that promotes  individualism and individualism is the father of disunity. Instead, he urged Ndigbo to work together to achieve better results. 

For instance, he noted how the Yoruba rallied round MKO Abiola when he was arrested and sent to jail in the aftermath of the June 12,1993 crisis which was in contrast with the behaviour of Ndigbo when Mazi Nnamdi Kanu faced similar situation.

The Part Two of A NATION ON THE BRINK begins on page 125 and the first treatise is chapter seven which dwells on Our Culture. It highlighted the Igbo as a nation deeply rooted in culture and traditions with its supreme being as the Chi Ukwu Okike, the creator. 

Structurally deconstructing the way Ndigbo now created Eze Igbo in various places in Nigeria, Ukaegbu enthused thus: "Ndigbo must also realize that the creation of the Eze stool in various parts of Nigeria has made a mockery of our traditional institution such that they lost integrity and value". 

He equally mandated Igbo leaders to totally eliminate what he called alien cultures. He blamed the borrowed ethos on the adventurous spirit of the Igbo which makes an average Igbo to always explore other places outside Igbo for business and economic development.  

In the other chapters that constitute the greater compositions of the Part Two of the book, Ukaegbu reminded Ndigbo of whom they are - their auspicious beginning in the Nigerian project, their enterprising inclination in the  business world, their civil war revolution as well as their return to greatness with just 20 pounds.  He also challenged Igbo leaders on his worry of large chunk of Ndigbo raising their children outside Igbo land. This is of course why Igbo language and culture are in the decline. And this can get worse if not checkmated. 

From chapter 10, Ukaegbu talked about building a nation that works for every one,  and this can only be realized through a disciplined leadership. He disagreed with this concept in Igbo Nation where every Igbo leader is a politician because it is all about who gets what. "We take exception to the present situation whereby each candidate wants to show that he is the better person and would rather align with other tribes, including those who hate what we stand for as Ndigbo". 

As a matter of fact, Ukaegbu  made it clear that a time has come for the apex sociocultural body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo to be properly funded and guided. He noted that every Igbo person is a member of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and so all Igbo wards must contribute to the funding of this all important body. He put up the idea of compelling the lawmakers from the five South East states to pass a legislation to fund Ohanaeze Ndigbo from  their states budget. 

In his concluding chapter 20, Ukaegbu charged Igbo leaders to borrow a leaf from Isreal of today which has found a way to battle her challenges in spite of being surrounded by hostile neighbours. He noted that there are strong linkages between the Bible Israelites and the Igbo people of Nigeria.

Authors website..www.ukaegbucn.org

E-book outlet..Barnes and Noble

Akokwa in Ideato North LGA of Imo State is currently surrounded by controversy. Despite the heavy rains this morning, the courageous Umuada and Alutaradi Akokwa na Ohaigiri travelled from Akokwa to attend court and defend themselves against cases filed by HRH Eze Don Opurozor of Umuopia-Akokwa, HRH Eze Lambert Emechebe of Owerre-Akokwa, and HRH Eze Charles Biere of Umuezeaga-Akokwa.

The development has generated widespread concern among lawyers, litigants, court officials and Imolities within and around the State High Court, many of whom are reportedly questioning why traditional rulers would take legal action against their own Umuada and Alutaradi groups.

Observers have also raised questions about the role of Akokwa leaders, stakeholders, and community elders, wondering whether the issues in dispute could have been resolved through dialogue and internal mechanisms rather than litigation.

As the matter continues to attract public attention, many believe that Akokwa is being placed under unnecessary scrutiny. The situation is unfortunate and regrettable, particularly given the long-standing values of unity and communal harmony associated with the community.

There is growing appeal for the concerned traditional rulers to reconsider and withdraw the cases against Umuada and Alutaradi Akokwa na Ohaigiri in the interest of peace, reconciliation, and the preservation of Akokwa's image. 

When contacted some persons from Akokwa urged the concerned Ezes to follow the noble example of their fellow traditional ruler, HRH Eze Charles Ejezie of Akwu-Akokwa, who reportedly chose an amicable path by completely and unconditionally withdrawing a similar case filed with his name.

