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Rivers Crisis: “Bomber Is Wike Supporter” – RVSG Alleges

June 30, 2024

By Charles Igbo

Not a few Nigerians were shocked on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, when an explosive device was detonated in front of Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The questions were why?, and how? To detonate an explosive in front of the Hotel is serious, especially, as it happened when Federal Lawmakers, on an oversight assignment, were lodged in the Hotel, not to forget that the area is a very busy area.

Whoever was (were) responsible for that wanted it to have a maximum effect.

However, the opposite was the case. A twist of fate set in. As the bomb exploded, the alleged bomber was the most affected and serious victim.

Semi-conscious, he was quickly spirited away by his “colleagues” in the destabilisation business of Rivers State. Nobody, as at then, knew his identity.

But to effect his arrest, the Rivers State Government played smart. Its Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, issued an order and alerted all Health Facilities in the State to be on the watch out for any person with explosive-related injuries and report to both the State Government and the Police State Command.

That did the magic. His friends took him to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital where they dumped him and lied that he was a victim of a traffic accident. They disappeared.

A look at him, and the medical team confirmed they lied. As soon as he was stabilised, they reported as was requested.

On Saturday, June 29, the State Government made public the bomber’s identity. In a statement signed by Nelson Chukwudi, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the suspected bomber was identified as Josiah Preye, University graduate, and an alleged supporter of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. He is, also, a staff of Sky Packing Materials Trd: LLC, and a Port Harcourt resident.

Proof: A video released by the Government showed Preye actively participating in a pro-Wike protest in Port Harcourt same day as the incident took place, and also showed him lying down on his hospital bed.

Wike and Fubara are engaged in a messy fight over the control of the State.

Following, full text of the statement released by the Rivers State Government.

BUSTED: ASSOCIATES OF RIVERS FAILED BOMBER, JOSIAH PREYE

“On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, ardent loyalists of the former Governor of Rivers State and Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, entered Day 2 of their so-called pro-police protest to press home a smokescreen of the veiled narrative that they support the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) decision to barricade and deny staff and officials of the third tier of government in the 23 local government areas access to their offices to perform their constitutional duties and advance democracy in the state and country.

“The narrative was anchored on their agitation for tenure elongation by six months for the former elected local government chairmen and councillors, whose statutory three-year term had expired at midnight of June 17, 2024, and therefore, constitutionally barred from continuing to serve in that capacity, except their mandates are renewed through a fresh election, and are sworn-in again after taking a new oath of office administered by appropriate judicial officer.

“But for a group, which claimed that they were on the side of the law, and embarking on ‘peaceful’ protest in support of law enforcement agents, to hire, empower and embolden thugs, suicide bombers, cultists, anarchists, and all manner of criminals, does not add up.

“This is Josiah Preye, hired together with other thugs, cultists, anarchists, and violent extremists, all sponsored by the likes of former Speaker, state House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule; member representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, former Obio/Akpor Local Government Council chairman, Barrister George Ariolu; Chief of Staff to FCT Minister, Chidi Amadi; President General of GDI, Bright Amaewhule; Timothy alias General Whosky; among others; who are all core unrepentant loyalists of Nyesom Wike.

“Josiah Preye was part of the protest on Monday – Day 1 of the protest – and on Day 2, he is seen in this video carrying improvised explosive device, with specific instructions on how to use, where and when to detonate the device.

“He is one, among others, in the crowd paid by the sponsors of the evil protest to cause anarchy and chaos in the state with the major aim of justifying their call for a state of emergency in Rivers State, so that they can usurp power from the back door, since they know that Rivers people have rejected them in their various positions.

“Again, their ploy was to create pandemonium with the explosive device while they matched the streets to demand for tenure elongation for local government chairmen who had served out their statutory three-year tenure.

