SAGE Journals

By Comr. Uchech’ukwu Wisdom O. (DonWis) The recent debate surrounding the amendment of Senate Standing Orders has once again opened an important national conversation on democracy, legislative experience, and institutional fairness in Nigeria’s parliamentary system. While every legislative institution reserves the right to regulate its internal procedures, such regulations must be guided by the broader spirit of democracy, inclusiveness, and institutional growth rather than narrow interpretations capable of excluding experienced hands from leadership participation. The argument that only senators who served consecutive immediate terms should qualify for principal leadership positions raises a critical constitutional and democratic concern. Legislative experience is not something that expires simply because a lawmaker temporarily leaves the Senate to serve in another public office. Once an individual has passed through parliamentary processes, committee systems, legislative negotiations...

The emergence of newly elected APC LGA Executives across 𝗔𝗵𝗶𝗮𝘇𝘂 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗵𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲 is not just a routine political development—it is a call to 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 at a critical time in our constituency’s political journey. As 2027 approaches, the political atmosphere is naturally becoming more active. However, beyond ambitions and alignments, there is a higher obligation that must guide all actors within our party structure—the 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁. The principle of equity within Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency has long served as a stabilizing force. It has helped to maintain balance, reduce tension, and ensure that no bloc feels excluded in the political process. This principle must not be sacrificed on the altar of 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁-𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹...

In politics, memory is a powerful thing. Sometimes, the loudest voices in today’s political space are the very same individuals whose past writings tell a completely different story. And in moments like this, it becomes necessary—not to insult—but to remind. A few years ago, certain voices positioned themselves as intellectuals, advocates of truth, and champions of objective reasoning. They wrote extensively, analyzed deeply, and presented themselves as balanced thinkers committed to truth and fairness. Today, however, the same individuals have become loud defenders of selective narratives, avoiding critical questions while attacking those who demand accountability. This raises a simple question: 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱? 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀—𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁? In law and public discourse, one of the core purposes of cross-examination is to test credibility—by exposing contradictions, bias, and inconsistency.  And when you apply that same principle to public commentary, the ...

Political conversations within the Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency have intensified in recent weeks, particularly following the entry of Rt. Hon. Emeka Chinedu into the All Progressives Congress (APC). While political debates are a healthy part of democracy, it is important that such discussions remain constructive, factual, and focused on the long-term interest of our people. First, APC remains an open and inclusive political platform. Every individual who believes in the progressive vision of the party and the development agenda of government at both the state and national levels is welcome to participate in the party’s activities. At the same time, democracy thrives on accountability. It is therefore natural that constituents ask questions about representation, legislative impact, and constituency development, especially as the 2027 election cycle gradually approaches. Such questions should not be mistaken for hostility. They simply reflect the people’s desire to assess the ...

𝘉𝘺: 𝘋𝘰𝘯𝘞𝘪𝘴  Sometime last week at the LGA Headquarters, I witnessed an interesting incident that quietly carried a profound lesson. The recently installed solar electricity system suddenly tripped off unexpectedly and began emitting an unusual alarm. Concerned, the engineer who handled the installation was contacted to diagnose the issue. His explanation was both technical and symbolic. He stated that in a multi-phase solar configuration, it is common to have one 𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿 and others operating as 𝘀𝗹𝗮𝘃𝗲𝘀. However, in this instance, one of the slave inverters attempted to override or “drag” the master, resulting in a system conflict. The batteries could not synchronize properly. The consequence? Total shutdown. The engineer’s advice was simple yet powerful: Switch off the system. Allow the inverters to reconcile and reconfigure. Only then can the system be safely powered on again. That moment triggered a deeper reflection. If sophisticated machines d...

By: Wincent Chinweuchem Ahiazu Mbaise is not a political accident; it is a carefully ordered society built on history, ancestry, and balance. Long before modern political offices emerged, our people were already governed by a clear understanding of equity, rooted in clan structure and ancestral lineage. Any sustainable political arrangement in Ahiazu must therefore draw strength from this foundation, not attempt to erase it. Ahiazu Mbaise is divided into two ancestral clans: Ahiara and Ekwerazu. Each clan is made up of five ancient communities (the ancestral Ofor), from which our forefathers derived the principle of rotation, fairness, and inclusion. This ancestral wisdom is the very basis upon which political rotation in Ahiazu was conceived and accepted. Once a system is initiated, justice demands that it be completed within the same framework before a new order is introduced. To abandon the ancestral rotation midway, in favor of newly created political conveniences, is to sow seeds ...