As it is today, Ezes Don Opurozor, Lambert Emechebe and Charles Biere are facing serious backlash from Imolities over legal battle against Umuada and Alutaradi na Ohaigiri.

It is hoped that all the parties and indeed entire good people of Akokwa na Ohaigiri will embrace dialogue and pursue a peaceful resolution that promotes unity, mutual respect, and the collective progress of Akokwa.

Otuokere Dorcas

Owerri

16/06/2026

By Harriet Ijeomah

In commemoration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026, celebrated annually on May 28, Harsco Media and Communications, in collaboration with the Councillor representing Obibiezena Ward in Owerri North Local Government Area, Hon. Ngozi Ohaka Funmilayo, distributed over 500 sanitary hygiene products to female students across three secondary schools in the ward.

The beneficiaries included students of Fountain Hills High School, John F. Kennedy Secondary School, Obibiezena and St. Theresa's Comprehensive School, Obowo. The outreach also featured menstrual health education sessions facilitated by medical professionals who enlightened students on menstrual hygiene management, Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), personal hygiene, and the importance of maintaining dignity during menstruation.

Speaking during the outreach, Hon. Ngozi Ohaka Funmilayo described period poverty as a silent challenge affecting the education, confidence, and wellbeing of many adolescent girls, particularly in rural communities. She noted that no girl should be forced to miss school or suffer shame because of her inability to access sanitary products.

According to her, the intervention was part of her commitment to promoting the health and welfare of young girls within her ward. "Menstruation is a natural biological process, yet many girls continue to face barriers in accessing basic menstrual hygiene products. As leaders, we have a responsibility to ensure that every girl has the support and resources needed to stay healthy, confident, and focused on her education," she said.

The councillor further emphasized that investing in girls' health is an investment in community development, adding that menstrual hygiene awareness should not be limited to a single day but sustained through continuous advocacy and support programmes. She encouraged parents, schools, community leaders, and development partners to join efforts aimed at ending period poverty.

The Director of Harsco Media and Communications, Harriet Ijeomah, disclosed that she has personally championed menstrual hygiene interventions for over seven years, reaching girls in rural communities with sanitary products and reproductive health education. Drawing from her own experience growing up in a village under the care of her grandmother, she said she understands the challenges many girls face in accessing safe and affordable menstrual hygiene materials.

"Growing up, I witnessed firsthand how menstruation affected many girls who lacked access to proper sanitary products and accurate information. That experience shaped my commitment to supporting adolescent girls and ensuring that menstruation does not become a barrier to their education or self-esteem," she stated.

Ijeomah explained that menstrual health advocacy aligns with Harsco Media and Communications' commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 on Good Health and Wellbeing, Goal 4 on Quality Education, and Goal 5 on Gender Equality. She noted that according to global estimates, millions of girls miss school annually due to inadequate menstrual hygiene resources, making community-based interventions critical to improving educational outcomes and promoting gender equity.

Beyond sanitary pads, the team distributed disinfectants, deodorants, shaving sticks, and additional hygiene materials to school authorities to support ongoing hygiene practices among students. The outreach also provided an opportunity for students to ask questions and receive professional guidance on menstrual health and adolescent wellbeing.

Responding on behalf of the participating schools, Rev. Fr. Ignatius Chioma expressed appreciation to Harsco Media and Communications and Hon. Ngozi Ohaka Funmilayo for the thoughtful intervention. He described the programme as timely and impactful, noting that it addressed both the material and educational needs of the students.

"We are grateful for this gesture. Beyond the products distributed, the knowledge shared today will empower these young girls to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing. We encourage more organizations and public office holders to emulate this initiative," he said.

World Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed globally every May 28 to raise awareness about the importance of good menstrual hygiene management and to advocate for a world where menstruation does not limit access to education, health, or opportunities for girls and women.

 ...43 bills, 10 motions, 400 scholarships, 2,000+ solar lights, landmark infrastructure: Appraising three years of measurable delivery in Ideato North and South*

By Dorcas Samson Achi

Ideato has entered a new era of measurable progress since Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere assumed office as the Member representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency. With deliberate precision and sustained engagement, his interventions have reached every ward and community within the constituency.

