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SERAP Sues Govs Over N6trn Loans; Demands Details, Projects Executed

May 5, 2024

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has sued 36 state governors in the country for obtaining close to N6 trillion and $4.6 billion loans.

Also included in the suit filed by SERAP is the Minister of the Federal capital Territory, FCT, Nyesome Wike.

The human rights body said the suit became necessary because of the opaque manner in which the loans were obtained, which it said had no bearing in the lives of Nigerians.

According to the statement made available to journalists on Sunday, SERAP has prayed the court to compel the governors and Wike to open their books to anti-graft agencies in the country for investigation.

The suit is coming following complaints by Nigerians that the details of such loans were usually shrouded in secrecy while the there is nothing to show in terms of projects and infrastructure that could benefit the people.

In fact, some governors have openly criticized their predecessors for leaving behind humongous loans for them, which they said have hindered their own administrations for doing something tangible.

For instance, the governors of Abia and Kaduna, Alex Otti and Uba Sani state have trenchantly criticized their predecessors for obtaining huge amount of loans.

But, Governor Otti on his part, after much criticism of the immediate past administration of Okezie Victo Ikpeazu has commenced negotiations with the Islamic Development Bank, ISB, to obtain a $125 million loan.

SERAP in the suit numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/592/2024 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, said these loans cannot be accounted for urging the court to force the governors to publish “copies of the loan agreements, including details and locations of projects executed with the loans.”

“It is in the public interest to grant the reliefs sought. Nigerians have the right to see and scrutinise the loan agreements and know the details of how the domestic and external loans obtained by the governors and FCT minister are spent,” SERAP said.

Iwuanyawu’s Remark Capable Of Provoking Disaffection Between Ikwerre And Igbo

Tosin Olatokunbo

May 5, 2024

A group, the Ikwerre Social-cultural group has criticized the President of Ohanaeze worldwide Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu for describing Ikwerre people as Igbo.

The group said the remark made by the prominent Igbo leader is shameful and insensitive because the Ikwere people’s identity is unique and recognized globally.

Chief Iwuanyanwu recently described Ikwerre people Igbo during a press conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

The ISC also described Iwaunyawu and other leaders in the south east calling the ethnic group Igbo as an insult stating that “the Ikwerre people are a distinct ethnic nation recognised in Nigeria and the United Nations”

Dr. Okahchukwu Dibia who spoke on behalf of Ikwerre Peoples’ Organisation, IPO, said it’s not true that his people originated from Igbo.

He cited various authorities which he explained proved that Ikwerre people are a distinct nationality in Nigeria, for instance, scholars like Prof. Otonti Nduka.

He said: “For the avoidance of doubt, the Ikwerre people are a distinct ethnic nation recognised in Nigeria and the United Nations. Ikwerre language is one of the recognised languages in Nigeria and the United Nations (UN).

“While Ikwerre is our political name, Iwhnurohna is our native name, and both refer to the same people: the Ikwerre ethnic nationality.

“We live and own the Emohua, Ikwerre, Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt City (in alphabetical order) local government areas in Rivers State, Niger Delta, South-South geo-political region of Nigeria.

His words: “Consequently, IPO’s reply to Iwuanyanwu is that language, name, dances, songs, dressing cannot be and should not be used as determinants of who Ikwerre is. IPO wish to reply Iwuanyanwu that who a man truly is, is more about his core, innate character and behaviour than the physicals he sees.

“IPO’s reply to Iwuanyanwu on the history of Ikwerre is that Iwhnurohna is a Federation of Aborigines and Migrants who have come together under one political roof called Ikwerre Ethnic Nation. It is therefore very unthinkable and childish to claim that Ikwerre is Igbo because of the existence of few Aro communities allowed to settle in Ikwerreland.

“Ikwerre history has been well written and documented. Ikwerre is not Igbo. In Igboland, due to reckless boundaries delineation between Rivers State and Imo State, Ikwerre people are carved into Imo State. Example is the Ohaji people in Imo state.

“Ohanaeze should know that it is only a handful of Aro people who were allowed to settle in Ikwerre that can trace their origin to Igboland. Therefore, it is very wrong, preposterous and unacceptable for anyone to say that Ikwerre is Igbo.

“Henceforth, such offensive, insulting, abusive and insensitive hate-claim should not be uttered by Ohanaeze or any other group or individuals from any part of humanity. Iwhnurohna will not tolerate it anymore.

“IPO suggests that Ohanaeze should maintain good neighbourliness. Ohanaeze, Ijaw and indeed all ethnic groups in Nigeria should respect their neighbours as distinct people instead of angling and making subtle desperate moves for unification for a political entity they will dominate. No nation is successfully built on suspicion and domination.

