The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Category: Opinion

  • DSS raids Sunday Igboho’s home in Ibadan, Discovers fire arms and ammunitions

    The Department of State Services(DSS), has explained why it carried raided the home of Sunday Igboho, in Ibadan, Oyo State .

     

    The raid conducted by a team of joint security operatives in the early hours of Friday according to the DSS director of public relations Peter Afunaya,

    was based on intelligence that Igboho had stockpiled arms in the place.

    He told newsmen in Abuja that on approaching the premises, the security operatives were attacked by men suspected to be working as security guards for the suspect.

    During the shoot out, he stated that two of the guards were shot dead while twelve others were arrested. He stressed that one of the operative was wounded during the operation.

    Afunaya gave the names of twelve persons arrested , a female inclusive, as Abdulateef OFEYAGBE

    iAmoda BABATUNDE aka Lady K Tajudeen ERINOYEN, Diakola ADEMOLA, Abideen SHITTU

    Jamiu NOAH, Ayobami DONALD

    Adelabe USMAN, Oluwafelumi KUNLE, Raji KAZEEM, Taiwo OPEYEMI and Bamidele SUNDAY.

    He explained that a search was conducted in the house

    Afunaya’s statement reads; “In the early hours (about 0134 hours) of today, 1st July, 2021, a joint team of security operatives raided the residence of Sunday Adeniyi Adeyemo a.k.a. SUNDAY IGBOHO at Soka, Ibadan, Oyo State. This was based on intelligence that he had stockpiled arms in the place.

    “On approach to the residence, the team came under heavy gun attack by nine (9) men, suspected to be IGBOHO’s guards. Six (6) of them were armed with AK-47 gun and Three (3) others, with Pump-Action riffles.

    “In the course of the exchange, two (2) of IGBOHO’s armed men were gunned down while the rest were subdued and arrested. Only one operative who was shot by the assailants on his right hand sustained injury. He has however received medical attention and is very stable.

     

    “Afterwards, the team procedurally searched the house and subsequently recovered the following among others:Seven (7) AK-47 assault rifles; three (3) Pump Action guns; thirty (30) fully charged AK-47 magazines and five thousand (5,000) rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

    He also stated that five (5) cutlasses , one (1) Jack knife, one (1) Pen Knife;

    two (2) Pistol holsters;one (1) binoculars ; a wallet containing Five (5) US Dollars in one (1) Dollar denomination; local and international driver’s licences in his name, ATM Cards, a German residence permit No. YO2N6K1NY bearing his name were found.

    Also discovered , he said were two (2) whistles; fifty (5) Cartridges; eighteen (18) Walkie-Talkies;

    three voodoo charm jackets/traditional body armour;

    two (2) Laptops (One (1) Toshiba and One (1) Compaq); and his International Passport and those of many others (as displayed here). He maintained “ further exploitation and forensic analysis are ongoing.

    “Aside the items recovered from the building, about thirteen (13) suspects including twelve (12) males and one (1) female were arrested and brought to Abuja. While one suspect is being profiled, the other twelve (12) paraded here are: Abdulateef OFEYAGBE,

    Amoda BABATUNDE aka Lady K (female)

    , Tajudeen ERINOYEN, Diakola ADEMOLA

    , Abideen SHITTU

    , Jamiu NOAH

    , Ayobami DONALD

    , Adelabe USMAN

    , Oluwafelumi KUNLE

    , Raji KAZEEM

    , Taiwo OPEYEMI and

    Bamidele SUNDAY.

    He said the briefing was to “inform Nigerians and the world that Sunday IGBOHO and his group, in the guise of campaign for self-determination, have become well-armed and determined to undermine public order. This, the arrests and seizures are, no doubt, a confirmation of a grand plan by IGBOHO and his cohorts to wage a violent insurrection against the Nigerian State.

    “Alert foreign missions and licencing authorities within and outside Nigeria about this development and the possibility that IGBOHO could declare some of his personal permit and identity cards missing in order to seek their replacement.

    “Apprise stakeholders that the Five (5) AK-47 assault rifles recovered from the building are suspected to be those collected by IGBOHO’s men from Nigerian Customs and Immigration personnel at Idi Iroko, Ogun State.”

     

     

    He said the “ gun duel which lasted for an hour offered IGBOHO the chance to escape. Sunday ADEYEMO a.k.a Sunday IGBOHO is now on the run. IGBOHO may run as far as he can. He may hide as long as he wants. He might have attacked security operatives as his strength carried him. But this will be the end of his shenanigans. Soon, he will not have a hiding place. His strength will sure fail him. And the law will catch up with him. The law may be slow. But it will be steady.”

     

    He added “ Consequently, ADEYEMO/IGBOHO is advised to turn himself in to the nearest security agency. Those cheering and eulogising him may appeal to or advise him to do the needful. He should surrender himself to the appropriate authorities. He or anyone can never be above the law. Meanwhile, those arrested will be charged accordingly”.

     

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.sunnewsonline.com

  • Why would the Military and Police Attack two Communities in Enugu Simply because they dismissed Herdsmen who were terrorising the area

    There is tension in Enugu State as men of the Nigerian Army reportedly invaded two communities in the Nkanu East and Nkanu West local government areas of the state.

     

    PUNCH Metro gathered that the affected communities are Ekpoffo and Akpugo.

     

    Although the reason for the invasion could not be immediately ascertained, villagers who spoke from their hidings told our correspondent on Thursday it might not be unconnected with the recent sacking of herdsmen who were terrorising the area.

     

    Some also believed that the invasion could be the directive of the Presidency to security agencies to hunt down Biafran agitators in the South-East region.

     

    Community sources told our correspondent that the soldiers invaded Ekpoffo on Wednesday and whisked away some youths to unknown destinations.

     

    A source said, “Soldiers numbering over 100 stormed Ekpoffo community in Nkanu East around 7.30pm on Wednesday. They moved from place to place, ransacking houses. Before then, they had blocked major roads leading to the community before swooping on the residents.

