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Odera and his uncommon spirituality! *Tribute to Chinwoke Mbadinuju

Published

3 years ago

November 10, 2023

Whirlwindnews

By Ody Chukwube

Odera’s instructions were swift, dangerous and mind blowing that mid afternoon.

“CPS (Chief Press Secretary), come along with me to the forests of Umuleri, Aguleri and Umuoba Anam , I want to—. “No, Sir” I interjected, as both cold and hot sweat struggled for space on my pitiful face, devastated by a mission which was, in my thinking, an obvious attempt at self- destruction.

“But, Sir, this is extremely dangerous. Let us reach out to the security people for advice”, I insisted. Quoting Psalm 46:10, “be still, and know that I am God”, Odera yelled at me even as he flipped through his Bible. “This is a trip we must undertake. The Commissioner of Police, the Director of SSS and the Army Commander at Onitsha, have warned against going to the forest, but they are not God”. I made another futile attempt to convince him, but he became furious and with a tone of finality, he declared “We must put an end to this mindless carnage in that area. It doesn’t matter if we pay the supreme price. God’s message is clear on this. That is is why I asked you to be still and listen to the voice of God.”

I was shocked by his effrontery, his near suicidal courage and faith. Nonetheless, I rushed to his young ADC, who was also helpless, if not hapless, given the circumstances. I called the ever calm and stable First Lady, Mrs Nnenne Mbadinuju, to save us from a possible annihilation, but she was unable to sway him out of what I thought was going to be an ill-fated journey.

The forests of Aguleri, Umuleri and Umuoba Anam communities were like the present-day Sambisa Forest, elaborately mined, with warriors that were heavy on drugs and armed to the teeth. It appeared foolhardy to undertake a trip to that area with a few poorly armed policemen and men of the security services attached to the office of the governor.

“When they hear the word of God, they will drop their guns”, the new governor stressed as he sang divine praises. The journey to the Anambra “Sambisa Forest” was short but tortuous.

At the battle field, a staccato of gun shots from the militants who shot into the air, oblivious of our mission, welcomed us. Odera with his weather-beaten Bible, picked up the microphone and began to preach. “Jesus loves you, drop your guns and embrace peace . This war is needless and useless. Stop killing yourselves”.

We went round different areas of the forest, preaching peace and reconciliation. We were vulnerable, and all, except Odera got enveloped in fear and trepidation.

On our way back, in an ironic twist or in a spirit- inspired action, some of the war-weary militants sneaked out of the bunkers and other hidden places and hailed, either with gun salute or voice approval, “Oderaaaaaaaaa”!

This marked the beginning of an end to the fratricidal war which had ravaged the area for over a century.

Quoting again from the scriptures, Psalm118, ‘This is God’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes. CPS, is this not a miracle? Always be strong, prayerful and most importantly, be strong in faith “, was Odera’s advice during our post mortem of the trip to the devil inhabited forests where stench from decomposing bodies almost destroyed our nostrils. Most significantly, that axis of the state, to this day, has remained the most peaceful.

This visit, which was a few months into his administration, defined Odera, his undying faith in and love for God.

Odera believed that governance must have a spiritual foundation. He instituted a prayer regimen in Anambra which has remained a shining legacy. Every Monday, Odera, as Governor, mounted the pulpit and preached the Word to Anambra people in a live broadcast. All the offices and markets joined in prayers and gradually it became a positive habit which has remained to this day. Of all his achievements, Odera considered this his best . ‘More than anything else, always celebrate my determination to link our people to the truth through the Gospel. I will die, happy that I tried to establish a leadership anchored on Christ, our saviour “

Odera was a true believer, in and out of government. In his book, “God’s Kind of Leader, published more than a decade before he became Governor, Odera correctly predicted or putting it differently, gave prophesy of his time in government. He canvassed that a leader must strive to be responsible and righteous. And above all, be Christ-like in his disposition and character.

He suffered tribulations. He was betrayed and was maligned, but like our Saviour, he prayed for his enemies and adversaries. “My love for God and humanity is unquantifiable. I love everybody, including those who made attempts to tarnish my image”.