“Ohanaeze should recognise the need to change its antagonistic attitude towards Ikwerre. Igbo should stay and develop their five states and let Ikwerre be. Ikwerre is not Igbo.

“IPO wishes to remind Ohanaeze that good neighbourliness is better than money, profits and gains. Ohaneze should respect Ikwerre as a distinct ethnic nation instead of insulting Ikwerre through claims that provoke and promote disaffection between Ikwerre and Igbo. Then, we can all co-habit as good neighbours.”

Sowunmi Declares Interest In Becoming PDP National Chairman, Gives Reasons

Akinwale Kasali

May 4, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

With the aim of revitalizing and reforming the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Segun Sowunmi, former Governorship Candidate of the Party in Ogun State has declared interest in running for the National Chairmanship Seat of the Party.

Sowunmi said he is determined to make the Party achieve successes in forthcoming elections in the country, stressing that revitalizing the party will advance a more effective and durable political environment.

He made his intention known in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital during a monthly program organized by the Consolidated Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ogun State Chapter.

He expressed concern over the party’s recent electoral losses in the state for three consecutive times, stated that there is a need for the party to restructure and revisit its core values and ideology in order to restore its previous glory.

He said, “If you really want to govern well, your eyes must be on all the processes that leads to government. I am convinced beyond reasonable doubt, that the platform called PDP is overdue for reformation and recalibration, not just for Ogun State, but for the country.

“I have offered myself to them to show them how to reform the party and I am telling them that I want to chair the party to reform it. I believe that at one point in time, they are going to have to make up their mind whether they want to continue to wobble, just paste posters, sell ticket and be deceiving themselves that they can win an election in such a manner or they are going to desire that reformation which we can implement?

Explaining that members of the party lack discipline to follow their own principles, Sowunmi emphasised that they should develop leaders who are unselfish, patriotic, and prepared to lead the people in the right path.

“I discover that we have made the political space extremely full of litigations. The amount of cases we produce as a result of our primaries congress, this is a bit on the high side. So much that we have overburdened the courts. And it is because political parties do not have the discipline to obey their own rules.

“You write a rule for yourself. Nobody forced you to write that rule. Why should you be compelled and forced to obey it? So, I believe we have created political parties in the image of the person that is either governor or president. That’s not sustainable”.

The PDP have been in crisis for several months with some gladiators in the Party calling for the resignation of the Acting National Chairman of the Party, Umar Illiya Damagum, who they alleged is been controlled by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, who worked against the success of the Party at the 2023 Presidential Election.

Among those who called for the resignation of Damagum is Elderstatesman, Edwin Clark, who said it was better for him to resign for the growth and development of the Party.

IPI Nigeria Accuses IGP Of Abduction Of Journalist, Threatens To List Police Boss As Enemy Of Media

Ayodele Oni

May 4, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has again raised the alarm over the safety of journalists in the country.

This follows the report of the abduction of Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ).

According to reports, Ojukwu was abducted by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Inspector General of Police and is currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti in Lagos.

Musikilu Mojeed President, IPI Nigeria and Tobi Soniyi, Legal Adviser/Chair, Advocacy Committee, IPI Nigeria, in a statement Saturday, said “IPI NIGERIA strongly condemns the abduction and calls on the Inspector General of Police to, with immediate effect, order the release of Mr Ojukwu.

“Coming at about the period the world is celebrating the freedom of the press, the action of the Nigeria Police Force speaks volumes of the attitude and commitment of law enforcement agencies in Nigeria to the freedom of the press.

“Some weeks ago, the Nigerian military abducted a journalist, Mr Segun Olatunji, in a Gestapo manner in Lagos and flew him to Abuja under humiliating conditions in apparent violation of his rights to dignity and expression.

“With the two incidents cited above, a pattern has emeged that points to the fact that the administration of President Bola Tinubu does not only condone repression of freedom of the press but also encourage it.

“This is in contradiction of promises made during the president’s inaugural speech that his administration would uphold fundamental human rights.

“We have always stated, and it bears repeating that in a democratic setting, the proper step to take is to follow due process in seeking remedies against journalists.

“It amounts to an abuse of his powers and office for the Inspector General of Police to order the abduction of a journalist just because he is the overall head of the Nigeria Police Force.

“IPI Nigeria calls on President Tinubu to sanction the Inspector General of the Police, having failed to lead by example. Nobody is above the law.

“Human rights violations have continued unabated because perpetrators are hardly held to account. It is time to begin holding those suppressing freedom of expression to account.

“Daniel Ojukwu should be released immediately, or else the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, will be included in IPI Nigeria’s book of infamy and branded an enemy of the media and journalists. His inclusion on the list carries serious consequences beyond the shores of Nigeria.”