     

    “I don’t know how many people were abducted yesterday (Wednesday). They were looking for our youths, but many of them had run away.”

     

     

    The source also noted that the soldiers returned on Thursday with policemen and personnel of the Department of State Services and blocked all access roads leading to the community.

     

    Another community source told our correspondent that the soldiers also invaded Ndiagu- Akpugo community and razed some houses.

     

    “They went to the house belonging to a man popularly known as Bebia at Ugwu-agba in Ndiagu-Akpugo. They didn’t see anyone, so the soldiers set the house ablaze.

     

    “As I am speaking to you, our young men have run away and some members of the community are relocating to the state capital in fear for their lives,” he added.

     

    The traditional ruler of Adamagu Akpawfu community, Igwe Christopher Nnamani, who resides in the Enugu metropolis, said he received several phone calls from his subjects informing him of the invasion.

     

    “I am on my way to my palace; come there so I can see who I am speaking with. I won’t like to speak with someone I have not seen on the telephone,” he said.

     

    The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Enugu, Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, declined comment when contacted by our correspondent on the incident.

     

     

    He also did not respond to text messages as of the time of filing this report.

     

    The state Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, when contacted  on the telephone also declined comment.

     

    He later switched off his phone.

     

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.punchng.com

  • Analysts predict bitcoin quick decline to $25,000

     

    JPMorgan Chase’s analysts have said that bitcoin price will decline to the $25,000 level before longer momentum will signal capitulation.

     

    They expect the cryptocurrency market to soon begin the process of healing, but expect further sell-offs before capitulation.

     

    Bitcoin price stood at $36,343.15 at 3:43 pm on Tuesday, according to CoinMarket.

     

    According to news.bitcoin.com, the analysts, including Josh Younger and Veronica Mejia Bustamante, recently wrote about the outlook of the cryptocurrency market in a note.

     

    They explained that the near-term outlook for the crypto market was “challenging,” noting that blockchain data suggested recent cryptocurrency sell-offs were made to cover losses.

     

    “There is likely still an overhang of underwater positions which need to be cleared through the market,” they said.

     

     

    They also warned of the possibility of increased production costs of BTC as China’s continued crackdown pushes bitcoin mining abroad.

     

     

     

    Bitcoin’s cost of production is historically tied to its price, several analyses have shown. So, a price bump in the cost of mining may have a booster effect on bitcoin price.

     

    However, they see stability in the bitcoin futures market as a positive factor. The note suggests that the cryptocurrency market appears to be at the beginning of a healing process but is  not quite healthy yet.

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.punchng.com

  • Nnamdi Kanu’s Apprehension: If only the authorities could pay attention to and curb Insecurities in the South and other parts of the Country like this

     

    THE arrest of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra by the Federal Government has attracted mixed reactions from various groups, including the Arewa Consultative Forum, who urged the Federal Government to be cautious in handle the IPOB leader’s issue.

     

    The reactions came just as the British government said Kanu was not arrested in the United Kingdom or extradited from England.

     

    Also, the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday ordered that the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, be remanded in the detention of the Department of State Service.

     

    Justice Binta Nyako gave the order while granting the application by the prosecution.

     

    The counsel for the prosecution, S. M. Labaran, applied to the court to remand Kanu in custody.

     

    Labaran also applied that the trial of Kanu that was earlier slated for October 20 be brought forward.

     

    Kanu, who appeared without legal representation told the court that his house was earlier invaded. So, he had to go underground.

     

     

     

    The court ordered that Kanu be remanded in DSS facility and adjourned his matter till July 26 and 27.

     

    The court also ordered for accelerated hearing and asked the prosecution to inform Kanu’s lawyer of the proceeding in court.

     

    Kanu’s lawyer, Maxwell Opara, told our correspondent that he did not see his client until he left the court premises.

     

    Also present at the court premises was Omoyele Sowore, who told our correspondent that he had just come to the court when he heard that Kanu was appearing in court.

     

    According to him, he stood in solidarity with Kanu as he had been in similar situation.

     

    Earlier at a press conference, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, had confirmed Kanu’s arrest.

     

    Kanu not arrested in UK – British Govt

     

     

    Responding to questions from one of our correspondents in Abuja on Tuesday, the spokesman, British High Commission in Nigeria, Dean Hurlock, said, ‘We are aware of reports that Nnamdi Kanu has been detained in Nigeria by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

     

    “We can confirm that Nnamdi Kanu was not arrested in the UK for extradition purposes.”

     

    How Interpol arrested Nnamdi Kanu while seeking countries’ support for Biafra

     

    Meanwhile, Kanu was apprehended by the International Criminal Police while seeking foreign support for the actualisation of the Republic of Biafra.

     

    The PUNCH gathered that Kanu, who holds Nigerian and British passports, was arrested by security operatives outside his London base on Sunday.

     

    He had been declared wanted by the Federal Government since 2017 after he jumped bail following the invasion of his country home in Abia State by soldiers.

     

    A source disclosed that Kanu was arrested while leaving Israel for an unknown country but this could not be independently verified on Tuesday.

     

     

     

    The source stated, “The request for the arrest of Kanu was made to the INTERPOL headquarters in Lyon, France, about two months ago. Kanu could not be arrested at his London base because he is a British citizen and repatriating him to Nigeria may be challenging and the process cumbersome.

     

    “So, the security agencies waited patiently for him to leave the British soil before moving against him; he was arrested while on transit. There was evidence of his meetings with foreign governments to solicit support for Biafra.”

     

    The source also referenced the suspension of Twitter by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), who justified his action by stating that Kanu used his Twitter account with 300,000 followers “to instruct his loyalists to kill Nigerian soldiers and police officers”.

     

    Another source corroborated that Kanu was nabbed while on transit but said he could not confirm the exact location.

     

    “The Nigerian government used conventional diplomatic means to facilitate the arrest of Kanu through the INTERPOL. There are also suggestions that our intelligence agencies played a role in the arrest and extradition process. It was confirmed that Kanu was picked up while on transit but the location cannot be immediately confirmed,” the source volunteered.

