TIMES SQUARE GAZETTE

There is something hauntingly absurd about a man with no known certificate, no intellectual heritage, and no traceable achievement standing in judgment over a Professor; a man who has spent his life in the service of knowledge, policy, and people. Shephardman Iyoku, driven by the cold hunger of a cutoff stipend from Prof. Nnamchi, now masquerades as a critic wielding Ikoro TV, a platform so chronically unedited and unintelligible that it has become a public case study on how to do bad media. His latest outburst is not journalism; it is the groan of a disgruntled mouthpiece, stripped of his meal and now barking in frustration at the hand that once lifted him from obscurity. He borrows phrases he cannot interpret, spews grievances he cannot justify, and like a man shouting at mountains imagines his tantrum as thunder. But Prof. Paul Nnamchi does not descend to trade words with ghosts of credibility. His record is not on Facebook posts or YouTube rants; it is etched in classro...

The defection of Hon. Professor Paul Sunday Nnamchi to the All Progressives Congress (APC) last Tuesday was a grand affair, marked by an overwhelming presence of constituents from Enugu State. The supporters arrived at the National Assembly complex as early as 10 am, taking over the gallery of the Green Chambers during plenary. The constituents, mostly from Isi Uzo, had been informed of Professor Nnamchi's planned defection the previous evening. In a show of solidarity, they mobilized themselves, chartered vehicle, and traveled overnight from Enugu to Abuja. When they arrived, I was surprised to see the multitude of people, who had come to witness the historic moment. As we entered the National Assembly, I had to plead with the Sergeant-at-Arms to allow our people to attend the plenary. When the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, read Professor Nnamchi's letter of defection, the constituents erupted in cheers, shouting "Prooooooof!" The atmosphere was electric, and it ...

The  Honourable Minister of Incubation, Science and Technology and the 2023 All Progressives Congress, (APC) governorship candidate in Enugu State, his Excellency, Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji has described Professor Nnamchi’s return to the party as “a restoration of strength, intellect and capacity to the progressives’ family.” Chief Nnaji made the assertion when Hon Professor Nnamchi along with his constituents visited him in his Asokoro residence shortly after his defection to APC on Tuesday acknowledging his integrity, legislative impact, and unrelenting advocacy for youth and technological empowerment. In a moment marked by strategic alignment and visionary clarity, Hon. Prof. Paul Sunday Nnamchi, Member representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency said the visit was significant and courteous.  Prof. Nnamchi’s symbolic and widely welcomed return to the All Progressives Congress (APC)  has stirred fresh waves of optimism across the politic...

The concerned citizens of Abbi in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State have called on Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah to call his Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Matters, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, to order over his alleged plans to foist a President-General on the Abbi community. The group made this call on Tuesday, through a press statement signed by its National President, Chief V.N. Ajogwu, and sent to newsmen in Enugu. He stated that the Town Union election, which took place on May 3, 2025, at Central School Abbi, was marred by serious irregularities and was declared inconclusive by many observers, including the monitors from the ministry. He posited that it was surprising and troubling to hear that the Commissioner is allegedly making moves to issue a certificate of return to one of the candidates, Mr. Mathias Ajogwu, despite the controversy surrounding the exercise. He also accused the Commissioner of being biased and compromised ...

The vibrant lawmaker representing Enugu East/Isi Uzo Federal Constituency of Enugu State, Hon. Professor Paul Sunday Nnamchi, has formally defected from the Labour Party to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He announced his defection during a plenary session of the House, where he was warmly welcomed by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas. Hon. Nnamchi is highly respected in the House for his eloquent and effective contributions to plenary sessions and committee meetings. Within the first two years of the 10th House of Representatives, he has sponsored a record 52 bills and 20 impactful motions. Professor Nnamchi was recently adjudged the most effective lawmaker of the year 2024 from the Southeast by the National Assembly Journal, "The Order Paper," which conducts yearly evaluations of legislators' performance. He has positively impacted his constituency with notable projects, including providing quality classroom blocks with modern furniture, deploying so...