Those who thought that Odera was politically annihilated, unwittingly opened a new life for him. He devoted his last days to writing Christian books and at the last count, had about 22 books on the shelf. His book, The Spiritual Foundation of Good Governance, extensively chronicled his messages on the pulpit as a Governor.

For Odera, his was a miracle in governance. He was always positive, even in the face of humongous difficulties.

Odera was apparently the only Governor in the history of Nigeria whose office was bombed. At different times, hoodlums also attempted to force their way into Government House to attack him. If that was to frustrate him, they failed as he sang praises as a response

Odera received national accolades for a successful war against crime. Using an unconventional approach, he eradicated armed robbery and violent crimes in the state. While many considered this a result of strategic thinking, Odera felt it was a spiritual response to prayers of Ndi Anambra.

His numerous other accomplishments in government came out of an uncommon commitment to prayers and strong belief in God. With lean funds, Odera was able to establish a university, the present day Chukwuemeka Odumegwu University with campuses at Igbariam and Uli.

The financial status of the state was poor and with a miserable monthly allocation from Abuja, Odera did well in varying degrees. In some months, what was left after salary payment in Anambra state was less than N50million. How he managed to build roads was considered by many, including his opponents, as miraculous.

Prayers, Odera told me in our last encounter, led to the completion of legacy projects like the Ekwueme Square, the ABS complex, the Judiciary Complex, Ngozika Estate, and the Women Development Center now named Professor Dora Akunyili Women Developnent Centre. He did not start the permanent site of the Government House, but he did most of the structural work.

That Anambra State is now an oil-producing state is a result of his foresight. He did not only raise national consciousness to the existence of oil in the state, but set up an oil exploration and production company. Orient Petroleum was his brainchild. Again, Odera said in one of his books that God was instrumental to the milestones recorded by his administration.

Thank you Odera. You asked me to leave out controversy and talk about God, while writing about you. I have tried to do that. You know it is not my area of specialisation, but do tolerate my inadequacy.

You were exemplary in leadership, though misunderstood by some but appreciated by many. You were not a saint, neither were you a villain but you demonstrated love, commitment, responsible and responsive leadership.

Your humility was disarming. Good people appreciated it and the bad, took advantage of it

May Perpetual Light shine upon your good soul. Good night Odera.

Chukwube, Chief Press Secretary to the former governor from May 29, 1999 to May 29, 2003, wrote from Abuja

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Don’t jump to conclusion! *Umahi speaks on mysterious death of female students!

Published

8 hours ago

July 11, 2026

Whirlwindnews

In a quick riposte on Saturday, Dave Umahi, Minister of Works, has cautioned Nigerians to be circumspect in the manner they react to the story of the death of a female student in his home in Ebonyi State, warning against the temptation of jumping to conclusion.

Conveying his position on the highly-volatile matter through Francis Nwaze, his spokesman, Umahi, former Governor of Ebonyi State and a key figure in the government of President Bola Tinubu, said caution was needed to enable the police conduct unfettered investigation into the matter.

It was his response to breaking of how one Mary Habila, a female physiotherapist reportedly died in his palatial home at Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, on June 27, hours after arriving the day before.

Nwaze, a Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, specifically cautioned against speculations by “tale bearers,” while conveying the Minister’s shock over the matter and his eagerness for the authorities to get at the root of the matter through forensic investigations.

He wrote in the statement: “The attention of the Media Office of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi, has been drawn to a publication by a publication concerning the unfortunate passing of Miss Mary Habila in Uburu, Ebonyi State, alleging that the circumstances surrounding her death were shrouded in secrecy.

“The Honourable Minister received the news with profound shock and sadness and has since extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. For the avoidance of doubt, immediately the unfortunate incident occurred, appropriate emergency steps were taken. Medical personnel, including the Chief Medical Director of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, were contacted without delay, while the Nigeria Police was promptly notified in accordance with the law.

“Following confirmation of Miss Habila’s passing, the Honourable Minister personally received her parents, conveyed his sincere condolences, and advised that an autopsy be conducted to scientifically establish the exact cause of death. At the time, however, the family declined the recommendation.

