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.

By Dorcas Achi 

After extensive consultations, Prince Anthony Ilokwe popularly known as Ike-Imo has formally joined the African Democratic Party (ADC) yesterday 23rd March, 2026 in his hometown Akokwa, in Ideato North LGA of Imo State.

The Serial Entrepreneur and philanthropist expressed his unwavering confidence in ADC during a press interaction, hailing the party as Nigeria's future. He affirmed that ADC uniquely possesses the ideology, human capital, and capability to liberate Nigeria from the acute hunger, hardship, and daunting challenges precipitated by the ruling APC.

He described ADC as a paradigm shift, ushering in a new era of progressive, people-centric governance. Consequently, he expressed a desire to be an integral part of the transformative change the party is spearheading.

Having formally announced his interest for the Ideato North Constituency Seat on 9th January 2026, he reaffirmed his commitment to delivering democratic dividends to his constituents through impactful legislation, parliamentary interventions, and bill sponsorship. Ike-Imo reiterated his dedication to enhancing the welfare and livelihoods of his people through empowerment initiatives, civic engagement, and legislative advocacy, pledging to champion transformative bills and projects.

The Environmental Sciences graduate and CEO Onono Master Oil and Gas Ltd, portrayed himself as a servant leader, driven by a passion to deliver benefits to his constituents, rather than personal gain. He cited his history of community-centric business practices, philanthropy, and civic engagement as proof of his dedication to public service.

He emphasised that his declaration is a rallying call to collective action, underscoring the imperative of unity and collaborative effort to propel Ideato North towards progress. The office he seeks, he noted, demands unwavering capacity, competence, courage, and unshakeable integrity. Accordingly, he is undertaking necessary preparations to effectively represent, enact people-centric legislation, and bring greater prosperity to his constituents.

By Dorcas Achi 

HRH Eze Uche Austin Possible, Traditional Ruler of Umuonyeche Autonomous Community and Chairman, Owerri Municipal Council of Traditional Rulers, has reiterated his unwavering dedication to promoting the interests of credible women in politics and other fields, characterizing the Special Seat Bill as both timely and indispensable. 

He expressed gratitude to SIDEC for soliciting his input as a key stakeholder on the reserved seat bill, during an advocacy visit to his palace on March 17, 2026, where he pledged his steadfast support for their PROJECT IMPACT initiative, which focuses on mobilization, participation, advocacy, and transformative interventions in the lives of women, children, and vulnerable groups.

Mrs. Ugochi Agalaba-Ehiahuruike, Executive Director of SIDEC, averred that the reintroduction of the reserved seat bill was aimed at fostering inclusivity in governance, which would, in turn, catalyze enhanced development and precipitate a more enlightened society.

She stated that the bill aims to establish a framework for equitable representation, entailing reserved seats for women in the Senate (one per state), the House of Representatives, and approximately three reserved seats in each House of Assembly. Notably, this provision would not preclude women from contesting other positions alongside men at all levels of governance.

Whilst acknowledging the presence of women in appointive positions, she emphasized the imperative of achieving commensurate parity in elective offices, deeming it untenable that the House of Representatives comprises only 16 female federal lawmakers out of 360 members, the Senate has a mere 4 female senators out of 108, and a paltry 55 female state lawmakers out of approximately 991 House of Assembly members nationwide.

Ehiahuruike humbly implored the monarch to mobilize stakeholders, particularly legislators, to lend their support to the bill upon its presentation to the National Assembly, underscoring the necessity of securing a two-thirds majority vote to ensure its enactment.

Eze Possible responded, affirming that the era of undervaluing women is over, acknowledging that women have consistently demonstrated their leadership prowess and effectively discharged their responsibilities. "When entrusted with an opportunity, a woman can yield exponential benefits," he remarked. 

The monarch disclosed that, exemplifying his commitment, he has appointed two women to his cabinet and intends to appoint more women to enhance representation, fostering inclusivity and creating an enabling environment to cultivate a sense of belonging among women in community endeavors.

As a proponent of women's empowerment and a dedicated gender activist, he recounted his instrumental role in facilitating the enactment of the VAPP law, which has afforded women significant protections, safeguarding their rights to personal dignity, property inheritance, and ownership, among others. He pledged to steadfastly advocate for the reserved seat bill until its realization.