The people of Enugu West Senatorial Zone—comprising Aninri, Awgu, Oji River, Udi, and Ezeagu Local Government Areas—have unanimously endorsed Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah to seek a second term as Governor of Enugu State in 2027. This endorsement was declared during the second zonal meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), held on Saturday, June 22, 2025, at the Awgu Council Headquarters. The PDP Zonal Chairman, Hon. Ernest Nweze, cited the governor’s “marvelous performance” since taking office two years ago as the reason for the endorsement. “Enugu West came first in the last election, and come 2027, we will redouble our votes for His Excellency, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah,” Hon. Nweze affirmed. Senator Osita Ngwu, the Senator representing Enugu West and Senate Minority Whip, threw his weight behind the endorsement. Represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Emeka Aneke, Senator Ngwu prom...

The people of Enugu West Senatorial Zone—comprising Aninri, Awgu, Oji River, Udi, and Ezeagu Local Government Areas—have unanimously endorsed Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah to seek a second term as Governor of Enugu State in 2027. This endorsement was declared during the second zonal meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), held on Saturday, June 22, 2025, at the Awgu Council Headquarters. The PDP Zonal Chairman, Hon. Ernest Nweze, cited the governor’s “marvelous performance” since taking office two years ago as the reason for the endorsement. “Enugu West came first in the last election, and come 2027, we will redouble our votes for His Excellency, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah,” Hon. Nweze affirmed. Senator Osita Ngwu, the Senator representing Enugu West and Senate Minority Whip, threw his weight behind the endorsement. Represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Emeka Aneke, Senator Ngwu prom...

In a grand display of solidarity and camaraderie, Hon. Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu, FNSE, Member representing Aninri/Awgu/Oji-River Federal Constituency, joined a host of dignitaries on Sunday to celebrate the second anniversary in office of Hon. Osita Eze, Member representing Oji River State Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly. The thanksgiving service, held at St. Paul's Cathedral, Oji River, was a moment of reflection and gratitude, drawing an impressive turnout of political leaders, friends, and constituents. Among the high-profile attendees were the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu; the Oji-River LG Chairman, Hon. Greg Chijioke Anyaegbudike; Hon. Anthony Nwankwo, Member Representing Aninri LG in ENHA; Hon. Magnus Edeh; and several honourable members of the Assembly, all gathered to show support and solidarity. Other dignitaries present included the Former LG Chairman of Oji-River, Hon. Boniface Uchendu, and Sir Off...

By Eng. Amaechi Ugwu There are scribbles. There are rants. And then, occasionally, there is the tragedy of a semi-literate masquerading as a public commentator, desperately attempting to string together ChatGPT-generated phrases with his trademark grammatical poverty, all in a bid to impress a master who has long abandoned principles for political polygamy. Such is the latest obituary of common sense written by one Shephardman Iyoku; an unknown quantity in the world of letters, ideas, or even basic civility under the guise of “performance assessment” for Ikoro Global TV, an outfit that remains an embarrassment to even local street-corner gossip. Let us begin where facts died in his piece: the comparison of Hon. Prof. Paul Nnamchi, a man whose academic odyssey and public service record tower far beyond the intellectual eyesight of Mr. Iyoku, to Hon. Atu. This is akin to placing a village drummer beside a symphony conductor and pretending they are equals because they both mak...

By Ekwueme Justin According to the late Nelson Mandela, education means being taught how to read, write, and understand the world around you. In Nigeria, it has become an issue due to how we treat education—starting from poor infrastructure to lack of teachers or poor remuneration of teachers and other workers in the education sector. It is also a known fact that the type of education system currently in place in Nigeria hardly carries people along, which makes it difficult for the uneducated and semi-educated to gain knowledge because the curriculum does not cater to them. What this means is that once you miss infant education, you cannot embark on any formal learning process except disjointed ones that only focus on the issuance of certificates instead of knowledge transfer. This highlights why adult education is important in every LGA as a major yardstick for grassroots development rather than the use of special centres that serve only the purpose of examination. Let me ...

