The entire 10 communities of the old Ohaozara Local Government Area, known as Ohanivo, of Ebonyi State have been reverberating with joy, because their illustrious son, the Minister of Works, HE Sen. Engr (Dr) Nweze David Umahi emerged Silverbird’s Most Outstanding Honourable Minister of the Year.

Biztellers reports that Ohanivo is made up of three LGAs, including, Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo, while the 10 autonomous communities are Uburu, Okposi, Aka Eze, Ishiagu, Isu, Onicha, Ugwulangwu, Ukawu, Abaomege, and Oshiri.

Feelers from the organisers of the glamourous awards, Silverbird Group, assure that plans have been fine-tuned for the annual event, billed for the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Sunday.

There are indications that a strong team of community leaders including Chief Kenneth Eze, Uche Umezurike, Okoro Enekwachi, Francis Ekwe, Emma Nwaze, among others would be on ground to cheer the distinguished minister of works as he receives his well-deserved award.

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In a related development, the Member, House of Representatives, representing Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency, Hon. (Dr.) Kama Nkemkanma, has sent his congratulatory message to Sen Umahi.

Hon Nkemkanma’s message reads, “It is with deep pleasure that I convey the profound felicitations of my family and good people of Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency to our dear leader and achiever, His Excellency, Sen. Engr (Dr) Nweze David Umahi CON, FNSE, FNATE, GGCEHF, Honourable Minister of Works on his emergence as the Silverbird Most Outstanding Honourable Minister of the Year. Whom the cap fits, let  him wear.

“Your Excellency, the initiative of this administration to construct the Renewed Hope four (4) legacy projects and the will power to continue the funding and construction of the inherited on-going projects across the six (6) Geo-political Zones are eloquent testimonies of the commitment of Mr President in unlocking the potentials of every segment of our country and building a regenerative economy for sustainable future. We are proud that you have unmitigated signature in this memory. May God continue to give you the flourishing grace and enablement to always be on top in your endeavours.

“Please accept the assurances of the prayers, solidarity, and esteemed regards of my constituents, always. Once more congratulations.”

The Kano State Government has addressed widespread misinterpretations surrounding the recent Court of Appeal judgment on the ongoing emirship dispute, urging the public to rely on accurate legal information.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Governor Abba Yusuf’s spokesman, Sunusi Dawakin-Tofa, clarified the ruling and the government’s position.

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Speaking at a press briefing at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Kano, the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Dederi, explained that the Court of Appeal’s verdict, delivered on January 10, 2025, upheld the repeal of the Kano Emirate Council Law, 2019, effectively overturning the previous judgment of the Federal High Court, Kano.

However, Dederi noted that Alhaji Aminu Dan’agundi, who was dissatisfied with the ruling, has since filed an appeal at the Supreme Court.

He further stressed that the Appeal Court’s judgment remains binding until the Supreme Court rules otherwise.

Addressing concerns over the stay of execution recently granted by the Court of Appeal, the Attorney General described it as a standard legal procedure intended to maintain the status quo pending the Supreme Court’s final decision.

“The Kano State Government urges the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and avoid any form of provocation,” the statement read.

The government has also directed its legal team to thoroughly review the proceedings and determine the next steps in accordance with the law.

On behalf of the governor, Dederi expressed appreciation to the people of Kano for their patience, understanding, and continuous prayers for peace and progress in the state and the nation.

The emirship dispute has been a topic of intense debate in Kano, with various legal and political implications.

As part of efforts to curb kidnapping in Edo State, the State Government, security operatives stormed a major hideout used by kidnapper in Esan North-East Local Government Area, Edo Central Senatorial District.

The action was led by the Task Force against Kidnapping, according to a government house statement in Benin City transpired on Friday.

It was gathered that the Task Force during the operation cleared abandoned structures and thick bushes along the Uzea-Itakpe railway corridor in used by kidnappers.

It added that the exercise was aimed at eliminating criminal hideouts, with a view to improving visibility for enhanced security surveillance.

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The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Akhere Paul described the area as a notorious transit point for kidnappers operating along the railway axis, Esan forests, and parts of Etsako West.

He explained that criminals used the abandoned structures as temporary holding camps for their victims before relocating them.

“If they kidnap people here, they bring them to this hideout, rest, and then move them to other locations, including Itakpe in Kogi State and Ama Community in Etsako West. This area has been a hotspot for kidnappings, affecting both the wealthy and poor, including farmers who use this route. As a government, we will not rest until kidnapping is eradicated in Edo State,” he stated.

The Commander of the Task Force, SP Michael Anetor, emphasized that intelligence reports and recent arrests informed the demolition exercise.

“The DPO covering this area and the local government authorities have investigated, and our findings confirm that this location is a strategic point for kidnappers. They ambush victims, and if moving them immediately is not feasible, they hold them here before proceeding. These abandoned houses and dense trees serve as their operational base,” Anetor explained.

He further assured residents that security agencies would sustain their crackdown on criminal elements to restore safety in the area.

Citing some residents who preferred to remain anonymous, the statement added that the abandoned structures and overgrown vegetation had long served as hideouts for criminals, allowing them to monitor potential victims before launching attacks.