     

    As part of strategies to arrest the separatist group leader, the President was said to have met with the French President, Emmanuel Macron, in May during a summit on the financing of African post-COVID economies convened by the French government, where he sought Macron and INTERPOL’s support for the arrest of Kanu.

     

    Handle Kanu’s case with caution, ACF counsels FG

     

     

    In a related development, the pan-northern socio-political organisation, Arewa Consultative Forum, has cautioned the Federal Government to handle the arrest of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, with care.

     

    According to the ACF, the best way out was for the government to keep strictly to the rule of law in handling the matter.

     

    This, the ACF said, was because the IPOB leader had the support of international arm dealers with the capacity to destroy the country.

     

    This was just as the Coalition of Northern Groups said it received the news of the arrest and repatriation of the fugitive rebel, Nnamdi Kanu, with mixed feelings of apprehension and appreciation.

     

    The CNG hailed the Federal Government and security agencies that made the arrest possible, “particularly the International Police and authorities of the United Kingdom for honouring their obligations with Nigeria.”

     

    Both the National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, Emmanuel Yawe, and the spokesperson of the CNG, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, made the positions of the two northern bodies known in a statement released in Kaduna on Tuesday.

     

    “The best way out is to keep strictly to the rule of law. Kanu and his collaborators must be made to understand that Nigeria is not a failed state and the rule of law still exists here,” the forum said.

     

     

     

    The statement added, “For now, we do not have details of the immediate circumstances leading to his arrest. We do not even know where he was arrested whether in Nigeria or outside.

     

    “We, however, know that the man has no respect for the country called Nigeria and has vowed to destroy the country. Sadly, he enjoys collaboration of some Nigerians who for some reasons want the country destroyed.

     

    “He also enjoys the support of international arm dealers who know that he has the capacity to cause a war to break out in Africa’s most populous country and biggest economy.”

     

    On their part, the CNG said it remained apprehensive until the the full course of justice took effect on Kanu.

     

    The CNG added, “In addition, he must now face additional charges of incitement to violence and killings of people of other ethnicities, particularly northerners, security personnel as a result of his open incitement.

     

    “More importantly, we don’t see Kanu’s arrest affecting the issue of Biafra. While he faces trial hopefully, the CNG is insisting that this is the right time to tackle the Biafran issue once for all.

     

    “We stand our ground that a referendum must be held to determine this and all other agitations for self-determination from any part of the country.”

     

     

    Archbishop alleges Kanu trapped with woman

     

    Reacting to his arrest, Archbishop of Enugu Provence, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev Emmanuel Chukwuma, welcomed his arrest and described it as good development.

     

    The fiery cleric accused IPOB leader of jumping bail, adding that he didn’t appreciate Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and others who secured his bail.

     

    He said, “Rather, when he was abroad, he was instigating people to cause confusion. We warned him several times to stop that. It’s not only that; we felt that if you are a leader and you are part of the problem of Nigeria, you should come down here, so we can discuss with others on how to solve the problem.

     

    Chukwuma, while describing Kanu as a weak leader, alleged that IPOB leader, “played into the hands of Nigerian Intelligence Agency, who set him up with a woman from London to Brazil, where he was arrested and then tranquilised to the point of bringing him to Nigeria.

     

    “That shows irresponsibility. How can a woman and tranquiliser be a way of catching you if you are really a very strong leader? I feel disappointed in him because they lured him out of London to Brazil with a woman. It’s a shame.”

     

    Adebanjo faults foreign country over Kanu’s arrest

     

     

     

    But the acting leader of the apex socio-political group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, has faulted the arrest of the leader of the Independent People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

     

    Adebanjo said the foreign country was not supposed to have handed over Kanu to the Nigerian government while he was enjoying a political asylum.

     

    He said this on Tuesday while speaking with newsmen shortly after the meeting held at his Sanya-Ogbo,  Ijebu-Ode residence.

     

    When asked to react to the arrest and prosecution of Kanu, Adebanjo said. “Anybody fighting for revolution must be ready for that; I was also a victim of treasonable felony. They tried some of us; what the British did, they did for Action Group when they repatriated Chief (Anthony) Enahoro.

     

    “They didn’t do it while we were in Ghana, the government there protected us. He (Kanu) had been giving asylum, they then sent him back. It is wrong and improper, having granted him asylum, to hand him over to his enemy, I condemn it…”

     

    IPOB counsel urges FG to guarantee his safety

     

    In another development, the Indigenous People of Biafra has confirmed the arrest of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

     

     

    This was contained in a statement by IPOB/Nnamdi Kanu lead counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, on Tuesday.

     

    Ejiofor, in the statement, demanded that Kanu’s fundamental rights must be respected while in custody.

     

    “We have just confirmed through correspondence from the Federal High Court, Abuja, the arrest and the extradition of my client, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, by the Nigerian State.

     

    “It is to be noted, therefore, that no matter the gravity of the offences or charge preferred against him, Section 36(5) of the Constitution still presumes him innocent of the allegation. The legal team ably led by my humble self will meet them in court on this date.

     

    “We insist that he must be given a fair hearing/trial, which is his constitutionally protected right. His safety as also guaranteed under our law throughout the trial and afterwards should be enforced.

     

    “Our fortified legal team will be meeting to agree on strategies within the context of the charge and disposition of the court. Await further updates from us as we progress,” part of the statement read.

     

    Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest may trigger nationwide protest – Igbo group

     

     

     

    Meanwhile, the Igbo National Council has described the arrest of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra as a “rude shock”.

     

    The group in a statement issued in Owerri, the Imo State capital, on Tuesday by its National President, Chilos Godsent, said that the arrest of Kanu might trigger protest in most parts of the country if the Federal Government failed to handle the issue with caution.

     

    The statement, which was tagged ‘Re: Arrest of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu: A mistake of the biggest order by the Nigerian Government, asks government to seek peaceful means in handing the issue’.