Eze Possible urged women to demonstrate their capabilities and establish their credibility, affirming his steadfast support for women who embody strength, integrity, passion, and a zeal for effecting positive change. "Women constitute a numerical majority; their exclusion from positions of authority breeds disenfranchisement. Leveraging their demographic strength, they ought to assert themselves and provide mutual support. Their efforts should be directed towards self-actualization, rather than competing with their spouses."

By Dorcas Achi 

The Representative Member for Ehime Mbano State Constituency, Imo State, and Chairman of the House Committee on Women and Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Bernard Ndubuisi Ozoemena, has pledged his support for the reserved seats bill in Imo, undertaking to make a constructive contribution towards its enactment.

He made this declaration at the Imo State House of Assembly Complex on 17th March 2026, during an advocacy visit by the Social And Integral Development Centre (SIDEC), in partnership with the Nigeria Civic Society Situation Room, who had called at his office to solicit his support and engagement in furtherance of the Special Seat Bill For Women.

The organisation is presently implementing the IMPACT PROJECT, a multifaceted intervention encompassing advocacy, mobilisation, participation, and transformative initiatives targeting women, children, and disabled communities. Currently, it is undertaking stakeholder engagements in Anambra and Imo States, advocating for the Reserved Seats Bill for Women, sponsored by Hon. Benjamin Kanu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. The bill has successfully navigated the first and second readings at the National Assembly. The organisation is now seeking to secure two-thirds majority support for the bill when it comes up for final passage in the House.

In her address, SIDEC Executive Director, Mrs. Ugochi Agalaba-Ehiahuruike, underscored the imperative of augmenting women's representation in elective offices as a catalyst for the nation's holistic development. She lamented the glaring absence of female lawmakers in the current Imo Assembly, positing that the inclusion of women would inject balance and inclusivity into the legislative process.

She decried the disheartening statistics, citing that Nigeria has only four female senators out of 104 senators in the country, 16 female lawmakers out of 360 Members in the House of Representatives, and approximately 55 female House of Assembly members out of 991 across the 36 states. She bemoaned this glaring disparity, characterizing it as emblematic of imbalance and marginalization of women. The enactment of the reserved seat bill for women, she noted, would rectify this anomaly, fostering a more equitable participation and enabling women to make meaningful contributions to governance.

This is not a novel initiative, she observed, noting that the bill has been previously introduced; however, it is currently gaining significant attention, spurred by the successes recorded in Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and other African nations where women's participation in elected offices has catalyzed sustainable development, enhanced the citizenry's quality of life, and demonstrated the efficacy of effective representation.

Hon. Ozoemena commended SIDEC for their laudable advocacy efforts, acknowledging that society necessitates inclusive governance to attain optimal outcomes and progress. He pledged to champion the domestication of the bill, contributing his efforts towards its realization, stating that stakeholder engagement would be forthcoming, as it is a noble cause that would resonate with and garner support from all patriotic Nigerians. "We will adapt the bill to our local context and replicate it here, tailoring it according to our peculiarities," he affirmed.

Dorcas Achi 

His Royal Highness Eze John Nwosu, the revered traditional ruler of Isiokwu Ihioma autonomous community, along with his esteemed council of chiefs and village heads, urgently appeal for intervention regarding the critically escalating erosion crisis at Umuezekeoha Umudurunguma, Isiokwu Ihioma in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State. 

This dire situation has resulted in loss of lives, devastation of farmlands, familial displacement, and forced relocation of indigenous residents to adjacent communities, necessitating immediate attention and remedial action.

During a press tour of the ravaged erosion site on February 20th, 2026, Eze Nwosu poignantly highlighted the dire circumstances facing his subjects, who are now unable to access their homes, cultivate their lands, or maintain a semblance of dignified existence. His Highness underscored the existential threat posed to the inhabitants, particularly during the impending rainy season, painfully remarking that "the rain that that brings about growth, brings us destruction at all times".

HRH Eze Nwosu, a seasoned administrator and former Chairman of Orlu Local Government, as well as erstwhile Federal Resident Commissioner for multiple states, lamented that despite repeated appeals to successive local government administrations, the erosion crisis was allowed to escalate unchecked. He noted that the ravages of erosion have now reached catastrophic proportions, rendering the local and state governments almost incapable of effective intervention. In light of this, the Federal Government is implored to intervene expeditiously to mitigate the humanitarian crisis and prevent further devastation.

According to him, "we have brought the local Government Chairman to the site. He came with a retinue of officials, including information officials and he promised to speak to agencies of Government and even the governor. After one year, we heard nothing. Not even a skirmish of rescue activities to soothe our nerves and give the impression of action in progress."

