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IPOB: FG Rejects Kanu’s Plea For Settlement

June 20, 2024

The Federal Capital has rejected negotiated settlement in the ongoing trial of detained Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The Government made its position known on Wednesday after the IPOB strongman who is currently being tried for terrorism-related charges proposed an out of Court settlement.

During the resumed trial on Wednesday, Kanu’s lawyer, Alloy Ejimakor, told the Court that his client was ready to settle the issue with the Federal Government peacefully.

According to him, the proposal is based on Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act, which provides amicable resolution of such matters.

Kanu’s lawyer explained that he would seek negotiated settlement by activating the act if other options failed

Ejimakor stated, “Section 17 of Federal High Court Rules, states that in any proceedings, the court may consider reconciliation and settlement.”

But responding, lawyer to the federal government, Adegboyega Awomolo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said he had no power to enter into such agreement as his brief was different.

“If he is interested in negotiating, he knows the right place, the Attorney General of the Federation’s office,” Adegboyega said.

Recall that Kanu was arrested in Kenya in July 2021 after which he was extradited to Nigeria for trial.

Following his detention for three years, some notable leaders in the country have called for his release, and so did the United States of America. But the Federal Government has continued to hold on to him.

A court of Appeal had, in October, 2022, struck out the case against Kanu.

But in December 2023, the Supreme Court ordered his continued trial, saying the IPOB leader had a case to answer.

The country’s apex court had earlier struck out the case of terrorism against Kanu.

Tinubu Will Rescue Economy – Uzodimma

The Source

June 20, 2024

…Donates Buses To Correspondent Chapel, NAWOJ in Imo State

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma on Wednesday declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the vision and capacity to rescue Nigeria’s economy and make it the fastest growing one in Africa.

Governor Uzodimma spoke at an interactive session with journalists in Owerri, where he also gave two brand new, 14 seater buses to members of the Correspondent Chapel and the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in Imo State.

The Governor said he had no doubt that the current economic policies of the federal government under the leadership of President Tinubu would lead Nigeria to prosperity.

He noted that journalists needed to properly explain to Nigerians the benefits of the policies instead of trumpeting the side effects.

According to him, “although the populace are experiencing economic hardship occasioned by the policies, they would eventually enjoy the benefits.”

Governor Uzodimma maintained that the removal of fuel subsidy and merging of official and parallel exchange rates were courageous steps taken by President Tinubu to strengthen the economy.

The Governor regretted that instead of some notable Nigerians acknowledging the efforts of President Tinubu, they were busy demarketing the administration through the media.

He said that whereas the three major presidential candidates promised to end the regime of fuel subsidy, the other two who didn’t win are pretending otherwise.

He beckoned on the media to buy into the vision of President Tinubu in rebuilding the economy instead of allowing pessimists to take control of the media space.

His words: “Every discerning Nigerian knows that President Tinubu’s economic policies are sound and that they will salvage the country sooner than later.”

The Governor urged Nigerians to be patient with President Tinubu administration, saying that the current hardship was like a birth pang that would go away when the baby is born.

Meanwhile, the Governor donated two brand new buses to the Imo State Correspondents of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Imo State Chapter for their day-to-day operations and for being worthy partners with government for a better society.

The two affiliate bodies of the NUJ had paid a courtesy call on the Governor to introduce members of their newly elected executives and seek continuing partnership with government.

While congratulating them, the Governor enjoined the journalists to continue to be professional in the discharge of their duties and also spare a thought about the unity, growth and development of Nigeria in the course of discharging their duties.

Governor Uzodimma emphasised that all over the world governments partner with the media and that in Nigeria, outside the three arms of government, the press is the next recognised as “the fourth estate of the realm which makes the media very important for the State, the nation and the world at large.”

He advised them not to be deliberately antagonistic to any government “rather should show more commitment and be more objective and patriotic while reporting for the interest of the State and the nation at large.”

In their presentations earlier, the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), Comrade Ifeanyi Nwanguma had thanked the Governor for giving them the opportunity to have one-on-one with him, noting that he only came to introduce the new Executive members of the Correspondents Chapel and NAWOJ to him.

