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Nnewi people tackle billionaire, say he’s an illiterate not qualified for PG, drag him to court

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Owner of Organiser West Africa Ltd., Chief Innocent Okoli

Uruagu Nnewi Community Development Union (UNCDU) has kicked against moves by billionaire businessman and owner of Organiser West Africa Ltd., Chief Innocent Okoli, to impose himself for a second time as President general (PG) of the Community, dragging him to court.

This was contained in a suit filed at the High Court of Anambra State of Nigeria in the Nnewi Judicial Division, holden at Nnewi, with suit no: HN/153/2025, and dated 9th May 2025.

The suit was filed by Hon. Ikenna Obidiegwu of Nnabuenyi Chambers, counsel to the plaintiffs, Prince Nonso Obi, Ebuka Okeke and Emeka Anosike.

The defendants are:

  1. The Registered Trustee of Uruagu Nnewi Community Development Union,
  2. Chief Innocent Okoli,
  3. Nduka Nwachukwu and,
  4. Hon. Eloka Ike, for themselves and on behalf of all the administrative ward chairmen Uruagu Nnewi.

In the originating summons, the defendants were ordered to enter an appearance for the determination of the following questions:

  • Whether in view of the extant provision of the constitution of Uruagu Nnewi Community Development Union, the defendants can validly hold elections into the executive committee of the Union on the 10th of May 2025.
  • Whether in view of the extant provision of the constitution of UNCDU, Chief Okoli is qualified to run for the office of the President General Uruagu Community without possessing the minimum requirement of West African School Certificate (WAEC) or its equivalent.

Recall that News Band reported that the billionaire businessman was indicted in the crisis that hit Uruagu, Nnewi, over the PG election.

Okoli, not had enough of Uruagu people, unilaterally fixed an election for May 10, 2025.

The move, according to Uruagu people, who spoke to Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), was to perpetuate himself in office, after an abysmal first tenure.

Read full details of the story below:

Billionaire businessman indicted as crisis hits Nnewi over
Uruagu PG election, BoT members protest, resign

Consequently, some Board of Trustees (BoT) members protested and, at least, one of them has resigned.

Reacting to the efforts of “Chief Organiser”, the plaintiffs sought redress in a court of law.

In the given suit, the applicants are seeking the following reliefs against the defendants:

  1. A declaration that the election fixed for 10th day of May 2025 by the defendants contravenes the express provision of the constitution of Uruagu Community Development Union and therefore null and void.
  2. A DECLARATION that the 2nd defendant is not qualified to contest for the position of President General Uruagu Community Development Union, since he does not possess a West African School Certificate or its equivalent.
  3. An order restraining the defendants, the agents, and/or privies from conducting election into the executive committee of Uruagu Community Development Union on the 10th day of May 2025, saying it is a violation of the constitution of the union.
  4. A court order nullifying the election if held on 10th day of May 2025 for being a nullity and a breach of the constitution of Uruagu Community Development Union.
  5. An order restraining the 1st defendant from accepting the 2nd defendant as a candidate to contest the said election into the executive committee of Uruagu Community Development Union whenever it is held for being not qualified to assume the position.
READ ALSO:  More controversies trail Uruagu-NNewi election & dis/reappearance of “kidnapped” Obi Uruagu

In the affidavit in support of the originating summons, the applicant, Prince Obi, swore and state, amidst other things, as follows:

  1. That the 2nd defendant was the past president general of Uruagu Nnewi Community Development Union whose tenure and that of his executive committee ended on 12th April, 2025.
  2. That the 3rd defendant and 4th defendant are Chairman and Secretary of the administrative ward chairmen of Uruagu Nnewi Community which body has the duty to conduct election to constitute electors for the purpose of election into the executive committee of Uruagu Nnewi Community Development Union.
  3. That the 2nd defendant does not possess a West African school Certificate but, rather, wangled his way into position and is trying to do same again this time around.
  4. That the 2nd defendant is not qualified to contest the election in the first place and does not also qualify to contest the present election.
  5. That despite the fact that the 2nd defendant is not qualified to contest the election, the 1st defendant is shielding his imperfection and ready to allow him to contest the upcoming election.
  1. That unless they are restrained by the court, Nduka Nwachukwu and Eloka Ike will present Organiser as a candidate in the election contrary to the constitution of Uruagu Nnewi.

