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The Vice-Chancellor of Imo State University (IMSU) Owerri, Professor Uchefula U. Chukwumaeze, SAN, FCArb, has tasked students to shut deviant behaviors and other vices that could expose them to danger.

He stated this while delivering his address at the Imo State University's 32nd Matriculation Ceremony, 2024/2025 Academic Session, which was held on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 10.00 am. 

The Vice-Chancellor informed the students that the ceremony marks their official entry into IMSU as a citadel of learning. They have also been formally admitted to embark on the journey towards attaining their Career goals and objectives. He, however, urged them not to be carried away by the euphoria of the ceremony.

Professor Chukwumaeze also advised the students to always remember that the distance between the ceremony and the convocation ceremony is quite wide and it's important that the journey ends successfully, and the determination of when and how their convocation ceremony will start immediately.

Speaking further, he told the students that they are students of a prestigious University that places priority on the continuous provision of quality learning in a serene environment, producing highly intellectual graduates with reputable character worldwide.

The Vice-Chancellor Revealed that IMSU achieved 100% Success in 34 NUC and professional accreditations in November 2023, and another 12 this year. He also hinted that the University's Law students were rated second best in last year's NDDC Moot-Court competition in the whole South-East and South-South, after taking first position in the one held in 2023. 

The Engineering Students of the University also emerged second best in the 2024 Tertiary Institutions Student Energy Pitch Competition in the whole Federation, adding that the matriculating students have entered into a remarkable University that knows what "Excellence in Service means".

He highlighted that, at the University, students are trained to be worthy in both character and learning and that all students must abide by the University's rules and regulations, insisting that the University has zero tolerance for cultism, examination malpractices, hooliganism, thuggery, homosexuality and other acts that are not in conformity with societal norms.

Professor Chukwumaeze made it clear that he runs an open-door policy. He invited the students to use the opportunity and bring all their complaints to him directly or reach out to him at: talktoimsuvc@gmail.com.

He however wished all matriculating students a hitch-free academic sojourn at the Imo State University, Owerri, thanking the University Management, Parents, Guardians, and other guests for gracing the event.

The decentralized matriculation which took place at various Faculties of the University and Institute for Continuing Education Programme (ICEP) had about 8,000 admitted as regular students to study various courses in the University, and 541 admitted to ICEP for either weekend program or evening program.

The Vice-Chancellor of Imo State University, Professor Uchefula U. Chukwumaeze, SAN, FCArb, has charged 400/500 level students of the university to be Intentional in their career path choices.

He made the statement during the second edition of the Imo State University (IMSU) career day which was tagged "Intentionality in Career Path Choices": Building Positive Career Mindset and Aptitude for Success. The decentralized event took place on Thursday, March 13, 2025, in all Faculties.

While making his opening remarks, the IMSU VC stated that the University Management under his leadership considered it expedient to inculcate Career Service Development (CSD) courses in the academic curriculum of the university, to mentor and groom IMSU students for the challenging world of work, adding that the university is proud that the gains of the exposure have been innumerable.

He explained that the program affords the students an opportunity to have a hands-on, practical connection with both the alumni and other successful industry experts, who are willing to share their personal experiences and provide much-needed support to the university's soon-to-be graduates. 

Professor Chukwumaeze stressed that the theme of Intentionality is apt as society today is faced with the sad reality of unplanned career-path journeys. He expressed worry that some students at the time of taking their degree examinations do not have a clear sense of direction of the path to tow after their NYSC experience which results in taking whatever life throws at them, without any self-will or predetermined choices.

He explained that Intentionality in Career Path Choices demands and recommends a conscious, purposeful, and guided decision, that aligns with and complements the values, interests, and innate competencies of the job-seeker, which is opposed to gaining employment by chance.

The IMSU Vice-Chancellor, a Professor of Law, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (FCArb), emphasizes that the Management of IMSU under his leadership are committed to developing well-balanced graduates who have an unshakable determination and are self-aware, ensuring personal growth and development.

While encouraging the students to reflect on their actions and choices, he reminded them that these have implications shortly. He therefore appreciated all the Departmental Career Officers as well as the Deans who have taken up the responsibility of career grooming of the students, assuring them that their labour will not be in vain. He also appreciated all the guests and speakers for living up to their role of Corporate Social Responsibility in molding the students into the high-value employees of tomorrow.