The Enugu State House of Assembly is set to host a one-day public hearing on a bill aimed at maintaining internal security, vigilance, and order in the state. The public hearing, scheduled for Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 10am, will take place in the Hallowed Chamber of the Assembly. The bill, titled "A Bill for a Law to Provide for the Maintenance of Internal Security, Vigilance and Order in the State for Other Connected Purposes (HB.7) 2025," is being considered by the joint Committee on Youth and Sports and Judiciary, Public Petition, Ethics, and Privileges. A wide range of stakeholders have been invited to the public hearing, including government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, market leaders, security agencies, civil society organizations, student leaders, journalists, and the general public. The Chairman of the joint Committee, Hon. Raymond Okey Chukwu Ugwu, has extended an invitation to all stakeholders to participate in the public hearing and contribut...

In a powerful statement, Hon. Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu, FNSE, Member Representing Aninri/Awgu/Oji-River Federal Constituency, has marked the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, calling for collective action, compassion, and accountability. Today, the world solemnly marks this day, reflecting on one of the gravest injustices that continue to haunt the global conscience. Sexual violence in conflict is not merely a violation of the body—it is a weapon of war, a deliberate act aimed at shattering communities, silencing voices, and inflicting lasting scars. It robs victims of dignity, hope, and often, their very will to live. As a nation, and as a people of conscience, Hon. Onwuegbu emphasized the need to stand firmly with survivors. "We must commit to justice, support systems that protect the vulnerable, and hold perpetrators accountable," he stated. "No survivor should ever feel alone. No voice should be silenced by shame or fear....

``` ...Pledges Continued Support for Family Values``` As the global community celebrates Father’s Day, the Member representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Prof. Paul Sunday Nnamchi, has paid glowing tribute to fathers across his constituency, commending their pivotal role in fostering strong families and resilient communities. In a goodwill message available on Sunday, Hon. Nnamchi extended warm wishes to all fathers, with special emphasis on those from Isi-Uzo and Enugu East, acknowledging their enduring contributions to family life and societal development. “Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing fathers out there, especially in our beloved Isi-Uzo and Enugu East Federal Constituency,” he stated. “May your love, guidance, and dedication to your families be celebrated today and always.” The lawmaker described fathers as pillars of strength, wisdom, and stability in the home, emphasizing that their leadership and values conti...

As the world marks the World Day Against Child Labour on June 12, Hon. Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu FNSE, Member Representing Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency, reaffirms his commitment to ending child labour. This year's theme resonates strongly with our collective responsibility to protect the rights, dignity, and future of every child. Hon. Onwuegbu's message is clear: "Let children learn, not earn. Let's all join hands to say no to child labour." This statement underscores the importance of prioritizing children's education and well-being over economic gains. Every child deserves access to quality education, a safe environment, and the opportunity to grow and thrive. Child labour not only robs children of their innocence and future but also undermines the development of our communities. It is imperative that we work together to eradicate this menace. Hon. Onwuegbu calls on parents, educators, community leaders, policymakers, and all stakehol...

Onwuegbu Reaffirms Faith in Democracy, Urges Nigerians to Safeguard Electoral Rights The member representing Awgu, Aninri and Oji River Federal Constituency, Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Engr. Anayo Onwuegbu, has called on Nigerians to use this year's Democracy Day celebration to recommit to upholding the sacred ideals of universal suffrage and the supremacy of the people's vote. Hon. Onwuegbu made this known on Thursday through his Democracy Day Remberance message, which he sent to newsmen in Enugu. He stated that there is a need for us to nurture and protect our democracy, which will ensure that the voices of all Nigerians are heard and valued. He also paid special respect to our democracy heroes, who, he said, paid the supreme price for our present democracy, while also calling on all to work for the progress of our country.

In the quest to eradicate drug abuse and addiction to hard drugs in Enugu North Local Government Area, the Council Chairman, Dr. Ibenaku Harford Onoh, met with the Commander, Narcotics of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Abel Sunu, to discuss strategies that will aid drug interceptions and intervention across the 13 political wards in the council. The meeting, which took place on Wednesday at the State Headquarters of NDLEA located at Independence Layout, Enugu, brought to the fore a fruitful discussion focused on strengthening collaboration between the agency and Enugu North Local Government Area. The aim is to enhance intelligence gathering, encourage proactive community involvement, and build stronger structures for swift, coordinated responses. Addressing newsmen after the meeting, Dr. Ibenaku Harford Onoh stated that the council is currently exploring ways to better align efforts in safeguarding critical areas in the council...