In their written address, the applicants asked the court to declare that the election fixed for May 10, 2025, by the defendants contravenes the express provision of the constitution of Uruagu Community Development Union and, therefore, null and void.

They also insisted that the defendant interested in the position of the President General does not possess the requisite qualification for the position.

READ ALSO:  Crisis hits Nnewi over Uruagu PG election, as BoT members protest, resign

They further accused Nwachukwu and Ike of “manipulation” and “acting illegally” by attempting to conduct election outside the provisions of the constitution.

Finally, the plaintiffs urged the court to disqualify the defendant, insisting that he is not qualified to contest the election into the office of the President General Uruagu Nnewi Community Development Union without possessing the minimum of West African School Certificate or its equivalent.

What the constitution says

The constitution of Uruagu Nnewi Community Development Union state as follows:

  • This constitution is supreme, and its provisions shall have binding force on all authorities and indigenes in the Uruagu Nnewi Community.
  • The Uruagu Nnewi Community Development Union shall not be governed, nor shall any person or group of persons take control of the government of the Uruagu Nnewi Community Development Union, except in accordance with the provisions of this constitution.
  • The supremacy of the constitution of Uruagu Nnewi Community Development Union is affirmed and anything done to the contrary becomes void.
  • The same constitution imposes the duty of conducting election into the Uruagu Nnewi Community Development Union on the Board of Trustees, that is to say the 1st defendant.
  • The constitution makes provision for the election into the executive committee of the Union, providing that there shall be an electoral college for the election of members of the executive committee.
  • The electoral college shall consist of ten persons elected by each of the wards in Uruagu Nnewi, referred to as the “Electors”.
  • Electors shall be elected by each of the wards for the purposes of any election.
  • Each ward shall submit a list of its electors in writing to the Secretary General of the Union, one month before any election.
  • The submission of the list of the electors shall be done by the Ward Chairman in consultation with the Ward’s Obi.
  • The Secretary General of the Union shall give Electors at least two weeks’ notice of any prospective election in which they will be involved.
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The plaintiffs argue

The plaintiffs argued as follows:

  1. The affidavit evidence of the plaintiffs clearly indicates that there has never been any election in the wards which are supposed to be conducted by the 3rd and 4th defendants. This further nullifies any election that will be held in the absence of such exercise.)
  2. The letter written announcing the election was only served on the members of Uruagu Community on the 30th day of April 2025 informing them that the election will be held on 10th May 2025. This shows a notice of only 10 days.
  3. The said notice was signed by one Mr. Timothy Okeke, the Chairman, BoT UNCDU, whereas the constitution stipulated that the person to issue the notice is the secretary general of the union.
  4. The said notice, therefore, suffered dual defect by manner of days and by manner of the person who issued it, hence, could not stand.
  5. The constitution says that each ward shall submit the list of its electors in writing to the secretary general of the union one month before the election and the said submission shall be done by the ward chairman in consultation by the ward’s Obis, but in the instant situation no compliance with the section was done.
  6. Having therefore failed to fulfill the above conditions one need not go further to conclude that any action taken pursuant to the election of May 10 or any other day is a nullity.

The plaintiffs, therefore, urged the court to resolve the issues in their favor and disqualify the candidate for election to the office of the President General, Vice President-General, or Secretary General, since has not been educated up to and possesses at least West African School Certificate or its equivalent.

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VIDEO: Soludo’s government under fire over alleged fatal attack on businessman

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(DDM) – A disturbing case of alleged brutality by revenue enforcement agents in Anambra State has sparked outrage across the state and beyond.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the deceased, identified as Mr. Okechukwu Theophilus Akaneme, a former chairman of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, reportedly suffered fatal injuries after being beaten by state revenue agents on October 11 last year.