     

    Uneasy calm in Abia over Kanu’s arrest

     

    However, it was an atmosphere of uneasy calm in Abia as the news of the arrest and extradition of IPOB’s leader by the Federal Government filtered into the state.

     

    A resident of Umuahia who chose to speak on condition of anonymity said, “Ndigbo are finished”, adding that the news came to him as “a rude shock”.

     

    Another resident asked, “Is it what will be done and there will be peace?”

     

     

    It was also gathered that residents of Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, were unusually quiet over the issue, “especially as most of them have yet to hear the news”.

     

    However, the Coalition of South-East Youth Leaders said, in a statement by its President General of the group, Goodluck Ibem, and the Secretary General, Kanice Igwe, said, “The Fulani herdsmen kill, rape and maim indigenes of southern Nigerian on daily basis and none of them has been arrested or prosecuted by the Nigerian security agencies.

     

    “Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest is a direct question to Ndigbo that “how dare you speak when we kill, maim and rape your women.”

     

    In Anambra, most people, who spoke with one of our correspondent on condition of anonymity hailed his arrest.

     

    A source said, “It serves him right. He has always lacked tact. This happens to those who don’t listen to advice. The manner of his arrest must have humbled him after all his boasts. Pride always goes before a fall. I think what I just couldn’t stand about him was his arrogance.”

     

    Another respondent said, “Now that the supreme leader has been captured, what happens to the numerous supporters? Unknown gunmen on my mind!

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.punchng.com

  • Constitutional Review: Establishment of State police will help tackle Insecurity in the Country

    Speakers of the 36 states Houses of Assembly have made a case for the establishment of state police to tackle insecurity in the country.

     

    They want the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution to accommodate the concept of state police and community policing.

     

     

     

    This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the second quarter general meeting of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria held in Asaba, Delta State.

     

    Signed by the chairman of the conference and Speaker of Bauchi State House of Assembly, Abubakar Suleiman, the communiqué commended the Federal Government’s in fighting insecurity.

     

    Commending governors who have commenced the implementation of financial autonomy in their states, the conference urged other governors to follow suit as agreed in the Memorandum of Action signed by all the stakeholders.

     

     

    In his remarks, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa urged Nigerians not to compromise the country’s unity as its strength lay in citizens’ collective bond.

     

    He said the country was facing challenges that required leaders to preach hope to the people and ensure the unity of the nation was not breached.

     

    He stated that there was need for dialogue on how to ensure fairness and equity in the governance of the country.

     

    “In very trying times such as this, we must ensure that we continue to give hope to our people and that we continue to do the very little that we can even in our various constituencies because a little hope can encourage those who would have felt helpless.

     

    “We need to continue to pray for our country, Nigeria and we need to realise that the unity of this country is important to us all and that everything that ought to be done we will continue to stay focused in doing those things that will keep this country united.

     

    “But, I also believe that for everyone of us in government, as we continue to preach unity, we must be sincere about it; we must ensure that there is fairness and equity and we must stay committed to the original principles that brought us together.

     

    “We are one people in this country and I believe that the strength of Nigeria lies in our collective responsibility because in that truly lies our strength.

     

    “There are so many things that ought to be discussed, but we are not discussing yet; there is a need for a true dialogue even when people tend to misconstrue it when we speak about dialogue.

     

    “It’s not about coming to quarrel, it’s about protecting the inside of us so that we can become greater brothers for the future and I think that it’s important we understand that when we speak that it’s not about division but about unity.

     

    “It’s about how we can begin to love ourselves and about how we can become more participatory in the totality of the governance of this nation and it is in the best interest of this nation,” he said.

     

    The governor remarked that Nigerians loved the country and we wished to remain united, and advised that the things that will make us stronger, “we need to discuss them so that we can stay together and build a nation  that our children can be proud of.

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.sunnewsonline.com

  • Anambra is ready for a female Governor

    Hon. Obiora Okpala is a procurement consultant, community leader and member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State. In this interview with Daily Sun, he speaks on the chances of Senator Uche Ekwunife in next Saturday’s gubernatorial primaries of the PDP.

     

     

     

    The primaries of the PDP is next Saturday. Does your candidate, Uche Ekwunife have any chance?

     

     

     

    She’s one of the leading lawmakers in Nigeria. She has earned herself a name and has contributed in no small way to our democratic process in Nigeria. It is based on her antecedents and qualitative representation that the people are asking her to come and run. With the kind of programmes she has been able to influence to her people and the way she has carried everybody along, it is clear that she has set a benchmark. Another opportunity is calling. Since 1999, Anambra has gone through all the stages. It is obvious that our men have failed. In the eight years, the state has retrogressed. The people want someone who will come and change the system. We are business people. We need to take it to another level and make the state an industrial hub. Ekwunife has the qualities to make these things happen. These are the issues we should look at as we go into the primaries and into the election in Anambra State.

     

    Is the PDP ready to have a woman as its candidate in Anambra?

     

    Our party is gender sensitive. The PDP is one party that has given opportunities to women. It has given women the chance to contribute their quota. This is what the PDP has done. The PDP won’t change now. Anambra is a chauvinistic environment. They have their reservations about women taking certain positions. We need to move away from an outdated lifestyle and embrace a woman like Ekwunife. She will take the state from where we are to where we need to be. Ekwunife has the support.

     

     

     

    Ekwunife represents Anambra Central in the Senate, but hails from Anambra South. Is she relying on zoning to win?

     

    Zoning started with APGA in Anambra State. That was during Peter Obi. The PDP doesn’t subscribe to zoning. She’s from the South and that doesn’t matter. What we need is something to change. Currently, Anambra runs a burial economy. It comes alive at the weekend and dies by Monday. We deserve better and that’s why we need Ekwunife.

     

    If you place Ekwunife side by side with other aspirants, does she stand a chance?