Across the federal constituency, numerous schools have been rehabilitated and equipped to contemporary standards, while markets have been restructured to stimulate commerce and improve livelihoods. Communities have likewise benefited from the deployment of solar-powered street lighting and the provision of potable, pipe-borne water systems.

His record of performance is widely regarded as exemplary, positioning him as arguably the most effective and popular Federal Lawmaker Ideato has produced. Beyond the conventional remit of lawmaking and legislative oversight, he has directly facilitated the delivery of critical infrastructure, encompassing road construction, erosion control, bridge building, and the attraction of landmark projects of state and national significance. It is little wonder his name resonates beyond the borders of Imo State.

To his credit are the construction and rehabilitation of health centers across multiple wards, substantially expanding access to primary healthcare for rural and underserved populations. These facilities have been equipped with essential medical supplies and staffed to ensure functional, community-centered care, thereby alleviating pressure on overstretched tertiary institutions and bringing quality health services closer to the people.

The principle is self-evident: a tenure defined by tangible progress merits continuity. Within the National Assembly, Hon. Ugochinyere has distinguished himself through substantive contributions, judicious points of order, and the sponsorship of impactful legislation addressing both constituency and national priorities.

Under his advocacy, Ideato has regained prominence on the national stage. Bold, articulate, and sagacious, Hon. Ugochinyere has emerged as a consistent voice for good governance, demanding accountability from those in authority and championing reforms for the benefit of future generations.

He has translated key aspects of his vision for a rejuvenated Ideato into reality within an unprecedented timeframe. His objective remains clear: to make Ideato a model of development, a hub where enterprise thrives, the economy is robust, and the quality of life is markedly improved.

A legislator attuned to both tradition and modernity, Hon. Ugochinyere upholds constitutional order, legislative ethics, and institutional norms while deploying digitized, globally benchmarked practices in governance, lawmaking, and public administration.

From 2023 to date, Ideato has undergone a visible transformation. The constituency has grown more vibrant economically and socially, bolstered by his consistent financial support and empowerment programs. His swift response to, and support for, families affected by the deadly attacks in Arondizuogu, Umualaoma, Akokwa, and Osina, when other leaders remained reticent, exemplified empathetic leadership. His demonstrable efforts to strengthen security have encouraged increased homecoming of diaspora indigenes during festive seasons, a testament to renewed confidence in the area’s stability and prospects.

*The Stake In Continuity*

The people of Ideato have a direct stake in Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere’s second-term bid. His re-election guarantees the continuation of ongoing interventions; his exit offers no assurance of sustained progress, particularly given the prevailing caliber of political actors. It is beyond contention that Ugochinyere remains the most credible, competent, and dependable contender for the seat today.

Continuity, in this context, is consolidation. Judged by his scorecard, Ideato’s development momentum can only be sustained through his return. That continuity translates to accelerated progress, expanded empowerment, and reinforced national relevance.

Ugochinyere is architecting a model constituency which is unfamiliar to what has been obtainable here. Beyond the chambers of legislation, his development paradigm for Ideato is distinguished by its depth and execution.

From promises to projects, he has delivered three years of tangible governance defined by measurable outcomes. The mandate remains unfinished. Re-election is therefore not sentiment; it is strategic necessity.

*Hon. Ugochinyere’s Legislative Record: 10th House of Representatives*

Since his inauguration in June 2023, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere has proven adept and proactive in legislative duties, sponsoring and advancing a substantial portfolio of bills, motions, and petitions.

*Legislative Output Summary: June 2023 – May 2026*

- *Bills Sponsored*: 43  

    - 29 at First Reading  

    - 13 at Second Reading  

    - 1 at Third Reading  

- *Motions Moved*: 10  

- *Petitions Presented*: 12  

This reflects an average of approximately one motion bi-monthly, with sustained engagement on matters of both local and national consequence.

*Select Bills Sponsored*

*Constitutional & Electoral Reform*

1. *Six-Year Single Term Bill*: Lead sponsor. Proposes a unified 6-year tenure for President, Governors, and LGA Chairmen, with zonal rotation and synchronized elections.