Earlier in her keynote address, the pioneer Director of IMSU Career Services Unit (CSU), Prof. Oby Nnamocha hinted that the Career Service Development (CSD), designated as 100-level and 400/500-level courses are compulsory for first and final-year students, designed to guide along career paths consistent with real-life job situations.

She stated that, as students wind up their journey at school, it is important to drum up their interests in the specific aspect of their disciplines of study in which they intend to build a successful career, noting that no career is superior to the other, rather, each should align with the graduate's self-image, capabilities and interest. 

The CSD Director revealed that the career day program affords students an opportunity for a glimpse into the world of work, encouraging them to explore positively identified career paths, as well as to reduce the uncertainties in the minds of the graduating students and provide answers to several questions about work-life as well as serve as a link to employability in the shortest time possible.

While thanking the Vice-Chancellor, Prof U. U. Chukwumaeze, SAN, FCArb, for availing the students of the opportunity, she saluted the Vice-Chancellor's visionary leadership together with the university management team. She also expressed gratitude to all the resource persons and lecturers for making time and other resources in order to mentor the students. 

The CSD Director, however, expressed appreciation to all the Departmental Career Officers who mentor the students in addition to their academic workload. She expressed hope that the event would benefit the graduating students and guide them in making intentional career path decisions.

A team set up by the Vice-Chancellor,  comprising: The Director of the Career Services Unit, Professor Oby Nnamocha, The Director of Academic Planning, Professor Aham Ikwumezie, The Director of the Institution for Continuing Education Programme (ICEP) and Evening Studies, Professor M. I. Nwachukwu, The Director of Quality Assurance, Professor K. C. Otiwu, and the Acting Public Relations Officer, Mr. Onyekachi A. Nwaozor, went round the whole Faculties to monitor the event.

In a landmark effort against corruption, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Udom Emmanuel, the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, on suspicions of a large N700 billion scam. This development is a key milestone in Nigeria's continuing battle against financial wrongdoing.

Udom Emmanuel was Akwa Ibom State's governor from 2015 until 2023. During his term, he was in charge of handling the state's finances, including Federation Account allocations. However, claims have emerged that Emmanuel's administration was riddled with financial irregularities including money laundering, diversion of cash, and theft.

The charges against Emmanuel were made to the EFCC by the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT), a civil society organization. According to the petition, Emmanuel's government got around N3 trillion from the Federation Account for eight years. However, when he left the government, he reportedly left behind a debt profile of N500 billion and outstanding pending projects of N300 billion. Most crucially, Emmanuel is accused of failing to account for N700 billion, raising major worries about financial mismanagement and probable theft.

On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Emmanuel accepted the EFCC's request to discuss these charges. He arrived at the EFCC offices in Abuja at 12:30 p.m. and was promptly apprehended. The EFCC's investigation has revealed major financial activities, including the removal of N31 billion in cash from an account called "Office of the Governor" between 2019 and 2023. These results have raised suspicions of financial wrongdoing and are critical to the current inquiry.

The imprisonment of a former governor on such severe charges sends a powerful message about the need for responsibility in public service. It emphasizes the EFCC's duty to hold public authorities accountable for their conduct, especially those involving the administration of public monies. The case also emphasizes the role of civil society groups in monitoring government and reporting questionable behavior.

The news of Emmanuel's incarceration has elicited diverse emotions in Nigeria. Some have praised the decision as a crucial step in the fight against corruption, while others have questioned the political intentions behind the arrest. Given the possible ramifications for political accountability and openness in government, the case will undoubtedly be keenly observed.

The EFCC's arrest of Udom Emmanuel signals a watershed point in Nigeria's ongoing anti-corruption campaign. As investigations continue, it is unclear how this case will play out and what ramifications it may have for the country's governance and accountability. The EFCC's actions remind that public officials must maintain high levels of integrity and openness and that claims of financial impropriety will be properly probed.

The Senator representing Imo East Senatorial District, Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi has commissioned the renovated Imo State University (IMSU) Students Union Government building, popularly known as SUG Star House, which he sponsored.

The brief ceremony took place on Monday, March 3, 2025, in front of the said building, which is located beside the university's bookshop within the campus.

In his speech, Senator Onyewuchi expressed his pleasure to be at IMSU to commission the renovated SUG Star House. He explained that the request came from the students, adding that Imo State University is an institution he considers "our own" because the university is located in his immediate community (Orji). He also said that Orji has a good relationship with the IMSU community (both staff and students), and expressed hope that the relationship will continue.