He formally congratulated the Governor on his reelection for a second tenure and promised continuing support of NUJ in the State to the administration.

The Chairman of Correspondent Chapel, Comrade Chinonso Alozie as well congratulated the Governor on his reelection and explained that the State’s Correspondents have decided to form better partnership with the Government for a better Imo State.

The State Chairman of NAWOJ, Dr. Dorothy Nnaji thanked the Governor for his fatherly, moral and financial support and informed that NAWOJ is involved in a lot of interventions, sensitization and enlightenment of rural women.

Both groups had reminded the Governor of his earlier promise of buses, noting that they needed them like yesterday to assist them in their operations.

The Correspondents had also pleaded with the Governor to resort the monthly stipend government pays them to cushion the hardship they are facing.

Highlight of the programme was the presentation of two brand new 14 Seater Buses to the Chairmen of the two bodies.

Uzodimma Swears-in Five New Commissioners

The Source

June 20, 2024

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has sworn-in five new Commissioners, bringing the total number of the Commissioners in the State to 30.

He did on Wednesday when Barr. Rex Anunobi, Dr. Henry Okafor, Dr. Ukaegbu Emeka Mandela, Prof. Victor Ndubuisi Nwachukwu and Prof. Ubaka Chukwuemeka Michael were unveiled at the new Executive Chambers Government Owerri.

After their swearing in, Governor Uzodimma charged them to bring in their experiences to bear in the recovery of the State’s economy and to serve Imo citizens better.

He said that their appointment was to help improve and build Imo State of our collective desire by taking it to a higher level, emphasising that his government is in a hurry to recover the State.

The Governor said going by the current situation of things in the State and the nation, it will not be business as usual, rather “it is now going to be an eye for an eye and a teeth for a teeth.”

He reiterated his zero tolerance for corruption warning or compromise of any sort from any appointee.

Finally, the Governor advised the new appointees to work harmoniously with their colleagues and to bear in mind that the motto of the present day Imo State is “prosperity is the name of the business.”

In their appreciation, Dr. Henry Okafor who spoke on behalf of his colleagues thanked the Governor for the opportunity given to them to serve and enjoined other expectant politicians not to lose hope.

Present at the swearing-in were the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the member representing Owerri zone in the Senate, Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, Rt. Hon. Jerry Alagbaso and members of State Expanded Executive Council.

Alleged Emergency Rule: “You Are On Your Own” – NNPP Disowns Kwankwaso

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 19, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The National leadership of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, on Wednesday June 19, 2024, strongly rejected the statement credited to its Presidential candidate in the last general elections Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, which suggested alleged plans by the Federal Government to impose a State of emergency in Kano.

It said the views canvassed by the former Kano State Governor do not represent those of the party.

It has also denied claims that Kwankwaso is the National Leader of the party.

The Source reports that Senator Kwankwaso had, on Monday, June 17, in Madobi, his home Local Council of Kano raised the alarm that some forces working in concert with the Federal authorities are harbouring plans to use the festering kano Emirate stool crisis as a launch pad to proclaim emergency rule in the State.

He vowed that the people are well positioned to resist the ploy.

His outburst has since drawn responses from the Presidency, the All Progressive Congress, APC, and the Kano State Police Command which he accused of insubordination and conspiracy in the emergency rule plans.

While Bayo Onanuga Presidential spokesperson dismissed the allegations as holding no water, the APC Kano Chapter, on Tuesday June 18, called for the arrest of the leader of the Kano Kwankwasiya political movement, over his “treasonable outburst”.

The Commissioner of Police Kano state ,CP Muhammad Hussaini Gumel equally perceived the allegations as distractive.

In a statement issued in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Abdulsalam Abdulrazaq, the NNPP described the allegations as unfounded and malicious.

The party further emphasised that its former Presidential candidate had long been expelled alongside his Kwankwasiyya followers over anti-party activities.

“Kwankwaso speaks for himself and we totally disagree with him on the allegation and undue interference in the Kano Emirate saga.