PRESS STATEMENT The Forum of CPS/Special Advisers on Media and Publicity Celebrates Hon. Chief Oguike Nwachukwu A Seasoned Media General and True Bridge-Builder The Forum of Chief Press Secretaries and Special Advisers on Media and Publicity to the 27 Local Government Executive Chairmen across Imo State heartily celebrates a man of rare wisdom, integrity, and visionary leadership Hon. Chief Oguike Nwachukwu, Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Imo State, on the glorious occasion of his birthday. Hon. Chief Oguike Nwachukwu is not just a communication strategist; he is a refined leader who inspires excellence, uplifts others, and embodies humility in leadership. His passion for truth, professionalism, and the image of Imo State Government has set a standard of media engagement worthy of emulation. He has shown that true leadership is not about position but impact; not about title but service. He carries people along with wisdom, builds bridges of unity across institutio...

The Forum of Chief Press Secretaries and Special Advisers on Media and Publicity to the Executive Chairmen of the 27 Local Government Areas in Imo State, with one voice, extend our profound commendation to our dear Governor, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator (Dr.) Hope Odidika Uzodimma, CON, GSSR (Onwa Oyoko), for his uncommon vision, purposeful leadership, and remarkable achievements that have continued to transform Imo into a true land of prosperity. We celebrate His Excellency’s signature legacy projects that have redefined the infrastructural landscape of Imo State—the ongoing massive road construction and rehabilitation reconnecting towns and markets; the world-class Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre (EIICC), a hub for tourism and global engagement; the iconic Control Flyover in Owerri, a wonder of engineering redefining urban renewal; and the monumental renovation of the Concorde Hotel, restoring Imo’s pride in hospitality. Beyond infrastructure, we equally ...

𝘉𝘺: 𝘋𝘰𝘯𝘞𝘪𝘴  Every August, the ancient town of Obohia Ekwerazu in Ahiazu Mbaise LGA, Imo State, comes alive with the vibrant celebration of Eyiri-Eyi, a sacred cultural festival passed down by generations. This annual event is more than a mere gathering — it is the heart of Obohia’s identity, a time-honoured tradition that serves as a spiritual, cultural, and communal compass for its people and even for neighbouring communities. But this year’s edition has sparked unrest and controversy, as a faction within the organizing committee—allegedly influenced by political interests—has unilaterally shifted the festival date to August 16th, defying the age-long custom and provoking the outrage of cultural custodians, elders, and true sons and daughters of Obohia. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: 𝗡𝗸𝘄𝗼 𝗢𝗯𝗼𝗵𝗶𝗮 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 Historically, Eyiri-Eyi Obohia is celebrated between the 𝟳𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟭𝟰𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁, anchored around 𝗡𝗸...

As part of its strategic engagements to foster synergy and strengthen the dissemination of government policies and programs at the grassroots, a delegation of the Forum of Chief Press Secretaries and Special Assistants on Media and Publicity to the 27 Local Government Executive Chairmen in Imo State paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor, Hon. Oguwike Nwachuku on Wednesday,  18th June 2025. The delegation, led by the State Coordinator of the Forum, Comr. Solomon C.J. Chimezie, was warmly received at the Government House, Owerri. In his opening remarks, Comr. Solomon introduced the delegates and briefed the CPS on the purpose of the visit. He emphasized the critical need for accuracy, timeliness, and consistency in the dissemination of government programs at the local government level. He also reiterated the Forum's commitment to aligning with the vision of the 3R Government and the "Shared Prosperity" agenda of His Excellency, Disting...

It is quite unfortunate that some stakeholders of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), have chosen to ignite public controversy over the zoning of elective positions in Ahiazu Mbaise. If these individuals are indeed loyal to the administration of our dear Governor, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, and submissive to the leadership structure of our party in Imo State, they ought to propose a clear, consensus-driven Charter of Equity through our statutory political leaders rather than heightening tensions in the public domain. Thankfully, the APC in Ahiazu is blessed with legitimate political leaders who are not only party members but also hold the strategic authority to steer this conversation: *our Executive Chairman, our Honourable Member in the Imo State House of Assembly, and several government appointees*. These leaders must rise to the occasion—just as our Governor has consistently championed equity at the state level—and lead the push for a loca...