2. *Constitutional Alteration Bills*: HB.197, HB.199, HB.200, HB.205, HB.206.

3. *Local Government Autonomy Bill*.

4. *Electoral Act Amendment Bill*: To reinforce INEC’s independence and mandate electronic transmission of results.

*Education & Health*

5. *Federal University of Technology, Ideato (Establishment) Bill*.

6. *Federal College of Education, Umuobom (Establishment) Bill*.

7. *National Hospital for Women, Ideato (Establishment) Bill*.

8. *Federal Medical Centre, Ideato Bill*: Upgrade of existing facility.

9. *JAMB Act Amendment Bill, 2023 (HB.198)*.

*Governance, Economy & Anti-Corruption*

10. *Electoral Offences Commission Bill*: To investigate and prosecute electoral infractions.

11. *Whistleblower Protection Bill*.

12. *Public Officers Asset Declaration (Amendment) Bill*: Enhanced penalties for false declarations.

13. *Freedom of Information Act (Amendment) Bill*: Expedited compliance timelines.

14. *Niger Delta Development Commission (Amendment) Bill*.

15. *Interpretation Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.27)*: Co-sponsored with Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and others.

*Infrastructure & Development*

16. *South East Development Commission (Amendment) Bill*: To prioritize Ideato projects.

17. *Erosion Control and Prevention Commission Bill*: Addressing gully erosion in the Southeast.

18. *National Youth Entrepreneurship Fund Bill*.

19. *Petroleum Industry Act (Amendment) Bill*: Review of host community entitlements.

*Select Motions Sponsored*

1. *Arbitrary Increase in Petroleum Price*: July 19, 2023. Rated the highest human-interest motion and among the top 10 in the first six months of the 10th House. Prompted a resolution summoning NNPCL and marketers.

2. *Gully Erosion in Ideato Federal Constituency*: Adopted; directed the Federal Ministry of Environment to capture Ideato in the 2024 Ecological Fund.

3. *Reconstruction of Oba-Nnewi-Uga-Akokwa-Arondizuogu-Okigwe Federal Road*.

4. *Urgent Rehabilitation of Failed Sections of Ideato-Orlu Federal Highway*.

5. *Incessant Killings and Kidnappings in Ideato North/South*: 2024.

6. *State of Emergency on Dilapidated Primary and Secondary Schools in Ideato*.

7. *Upgrade of General Hospital Arondizuogu to Federal Medical Centre*.

*Notable Petitions*

- Release of Nigerian professors and refugees abducted and detained in Cameroon.

- Police brutality, human rights violations, and neglect of critical infrastructure.

*Constituency Projects and Interventions*

*1. Educational Infrastructure*

- County School, Akokwa: Completed

- Comprehensive Secondary School Laboratory Block, Umumaisiaku: Completed

- Jubilee Nursery and Primary School, Akokwa: Completed

- Akpulu Secondary School Rehabilitation: Completed

- Central School, Arondizuogu: Completed

- Central School, Amazu Ikpaakaputa, Arondizuogu: Completed

- Community Primary School 2, Uzii: Completed

- Central School, Umuaghobe: Completed

- Renovation of Umudike Primary School: Ongoing

- Renovation of Abukwa Central Primary School: Completed

- Supply of over 1,000 school desks: Ongoing

*2. Healthcare Delivery*

- Rehabilitation of Osina Community Hospital: Ongoing

- Rehabilitation of Umuobom Health Centre: Ongoing

*3. Scholarships & Human Capital Development*

- 2023 Scholarship Program: 100 beneficiaries

- 2024 Scholarship Program: 130 beneficiaries

- 2025 Scholarship Program: 150 beneficiaries  

  *Total*: 380 students supported across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels

*4. Agricultural Empowerment*

- Agricultural training and empowerment program, 2023–2024: 66 beneficiaries

*5. Water Infrastructure*

Across 24 communities in Ideato North & South:

- 20 boreholes completed

- 2 ongoing

- 4 at mobilization stage

*6. Solar & Electrification*

- Installation of over 2,000 solar-powered streetlights

- Installation of 500kVA transformers in:

