Politics
Owerri-West Reaffirms Recognition Of 21 Government Approved Autonomous Communities… warns against illegal claims, unauthorized traditional titles
By Dan Opara
In a newspaper advertorial published in several Imo State tabloids and made available to ThePressman Newspaper, the Local Government Council of Owerri West LGA, through its Executive Chairman, Chief Victor Osigwe (Ikeoha), has officially reaffirmed the existence of only twenty-one (21) government-recognized autonomous communities within the local government area.
According to the press statement dated 3rd October 2025 and issued from the Council Headquarters in Umuguma, the attention of the Owerri West LGA administration has been drawn to the illegal claims by certain individuals and groups asserting that their villages have been granted autonomous status.
Some of these individuals, the statement noted, have gone as far as parading themselves as Eze-elects while appointing their associates as Presidents General (PGs) of such unrecognized communities.
The council described this development as embarrassing and misleading, emphasizing that the Government of Imo State has not officially granted autonomous status to these purported communities.
Therefore, they remain unrecognized under the law until due process is followed and official recognition is conferred by the state government.
The statement further clarified that, as of now, Owerri West LGA has only twenty-one (21) legally approved autonomous communities, namely:
Umuguma
Okuku
Avu
Oforola
Ola-Ukwu
Umuanunu
Obinze
Ihiagwa
Ezi-Obodo
Umuokpo
Ezi-Okele
Emeabiam
Okolochi
Umuoma
Dindi
Umudibia Kingdom (Umualum)
Nekede Ancient
Irete
Umunwoha
Ohii
Amakohia-Ubi
Chief Osigwe stated that the traditional rulers of these recognized communities are fully aware of their responsibilities, particularly regarding the observance of traditional and cultural ceremonies such as Iri-Ji (New Yam Festival), August Meetings for women (home and abroad), and other community events.
He condemned the actions of unrecognized individuals and groups who organize or participate in such sacred traditional activities under the guise of unauthorized traditional titles, warning that such conduct is illegal and unacceptable.
The statement reiterated that there is a legally approved procedure for seeking and obtaining autonomous status in Imo State, and ignorance of the law will not serve as an excuse for any violation.
Offenders are sternly warned to desist from such unlawful practices or face the full consequences as prescribed by law.
Chief Osigwe stressed that the Owerri West LGA authorities remain committed to maintaining peace, harmony, and due process in the area.
He emphasized that anyone found contravening the established laws and procedures guiding the creation and recognition of autonomous communities will be severely dealt with in accordance with the law.
Finally, the Executive Chairman urged members of the public to be properly guided and law-abiding to prevent any breach of peace in Owerri West LGA.
The document was duly signed by
Hon. Victor Osigwe (Ikeoha), the
Executive Chairman, Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State of Nigeria.
The governments of Abia and Imo States have announced the launching of a joint security taskforce and surveillance along the Aba-Owerri expressway, starting from Owerrinta in Abia State all the way to Owerri, Imo State.
The launch followed recent attacks by criminals on the expressway, including kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities.
The formation of the joint security taskforce and surveillance was announced by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity.
His statement read in part: “Arising from a strategic emergency security meeting held today, 4th December, 2025, by the Governors of Abia and Imo Sates at the Imo State Government Owerri House, His Excellency Governor Alex Otti and His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma resolved to set up a joint security Taskforce that shall consist of Soldiers, Naval Personnel, Police Officers , DSS Personnel, and other Government Security Agencies.
“The joint security Taskforce shall, starting from tomorrow 5th December 2025, patrol the road 24 hours nonstop, while carrying out massive surveillance in the surrounding bushes using sophisticated drones and other modern security equipment.”
According to the statement, Governor Alex Otti commended the Governor of Imo State for arresting the criminals who carried out an attack on His advanced team and other passengers a few days ago.
“The two Governors, while assuring citizens plying the road on a daily basis and those returning home for Christmas of their safety and security, warn that there would be severe consequences for any criminal caught on the road going forward”, Ekeoma concluded.
President Bola Tinubu has transmitted to the senate two lists of 34 career and 31 non career ambassadors nominees for screening and confirmation.
Prominent names listed as non career ambassadors include Reno Omokri, Femi Fani-Kayode, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, Victor Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Also listed as non career ambassadors nominees are Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Vice Admiral Ete Ibas, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator Nora Daduut, Fatima Ajimobi, and Senator Ita Enang among others.
The two lists brings to 68 number of persons nominated so far as ambassadors awaiting confirmation by the Senate.
Politics
PRESIDENT TINUBU FORWARDS NEW AMBASSADORIAL LIST TO SENATE, NOMINATES DAMBAZAU, IBAS, CHIOMA OHAKIM AND OTHERS
By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
4-DEC- 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted a fresh set of ambassadorial nominations to the Senate, featuring a mix of distinguished public figures and seasoned professionals drawn from across the country.
Among the notable nominees are former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau; former Chief of Naval Staff and immediate past sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas; former senator Ita Enang; and Mrs. Chioma Ohakim, former First Lady of Imo State.
The President formally transmitted two comprehensive lists containing 34 career and 31 non-career ambassadorial nominees, bringing the total number of nominees awaiting Senate confirmation to 68.
The newly submitted lists mark another significant step in the administration’s ongoing diplomatic restructuring, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s representation and presence across global missions.
The Senate is expected to commence screening and confirmation proceedings in the coming days.
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