“They chose near Hotel Presidential on the very busy Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway, where some Senators and House of Representatives committee members on oversight functions in the State were lodging, to detonate the device but it failed. Nemesis rather caught up with Josiah Preye, and the explosive devise caused severe harm and injuries to the hunter – Josiah Preye. The hunter is now the hunted, Josiah Preye is now battling with karma, and the God who sees the hearts of the wicked and unleashes vengeance against their evil plots, is fighting for the innocents and real law-abiding citizens and liberated residents of the state.

“Their plan to get reason to support their call for a state of emergency and scuttle the God-ordained administration currently providing good governance and dividends of democracy to the people of the State, failed woefully.

“And by the special grace of God, they will continue to fail and falter.

“Security agencies should act now, and bring all those involved in the failed bombing in Port Harcourt to face justice.

“Josiah Preye is a graduate of Imo State University, Owerri; works at Sky Packing Materials Trd: LLC, and lives in Port Harcourt.”

Obi Remains Role Model to Youths and Political Class – Archbishop Ugorji

The Source

June 30, 2024

Donates N10 million to the College of Nursing Sciences, Emekuku

The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese and Proprietor of Holy Rosary College of Nursing Sciences, Emekuku, has described the leader of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, as an obvious role model, not just to the youths in society, but to the political class of the nation. The cleric eulogised Obi for his humility, compassion and care for society.

Ugorji made the remarks at Holy Rosary College of Nursing Sciences, Emekuku, Imo State, when Mr Peter Obi visited the Nursing School and donated N10 million as part of his commitment to building a robust healthcare sector in the nation.

The Archbishop explained that right from Obi’s years as the Governor of Anambra State, Obi has remained a true citizen of the nation who is consumed by the desire to contribute to the progress and development of the nation. He confirmed that through his decent lifestyle, Obi has continued to inspire millions of youths to do what is right.

“The political class should begin to emulate Mr Peter Obi, who though not in government, has continued to use his resources to contribute to the nation’s development and make life better for the people.

“He lives above the walls of tribal and religious divisions to care for society. We follow the news and we see how he travels around the nation from the North to the South, East and West. He remains a shining example of citizenship to the youth and the political class. May God bless his endeavours, and grant his sincere desire to lead the nation better,” Archbishop Ugorji said.

Addressing the nursing and midwifery students, Obi maintained that investing in health, which is a critical measure of development remains a vital tool for development.

He appreciated the management and staff of the institution for their efforts while encouraging the students to remain committed to their studies.

Why NAF Invests In Education – Chief Of Air Staff

Ayodele Oni

June 30, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar has said that the safety, wellbeing and academic excellence of students of Air Force comprehensive and secondary schools remains paramount.

He maintained that any attempt to infringe on such priorities will not be tolerated.

This is contained in a statement by Air Vice Marshall Edward Gabkwet,

Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force.

While interacting with the Commandant and some staff of Air Force Comprehensive School, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Air Marshal Abubakar also stated that any act of negligence on the part of commandants, staff or instructors in charge of NAF schools nationwide that leads to injury or threat to life of any student would not be tolerated.

According to him, “It is your responsibility to follow laid down guidelines as well as other means in identifying red flags that may indicate gaps or lapses within your school environments so as to forestall avoidable incidents or tragedies.

“I will not condone any act that would lead to injuries or the death of any of our students.”

The statement added that, the CAS also stressed that the NAF remains dedicated and committed to providing a conducive learning environment, ensuring the overall development of students, and empowering them to reach their full potential.

He called on commandants and staff of NAF schools to always ensure they put the interest of the students first before any other interest.

Air Marshal Abubakar noted that NAF’s investment in education is a vital aspect of its welfare package, aimed at supporting the families of personnel as well as those of civilians, while also contributing to the nation’s human capital development.

“It is also part of its soft power strategy aimed at endearing it to the populace and enabling it to engage with the civil populace through the provision of affordable and qualitative education for their wards.”