     

    I’m not campaigning for her because I support her. I know her personally. I’ve done a forensic analysis of Anambra economy. We need a woman of her calibre. We need someone with her experience. She’s diligent. We don’t need a governor who will see governance as a bread and butter affair. We need someone to revive the economy of Anambra State. At some point in this country, Anambra’s internal revenue was one of the highest. That has changed.

     

    Ekwunife has repeatedly been accused of jumping the ship whenever she doesn’t get the ticket of her party. If she fails to get this ticket, will she remain in PDP?

     

    Ekwunife has come home. PDP is her last bus stop. She won’t defect is she doesn’t get the ticket. She understands state and National politics. If the PDP can just listen to the women folks of Anambra, she will win. The women have tried. We have seen women drive the vehicle of state affairs. She has a vast experience in the financial sector. She’s bringing that experience of a banker.

     

    Peter Obi, your former governor is a banker. The current governor, Willie Obiano is a banker. Is Anambra ready to have another banker as a governor?

     

    Ekwunife can’t run away from her history as a good banker. She has however proven herself in other areas. She has headed sensitive committees in the National Assembly. She currently heads science and technology committee in the Senate. She’s driving our technological advancement from the National Assembly. She will do well.

     

    Will the alleged crisis in PDP in the state affect the outcome of the primaries?

     

    It won’t. The primaries will be conducted by the national body and not by the state chapter. The crisis in the state chapter is orchestrated by some people we know. We can’t begin to mention their names. We need to let everyone know that Anambra State is ripe for a female governor. Some people who don’t want the party to come alive are behind this crisis. The PDP has suffered enough. Distractions will come. But we must remain focused and ignore the distractions.

     

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.sunnewsonline.com

  • Enugu State Government and the Peddlers of Fake News

    Enugu State Government and the Peddlers of Fake News

     

    By Prince Ejeh Josh

     

    In a world distorted by false and misleading information occasioned by technological innovation and breakthrough in cybernetics such that every person is afforded the opportunity to own a smart phone, purchase data, and express their opinions on issues; standing out as an individual or as a corporate body in the media space is one goal that everyone should crave for. Integrity. Responsibility. Proactiveness. Facts. Truth. All these should define our world of writing.

    Everyone can write but not everyone is a writer. Writing is a skill learnt. It has its rules and pitfalls. A better writer is one who maintains and continues to strive to maintain integrity and objectivity. Reporting must be balance in all ramifications. To keep a good name, aspiring writers must also keep their works perfect or near perfection.

    For those into journalism, or perhaps, those self-imposed journalists or bloggers, they hold the society a duty. A duty to report, timeously, events or happenings within their environment and beyond in a way as to educate the public or clarify issues that appear blur to the people.

    Journalism is not just about news; it entails accurate news. It calls for a balanced, fair and honest reportage. Yes, news has been defined as a history written in a hurry. The hurriedness does not remove the duty to investigate and feed members of the public with fact and accurate information. In fact, investigative journalism rather than the awful and lazy attitude of “copy and paste” that has defined the social media space should be the guide.

    Our social media space is already filled with junks from those J P Clark, a renowned poet and playwright, referred to as “Cockroach writers”, or scribblers. Being a good reporter demands the reporter to exhaust all available opportunity to ascertain the exactitude of the happenings. A visit to the scene; an interview with eye-witnesses; a call to all the parties involved, etc, will enable a good and factual report. In journalism, the golden watchword is: Facts are sacred!

    However, in recent times, self-acclaimed “e-mice”, social media tigers, sponsored media gangsters or whatever nomenclature they prefer to brandish, have resorted to their copy and paste attitude in their desperate attempts to massage their paid masters’ ego, or to justify why they are being paid for data. In some cases, one finds it difficult to make meaning out of their numbing scribbles. But they are quick to litter the space with misinformation since they are uninformed. Their brand is known. The signs are always clear. Educated illiteracy!

    As a writer striving for integrity, there’s this audacity to stand alone against all odds. You’ll be bashed. You’ll be called names. Tantrums will be hurled at you for not following the generally held but misleading view. I’ve come under constant attacks when I had to go a little further to investigate some state of affairs and discovered they were lies, and mere propaganda. Sure, making a different report means drawing the ire of some fantastic fanatics. However, the truth will always prevail.

    As usual of these sponsored media goons, they recently pounced on the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State. Whatever the Governor does is a sin to them. They celebrate people’s misfortune and hail any attack on the state. Sadly and pathetically, these are youths ready to take over leadership. Constructive criticism, to me, isn’t a crime. Resorting to social media terrorism, to peddle false and malicious information against a peace-loving administration is the joy of these youths and their co-travellers.

    Just few days ago, a friend called me from Abuja and referred me to a certain news making the round in the media. It was a bus shelter called “bus stop” which was pulled down for safety purpose after a car had terribly rammed into it. The only option left was to pull down the entire structure. The Government of Enugu State believes it has a duty to prioritize lives. Rather than amending the bus shelter, it saw wisdom in raising a new one. That’s what good governance is all about.

    On seeing this, these social media cockroaches took to the media to celebrate what they tagged “government downfall”. A government that has given them everything, and created an enabling environment for them to realise their business potential. In their desperation, they called out the state government and accused the management of constructing inferior bus shelter. When I saw the false information, I smiled and told my friend to ignore the dirty job as coming from uninformed e-mice being sponsored by some faceless and fast relevant-waning politicians. They had succeeded in exposing their ignorance and level of literacy. It was not only shameful but embarrassingly acute. Yet they want to be handed over with leadership mantle. They are also hungry for appointments where they’d end up becoming a burden and liability to the state.

    To set the record straight, some videos were released by Louis Amoke, a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, showing where the structure was being pulled down by site engineers. It took the engineers time to demolish the solid structure going by the content of the videos. The response was impressive and timely. It painted a vivid picture of the supposed mysteries beclouding the misinformation. It also reassured the good people of Enugu state about the government’s commitment to consolidate on its myriad of achievements. Of course, the clarification, which the social media cockroaches never bothered to inquire, was a big blow to the e-media gangsters. It was like a sledgehammer falling on the tiniest ant.