    - Obodoukwu: Completed

    - Abukwa Umuobom: Completed

    - Umuopia Akokwa: Completed

    - Dikenafai: Ongoing

    - Ogwume: Ongoing

    - Akpulu: Ongoing

    - Umukegwu: Ongoing  

  *Total transformers deployed*: 7

- Installation of a 10kV solar mini-grid at Anglican Convent, Umuokwara

*7. Roads, Drainage & Erosion Control*

- Facilitation of Umuchima Erosion Control and Road Project

- Construction of 1.2km drainage system in Urualla: Ongoing

*8. Market Development*

- Construction of 30 open market stalls at Afor Urualla Market: Completed

*9. Youth Empowerment*

- Distribution of motorcycles, tricycles, and shuttle buses to support youth entrepreneurship and mobility

*10. Direct Financial Support*

- ₦50,000 cash grants disbursed to over 200 beneficiaries

*11. Community Infrastructure*

- Reconstruction of Umuago Hall: Ongoing

- Reconstruction of Ndiowerri Hall, Umuchima, Ideato South: Ongoing

A tenure distinguished by verifiable achievement deserves renewal for the continued benefit of community, constituency, and nation. When leadership has been tested and proven, continuity becomes a strategic imperative. For the greater good of Ideato, let us sustain this momentum of development, human capital advancement, and political renaissance only by supporting Hon. Barr. Ikenga Ugochinyere’s bid for a second term.

The numerous challenges bedeviling the Nigerian nation became a heavy burden for the  Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), that she was compelled to take the issues to God. 

Consequently, she engaged her members nationwide in a 3-day fasting and prayer sessions interceding for the healing of the nation. 

The Imo branch of the PFN led by Bishop C. D. Jacobs took their turn in the nationwide event which climaxed last Sunday at the Faithworld Cathedral, Egbu, Owerri to protest and pray for the nation. 

In the program tagged Pentecost Sunday and Consuming Fire as the theme, it was not only a gathering of big wigs in the Pentecostal churches, but the state chapter officials, local government representatives and other members massed up in good numbers to intercede for Nigeria.

In the presidential address read by the Bishop Jacobs the president of PFN, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, bemoaned the state of the nation insisting that enough is enough. 

According to him, "The level of banditry, kidnapping, violence, insecurity and savage killings, all across the Nigerian landscape has risen to an intolerable height such that every Nigerian should cry out against it to God for divine intervention and to our government for immediate and effective action".

He went further to recall the current kidnappings and killing in Oyo State, the Chibok incident in Bornu, the Samuel Debora issue, Leah Shaibu case, as well other numerous killings especially in the Middle Belt where the government have shown lack of capacity to curtail the mayhem.

He challenged the federal government to rise up to its constitutional and moral duty of defending every Nigerian so that we can be fully reckoned as a nation where no one is oppressed. 

The president further called on the Church in Nigeria to speak strongly with one voice loudly so that governments at all levels will hear their voices and feel their pains and sorrows to be moved to action.

While the state chairman delivered the presidential speech, members displayed placards in protest of the issues plaguing the nation. 

Some of the placards read thus: "Stop the persecution of Christians, Justice for all the oppressed, Enough is enough, We deserve peace, Let Nigeria live".

Earlier, in his own message Bishop Jacobs, also the general overseer of the Faithworld Church, had made declarations on the Lordship of God over Nigeria adding that every evil will be destroyed to restore the lost glory of the nation. 

The deputy national president, Bishop Illechukwu, stated that the problems Nigerians are grappling with are heart breaking. He called on Christians to deploy prayers which he described as the greatest weapon that works. 

The event was also marked with songs, prayers, messages from various men of God and light entertainment .

The Labour Party’s State Organizing Secretary, Comrade Nnamdi Achi, has criticized the recently published “Scorecard of Hon. Pastor Chris Mbarie, the Orlu LGA Chairman,” describing it as inadequate given Orlu Local Government Area’s reported monthly allocation of over ₦350 million.

Achi argued that with such significant financial inflows, citizens expect “clear, measurable, and transformative development” commensurate with the resources entrusted to the council.