NAF currently runs 13 secondary schools nationwide consisting of nine boarding and four day schools with a total strength of 11,177 students as well as 21 primary schools spread across the country with a total strength of 13, 758 pupils.

Its oldest secondary school, Air Force Military School, Jos, was established in 1980, while its oldest primary school, Air Force Primary School, Ikeja, was established in 1976.

Currently, the NAF is building additional schools at NAF Bases located at Abuja, Bauchi, Kaduna and Igbara-Oke in Ondo State, all expected to come on stream by September 2024.

Baby, Seven Others Die In Borno Bomb Blast

Ayodele Oni

June 30, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Eight persons were confirmed killed and 15 others sustained various degrees of injuries following a bomb explosion in Borno State on Saturday.

Borno State Police Command who confirmed the incident stated that it happened at Gwoza Local Government Area of the State.

Police Public Relations Officer ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso reported that the tragic incident occurred on June 29, 2024, at approximately 15:40 hours.

According to police account, a woman carrying a baby detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at a busy motor park in Mararaba T. Junction in Gwoza town.

The explosion claimed the lives of the woman, her baby, and six others, with fifteen individuals who sustained injuries currently receiving treatment at General Hospital Gwoza.

Deputy Senate President Mourns Victims Of Juma’at Service Tragic Accident

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 29, 2024

Senator Jibrin Barau- Deputy Senate President

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, has extended his condolences to the families, friends and relations of the victims of Friday’s tragic road mishap in Kano.

The Source reports that, a Kano City-bound truck rammed into returning Friday worshipers in Imawa town Kura local council of Kano State.

The tragic incident left 14 persons dead and several others injured as confirmed by the Kano sector of the Federal Roads Safety Corps FRSC.

In a statement issued by the Command’s Spokesperson, Abdullahi Labaran, nine out of the 14 victims have been buried while several other injured persons are currently receiving medical attention at a facility in Kano.

In a statement issued by his Media aide, Ismail Mudashihir, on Saturday June 29, 2024 ,Senator Barau, who is also from Kano State, prayed for the repose of the souls of the dead ,and timely healing of the injured.

“With profound sadness, we mourn the tragic loss of 14 worshipers crushed by a trailer after Juma’at prayers on Friday in Kano.

Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the victims. We offer our deepest condolences in this hour of unimaginable grief.

We pray for the souls of the departed to rest in Aljanatul Firdausi and for the Almighty Allah to grant strength and comfort to those they have left behind.” the statement further reads.

Abia Based Indigenous Firm To Roll Out 40,000 Units Of Electric And CNG Powered Vehicles Annually

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 29, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Roxettes, an indigenous vehicle manufacturing plant is set to kick-start operations at its 40 000 annual automobile units assembling plant in Obu-Aku, Ukwa East Local Council of Abia State. This heart-warming venture will begin in October 2024.

This is just as the promoter, Dr Kaycee Orji lauded Governor Alex Otti for creating the enabling environment for the dream of adding to the number of indigenous vehicle productions outfits in the country to be realised.

Dr Orji who announced the proposed date of rolling out the first set of automobiles from the stable of Roxetes during a visit to Abia State Governor on Friday, June 28, 2024, also, informed that all necessary equipment needed to start production will be in place before the end of August this year.

The Abia State-born progenitor of the second indigenous Vehicle Assembly plant, after Innoson Motors, expressed happiness that what merely began a year ago as a dream ,has come to fruition ,owing to the unwavering support received from the State Government.

” I told you about my plans to have an assembling plant and you asked me to bring it to Abia. Iam very grateful to Your Excellency for the very peaceful business atmosphere you have created in Abia.

“Everything you promised us, you have fulfilled .Your Excellency promised us land where we would build the plant and in less than a month, you gave us an offer letter and Certificate of Occupancy .

“I have to inform you that construction is seriously ongoing at Obu-Aku City. We call it Eco-Drive Green Tech Metropolis because we have in mind to do a whole lot of things within that space.

“And ,one of the things we are doing already is the construction of the assembling plant.