The Honourable Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba , has pledged to ensure that grassroots communities are actively engaged and well-informed about government activities and initiatives in Imo State. Hon. Emelumba made this commitment while receiving a delegation of the Association of Chief Press Secretaries/Special Assistants on Media and Publicity to Local Government Chairmen in Imo State. The visit took place at the Ministry's office in the State Secretariat Complex, Owerri. During the interaction, the Commissioner called for effective collaboration between the Ministry and the association to ensure that credible and timely information about government policies, programs, and projects reaches the grassroots. He further promised to support the association by facilitating the publication of their activities through any of the government-owned media platforms. According to him, showcasing the achievements of LGA Chairmen also serves t...

The long-awaited Mbaise USA Health Insurance Program officially commenced its beneficiary enrollment and data capturing today, Tuesday, 22nd April 2025 , at Umuihuocha Civic Hall, Obohia/Ekwereazu Ward , Ahiazu Mbaise LGA. This landmark program, a partnership between Mbaise USA Inc. and the Imo State Government through the Imo State Health Insurance Agency (IMSHIA) , aims to deliver quality and free healthcare to thousands of residents across Mbaise. Comr. Uchech’ukwu Wisdom , the Ahiazu Mbaise LGA Coordinator of the program, mobilized over 80 beneficiaries and was fully on ground to ensure smooth coordination and successful enrollment. Mrs. Vicky Jennifer , the Ahiazu Mbaise Liaison Officer of IMSHIA, led the data capturing process with utmost diligence, successfully enrolling 82 lives on the spot. The atmosphere was filled with joy and gratitude as beneficiaries celebrated the opportunity and prayed for God’s blessings upon the sponsors in the USA , whose love and sacrifice...

Mbaise USA Health Insurance Capturing Begins Tuesday in Umuihuocha The highly anticipated Mbaise USA Health Insurance Program will kick off its information capturing for beneficiaries on Tuesday, 22nd April 2025 . Venue: Umuihuocha Civic Hall, Eke Umuihuocha Time: 9:00 AM All selected beneficiaries are advised to come with a passport photograph and any valid form of identification. Notably, Nze Greatman Ezendieze Ugwuadi is a major sponsor for beneficiaries from Obohia Ekwereazu Town Ward, supporting this life-changing initiative in partnership with the Imo State Health Insurance Agency and Mbaise USA . This program is a major step toward providing accessible healthcare to our people. More updates to follow.

The Forum of Chief Press Secretaries and Special Assistants on Media and Publicity to the Executive Chairmen of the 27 Local Government Areas in Imo State heartily congratulate our dear Governor, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator (Dr) Hope Odidika Uzodimma, CON, GSSR (Onwa Oyoko), The Executive Governor Imo State, On his meritorious recognition as Infrastructure Governor of the Year 2024 by the Vanguard Newspaper. In a statement signed by the Forum,  Media Aides to the 27 local government Executive Chairmen described the award as a “Resounding Validation of Governor Uzodimma’s transformative leadership and infrastructural revolution” under the Shared Prosperity administration. The statement further lauded the Governor’s outstanding achievements in the areas of road construction, urban renewal development, healthcare, education, digital economy, and institutional reform, which have collectively redefined governance across Imo State. “As communication strategists and image ma...

On behalf of the good people of Umuihuocha Obohia Autonomous Community in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area, I, Nze Greatman Ezendieze Ugwuadi, the Eze-elect of our cherished community, heartily congratulate His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Odidika Uzodimma, CON , Executive Governor of Imo State, on his well-deserved recognition by Vanguard Newspapers as the Infrastructure Governor of the Year 2024. This honour is a reflection of your unwavering commitment to development, driven by the philosophy of your administration’s 3R mantra: Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Recovery. Your Excellency, your transformative leadership has reshaped the narrative of Imo State, from neglected infrastructure to thriving urban and rural renewal. The roads you have built, the institutions you have revived, and the systems you have restructured are testimonies written not just in concrete and steel, but in the hearts of Ndi Imo and all who believe in purposeful governance. Your vision has...

Hon. Charles Obinna Chiemelem addresing his people of Mpam  In a moment filled with excitement, unity, and hope, the people of Mpam Autonomous Community witnessed history as their illustrious son, Hon. Charles Obinna Chiemelem, officially declared his aspiration to contest for the position of Executive Governor of Imo State. The declaration, which took place today in the heart of Mpam, was nothing short of a homecoming filled with immense pride and purpose. Sons and daughters of the community, both young and old, turned out in their numbers to receive their own with a resounding show of solidarity and support. The atmosphere was electrifying, charged with the passion and expectations of a people whose hopes are anchored on one of their best. Hon. Chiemelem, known for his integrity, competence, and undiluted passion for development, took the stage and unveiled his vision for a new Imo State—an Imo where equity, infrastructure, youth empowerment, healthcare, and good governance will ...