Alpha Times

AlphaTimes EDITORIAL

Forgery Allegation, Bribery Claims and the Shameful Distraction in the House

The allegation by Hon. Philip Agbese that his signature was forged to endorse Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere for the position of Minority Leader in the House of Representatives is a grave matter that must not be swept under the carpet. If indeed a lawmaker's signature was fraudulently deployed for a purpose he neither approved nor intended, it amounts to an assault on the integrity of the legislature and a dangerous precedent for democratic governance.

Forgery is not a mere procedural irregularity. It is a serious offence that undermines trust, accountability and the sanctity of official documentation. The House of Representatives owes Nigerians a duty to immediately and transparently investigate the allegation through the appropriate committee. The investigation must be thorough, impartial and evidence-driven. Every relevant document, witness testimony and electronic record, including the CCTV footage already released into the public domain, should be subjected to careful scrutiny. The truth must be established beyond speculation.

Equally disturbing is Agbese's allegation that some lawmakers were induced with money to support Ugochinyere's bid for the leadership position. While this claim remains to be proven, it raises troubling questions about the manner in which key leadership positions within the National Assembly may sometimes be determined. If endorsements and votes can be purchased by the highest bidder, then legislative leadership risks becoming a marketplace rather than an institution guided by competence, credibility and service.

Such allegations reinforce the growing cynicism among Nigerians about the internal workings of political institutions. Citizens already struggle with declining confidence in public office holders. Reports of possible bribery, horse-trading and questionable manoeuvres for leadership positions only deepen public distrust. The House cannot afford to dismiss these concerns as mere political quarrels. Nigerians deserve to know whether legislative offices are earned through merit and persuasion or secured through financial inducement and backstage deals.

More unfortunate is the fact that these embarrassing controversies are consuming valuable time and attention at a moment when the country faces urgent challenges demanding legislative focus. Across Nigeria, citizens grapple with economic hardship, rising unemployment, insecurity, inflation, failing infrastructure and growing social tensions. These are the issues that should dominate the agenda of the House of Representatives.

Instead, the public is being treated to a spectacle of accusations, counter-accusations, signature controversies and allegations of bribery. Such conduct diminishes the dignity of the legislature and projects an image of a political class more preoccupied with positions and privileges than with the welfare of the people.

The House of Representatives must rise above this embarrassment. It must demonstrate that it possesses the institutional maturity to investigate allegations against its members without fear or favour. Any individual found culpable, whether in forgery, inducement or any related misconduct, should face appropriate sanctions.

Nigeria's democracy cannot flourish when the processes that determine legislative leadership are clouded by allegations of fraud and corruption. The House must seize this moment to reaffirm its commitment to transparency, integrity and accountability.

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Governor Nwifuru Reaffirms Commitment to Innovation, Science and Technology

By Charles Nwoke || AlphaTimes

Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to leveraging innovation, science and technology as key drivers of economic growth and sustainable development in Ebonyi State. Governor Nwifuru made the commitment during a courtesy visit by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Toochukwu Udeh (SAN), at the Government House in Abakaliki.

Governor Nwifuru said the meeting focused on strengthening innovation, advancing science and technology, and building strategic partnerships that can accelerate economic growth in Ebonyi State. He stated that the discussions explored practical measures for promoting scientific and technological development while creating opportunities for sustainable development across the state.

According to Governor Nwifuru, both parties examined areas of collaboration aimed at promoting youth empowerment, digital transformation, investment opportunities, and sustainable development. He noted that innovation, science and technology remain essential tools for improving governance, creating jobs, and enhancing the welfare of citizens. He added that his administration is committed to positioning Ebonyi State as a leading destination for enterprise, innovation, and investment.

Governor Nwifuru expressed confidence that stronger cooperation between the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology and the Ebonyi State Government would deliver significant benefits to residents and support national development goals. He said the partnership would create new opportunities for technological advancement, skills development, and innovation-driven solutions to challenges facing the state.

Governor Nwifuru also appreciated the minister for the visit. He reiterated his readiness to work closely with the ministry to advance policies and programmes that will foster inclusive growth, economic growth, and sustainable development in Ebonyi State.

IPOB Claims FG Admits Omotosho Lacked Jurisdiction

By Kanayonmuo Azaka || AlphaTimes

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has claimed that the Federal Government inadvertently admitted that Justice James Omotosho acted without jurisdiction when he sentenced its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment on terrorism charges.

In a statement issued on Friday by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, IPOB said the admission was contained in the Federal Government's cross-appeal filed in response to Kanu's appeal against his November 20, 2025 conviction by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

According to IPOB, the government argued in its cross-appeal that Justice Omotosho lacked the jurisdiction to impose a life sentence, contending that the applicable punishment should have been the death penalty. IPOB said this position effectively undermines the entire judgment.

The group argued that if the trial court lacked jurisdiction to impose a sentence, it also lacked the authority to convict, since both conviction and sentence are legally inseparable.

"The Federal Government has effectively fired a cannon through the heart of the judgment it is simultaneously attempting to defend," IPOB stated, insisting that the government's position raises fundamental questions about the validity of Kanu's conviction.

IPOB further maintained that the appeal has become a test of the Nigerian judiciary's commitment to established legal principles, arguing that any attempt to uphold the conviction while accepting the alleged jurisdictional defect would create a contradiction in law.

Kanu's legal team is also challenging the conviction on the grounds that it was allegedly based on a repealed law. The Court of Appeal is expected to determine the issues raised in both the appeal and the government's cross-appeal.

Anambra Government Arraigns Eight Pastors for Staging Fake Miracles Using Paid Actors

By Chris Chikelue || Alpha Times

The Government of Anambra State has arraigned eight pastors before the Anambra State High Court in Awka on Friday on charges of using hired actors to stage fake miracles so as to deceive members of the public and obtaining money from them.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of the State and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Barrister Tobechukwu Nweke led the prosecution.

The pastors charged are Ndubisi Nnachukwu of Omega Dominion Ministry, Ekeleme Chris Ugochukwu of Cloud of Glory Prophetic Ministry, and Bishop Emeka Nwamkpa of Chapel of Faith Ministry.

Others are, Peter Chukwu of Messiah Adoration Ministry, Chinedu Egwuonwu of Citadel of Grace Ministry, Ebele Nnachukwu of Jehovah the Mighty Than All Ministry, Miracle Iruoma of City of Power Ministry, and Chukwukadibia Ogwuama of Land of Testimony Adoration Ministry.

They face charges of wielding fake supernatural powers and using a religious place of worship for the commission of a crime under Sections 18(3) and 19(1) of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, 2025, as well as obtaining by false pretence under Section 3(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act.

Some of the pastors were also charged alongside agents they allegedly used to recruit individuals who were paid to pretend they had been healed or delivered during church services.

The clerics were remanded in a correctional centre after the arraignment, and their plead of not guilty with the matter adjourned to June 15 for hearing and determination of any bail applications.

The proof of evidence filed by the prosecution included video-recorded confessional statements from the pastors, with a flash drive attached to the case files.

Attorney General Nweke confirmed that the confessions form a central part of the state’s evidence and said the prosecutions are part of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s broader campaign to end the exploitation of vulnerable Nigerians through deception.