“The plant will see us roll out about forty thousand (40,000) units of automobiles per annum and seventy percent (70 %) of the production would be mainly innovative products like electric vehicles and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) driven vehicles.

“The world is migrating to sustainable energy and we don’t want to sit back and watch the world move and Nigeria and Abia state are not doing anything.

“We considered Abia state as the most favourable environment to start because of current leadership .So we are going to start assembling electric vehicles in that space this year .

:Secondly, we are going to have another production line there which is a CNG conversion plant .What it means is that we are going to have the CNG kits installed there and then the CNG cylinders so that people can run on cheaper and cleaner energy.

“We have produced our CNG generators in China, and they will be leaving China next month so that we don’t bother or stress the already national grid since we already have gas lines that pass through the location.

“About 1,000 Abians and Nigerians will be employed directly by the time we come on stream in October this year.”

Responding Governor Otti expressed joy over the development ,and for being briefed on the progress so far made to actualize the vision .

The Governor also expressed the hope that with time, the outfit will migrate from an assembling to a full scale manufacturing plant.

“We love that the vehicles are going to be assembled here. But ,we will be happier ,if we begin to manufacture them here .

“We understand how manufacturing happens .The way vehicles manufacturing happen is that you will still have to buy some parts from somebody else. If you want to sit down and manufacture everything from beginning to the end ,then you can not achieve much.

“But the most important thing is that you put together all the things at a particular location.

You have emblem that indicates that the vehicle is manufactured in Nigeria .

“That is the joy .The other thing is local content . So when you take a complete vehicle and look at components ,where are they from?

“Doing what we call backward integration is very necessary and you don’t need to produce all those parts .Somebody can produce brakes somewhere and another can produce rubber .

“We want to get to a level where you can replicate some of those things in Aba .Our people are very creative ,Just show them what to do .They may not finish it the way ,they are finished in China,but a journey of a thousand miles starts with one step” Governor Otti noted

Otti informed that as a way of further encouraging the project, the State Government will soon embark on the construction of a dual carriage way from the PortHarcourt/Enugu Express Way to the host community of the plant.

“I know we worked out the equity of the state on evaluation of land ,which I believe is less than two percent (2%) . So ,in due course we will want to look at it and see if we can increase our equity to use it to support you”, Gov Otti further stated.

“Killings Of Security Personnel, Calculated Plan To Make Abia Ungovernable” – Group Alleges

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 29, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A Civil Society Group, Coalition of Southeast Youth Leaders, COSEYL, has raised alarm over alleged orchestrated moves by some forces to make Abia State ungovernable.

This is even as it condemned, in strongest terms, Friday’s unprovoked attacks on a police formation in Aba, which resulted in the gruesome killing of two police personnel and the destruction of several properties of innocent people.

The Source reports that some unidentified gunmen late Friday, June 28, 2024, unleashed an attack on a Police Station in the Ogbor-Hill area of the commercial nerve centre of Aba, Abia State.

Eye witness account said the gunmen who operated in a Toyota Sienna vehicle, on arrival, began to shoot indiscriminately at the Police Personnel on duty, leaving them with little or no option to defend themselves.

Some market women and others selling vegetables and other food items close to the Police formation were forced to abandon their wares and scampered to safety.

Although,there were no civilian casualties as at the time of reporting , the wares of the traders littered the roads, along side other individual properties .

Police authorities have not reacted at the time of reporting. The Spokesperson for the Abia Police Command, Chilaka Maureen, ASP, when contacted by this Magazine, said the Police will make available its statement as soon as it is ready.

But the COSEYL, in a statement issued by its President General, Goodluck Ibem, on Saturday,June 29, while describing the attack as unfortunate heartbreaking, barbaric and senseless ,wondered how anybody and/or group of persons will allow themselves to be used in perpetrating such a heinous crime against humanity .