The ranking Senator said that, when he received the letter for renovation of the SUG Star House, he was pleased, adding that he is also looking to putting his footprints further. He however commended the Vice Chancellor of Imo State University, Professor Uchefula U. Chukwumaeze, SAN, FCArb, and the university management team for their good works in the university regarding efficient administration as well as production of quality graduates that are shinning bright wherever they are.

Senator Onyewuchi hinted that some of his friends are doing their Postgraduate studies at Imo State University, and revealed his determination to come to IMSU for his doctorate in no distant time.

Speaking further, the lawmaker affirmed that he is encouraged to deliver more projects to Imo State University, saying that he is proud to be associated with the university's academic prowess and achievements. He therefore encouraged the students to work hard to achieve academic excellence so that they would stand strong and compete with others when they face the larger society after graduation. He, however, promised that he would continue to support IMSU.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of Imo State University, Professor Uchefula U. Chukwumaeze, SAN, FCArb, ably represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Onuh Marthin Onuh thanked Senator Onyewuchi for answering the Clarion call by His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Executive Governor of Imo State for all Imo sons and daughters to join hands in developing Imo State.

He described Senator Onyewuchi as a student-friendly Senator. The Vice-Chancellor expressed the university's gratitude to the Senator for granting the students' request for the renovation of the SUG Star House, thanking him on behalf of the university Governing Council, Management, Staff, and Students for his kind gesture and requesting him to do more for the university.

Ordinarily, I would not have meddled into an altercation between Senator Chris Anyanwu from Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area and His Excellency,former Governor Ikedi Ohakim from Okohia in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, both in Imo State. 

However, what attracted me into pushing for this discourse was Senator Anyanwu's mention of the role of the military in  her memoir,"Bold Leap". She particularly told the world that she was very instrumental to the invitation of  the military to annihilate democracy in Imo State in 2011.

She boldly without remorse narrated the infamous role she played in killing democracy in Imo State in 2011 with the alleged connivance of then President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. To be clear,Jonathan was and still remains my idol because of the simplicity and gentility he brought into Nigeria's presidency while he held sway. Personally, I had had cause to be in Aso Rock  Villa thrice during Jonathan's Presidency and had personal interactions with the most powerful black president thrice then. 

Jonathan was the best President Nigeria could ever produce. Simple,natural, calm, and very accommodating. In fact, Jonathan was never meant for Nigerian dirty politics. But,like all humans,he had his low points.

Nevertheless, what still baffles me even as I write this piece was Senator Chris Anyanwu's mention of his name in her treachery and perfidious act of truncating democracy in Imo State in 2011.

Was our beloved  Jonathan allegedly actually part of this debasing act against democracy,which he and Anyanwu were beneficiaries ? Or was Senator Anyanwu being beclouded by naivety in  her  determined quest to rubbish Ohakim for reasons best known to her and her conscience ?

Whatever may be the case, Senator Anyanwu is on her own. Both former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan had tactfully distanced themselves from Anyanwu's memoir launching. They were both invited, but neither of them showed up or sent even any representatives. This speaks volumes of their distaste for Senator Anyanwu's tactlessness and brashness in mentioning that Jonathan aided and abetted the military's truncation of the will and wishes of Imo people in 2011.

In other words, Senator Chris Anyanwu goofed big time. Her narration in the controversial memoir incontrovertibly proves that she is incapable of trust. She kisses and tells . She is incapable of trust. Jonathan must be disappointed for trusting her. 

Obviously, she has really learnt nothing from her travails in the hands of the dictator, General Sani Abacha,who  almost cleansed her and OBJ, but for divine intervention. She was a loose cannon. 

For Anyanwu to openly open her bucal cavity and tell the world that she hob-nobbed with the military to kill democracy in Imo State in 20011 is unforgivable. Democracy kept her alive today. Democracy took her to the National Assembly as a two-time Senator representing Imo East, otherwise known as Owerri zone. Democracy revived her from her forlorn economic doldrum. Democracy helped her to establish Hot FM radio radio station in Owerri, which she eventually used to fight the same democracy in cohort with the military. Democracy is her greatest achievement in a lifetime. 

I am ashamed of Senator Chris Anyanwu. Often,what brings down a very important personality (VIP)is an error of hubris. In her unbridled quest to attack Ohakim, Chris Anyanwu threw caution to the winds.She lost consciousness and narrated the despicable things she did behind the facade against democracy 

She thought she was fighting Ohakim but ended up exasperating the matter to her own detriment. If I were part of those who proofread her memoir, I would have advised against mentioning the military in the annihilation of democracy in Imo State in 2011.