“It is an aberration for Kwankwaso to refer to himself as the National Leader of the NNPP. The party strongly believes the Emirate tussle in Kano state is an internal traditional issue and can be resolved by the indigenes of the state.

“As a party ,NNPP can not be dragged in to the Emirate tussle under any circumstances in spite the fact that the Governor is our member.” the NNPP noted.

Nnamdi Kanu Sues For Negotiated Settlement, Government Lawyer Says “Not My Brief”

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 19, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The spate of killings of both security agents and innocent civilians, as well as the horrifying regime of terror being foisted on most parts of the Southeast region of Nigeria ,are not in tandem with the founding principles of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu has said .

This is even as he insisted that he is not averse to a negotiated political settlement of his ongoing trial by the Federal Government.

The Leader of IPOB who spoke with the media at the Court premises during the continued hearing of the terrorism charges being pressed against him, by the Federal Government in Abuja on Wednesday June 19 2024, voiced his condemnation of the wanton killings in the region in the name of the liberation movement.

” I condemn in its entirety all of the killings because IPOB was founded on a non-violent principle ,and we maintain that stand .

“And some of these soldiers ,we were told , were also our people and their families are in mourning right now.

“So I condemn all the killings. I don’t want that. We are fighting for freedom. So how can we want violence? We want people to be free.

“We have suffered a lot in Africa, from slavery in Arabia, Europe and now slavery in America.

“This is when to focus on this Continent and be what God wants us to be so that they will know that we know what we are doing”, Kanu stated.

Alloy Ejimakor, his lead Counsel,while addressing the trial judge, Binta Nyako informed that he intends to, under the provisions of section 17 of the Federal High Court Act, move for a negotiated settlement with the Federal Government concerning the fate of the IPOB leader.

Before then, Ejimakor said he will move an application that seeks to object to the jurisdiction of the Honourable Court to entertain the charges against the leader of the Biafra agitation movement.

However, where it fails, he will explore the second application bordering on a negotiated political settlement.

“Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act states: In any proceeding in the Court ,the Court may promote reconciliation among parties thereto and encourage and facilitate the amicable settlement thereof ” Ejimakor noted.

But in his submission, Counsel to the Federal Government Adegboyega Awomolo SAN said that his brief does not include the power to enter into any negotiation on behalf of his client .

The learned Senior Advocate rather advised Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to approach the Attorney General and Minister of Justice with the request.

On her part, the trial Judge, Justice Nyako noted that the role of the Court is only to hear litigations. and not to act as solicitors .

Instructively, this is not the first time that the detained leader of IPOB will be expressing his aversion to the use of the freedom movement to perpetrate criminal activities in the southeast region.

During a visit by Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo ,and other notable figures from the region some weeks ago, Mazi Kanu had in addition to the condemnation of the senseless killings, deplored the continued enforcement of the sit-at- home order earlier proclaimed by the movement.

The sit-at -home order was one of the non-violent means initially adopted to protest the extradition of Kanu from Kenya and his subsequent detention and trial in 2021.

However ,over time what began as a popular agitation was hijacked by some unscrupulous elements for the pursuit of pecuniary gains and hounding of perceived foes.

This has led to the killings of several scores of innocent civilians and security agents and the destruction of billions of naira worth of property in the region.

The region’s education and economic sectors have been dragged several years back by the activities of the criminal elements who, despite several appeals by Kanu to end the sit-at -home order, have continued to maim ,kill and pillage the region and its people.

Backlog Of New Drivers’ Licence Ready For Collection – FRSC

Ayodele Oni

June 19, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Following intervention by the new Management of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) not less than 73,740 National Drivers’ Licences (NDLs) have been produced in two weeks.

There have been mounting complaints by prospective new licence applicants over undue delay in getting their paper after making necessary payment.

The Ekiti State Office of the new drivers licence office is worst hit with several applicants waiting for over a year to get their licence.

The Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mohammed, on the assumption of office, visited the FRSC Print Farm as a major step to revamp the entire process of service delivery concerning the issuance of drivers’ licences.