“These spates of attacks and killings of security agents in Abia state are well calculated attempts by some criminal actors to make the State and other Southeast States ungovernable.

“But we are assuring them that their evil plans are dead on arrival. Abia is a peaceful State, with hardworking residents ,and no amount of blackmail, subterfuge and intimidation will distract them.

“We are also commiserating with the Nigeria Police Force over this unfortunate incident.

“We call on security agencies to work assiduously to ensure that the perpetrators of this dastardly act are apprehended and brought to book.

“We stand solidly behind the Abia state Governor Dr Alex Otti, in his determined efforts to reposition the state . Abia will be great again,no matter the evil plans of enemies” the COSEYL stated

The Police killings comes on the heels of the yet-to-be resolved murder of five Nigerian soldiers on a peace keeping mission on May 30 2024.

Some yet-to-be identified gunmen had ambushed the soldiers at a military check point at Obikabia junction close to the Ogbor-Hill area of Aba ,razed their operational vehicles ,and mauled down five soldiers, three of them, indigenes of Abia State.

“Execution of Four National Budgets Concurrently, Recipe For Frivolity” – Obi cries Out

The Source

June 29, 2024

The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi has picked a hole with the implementation of four national budgets running concurrently and describes it as a recipe for chaos and frivolity.

Writing on his X handle on Saturday, the LP standards bearer said it’s a flagrant disregard for fiscal responsibility, transparency and accountability.

According to the former Anambra State Governor, “All available evidence has confirmed that the Nigerian government is implementing four national budgets concurrently. This is in blatant disregard for fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability.

“It is also a recipe for chaos, confusion, and catastrophe.

“This intentionally action will lead to frivolous items in the approved budgets competing with essential projects for limited resources, further exacerbating the suffering of the Nigerian people.

“It indicates that the Leaders are out of touch with reality and lack the competence to manage our nation’s finances effectively.

“Unfortunately, this deliberate act of fiscal recklessness is being undertaken by elected representatives of the people, thereby betraying one of the cardinal pillars of democracy. Leaders are elected to responsibly manage public resources in an organized

way.

“I respectfully appeal and in fact, demand that this situation be reversed immediately in preference for a more responsible and transparent approach to budgeting.

“We must prioritize the needs of the Nigerian people, not the selfish interests of a few.

“This is a call to action for all Leaders to desist from actions that will further drive the country into economic chaos.

“Neither the National Assembly nor the executive has any excuse to promote or condone such unconscionable behaviour.

“We seek and insist on a nation governed by leaders who are frugal and responsible in their handling of public resources.

“This is the only way we can build a great nation”.

NDLEA Partners ALGON To Tackle Drug Abuse In Local Communities

Akinwale Kasali

June 29, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

In a bid to curtail the intake of drugs among youths in Local Communities, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, have agreed to form a partnership to address the issues of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in communities nationwide, and, mostly, among youths.

Mohammed Marwa, NDLEA’s Chairman, said the partnership is necessary, as drug abuse and trafficking are more prevalent in local communities.

In a statement by the NDLEA signed by its spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the Agency’s Chairman urged Local Government Chairmen to ensure that people at the grassroots are well-sensitized about the dangers of abusing illicit drugs and also provide help for those already indulging in the unhealthy habit.

He was quoted as saying, “We are particularly happy that you’re here to identify with our work and partner with us because you are the closest tier of government to the people, especially the grassroots and our communities where the majority of Nigerians reside.

“This is more so because the drug scourge is in virtually all our communities, and no Community across the country is spared, as such, we need your partnership to cascade all our efforts in terms of drug demand reduction and even supply reduction, down to the remote communities.

“This partnership is also important coming at a time when we’re deploying our personnel to the local government areas to establish our physical presence in the rural communities so that we can support you to curb the scourge of drug abuse and illicit drug dealing, which fuel crimes and criminalities in those areas.”

Marwa encouraged the ALGON leaders to mobilise their members nationwide to set up Local Government Drug Control Committees and War Against Drug Abuse Committees.