    After the release of the videos, it was my expectation that these social media gangsters on rampage would tender unreserved apologies and remorsefully pulled down their fake and malicious news and hate speech against the government and the good people of Enugu state. However, they are yet to do that. All thanks to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who has continued to accommodate opposition voices; both reasonable and maliciously induced, and has, in his peaceful posture, refused to raise an eyebrow against the state’s detractors.

    Should these unreasonable and ill-motivated attacks on the administration have occurred in other states, these purveyors and sponsored peddlers of fake news and criminal defamation would by now, be cooling their heels somewhere within the confine of the law. The Governor has shown magnanimity in victory and his name will continue to resonate within the global cycle of those with the philosophy of peace. Thanks to the Governor for allowing the sane and insane to express themselves. The Governor has shown that his large heart in the face of provocation and this is why many have been routing for someone like him to be considered for Nigeria President in 2023. Next time these “copy and paste” e-mice are pasting, a little investigation and inquiry will save them from embarrassment, and save them from trouble.

     
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  • Sunday Igboho: Yoruba Nation rally on 3rd July

    Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho has vowed to proceed with the planned Yoruba Nation rally in Lagos.

     

    The Nation reports Igboho will storm Lagos on Saturday July 3 alongside other agitators for the Yoruba Nation rally.

     

    Hinged on the heels of similar rallies held across southwest States including Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, and Ondo, the pro-Yoruba nation protesters vowed not to back down or get intimated by any threats.

     

    Igboho, who spoke through his spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki during a live video chat monitored by The Nation, stated that there is no going back on the Yoruba Nation peaceful rally slated for Ojota Park, Lagos.

     

    He said: “We are sending a peaceful message to Governor Sanwo-Olu. We do not mind any other person who is saying we should not come to Lagos.

     

    “Sanwo-Olu is the chief security officer of the land and we are coming to Lagos.

     

     

    “July 3rd is the most important date; nobody cannot say we should not come to Lagos. It is a peaceful rally.

     

    “We have gone to Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti and we had peaceful rallies, so nobody can stop us from not coming to Lagos.”

     

    His ardent supporter Ololade Alaba Shomuyiwa aka Baba Confirm, Prophet of El Adonai Cherubim and Seraphim International Bible Ministries, berated those discouraging Yoruba Nation protesters from participating in the p lanned Lagos rally.

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.sunnewsonline.com

  • Fathers Day: Fathers urged to unite in building the nation

    As Nigeria join the rest of the world to commemorate the International Father’s Day, Senate Chief Whip and Senator representing Abia North senatorial district, Orji Uzor Kalu, has urged fathers to unite to surmount the nation’s current economic and security challenges.

     

    Describing fathers as soldiers of Christ, the former Abia State governor, admitted that though Nigeria is going through some problems, fathers in the nation have a pivotal role to play to overcome the problems.

     

     

     

    The chief whip made this known in a goodwill message during a special Sunday Mass at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral, Abuja to mark the Father’s Day celebration.

     

    Kalu tasked the nation’s fathers to rise to the occasion of defending the Church and the nation at large.

     

    He appreciated fathers’ efforts at home in raising citizens for the larger society, adding that they also ensured needs of the family are provided.

     

     

     

    “Our commitment as Nigerians and fathers shall never be in vain. I urge all fathers in the country to put their heads together in the best interest of our nation. As a nation, we are in pains as a result of the security challenges that we are passing through.

     

    “Fathers should stand up as soldiers of Christ and defend the Church and Nigeria at large. As fathers, we must continue to advocate peace and unity in diversity beginning from our homes,” he said.

     

    The ambience of the church was lightened up as Kalu donated over N2 million to the Catholic Men Organisation (CMO), Catholic Women Organisation and officiating Catholic priests.

     

    In his response, Rev. Father Charles congratulated fathers and acknowledged that the roles of fathers in nation building cannot be over-emphasised.

     

    The Catholic cleric also urged fathers to register with CMO and lamented the refusal of some fathers in the church to join the organisation. He outlined the numerous benefits of aligning with the forum, while urging unregistered fathers to join the association.

     

    Earlier, the church conferred an award of patrons of the CMO on Joe  Ezie and Emmanuel Umoh.

     

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.sunnewsonline.com

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    Contents provided and/or
    Opinions expressed here do not reflect
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    or any employee thereof.

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  • Opinion: Democracy Day: Gov. Ugwuanyi’s Peace Apostleship — Paradigm In A Troubled Nigeria

    Democracy Day: Gov. Ugwuanyi’s Peace Apostleship — Paradigm In A Troubled Nigeria

    By Okenwa Cyril

     

    When the Prof. Humphrey Nwosu-led National Electoral Commission prior to 1993 general elections chose June 12, 1993 as the date for the presidential election, little or, at all did Nwosu and his men, and indeed all Nigerians know that an epochal date of political history had been marked in the calendar of Nigeria’s political life. After protracted but due consideration of the totality of the circumstances and fallouts of the annuled June 12, 1993 presidential election, the current federal government administration declared June 12 as the new Democracy Day in Nigeria, among other related considerations to immortalise the late Chief MKO Abiola who has gone down in history as the martyr of Democracy in Nigeria.

    Democracy Day and the attendant celebrations and reflections offer us a solemn moment and definite opportunity to evaluate our Democracy as a catalyst in our national journey to the promised land. This year’s Democracy Day marking makes it the third thus far since this Buhari-led federal government changed it from May 29 to June 12, thus heeding to that elongated push and call by Nigerians, especially the Yorubas to that effect.