“I Will Not Hesitate To Sign Your Death Warrant”, Kebbi Governor Tells Bandits’ Informants

The Source

May 4, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kebbi State authorities have decried the unpatriotic activities of some residents in volunteering information to bandits and other criminal elements operating within the State.

Governor Nasir Idris has, therefore, threatened to sign the death warrant for informants who aid and abate the ongoing senseless killings and criminal activities in Kebbi state .

The Source reports that banditry elements and other criminals operating in most parts of the Northern region rely heavily on the collaborative efforts of informants and others within the supply chain .

While informants avail them of vital intelligence regarding plans and movement of security agencies, those within the supply chain provide essential items and petroleum products effortlessly.

Governor Idris who spoke on Saturday May 4,2024, during a visit to the beleaguered residents of Tudun Bichi in Danko -Wasagu Local Council of the state, noted that the activities of informants have tended to frustrate genuine efforts at riding the state of bandits and other criminal elements.

“The activities of informants defy all norms and religious doctrines . Just for a pittance ,some miscreants will provide valuable information to bandits to unleash mayhem on their own people.

”I will never condone or be lenient to such unscrupulous persons . Let it be known to the informants that who ever is caught and convicted for volunteering information to bandits leading to the killing of innocent souls,l will sign his death warrant instantaneously ” Governor Idris stated .

The Governor assured that his administration will, however, continue to give all the needed support to security agencies in their bid to stamp out banditry and other criminal activities in the State.

Particularly, the Governor promised to improve logistical and other material requirements ,as well as the general welfare of security operatives involved in the fight against banditry and other criminal activities in the state.

In the recent past, Tudu Bichi in Wasagu Chiefdom of Danko-Wasagu Local Council has been under heavy attacks by bandits, with scores killed and many valuables lost.

Ihedioha Says Mass Defection In PDP A Testament Of Confidence Reposed In Him To Build Imo State

Akinwale Kasali

May 4, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Former Imo State Governor, The Rt. Honourable Emeka Ihedioha has stated that the people of Imo have confidence and trust in him to rebuild the State and change its fortunes.

He said this was the reason behind the mass defection of his followers and supporters from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the State following his resignation from the Party.

He made this disclosure during an interview on Arise Television. He said he left the PDP because of his large followership’s desire for him to lead a change and rebuild Imo State.

He added that Nigerians no longer perceive the PDP as a party that could take over government at the national or state levels, stressing that operators of the party are recalcitrant and averse to reasoning with opinions that will put the party back on track.

Speaking on his exit from PDP, he said, “It was bound to happen. So far the tendencies operating in the party remained there, for quite some time, the warning shots were very clear, just before the election, yes there were issues, but it makes sense that we get into the election convinced to regain power at the federal level and a number of states. But of course, several things happened, and after the election, the issues came to the fore.

“We called for the need to address those issues, but rather than address those issues and a barrage of demand what we saw was a further drift to the desires of the people, which is very inconsistent with the mission and vision of the founding fathers of our party, which I would say, I had the privilege of being a founding member right back in 1998, then in my capacity as the director of the publicity of PDP.

“To see your party grow and now get to this descent, and continue on that part of an undesirable descent, might derail you as a person and then the intention and of course your large followership. So I acted essentially based on the desires of my large followership and my support base back at home and nationally who felt the party had lost its bearing and there was a need for us to forge ahead.

“ PDP had stopped presenting itself as a party that could eventually form government by their recent actions. It was obvious, that Nigerians no longer perceived them as a party that could take over government at the national or state levels, politics is perception. In the last governorship election in the state, which was our most dismal, PDP did not win one single LGA in Imo State; when I ran for office in 2019, we didn’t have one single member in the House of Assembly, but I led the party to victory, we won thirteen seats in the assembly…and won the governorship election with close to 100,000 votes difference with the major opponent. In 2023 we saw abysmal performance and nothing was being done to remedy the situation of the party.”

He lamented the recalcitrant and averse to reasoning with opinions that will put the party back on track by the Party Leadership, prompting him to leave the Party.

He furthered stated that his resignation triggered a spontaneous deluge of people who are successful in different ways, who are political leaders across 305 political wards 4800 chapters in the political party to resign en masse.

“I couldn’t have paid for that, it is a vote of confidence in me and our desire to get democracy to work and get a platform that can bring like minds together to pursue progress.”

He added that those who left the party included a former governor, deputy governors, former ministers, members of the House of Reps, senatorial candidates in the last election, a member of PDP BoT, and several others who are politically active.

State Police: Personnel Should Not Carry Arms – Fmr Kano Gov Shekarau

Ayodele Oni

May 4, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Former Kano State Governor, Mallam Ibrahim Shakarau, has envisaged that as good as the proposal for state police is, its creation may aggravate political violence in states.