Eze Nwosu appealed to the Orlu Local Government Authority to facilitate the provision of a temporary footpath, citing the constitutional mandate of local governments, as stipulated in the 1999 constitution. He acknowledged that while the scale of devastation exceeds the local government's capacity, he emphasized that neglecting to provide such assistance would be unconscionable. The creation of a footpath, he stressed, is imperative to safeguard residents from the hazards of venomous reptiles and wild animals that now inhabit the erosion gullies, posing a constant threat to life.

Hon. Walter Oleghara, President General of the community, issued an urgent appeal to the Governor of Imo State, imploring His Excellency to intervene decisively on behalf of the beleaguered community. He underscored the existential threat posed to residents, highlighting the erosion's pernicious impact on the local economy and aquatic ecosystem, as fertile farmlands are ravaged and environmental degradation are causing health hazards for the indigenous population.

Mr. Augustine Chinedu Nwosu, a resident of the affected area, issued a desperate plea for intervention from both Federal and State authorities, describing the perilous situation as having rendered access to their homes virtually impossible. He expressed distress at the psychological toll on his children, who are now reluctant to return home due to the looming danger. Recounting the erosion's insidious progression since its inception in 2011, Mr. Nwosu lamented the tragic loss of life, affecting both native and non-native inhabitants of the community, as the unabated erosion continues to ravage the area.

Mrs. Nneoma Osuigwe, another resident, implored the government to deploy expert personnel to assess the situation, highlighting the severe disruption to daily life. She highlighted the negative impact on women's livelihoods, as inaccessible routes now hinder their ability to tend to farms or engage in market activities. With fear, she questioned the impending danger for the upcoming rainy season, stating the possible exacerbation of their already precarious circumstances.

The Palace Secretary, Mr. Kennedy Udeze, disclosed that philanthropic individuals and community leaders have undertaken commendable efforts to mitigate the crisis, investing substantial resources in attempts to stabilize the erosion site and establish a safe passage. Regrettably, these initiatives have been rendered futile, as the relentless erosion has nullified their endeavors and resulted in the loss of invested funds, further exacerbating the community's plight.

He emphasized that experts should be invited to carefully look into the crisis and bring about the best solution immediately.

By Dorcas Achi 

The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Diocese His Grace, Rt. Rev. Lucius Ugoji, has declared his strong support for the Reserved Seat Bill For Women, emphasizing that women are entitled to equal opportunities with their male counterparts, given their equality before God.

He endorsed the campaign on 17th March, 2026, in Owerri, Imo State, during an advocacy visit organised by the Social And Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) as part of the ongoing PROJECT IMPACT initiative, aimed at fostering inclusive civic engagement, mobilisation, and transformative advocacy in collaboration with the Nigeria Civic Society Situation Room.

SIDEC, a female-led non-governmental organisation headquartered in the Southeast, is presently spearheading the Special Seat Bill campaign in Imo and Anambra States. 

In her address to the Bishop, Mrs Ugochi Agalaba-Ehiahuruike, Executive Director of SIDEC, emphasized the organisation's advocacy for a 35 percent affirmative action quota for women, underscoring the imperative of augmenting female representation in elective offices. This, she noted, necessitates a constitutional amendment to allocate reserved seats in the Senate, House of Representatives, and a minimum of three seats in state Assemblies.

Drawing inspiration from the efficacy of reserved seats legislation in several African nations, including Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania, she expressed optimism that a similar model could be successfully implemented in Nigeria. 

Bishop Ugoji affirmed that women are entitled to parity of rights and opportunities with men, eschewing any form of gender-based discrimination. He underscored the Catholic Church's commitment to upholding human dignity, emphasizing that men and women are essentially equal in the eyes of God.

He lamented that despite constituting a numerical majority, women often prove reluctant to support one another's endeavours. Whilst advocating for women's active participation in electoral contests alongside men, he acknowledged that their domestic responsibilities frequently impede their full engagement in the political sphere. Consequently, he posited that reserving seats for women at all levels of governance would provide them with a viable platform to participate at a pace consonant with their circumstances.

He commended Prof. Nnenna Otti's stellar performance in the recent Abia State governorship election, which he deemed redemptive for Abia State, opining that her exemplary leadership is precisely what Nigeria needs to chart a more felicitous course. 

Bishop Ugoji emphasized that a woman in elected office has a mandate to serve the broader populace, transcending parochial interests, as politics is essentially a vocation of service.