“The list of activities — grading a few roads, evacuating refuse, registering JAMB for some students, offering limited empowerment funds, and routine administrative duties — are basic responsibilities of any functioning local government,” Achi stated. “They should not be celebrated as extraordinary milestones.”

He noted that Ndi Orlu should instead be witnessing large-scale, visible projects: durable roads across wards, properly equipped healthcare centers, modern educational facilities, and agricultural and industrial initiatives capable of creating employment and stimulating long-term economic growth.

“Development should be visible, impactful, and sustainable enough to improve the daily lives of ordinary citizens who depend on the local government for grassroots progress,” he added.

According to Achi, presenting routine duties as landmark achievements “does not reflect the level of development Ndi Orlu expect” and “can easily come across as an embarrassment and an unintended insult to the intelligence of the people.”

He stressed that public office is a sacred trust demanding transparency, accountability, and results that justify available resources. 

“Ndi Orlu are not asking for miracles; they are simply asking for responsible management of public funds and development that matches the scale of resources allocated to the Local Government,” Achi said.

“Sometimes, it is wiser to remain silent than to publish a record that unintentionally raises more questions than answers. Ndi Orlu deserve better.”

By Dorcas Achi 

As the Reserved Seat Bill campaign intensifies in Imo and Anambra States, Mr. Godson Okeoma, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imo State Civil Service Commission, has expressed his endorsement of the Bill, announcing his readiness to collaborate with the Social And Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) to drive the IMPACT PROJECT forward.

He expressed his endorsement during an advocacy visit undertaken by the Social And Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) to the Imo State Secretariat on 17 March 2026.

Mrs. Ugochi Agalaba-Ehiahuruike, Executive Director of SIDEC, revealed that the organization in partnership with Nigeria Civic Society Situation Room is undertaking an IMPACT PROJECT which involves inclusive mobilization drive, engaging diverse stakeholders across religious, traditional, legislative, and political spheres to garner support for the reserved seat bill, aimed at promoting women's representation in Nigeria's governance framework.

She articulated that the organisation seeks to realise governance through an inclusive paradigm, wherein governmental offices, institutions, infrastructure, and public spaces are deliberately designed to foster a policy framework that champions inclusivity for women, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable populations.

 She emphasized that the Reserved Seat Bill advocacy seeks to rectify the glaring disparity in women's representation within Nigeria's legislative framework. Currently, women occupy merely 4 out of 108 senatorial seats, 16 out of 360 federal representative seats, and 55 out of approximately 991 state legislative positions. 

Mrs. Agalaba-Ehiahuruike decried this imbalance, highlighting the resultant marginalisation of women, quoting that "poverty has a woman face". The Special Seat Bill, she noted, would facilitate the prioritisation of gender-responsive policies and reforms, ultimately benefiting women.

She argued that women's inclusion is essential for accelerated development and urged the Permanent Secretary to leverage his influence to persuade lawmakers to support the bill when it reaches the national assembly. 

She respectfully sought the Permanent Secretary's collaborative support, leveraging his influential position in overseeing women's affairs in Imo, to champion the bill's advancement. She encouraged him to utilize his esteemed office to advocate persuasively with lawmakers, urging their endorsement of the bill upon its presentation to the national assembly.

In response, Mr. Godson Okeoma lauded SIDEC's pioneering efforts, affirming that the implementation of their projects, particularly those benefiting the disabled community, would be truly commendable. He pledged to forge a collaborative partnership with SIDEC, converging their collective energies towards achieving a shared vision.

 He noted, however, that Imo State is fortunate to have a governor who champions gender-sensitive and inclusive governance, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to empowering vulnerable groups. This forward-thinking leadership he said, has fostered a sense of belonging among women, evident in their appointment to strategic government positions in the state.

"Child abuse and domestic violence is reducing drastically in Imo courtesy of the first lady's approach.

"In Imo there are functional laws protecting the rights of women and children. This ministry and SIDEC need to carry out a sensitization tour for people to understand child law, widowhood law, and laws protecting women against abuse, that way they can defend their rights".

He directed the team to formulate a comprehensive blueprint and actionable work plan to operationalise their initiatives benefiting women, children, and the disabled community, emphasising that his ministry prioritises meticulous organisation and attention to detail in its collaborative endeavours.