Traditional rulers under the Christian Traditional Rulers of Nigeria have called for peace, unity and sustained prayers for Nigeria and Igboland ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging political leaders to discharge their responsibilities and ensure that Nigerians enjoy the dividends of democracy.

The call was made by the Chairman of the Christian Royal Fathers of Nigeria, Royal Eminence Eze Pastor Nnamdi Ofoegbu, Diawa of Umudiawa Kingdom, and the President of the Christian Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, Eze Dr. Oliver Ohanwe, Paramount Ruler of Isiama Autonomous Community in Imo State. They made the appeal during an interaction with journalists in Umuahia.

They announced that November 29, 2026, had been designated as a special day of prayer for Nigeria’s leaders, as well as for peace and stability across the country

He explained that the initiative was aimed at seeking God’s intervention in the affairs of the nation, praying for political leaders at all levels and averting calamities that could threaten the peace and well-being of Nigerians, particularly the people of Igboland.

According to him, traditional rulers have a responsibility to use their positions and influence to pray for the country and encourage leaders to govern in the interest of the people.

He stressed that democracy should reflect its fundamental principle of government of the people, by the people and for the people, adding that citizens must enjoy the benefits of democratic governance.

The royal father said prayers would be offered for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors and other political leaders across the country, irrespective of their ethnic backgrounds or religious affiliations, to enable them to make decisions that would promote peace, development and national unity.

He added that the November 29 prayer exercise would also seek peaceful elections and a political atmosphere free from bitterness, violence and division.

Eze Ofoegbu said the mission was to seek God’s intervention in the affairs of the country and pronounce blessings of peace, unity and progress upon the nation.

“We have a peculiar duty to pronounce blessings, peace and unity in our nation, Nigeria,” he said, emphasising the importance of traditional institutions in promoting peaceful coexistence and national stability.

The monarch explained that traditional rulers would remain in their respective palaces, just as God remains on His throne, to intercede for the country and its leaders.

According to him, the exercise would focus on committing Nigeria’s political leadership and electoral process into God’s hands, with the hope that the 2027 general elections would be peaceful and successful.

Speaking on political leadership, Eze Ofoegbu said traditional rulers should look beyond political party affiliations when assessing public officeholders. He stressed that leaders who demonstrate genuine concern for their people deserve recognition and prayers.

He specifically mentioned the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, whom he described as a politician who remembers his people and remains connected to his home community.

He also acknowledged Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, citing what he described as the governor’s good works in the state.

The monarch said traditional rulers would pray for political leaders and other sons and daughters of Igboland who had demonstrated commitment to the welfare of their people, adding that such individuals would be committed to God’s care.

He maintained that the character and performance of public officeholders should matter more than party affiliations, noting that leaders should be judged by their contributions to society and their willingness to address the needs of the people.

Also speaking, the President of the Christian Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, Eze Dr. Oliver Ohanwe, described the planned prayer exercise as an effort to seek God’s intervention, identifying Him as the supreme authority over Nigeria and its people.

He expressed optimism that the initiative would contribute to peace and stability in the country, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The monarch also commended the Imo State Governor for what he described as his concern for the well-being of Nigeria and Igboland.

He disclosed that the Christian traditional rulers, whom he said numbered about 5,000 across the southern region, would participate in the prayer exercise through gatherings and delegates in different locations

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Eze Ohanwe said the traditional rulers would sit in their respective palaces and make decrees during the prayers, just as God sits on His throne.

The royal fathers expressed hope that the November 29 prayer exercise by traditional rulers would strengthen efforts to promote peaceful political participation, unity among Nigerians and an electoral process free from violence and bitterness.

They urged Nigerians to support initiatives that promote peace and continue praying for leaders at all levels of government as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.

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The member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in  the House of Representatives, Hon. Obi Aguocha, has denied allegations that he diverted and sold two truckloads of rice provided by the Federal Government for distribution to his constituents, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.