The assessment was propelled by the rate of public outcry over the unprecedented delay faced by applicants in obtaining National Drivers Licence.

At the end of the assessment, the Corps Marshal set up a task force to ensure that the backlogs were immediately cleared as soon as possible.

He directed 24 hours production and immediate rectification of the identified technical glitches that affected the overall production capacity of the farm.

“As at the moment, a total of 84,500 NDLs are on queue for production and expected to be delivered to the respective State Licensing Authorities nationwide.”

Mohammed assured the public of the Corps’ commitment to quality service.

The corps marshal advised applicants, especially those who have been awaiting issuance for sometime, to visit their state licensing offices to check and pick their licences.

16-Year-Old Ekiti Boy Emerges Best Candidate In Aviation School Entrance Examination, Govt Foots Academic Bill

Ayodele Oni

June 19, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

A 16-year old boy from Ekiti state, Bright Olalekan Oladele, has emerged the best candidate in the National Entrance Examination into the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria.

Oladele was hosted on Wednesday by the first lady of Ekiti state, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji during which he expressed gratitude to Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his wife, for facilitating his admission into the prestigious institution.

Oladele thanked the First Lady for taking the prompt step of drawing the attention of her husband to his request for assistance in paying the fee required for his training at the Flying School which was graciously approved by the Governor.

The 16-year-old who is proceeding to NCAT to commence his training as a pilot next week, came first out of 600 candidates that sat for the National Entrance Examination into NCAT.

After the national examination, 19 candidates were shortlisted and Oladele later emerged as the best candidate in further tests and interview.

Receiving the boy and his parents, the First Lady described the prospective pilot, who is a native of Aisegba Ekiti as a shining Ekiti star urging the young ones to emulate his brilliance, industry and excellence.

She said the decision to foot the academic bills of Oladele by the Governor was not borne out of self-aggrandizement, but the need not to allow his dream to die and to contribute to his development.

The First Lady hailed Oladele for showcasing academic brilliance Ekiti is noted for, pointing out that the fact that Oladele attended a public secondary school in the state showed that there are many bright minds in government owned schools in the State.

Dr. Oyebanji said Ekiti is celebrating the feat achieved by Oladele because Governor Oyebanji is fully committed to creating environment conducive to learning and moulding of pupils and students in public schools to shining stars who can hold their own anywhere they compete with their peers.

She however counselled boys and girls of school ages against spending much of their productive time on social media instead of facing their studies, regretting that the negative side of social media is taking its toll on many youths who are involved in unwholesome activities.

Dr. Oyebanji however recalled that since inception of the present administration, Ekiti State has been in the news for good reasons describing the feat achieved by Oladele as part of wonderful stories recorded under the administration expressing hope that more of it would come in days ahead.

“I want to congratulate Bright and I thank God for your life. I congratulate you for making us proud as a state. I believe you will go to the Flying School and come out in flying colours.

“We are here to celebrate excellence, we are here to celebrate grace, we are here to celebrate God’s mercy and we are here to celebrate dint of hard work.

“When you get to the Flying School, face your studies as you resume next week, the First Lady said.

Earlier, the best aviation college entrant, Bright Oladele, appreciated government and its contribution to education sector.

“I want to appreciate our Governor and the First Lady for this great thing they have done for me. I had wanted to be a pilot I thank the Governor for supporting me by ensuring the payment of my school fee.”

Rivers Protest: IGP Deploys More Team To Douse Tension

Ayodele Oni

June 19, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Piqued by violent protests in Rivers state, the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the deployment of operatives of the Force Intelligence Response Team to assist the Rivers State Command in apprehending the killers of the police officer and the vigilante member.

The IGP condemned the recent outbreak of violence and subsequent breakdown of law and order at various Local Government Council Secretariats in Rivers State, where supporters of two political factions clashed over the tenure of Local Government Council Chairmen.

This, he said, unfortunately led to the tragic deaths of a Police Officer, Inspector David Mgbada, and Samuel Nwigwe, a vigilante member at Eberi-Omuma in Omuma LGA.