What Chris Anyanwu did in 2011 was akin to a coup d'etat. That was why former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan cleverly shunned the launch of her memoir. It was a calamity of sort for the two national leaders to associate themselves with such reprehensible narration by Anyanwu. 

What was Anyanwu really thinking? Is she advocating for military incursion into Nigeria's democratic process? Was she being naive, not aware of the colossal implications of her infamous memoir?

Her narration, unknown to her, was an affront on democracy and Nigerians. She mistakenly thought she was attacking Ohakim but ended up impugning her integrity and reputation. She was a disaster in her own memoir. 

With due respect to women, Chris Anyanwu's memoir epitomises women's brash nature. A married man may engage in extramarital affairs and yet love his wife unconditionally. But, once a married woman does same,she loses focus, loves her second man with unbridled emotions, and ultimately destroys her family. For a man,it is "chop and clean mouth," but conversely, for a woman, it is "love for emotions and for keeps.".I  hope I am communicating?

In summary, Senator Chris Anyanwu should apologise to Nigerians for  shamelessly fraternizing with the military to destroy democracy in Imo State. Her unholy romance has sent Imo State 20 years backwards,which Governor Hope Uzodinma is now struggling to correct. Her self confession is heart aching, irritating, insulting, debasing, and 

self destructive. She disappointed me and many other  Nigerians who hitherto held her in high esteem as a "woman-super man" because of her stance against military dictatorship in Nigeria in the past for which she went to jail under Abacha. 

Today, the world is now agast and asking, is Senator Chris Anyanwu, a democrat or a Jackboot apologist, propagating military ideologies in Nigeria's nascent democracy? Is she a Brutus in our midst? Can she ever be trusted again?

For those who may not understand, jackboot is a word synonymous with military rule. It is despicable,just as it is distasteful. But to Senator Chris Anyanwu, it appears to be a noble way of life. 

Finally, I want to advise that in whatever we do,let us always think with our heads rather than with our emotions like Senator Chris Anyanwu did in her memoir. She allowed her emotions to run wild and becloud her reasoning in her pursuit against Ohakim . And, she ended up telling the world that she was indeed an enemy of democracy. 

What an irony!

On January 6, 2025, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as head of the Liberal Party, citing rising political upheaval. This decision follows several problems, including deteriorating popularity ratings and strong internal disagreement within his party. 

Trudeau declared that he would stay Prime Minister until a new leader was chosen via a competitive process. Trudeau's statement comes on the heels of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland's departure, which was caused by differences over trade policy with the incoming Trump administration. 

Freeland's resignation dealt a severe blow to Trudeau's leadership since she was one of his most trusted friends. The political environment has transformed radically for Trudeau and the Liberal Party, with surveys showing that its popularity has fallen to its lowest point in years. 

An Abacus Data survey issued in December found that Trudeau's approval rating had plummeted to 19%. Meanwhile, the Conservative Party, headed by Pierre Poilievre, has stormed ahead in the polls, leading by more than 20%.

Trudeau's resignation comes as the Liberal Party confronts rising internal pressure. Following Freeland's departure, several party members openly encouraged him to resign. The leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), Jagmeet Singh, has declared intentions to submit a no-confidence resolution against Trudeau's cabinet, complicating the political situation. During his resignation announcement, 

Trudeau expressed his sincere concern for Canadians and pledged to serve the nation until a new leader is elected. He remarked, "I am a warrior. Every bone in my body has prompted me to fight because I care about Canadians." However, the reality of his diminishing popularity and internal party turmoil has made it more impossible for him to hold his post.

The forthcoming general election, scheduled for October 20, 2025, adds urgency to the problem. With Trudeau stepping down as party leader but staying prime minister until March 24, the Liberal Party will be left without a clear leader at this important time. The prorogation of Parliament until March will also postpone legislative actions and debates on critical problems confronting Canada.

Trudeau's stint as Prime Minister started in 2015 and has been distinguished by substantial successes and scandals. His administration was chastised for climate change policies, Indigenous rights, and economic management. Despite these hurdles, Trudeau won re-election in both 2019 and 2021. However, subsequent events have eclipsed his achievements. 