Eyewitness accounts claim the assault stemmed from a dispute over unpaid waste management fees.

Family sources stated that Mr. Akaneme, who was reportedly in good health before the incident, sustained a severe spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the shoulders down.

Despite being rushed to the hospital and admitted into the intensive care unit, the businessman never fully recovered.

Medical expenses reportedly soared to ₦80 million, of which the Anambra State Government allegedly paid only ₦40 million, leaving the bereaved family with an outstanding debt of ₦40 million.

Critics say this tragic incident underscores what they describe as a culture of “revenue enforcement rascality” under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.

Business leaders argue that the practice of aggressive tax enforcement is driving fear among traders and investors in Anambra.

The video that went viral, obtained by DDM, named Mr. Joseph Okoye of Aswama as the alleged leader of the team that attacked Akaneme.

Police officers who reportedly accompanied the enforcement team have also been accused of complicity in the incident.

Sources close to the case say the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State has yet to make arrests, raising concerns about possible compromise or incompetence.

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The victim’s family has called on the state government to take responsibility, prosecute those involved, and provide adequate compensation beyond partial hospital payments.

Human rights advocates have also joined the call for justice, warning that the impunity surrounding such incidents erodes public confidence in government institutions.

Critics argue that the value placed on human life under the current administration appears alarmingly low, citing similar complaints of excessive force by state task forces in the past.

Governor Soludo, a professor of economics and former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, is facing mounting pressure to respond to allegations that his administration tolerates reckless enforcement practices.

Analysts say the incident could damage Anambra’s image as a safe and viable destination for investors.

Security and respect for human rights, they argue, are prerequisites for attracting major investments and fostering economic growth.

Political observers believe the government’s response to this case will be a major test of its commitment to justice, transparency, and the rule of law.

As public outrage grows, civil society groups, including the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM), are reportedly considering mass campaigns to demand accountability.

The late Mr. Akaneme has since been buried, but his family remains burdened by financial debt and grief.

Calls for justice continue to echo across Anambra, with residents asking how much value Governor Soludo places on the life of an ordinary citizen.

The police, the government, and all agencies involved are yet to issue a comprehensive statement addressing these allegations.

 

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2027: PDP Southern leaders meet in Lagos, vow unity before zoning debate

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(DDM) – Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has stressed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must be fully united before serious talks on its 2027 presidential candidate can begin.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the call came during the PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit held in Ikeja, Lagos, where top party stakeholders convened to deliberate on internal reforms and a credible zoning formula ahead of the party’s national convention.

Makinde told reporters after the closed-door session that rebuilding trust, strengthening internal cohesion, and reconnecting with Nigerians must be the primary agenda before candidate selection.

He warned that rushing into zoning or candidate discussions without first addressing structural cracks within the party would doom the PDP to another electoral disaster.

The governor noted that critics who claim PDP is politically dead will be proven wrong as the party regains its organisational strength.

He insisted that the outcome of the Lagos meeting had already demonstrated the party’s willingness to put aside internal disputes for the sake of unity and national credibility.

Makinde emphasised that the summit was not statutory but necessary to engage stakeholders across all southern states in meaningful dialogue.

He added that democracy thrives on consultation, inclusivity, and respect for diverse voices within a party structure.

He said democracy should not be reduced to mere power grabs but should reflect credible engagement that represents the will of the people.

The Lagos summit was attended by prominent PDP leaders, including Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, and representatives of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State.

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Also present were former PDP Deputy National Chairman Chief Bode George, Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, and several former governors including Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Udom Emmanuel, and Sam Egwu.

Makinde revealed that at least 12 of the 17 southern states were fully represented by zoning committee members, National Assembly representatives, and party elders.

The gathering also discussed the strategic role of the southern region in shaping the PDP’s chances in 2027, particularly given the intense political calculations expected around power rotation.

PDP’s history of zoning has been controversial, often sparking internal divisions over whether the presidency should rotate between the North and South.

In 2022, the party faced criticism after nominating Atiku Abubakar from the North despite calls for a southern candidate, a decision many analysts say fractured its support base in the 2023 elections.