A statement on Wednesday by the Force Spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated that: “In response to these heinous acts, the IGP has directed the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olatunji Disu, to heighten security measures across the state and institute thorough investigations into the killing of the police officer and the vigilante operative, as well as the general violence which erupted in the state.

“The IGP seriously warns individuals and groups of people who have a penchant for senseless attacks and mindless killings of police officers and other security operatives across the country to desist forthwith as the fullest force of the law will be meted on them.

“The CP has also been directed to focus on increased patrols, strategic deployment of officers, and enhanced intelligence operations to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of all residents.

“The IGP extends heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased police officer and the vigilante member noting that their dedication and sacrifice in the line of duty will not be taken for granted.

“The Inspector General of Police calls on all residents and political stakeholders in the State to exercise restraint and seek peaceful means of resolving differences.”

Ondo Amotekun’s “Big Haul” During Eid Fitri Celebration, Parades 48 Suspects

Ayodele Oni

June 19, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

It was a success story for the South West Security Network, codenamed Amotekun in Ondo state during the recent of Eid El Fitri celebration.

Under its ‘safe ground’ an operation launched to rid the state of criminals, the security network on Wednesday paraded 48 suspects.

They were arrested in connection with various crimes such as kidnapping, stealing of cows, attempted murder, fraud and illegal counterfeiting of money, cultism, illegal migration and stealing of planks, burglary, arson, anti-grazing activities and vandalisation of critical government assets.

Commanded of the corps, Adetunji Adeleye stated that “men of Amotekun corps had assured the Muslim faithful that everything will be put in place to ensure that the festive period goes on fine without security breaches.

“During this period, in the last one week, a Toyota and Lexus car were stolen at different occasions in Owo. We trailed, tracked and traced it from Owo to Igbara-Oke where we were able to apprehend the vehicle.

“We equally responded to the distress call in Owo midnight Wednesday where a car was stolen and within 30 minutes, we were able to recover the vehicle and we are on the trail of the robbers.

“Within this period, we broke a syndicate that specializes in vandalizing transformers. You can see, across there are some of the coils retrieved from the transformers where they dissected and brought out the coils. The other suspects on this case have left the state, we are on their trail.

“Equally, there is this syndicate that specializes in what is called ‘One-Chance’ in local parlance. Unsuspecting commuters will board their vehicles, they will get midway, rob them, disposes them of their valuables and make away with it.

“So, we were able to put some of our men in one of the vehicle and as we talk today, out of the ten vehicles they use, we were able to retrieve three and the kingpin of the criminal activities has been arrested and is here on parade.

“They have an herbalist that deceive them in telling customers of theirs that they can produce dollars for them, but you can see that they are counterfeit dollars.

“So, they collected naira from them in exchange for counterfeit dollars. So, we were able to break their cartel and you can see the pots and charms they use in hypnotizing their customers.

“So, all they need to tell the victims is to go home and bring all their valuables for these counterfeit dollars.”

The commander disclosed that about 600 suspects have been prosecuted between January and June 2024.

According to him, kidnapping in Ondo State has gone down by 90 percent and the remaining 10 percent, “we only have them in the boarders, the extreme.”

Rivers Caretaker Committee Member Rejects Appointment

Ayodele Oni

June 19, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

There seems to be crack in the newly constituted Caretaker Committee Members in Rivers State as former Gokana Council Chairman, Monday Dumiye, rejected his new appointment.

He was among the newly inaugurated members on Wednesday by Governor Sim Fubara.

In a surprise move, Dumiye, who once served as caretaker chairman of Gokana Local Government Council and PDP chairman, publicly rejected his appointment as a member of the Gokana Caretaker Committee.

In a Facebook post, Dumiye stated, “I reject the offer in its totality.” He cited his previous experience as caretaker chairman of the council, saying it would be “disrespectful and belittling” to accept a lesser role as a caretaker committee member.

The announcement has sparked mixed reactions from the public, with some supporting his decision and others criticizing it.

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