He added that the Committees should comprise traditional rulers, religious leaders as well as market and women groups, among others at the community level.

He encouraged them to also take advocacy and drug tests as major components of their efforts when they return to their local governments to begin implementation of the various strategies discussed at the meeting.

He added that “to make drug tests easier, the Agency has mass-produced quality test kits easy to use at home, offices and others with the aim of early detection and providing treatment for those who test positive as well as engendering deterrence.”

ALGON National President, Aminu Maitafa, lamented the negative impact of drug abuse on the health, businesses and security of lives and property at the grassroots while expressing the commitment of the body to work with NDLEA to ensure that the ugly development is urgently reversed.

He said, “As the body of local governments in Nigeria, we appreciate the enormous work this Agency is doing under your leadership, and that is why we have come to partner with you so that we can collectively stamp out the drug abuse problem from our communities.”

He also assured that ALGON as a body, will place necessary structures that will facilitate the deployment of NDLEA personnel to their council areas.

Amidst Speculations Of Deposition, Miyetti Allah Warns Against Undermining The Dignity, Respect Of Sultanate Institution

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 29, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi and Ayodele Oni

The last about the speculated plans by the Sokoto State Government to depose or whittle down the authority of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, a retired Brigadier-General, may not have been heard despite denials by the State authorities.

On Saturday June 29,2024 Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, in Abuja, warned that nothing should be done to diminish the status and dignity of the Sultanate in the country.

This is even as the Sokoto State Government on Friday June 28, insisted that the embattled Sokoto District Heads, appointed by the Sultan remain deposed.

National President of MACBAN, Baba Othman Ngelzarma, in a statement, emphasized the need to protect and preserve the sanctity and respect of the Sultan as the leader of the Muslim Ummah in the Country.

He, therefore, called on political actors to desist from toying with the Sultanate institution which he noted has been in place for several hundreds of years.

The Leader of the Miyetti Cattle breeders condemned the alleged subtle moves by the Sokoto State Government to emasculate the Sultan.

“We believe that protecting and preserving the institution of the Sultanate is a cardinal responsibility of every right thinking person in the country.

“We call upon the Sokoto state Government, especially the Legislature ,to thread softly and do all that is necessary to preserve and protect the institution that represents an all- important ideology that created it.

“Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association MACBAN is worried by Media reports alleging that the Sokoto State Government intends to whittle down the powers of the Sultan.”MACBAN noted.

The group, however, expressed its solidarity with the Sultan ,as well as support for his leadership qualities.

“This is evident in his efforts to propagate religious and ethnic tolerance in Nigeria among diverse groups.

“His background as a military man, his resoluteness to speak the truth and his standing for the poor and underprivileged despite being an aristocrat makes him a model for leaders to emulate.”

Nasiru Binji , the Sokoto State Commissioner for Justice, while fielding questions from the Media, noted that the Court order that hitherto restrained the State Government from deposing the District Heads has elapsed.

“The duration of the order is 7 days . The order was given on the 13th of June, 2024, therefore, it elapsed on June 20” Binji insisted .

The Source reports that a Sokoto State High court had, on June 13 ,while ruling on an ex parte motion brought before it by some District Heads appointed by the Sultan, granted an interim injunction restraining the State Government from deposing them .

The State House of Assembly is currently perfecting a bill, that when operational, will strip the Sultan of the powers to appoint District Heads and other related Traditional Rulers without the consent of the State Government.

This piece of legislation was at the root of the alarm raised last week by the Muslim Rights Council alleging plans to dethrone the Sultan.

But despite repeatedly denying such a plan, fears still persist that the Sultanate institution may not be completely free from threat of disruption.

Vice President Kashim Shettima had, a couple of days ago, advised the Sokoto State Government to respect and, hold in reverence the Sultan of Sokoto because he is an institution. The State Government did not take kindly to that advice.

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