    In this political dispensation, it is indeed gratifying to note that we’ve witnessed twenty two years of uninterrupted democracy. But the one million dollar question staring us as a people in the face is: Have we really deepened this democracy? And I reckon that the assertive answer is ‘no’. Unless we self-deceptively choose to hoodwink ourselves, the answer is ‘no’ to the degree that the principles of democracy are fragrantly abused in the country. The answer remains ‘no’ as long as democratic institutions are indiscriminately desecrated in our nation. The answer surely is ‘no’ to the extent that federal character principle is flouted in federal appointments especially in key and critical areas. The answer unfortunately remains ‘no’ as security of lives and property in practical terms is at its all-time lowest despite being enshrined in the constitution as the primary essence of government. ‘No’ surely is the answer in the face of severe threat to the corporate existence of the nation. It is a blatant ‘no’ to the extent avoidable sweeping, excruciating hunger and hardship grind the citizenry. The answer is an unavoidable ‘no’ to the extent the third arm of our governmental system, The Judiciary is justifiably disgruntled over its financial autonomy culminating into a nation-wide strike from April 6 to June 10 this year. Nigeria’s democracy remains a mirage until the flawed extant 1999 Constitution as amended is replaced with a people-oriented one that is born out of a robust framework of national constitutional conference. The answer to this yearning national question shall remain ‘no’ until the nation is diligently rescued from the precipice of collapse.

    Despite the horrors of this time. Despite the heightening outcry. Despite the extent of the retardedness and callous deviation by the political class from the noble, progressive and prosperous path sacrificially charted by our founding fathers, there still remains a sprinkling of good and credible political leaders, and even potential ones; and we can find solace in the glimmer of hope they offer.

    It is in view of this backdrop that the impulsive recognition to beam the spotlight on an outstanding leader and democrat of note, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi, The Executive Governor of Enugu State, takes preeminence in this discourse going forward.

    Taking a journey into the glorious and well-decorated world of Governor Ugwuanyi’s achievements, the spotlight focuses on his Peace heroics as we mark the edition of Democracy Day of a year in which our nation is faced with the monstrous challenges of a brewing war and variegated degrees and types of crises culminating into a rising crescendo of tension in the land. The situation and mood of the nation call for *peace mapping*. In so doing, attention should be shifted to apostles of peace.

    *”Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God” Gospel of Matthew chapter 5 vs 9.*

    His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Lawrence Ugwuanyi, The Executive Governor of Enugu State is a natural peace maker. His magic wand in peace-making, peace-building, peace delivery, peace sustenance and conflict management from the perspective of governance is provenly unrivaled.

    No sooner than this charismatic Governor assumed office on May 29, 2015 did he put on his thinking cap to advance a paradigm that will guarantee organic peace, serenity and pervasive calmness within the Enugu geographical space. In this regard, Governor Ugwuanyi from the date of his oath of office, committed Enugu State into the ever-protective hands of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and, the awesome God of David.

    Worthy of praise is his wisdom in taking cognizance of the fact that good governance is synonymous with peace. In furtherance of this, he adopted the *bipartisan approach to governance* early enough in his excellent initiative for entrenching *organic peace* in the state. I am convinced it is practical correctness to say that peace is natural in him and with him. I still vividly remember how he even before initial oath of office, intervened in a highly-tensed quarrel that broke out between his then outgoing predecessor and the State House of Assembly members. The then outgoing governor was coercively seeking the House’s approval for the collection of a humongous loan amount with very few days to leaving office. Ugwuanyi by then was the governor-elect awaiting swearing-in. The matter generated some heat. It took Ugwuanyi’s dexterous intervention to wade in and quench the fire still a governor-elect. A tough-skinned individual, or rather someone not given to peace-making might have stayed aloof relying on its technical correctness.

    Governor Ugwuanyi in his administration’s six years journey so far, has built bridges across divides and camps in the state. He has dexterously reconciled sworn political enemies and extinguished the destructive fire of rival political blocs and dynasties in Enugu State. Also he has satisfactorily managed the herdsmen menace in most areas of the state, and brokered peace between the herdsmen and the host communities. Credit must be given to Governor Ugwuanyi for resolving the age-long conflict that rocked Oruku and Umuode communities in Nkanu East LGA. This landmark conciliation which was achieved last two years by His Excellency had defied a litany of earlier conciliations. The Governor has dutifully and resolutely ensured there is an aura of peace across Enugu State.

    It was this trait in him that the PDP hierarchy in Wadata Plaza, Abuja saw and assigned him to lead the party’s delegation to conduct gubernatorial primary election for PDP ”warlords” in Ondo state last year. He embarked on the Ondo mission with nothing but victory in his mind. He arrived Ondo on the eve of the election and amazingly switched on the Diplomat in him. It is still unbelievable the impressive rhetorics and charisma he used on them respectively in making in-roads into their hearts for a shift in their hardstands. The candidates needed to go into the election with the spirit of sportsmanship. He took his time to address all and sundry. He was conscious of delivering a good conduct of primary election whose outcome would be acceptable to all. He masterfully controlled proceedings from the beginning to the end with a clear head, requisite vigour and manifest neutrality. And in the end, the delegation relying on the sterling leadership he provided, achieved the set objectives as it all ended in praises. Governor Ugwuanyi’s heroics in that Ondo assignment are still resonating in national political discussions. In a society that works; in a society that celebrates quality and competence when spotted, that Ondo delivery, his earlier sterling qualities and experience in the National Assembly, and his increasing catalogue of achievements as a governor, cumulatively are enough to provoke a clarion call to him to come and serve the nation as a president or vice president.

    Unprecedented is the staggering volume of accolades, encomiums and awards pouring in from diverse quarters for His Excellency over his enviable Peace apostleship. Just to mention but a few, during the last Independece Day celebrations, he was inducted as the first Fellow of the Institute of Peace, Conflict and Development Studies (IPCDS) of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Enugu by the Board of the Institute in total agreement with the University Management. Also recently, the Global Society for Anti-Corruption (GSAC), appointed His Excellency as a Global Peace Ambassador. Furthermore, on 23rd March, 2021 as Governor Ugwuanyi marked his 57th Birthday, Arewa Youth Forum (AYF) while presenting its birthday felicitation to the governor, lauded him ”for his untiring efforts in ensuring peace, national unity and economic prosperity”. They presented him with an award to that effect. Various other umbrellla associations of Northerners in Enugu as well as those of other parts of the country resident in Enugu are continually heaping unfettered praises and appreciation on Governor Ugwuanyi for deepening harmonious co-existence in the state through his accomodative governance style. Also, it is pertinent to note that the General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor E. A. Adeboye visited Enugu recently for a crusade and was full of praises for His Excellency’s Peace strides in Enugu state as well as his over-all myriad of achievements. On the 6th of this month(June), the continuous award-winning governor also emerged as the Champion Newspapers Most Outstanding Security and Peaceful Governor of the year 2020. The event was held in Lagos.