This historical backdrop has heightened expectations ahead of the 2027 convention, with southern leaders pressing for early consultations to avoid past mistakes.

Makinde acknowledged that winning recent by-elections, particularly in Oyo State, had boosted PDP’s morale and disproved claims that the party was politically irrelevant.

He said the success reflected the resilience of PDP supporters and the commitment of its leaders to reclaim national dominance through hard work and strategic alliances.

The governor stressed that Nigerians are yearning for an alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that the PDP must present itself as a credible force.

He explained that Thursday’s meeting was part of a broader strategy to ensure the party’s zoning formula reflects fairness, justice, and national balance.

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He also confirmed that more consultations will take place across southern states and eventually at the national level before the convention.

Political observers note that Thursday’s summit reflects growing pressure on the PDP to consolidate its base ahead of a highly competitive election season.

Analysts argue that the party’s ability to reconcile its factions and adopt an inclusive approach could determine its viability in 2027.

Makinde expressed confidence that the deliberations in Lagos would pave the way for further engagements capable of repositioning the party for victory.

He urged Nigerians to remain patient and optimistic as the PDP undertakes internal reforms to rebuild confidence in its leadership.

The meeting was called under the auspices of the PDP Zoning Committee, chaired by Governor Douye Diri, and was described as a success by attendees.

Stakeholders are expected to reconvene in the coming weeks for broader consultations and final recommendations before the party’s National Executive Council meeting.

Makinde closed by reiterating that zoning, candidate selection, and electoral strategy would only succeed if the PDP first restores unity, discipline, and credibility within its ranks.

 

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NERCO, COPDEM pushes for urgent electoral reforms as 30-day deadline nears

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The Nigerian Electoral Reform Coalition and COPDEM have stepped up advocacy efforts as their 30-day deadline for electoral reforms nears.

(DDM) – The Nigerian Electoral Reform Coalition (NERCO) has undertaken an advocacy visit to the National Assembly (NASS) as part of its campaign for immediate electoral reforms.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the visit, held on Tuesday, marked the 20th day of the 30-day deadline NERCO had given lawmakers to initiate credible electoral reform.

According to NERCO representatives, the group had earlier delivered a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas on May 9, 2025, demanding urgent legislative action to overhaul the nation’s electoral system.

The coalition expressed disappointment over the lack of response from either chamber of the National Assembly.

NERCO stated that its advocacy involves Nigerians across faith-based, religious, and civic organizations who are committed to achieving a transparent and credible electoral process ahead of future elections.

The coalition emphasized that its demands are simple but critical to Nigeria’s democratic growth.

First, NERCO called for a credible process of appointing leadership at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The group argued that only reputable and impartial individuals should oversee the commission, to avoid bias in election administration.

Second, NERCO demanded the full digitalization of the voting and result collation system.

The group stressed that accreditation, voting, and result display must be instantaneous and transparent, eliminating manual collation that has historically enabled electoral fraud.

NERCO insisted that these reforms are not “rocket science” and have been successfully implemented in other countries, adding that Nigeria must be ready to lead if necessary.

The coalition warned that failure to meet the 30-day deadline would prompt further actions, which it described as more intense than the current advocacy visit.

READ ALSO:  More controversies trail Uruagu-NNewi election & dis/reappearance of “kidnapped” Obi Uruagu

The group reaffirmed that its movement is self-funded and not driven by political sponsorship, describing it as a reflection of Nigerians’ collective frustration with flawed electoral processes.

COPDEM, the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy, also reacted to the visit, calling NERCO’s push “a timely reminder of Nigeria’s democratic responsibilities.”

COPDEM stated that the National Assembly must see electoral reform as an urgent priority, not a political bargaining tool, and called for immediate dialogue between legislators and civil society groups.

NERCO concluded by reiterating its demand that electoral reforms be passed within 2025, warning that delays would be unacceptable to Nigerians.

 

 

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Vance faces fierce protests during DC national guard visit

DDM News

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Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Washington, DC’s Union Station led to heated protests against the Trump administration’s security policies.