The economic picture in Canada has gotten more difficult, with growing inflation rates and worries about consumer debt levels. The impending danger of tariffs from the United States, especially under Trump's administration, has raised concerns about Canada's economic outlook. Freeland's departure exposed the disagreements inside Trudeau's cabinet on addressing these difficulties. 

In her resignation letter, she underlined the need for a strong reaction to "America First" economic nationalism and urged unity within the Liberal Party. As Trudeau prepares to leave aside, doubts linger about his legacy and what the future holds for Canada. The Liberal Party will need to undertake a comprehensive selection process to identify a new leader who can unite the party and answer Canadians' concerns.

Justin Trudeau's resignation signals a crucial watershed moment in Canadian politics. A combination of waning popularity, internal opposition, and foreign pressures has resulted in this historic decision. 

As Canada prepares for its next general election, the future of the Liberal Party hangs in the balance, with many searching for fresh leadership to steer them through these challenging times.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has publicly condemned the North Central Development Commission (NCDC)'s exclusion from the proposed N2.493 trillion regional development budget for 2025. His comments were delivered in a message on his social media channel on January 1, 2025, in which he branded the omission as "deeply troubling" and demanded quick correction.

President Bola Tinubu's 2025 budget proposal to the National Assembly includes significant funding for five regional development commissions: the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), North East Development Commission (NEDC), South West Development Commission (SWDC), North West Development Commission (NWDC), and South East Development Commission (SEDC). 

However, the North Central area was conspicuously excluded from this allocation, raising worries about equal development across Nigeria. Obi stressed that such exclusion hinders attempts to achieve balanced growth and long-term peace in a nation currently dealing with several problems. 

He emphasized that the North Central area, generally referred to as Nigeria's agricultural backbone, has been badly impacted by insecurity, resulting in significant displacement and misery among its inhabitants.

Terrorist assaults and banditry have been continuous in the North Central area, notably in Plateau, Benue, Kogi, and Niger states. These violent occurrences have led to severe casualties and driven countless families into internally displaced people (IDP) camps. 

Obi highlighted that the exclusion of the NCDC from budgetary allocations could further exacerbate these issues, hindering much-needed development in a region already vulnerable due to ongoing crises.

In his statement, Obi remarked that the exclusion of the North Central Regional Commission from the budgetary allocations provided to other regional commissions in the 2025 proposed budget is deeply troubling and must be urgently reversed. Such an anomaly does not promote development or peace, both of which are required for the country to progress.

A review of the planned budget finds that virtually all of the N2.493 trillion allocated to the five regional commissioners would be spent on salaries rather than development initiatives. For instance, the NDDC is set to receive an allocation of N776.5 billion entirely for salaries. At the same time, other commissions like NWDC and SWDC are also expected to allocate a significant portion of their budgets to personnel costs. 

This raises concerns about their capacity to deliver tangible developmental outcomes. Obi's complaint goes beyond the absence of the North Central area, asking for a reassessment of how this money is distributed among existing commissions. He cautioned that if this pattern continues, it might cause stagnation in development efforts across several areas.

In light of these events, Obi encouraged the administration and members of the National Assembly to rethink their decision to exclude the North Central area from budget allocations. 

He emphasized the need to tackle this problem to promote stability and agricultural output in an area critical to Nigeria's economy. He also emphasized that we must work together to create a more inclusive and fair Nigeria. His appeal to action reflects a greater desire for national unity and collaboration across regions to address common concerns.

Obi's rejection of this fiscal choice may have larger political ramifications as well. As a major player in Nigerian politics, his perspective resonates with many residents who feel excluded or disregarded by government policies. 

The North Central region's exclusion might serve as a rallying point for political debate as many stakeholders demand equitable treatment and resource distribution.

Furthermore, this circumstance provides a chance for opposition parties to capitalize on popular emotion against the current administration by emphasizing alleged inequalities in budget distribution. As Nigeria approaches future elections, problems like these are likely to impact voter attitudes and party plans.

Peter Obi’s protest of the omission of the North Central Development Commission from Nigeria's 2025 budget exposes fundamental issues over fair resource allocation and regional development. His plea for rapid correction indicates not just the immediate need for attention to this error but also reflects deeper challenges relating to national unity and stability.

As talks surrounding this subject continue, it remains vital for government officials and stakeholders to interact with people across all areas to ensure that development initiatives are inclusive and address the particular difficulties encountered by each area. The effectiveness with which these concerns are addressed in upcoming policy decisions may determine Nigeria's future development trajectory.