“It is important to clarify that Miss Mary Habila and Miss Anita Baski are employees of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, who had been on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works as physiotherapists for the past three years until the unfortunate passing of Miss Habila.

“Following the recent developments and in the interest of ensuring that the truth is established beyond doubt, the Honourable Minister has again reiterated his position that an autopsy must be conducted. He remains convinced that this is the most credible and responsible path to resolving all questions surrounding the unfortunate incident.

“We therefore urge the public to exercise restraint, refrain from speculation or premature conclusions, and allow the relevant authorities to carry out their responsibilities without interference. At this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers remain with the family of the deceased, and we pray that God grants them the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”

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BREAKING: Mystery death! *Female student dies a day after arriving Umahi’s home!

Published

8 hours ago

July 11, 2026

Whirlwindnews

The circumstances that led to the sudden death of Mary Habbila, a Nigerian female student died in the Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, home of Dave Umahi, Minister of Works, has now thrown the entire household and environs into serious quandary.

SaharaReporters, which first broke the revealed that the incident, which happened since June 27 this year, has been shrouded in secrecy, with both the Ebonyi State Government and the state police command maintaining silence over the matter.

The incident, the report, added, took place barely a day after Habbila and another woman, Anita Baski, both from Kaduna State, were reportedly brought to the minister’s residence, triggering a police investigation, with the case transferred from the Ohaozara Divisional Police Headquarters to the Ebonyi State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Abakaliki.

Habbila and Baski reportedly arrived at the minister’s residence on June 26 to “attend” to him, only for Habbila to be found dead inside the residence the following morning under circumstances investigators are still trying to establish.

Police sources were quoted by the paper as saying that Jonathan Bawado, a police officer who serves as Senator Umahi’s Personal Assistant and previously worked as his Aide-de-Camp (ADC) during his tenure as Governor of Ebonyi State, alerted medical personnel after Habbila was discovered unresponsive.

Subsequently, a doctor and an ambulance were dispatched to the residence, while Tobechukwu Godwin, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ohaozara Police Division, was notified of the incident, the report said, adding that at the hospital Chihurumnanya Alo, a Professor and Consultant Public Health Physician, Infectious Diseases Specialist and Chief Medical Director of the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH), Uburu, was also alerted about the incident.

The police who subsequently conveyed Habbila’s body to a mortuary, were said to have handed over the identification tag attached to Habbila’s to the Ebonyi State Police Command by the said DPO, as part of the ongoing investigation.

SaharaReporters, quoted a senior police officer, with knowledge of the case as saying: “The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Abakaliki,” but, however declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing investigation.

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Operatives break jinx! *Arrest eight terrorists in Oyo school kidnapping!

Published

1 day ago

July 10, 2026

Whirlwindnews

Unlike in other cases, security operatives in Nigeria have upped the ante by adding the arrest of perpetrators to the menu of rescue operations, with the announcement of the capture of eight terrorists who participated in the abduction of school teachers and students in Oyo State on May 15.

All the 46 pupils, students and teachers abducted by terrorists from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, regained their freedom on Friday, after about 56 days in captivity, with several others reportedly also neutralised during the operation.

Giving a clue of what transpired during the operation, Bayo Onanuga, who broke the story of the feat, said it was the outcome of sustained security operations, which also foiled the attempt by the abductors to secure the release of one of their captured leaders.

Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, using his X handle to give details about the operation, said: “Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies. In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised.”

“There was no quid pro quo in the rescue as one of the terrorists, a kingpin, that the kidnappers demanded his release, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give full account soon.”

The victims were abducted on May 15 when heavily armed bandits attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area, seizing dozens of pupils, students and teachers.

The abduction sparked nationwide outrage, with parents, labour unions, traditional rulers and civil society groups mounting sustained pressure on the authorities to secure the victims’ release.

The incident also triggered an indefinite strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Oyo State over growing insecurity in schools.

President Bola Tinubu had condemned the attack and ordered security agencies to intensify intelligence-led operations to rescue the captives and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The President subsequently dispatched a high-powered Federal Government delegation to the affected communities, approved the deployment of specialised rescue assets and authorised the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security across Oyo State.

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