Aguocha, in a statement dated October 21, 2026, said the allegations were contained in a viral video featuring one Charles Ogbonna, which began circulating on social media on October 20.

The lawmaker maintained that neither he nor anyone acting on his instructions diverted or sold any federal food palliatives allocated to his constituency.

According to him, all food relief items allocated to the constituency were distributed to beneficiaries across Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South through what he described as transparent and verifiable community-based channels.

He subsequently threatened legal action against Charles Ogbonna, Ikechukwu Kelvin Okorie, popularly known as Ikukufied, and other individuals he accused of participating in the alleged campaign to damage his reputation.

Aguocha alleged that the accusations were part of a coordinated campaign intended to undermine his political standing and distract his constituents from his legislative activities.

He attributed the alleged campaign to a deterioration in his relationship with Ogbonna, claiming that he had previously cautioned him against making what he described as unfounded allegations against Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti.
The lawmaker also alleged that individuals opposed to his anticipated re-election in 2027 were exploiting the controversy to discredit him.

He cited his victory in the 2023 general election, which he said was secured with a margin of more than 20,000 votes, expressing confidence in his chances of securing another mandate.
Aguocha further linked the controversy to ongoing legal proceedings involving former Abia State Governor, Senator Theodore Orji, and his son, Chinedum Orji.

He alleged that the timing of the video was intended to divert public attention from court proceedings scheduled for October 21 in Umuahia. However, the claims concerning the motives of those involved and the connection between the video and the court proceedings were not independently verified.

The lawmaker said his legal team was compiling digital evidence, recorded transmissions, bank records and publication trails in preparation for possible legal proceedings against those he accused of spreading the allegations
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He cited the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, as amended in 2024, alongside relevant provisions of Nigerian criminal law, arguing that the dissemination of knowingly false allegations through electronic platforms could attract legal consequences.

Aguocha also accused those behind the alleged campaign of attempting to provoke public anger and hostility against him by suggesting that food assistance intended for economically vulnerable constituents had been diverted.

He warned that such allegations, if false, could heighten tensions and undermine public confidence in the distribution of government relief materials.

The lawmaker said he intended to pursue the matter through appropriate legal and judicial channels, insisting that those responsible should be held accountable if the allegations of unlawful conduct were established.

Addressing residents of Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South, Aguocha urged his constituents to remain calm and exercise caution in their assessment of the viral claims.
He maintained that the allegations would not distract him from his commitment to constituency development, transparency and accountability.

The federal lawmaker also expressed confidence in his political future ahead of the 2027 general election, declaring his intention to continue representing the constituency.

He reiterated that his commitment to serving the people remained firm despite what he described as attempts to damage his reputation through sponsored propaganda.

Signed:
Hon. Obi Aguocha
Member, House of Representatives Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia State.

The member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha, has expressed profound sadness over the death of the founder of Gregory University, Uturu, Prof. Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe, OFR, describing him as a visionary leader whose contributions to education and humanity will remain indelible.

Aguocha, in a condolence message, described the late Professor as an outstanding academic, institution builder and philanthropist whose commitment to education transformed lives, created opportunities and strengthened the educational landscape in Nigeria.

He said Ibe’s life was a testament to service, excellence and humanity, noting that his unwavering dedication to education had left an enduring legacy within the university system and communities across the country.

The federal lawmaker further described the deceased as a bridge-builder who believed in the potential of people, empowered young people and championed the creation of a better, more educated and compassionate society.

According to Aguocha, the late university founder’s contributions extended beyond the establishment of an institution, as his vision and commitment to human development inspired generations and opened doors of opportunity for many.

He expressed confidence that Ibe’s legacy would continue to inspire future generations, adding that his impact on education and humanity would not be forgotten.

Aguocha also extended his condolences to the bereaved family, the management and staff of Gregory University, Uturu, and all those mourning the academic icon, praying that God would grant them the strength to bear the loss.
He concluded by praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased, noting that Prof. Ibe’s life had made a lasting difference in the lives of many.