    Severally and for a very long time now, Enugu State under Governor Ugwuanyi’s watch has been dubbed the most peaceful and safest state in Nigeria and this has no doubt increased the confidence of investors that have identified Enugu State as an investment destination.

    Another index of Governor Ugwuanyi’s Peace posture is tolerance. Tolerance doubles also as an attribute of democracy thus, highlighting the connectivity between the two concepts. The governor in recognizing the place of freedom of speech & expression in modern democracy by his nature allows Ndi Enugu safe space, even to an excessive extent to raise critiques, thereby welcoming and noting every shade of opinion, and in the process, tolerating vilifications. He never feels pushed as a person. I feel there is more of his piety to it. His devoutness to God in the context of Nigerian politician remains a food for thought.

    All these suffice to conclude no wonder even APC topnotch members from other states and from the presidency do not resist the impulse to pay glowing tributes to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi, The Executive Governor of Enugu State each time they have a reason to visit Enugu. All the accolades are iron-cast testaments that Governor Ugwuanyi, Gburu Gburu as he is fondly called, is a *true democrat* and also, *an apostle of peace*.

    In conclusion, as we despite the odds mark this year’s Democracy Day, let us as a people courageously look into the future with renewed zeal for our fatherland strengthened by God and inspired by the hope those like Ugwuanyi of Enugu state offer.

    God bless Nigeria.

    ENUGU STATE IS IN THE HANDS OF GOD

    OKENWA CYRIL is a public affairs analyst.

  • This isn’t Democracy

     

     

    THE son of the acclaimed winner of the June 12 presidential election, Kola Abiola, has said Nigeria’s democracy the way it was currently being practiced was not what his late father, Chief MKO Abiola, and several Nigerians died for.

     

    He further said it was not the kind of democracy several Nigerians laid down their lives on the line for. The younger Abiola, said this during the Tribe Naija, 2021 Democracy Day Fireside chat, with the theme: ‘This thing Called Democracy,’ in Abuja, on Saturday.

    Abiola said, “I am not impressed with the democracy that we are in today, because it is not what my father and others died for. Is not what they put their lives on the line for.

     

    “And I want to make sure we get what they will be proud of in their graves. The mantle is now for me to make sure that happens and that is what I mean by completing that bridge.”

     

    Abiola called for a positive disruption of the system to bring about the kind of change that will make Nigeria work for all citizens irrespective of religious, ethnic, political affiliation and social status.

     

    He noted that the Tribe Naija platform, under which the dialogue was being hosted, was designed to bring together young Nigerians who have the passion to think outside the box to bring about a positive change in the country.

     

    Read Also

    The spirit of democracy and its enemies

    Nigeria: Pains and gains of democracy

    MKO Abiola won’t be happy democracy has become autocracy –Gani Adams

    Abiola said, “So, let us not make a mistake about the system. There is no system. We have inherited a system and it is time we turn that system on its head. The system just throws up what they want us to have and we have to pick from what they throw up for us to vote for.

     

     

     

    “We will change that on this platform. Because our numbers will count and we will have a say. You will know exactly the numbers we have at ward, local and state basis through this platform. I am committed to m aking that happen.”

     

     

     

     

    Source: www.punchng.com

  • [ANALYSIS] Enugu 2023: As Nkanu convenes the Mother of all Rallies

    [ANALYSIS] Enugu 2023: As Nkanu convenes the Mother of all Rallies

    By Onochie Jon-Igwesi

    For a while now, from the position of the President of Nigeria, to the Gubernatorial positions of most states of the country, the discourse on virtually everyone’s lips has been the issue of adherence or otherwise to the principle of rotation and/or zoning of political offices among geopolitical and senatorial zones of the country and states respectively.

    While Nigerians of the Southeast extraction have continued to clamor loudly for a Nigerian President of Igbo extraction, Enugu state, the capital and bride of the South has not been left out. The question has been, which senatorial zone will produce the next Governor of the state after the incumbent serves out his term? Pundits believed the answer was clear cut, in favor of Enugu East Senatorial Zone, oblivious of the fact that something unusual was cooking.

    The political atmosphere has been rife with rumors of attempts to distort the cyclic movement adopted by most parts of the state since 1999, and arguably by sheer providence, since 1979.

     

    Enugu East Senatorial Zone, the zone whose turn it is to produce the next Governor of the state come 2023 based on the rotation and zoning appeared quiet for a while, while watching the discussions, arguments, counter arguments and opinions of citizens of Enugu State. To some, it did seem like the very respected Senatorial Zone wasn’t ready for the top job of the state.

    This assumed position of the zone has since changed since the stakeholders meeting of Enugu East Senatorial Zone on April 18, 2021. It is in line with the belief of every progressive Enugu citizen and in support of the performing Executive Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, that the Enugu East Senatorial Zone convenes the mother of all rallies tagged “Oganiru Enugu East Senatorial District”. This rally provides the zone the opportunity to assure ndi Enugu that they appreciate their acknowledgement of the existence of the rotational principle in the state and their support to their zone to produce the next Governor of the state.

    Enugu East Senatorial District is poised, more than ever, to take the reins of the state and ride her to glory come 2023.

    Be a part of history and keep a date with them on 17th May, 2021 by 11am at the Michael Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu.

    The moment Enugu East Senatorial Zone is done with this rally, they must go back home to work out an equitable micro zoning formula. If this is not insisted on, like they’re insisting on zoning, their house may come crashing like a pack of cards.