(DDM) – Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Union Station in Washington, DC, on Wednesday sparked a heated confrontation with demonstrators opposing the Trump administration’s security policies.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Vance had arrived to host a lunch with National Guard members deployed by President Donald Trump. The troops were stationed across the capital following heightened security concerns. However, his remarks were frequently drowned out by chants from angry protesters.

Witnesses reported that Vance entered a Shake Shack restaurant at Union Station to a mix of applause and loud boos. Some patrons chanted “USA, USA, USA” in support of the vice president, while others responded with cries of “shame” and “we want the military out of our streets.”

The vice president, joined by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, greeted troops and thanked them for their service. But tensions escalated when protesters, blocked from the second floor where the officials were gathered, intensified their chants and disrupted a press gaggle with Vance.

Speaking to reporters, Vance dismissed the protesters as “crazy” and “communists,” accusing them of misrepresenting the city’s views on public safety. Miller went further, labelling demonstrators as “elderly white hippies” and claiming, without evidence, that they were “not part of the city.”

Vance defended the administration’s stance, recounting a previous visit to the station where he claimed his family encountered “violent vagrants” that left his children frightened. “People want safer streets, and we’re here to ensure that,” he said.

The Trump administration has faced sharp criticism for ordering the deployment of the National Guard and FBI to patrol Washington, DC, and for attempts to assume control of the city’s police department. A Washington Post-Schar School poll shows that roughly eight in ten DC residents oppose these measures, reflecting deep tensions between federal authorities and local voters.

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Despite the backlash, Vance insisted he was “highly skeptical that a majority of DC residents don’t want their city to have better public safety and more reasonable safety standards.”

The visit underscored a stark political divide. While some cheered the administration’s commitment to law and order, others saw the presence of troops as a provocative overreach into a city that overwhelmingly voted against Trump.

Outside the Shake Shack, protesters continued to chant as Vance departed, leaving the debate over federal control of DC policing far from resolved.

 

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COPDEM blasts Nigerian delegation over empty Japan trade fair stand

DDM News

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Nigerian flag

(DDM) – The Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) has condemned the Nigerian government following the embarrassing sight of an empty national pavilion at the International Investment Fair in Japan.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the fair, which commenced on August 18, 2025, drew global investors, trade experts, and economic leaders to explore opportunities across various countries.

However, Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy was shockingly unrepresented at its own stand, despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and a large delegation of officials reportedly attending the event.

A viral video from the fair showed vibrant stands from Cameroon, Senegal, Togo, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, each managed by representatives showcasing their nations’ economic potential.

In stark contrast, Nigeria’s booth stood deserted, with no official present to welcome prospective investors or provide promotional materials.

COPDEM, in a strongly worded statement, described the situation as “an international disgrace and a symbol of Nigeria’s collapsing governance culture.”

The group stated that the incident highlighted a disturbing trend where public funds are spent on lavish foreign trips, yet critical tasks like economic representation are neglected.

“The President cannot lead a horde of officials to a global investment fair only for Nigeria’s stand to be empty,” COPDEM declared.

“This is more than incompetence; it is a clear sign that the welfare of the country is secondary to political pageantry.”

The International Investment Fair, hosted annually in Tokyo, Japan, provides a platform for countries to present business opportunities, forge trade partnerships, and attract foreign direct investment.

Analysts say Nigeria’s absence at its own pavilion represents a costly missed opportunity, especially as the nation battles economic instability and declining investor confidence.

READ ALSO:  More controversies trail Uruagu-NNewi election & dis/reappearance of “kidnapped” Obi Uruagu

COPDEM further called for an immediate probe into the delegation’s activities in Japan and demanded a public explanation from the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Industry.

The group warned that such blunders could further damage Nigeria’s international image and reinforce perceptions of mismanagement at the highest levels.

Meanwhile, social media users flooded platforms with critical comments, describing the incident as “a national embarrassment” and questioning how much was spent on the trip.

The fair continues until August 22, 2025, but critics say the damage to Nigeria’s reputation has already been done.

 

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