He has, therefore, advised the Federal Government against allowing the proposed state police to carry firearms and other dangerous weapons.

Shekarau warned that: “The operatives must not be allowed to carry firearms and other dangerous weapons.”

The former Kano Governor, while appearing on a Kano-based Arewa Radio, expressed his fear with the spate of lingering political violence across many states in the country adding that most of the atrocities were allegedly sponsored and promoted by politicians.

He advised that the decentralized police should be tailored around the model of the Kano State Hisbah Board, which was used to address cases of social vices during his tenure in office as a Governor of the State.

While commenting on the Federal government’s student loan policy, Shekarau said the conditions of the policy were too harsh for an average Nigerian student.

According to him, the students are expected to provide sureties with a certain unrealistic amount of deposits in their bank account.

He then stated that conditions among others will make it difficult for an overriding majority of Nigerian students to access the loan.

Shekarau, however, appealed to the Federal Government to review and expunge some of the harsh conditions in the bill to enable more Nigerian students to get access to the support.

“No Journalist Was Hit By Stray Bullet At Kano Government House” – Kano Govt

The Source

May 4, 2024

Abba Kabir Yusuf - Governor of Kano State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Government has noted that working Journalists are not under any threat at the State’s seat of power.

It has, therefore, called on the members of the Media industry to always crosscheck their news items with all relevant authorities before publication to avoid unnecessary sensation that could mislead the public.

Its admonition is coming on the reported incident of a stray bullet that allegedly hit a Journalist, Nasiru Yau, of the state-owned Abubakar Rimi Television on Friday May 3, 2024, inside the Government House Kano.

According to reports, Yau, who was said to be in company with some colleagues at about 5pm ,suddenly began to feel pains in his arm ,and upon checking told his friends that he had been hit by a bullet .

” I felt something hit my arm and saw that it was a bullet . It appears that it came from a distance as it was cold when I touched it” Yau narrated

He was said to have managed to remove the bullet himself first, before seeking medical attention at the Government House Clinic.

But in a statement issued on Saturday, May 4, the Spokesperson for the Kano State Governor, Malam Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, said Yau sustained injuries from the metal debris from an ongoing construction site at the Kano State Government House and not gunshot

“The truth of the incident emerged when medical professionals at the Government House Clinic disclosed the true nature of Nasiru’s injuries.

“For clarity purposes ,Nasiru Yau, the Reporter with the State Television Station was not hit by any stray bullet. Instead he sustained injuries from the metal debris emanating from an ongoing construction at the Kano Government House, an area that has been barricaded for caution.

“Let me, also, emphasise the need for Journalists to remain vigilant while carrying out their duties, especially in environments where construction activities pose potential hazards .

“We hereby dispel any rumours that had sparked outrage and call for increased safety measures for journalists covering sensitive events.

We also need to underscore the importance of accurate reporting and thorough investigation in mitigating misinformation and maintaining pubic trust ” part of the statement reads .

Ondo Monarch Seeks Jigawa State Support For Federal University, Babura

Ayodele Oni

May 4, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Pioneer Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Babura, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, the Olowo of Owo Kingdom, in Ondo state, has appealed to Jigawa State Government to contribute to developing and lifting the University to greater heights.

The Chancellor made the request when he led principal officers of the University on a courtesy visit to the office of the Jigawa State Deputy Governor, Aminu Yakubu.

The monarch, whose appointment was announced few days ago, pointed out that “We are working to make the Federal University of Technology, Babura to a world-class University.”

He explained that as a public University, it cannot rely on the Federal Government alone for funding, adding that it needs to mobilize funds.

He said the management of the University was doing its best to provide sound education to the populace and ensure that the students are well behaved.

Responding, the Jigawa State Deputy Governor, Aminu Yakubu, said the State Government would provide all the necessary support and cooperation to enhance the learning environment in the University.

Represented by the State Head of the Civil Service, Alhaji Muhammad Dagaceri, the Deputy Governor said, they are happy to partner with the University.

According to him, already the State Government is building 200 housing units at Bubara to ease shortage of accomodation in the town.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Sabo BKudu told the Deputy Governor that the Olowo of Owo Kingdom was in the State for his formal investiture as the Pioneer Chancellor of the University scheduled to take place on Saturday 4th April, 2024.

Prof Kudu solicited support and cooperation of the the State Government to develop the new University.

Ondo Police Command Parades 22 Year-old Serial Burglar, 17 Others

Ayodele Oni

May 4, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

A 22 years old boy is among 18 suspects being held by the Ondo state Police Command for offences ranging from burglary, armed robbery, kidnapping and cultism.

While parading them in Akure, the state Police commissioner, Abayomi Oladipo, explained that the suspects were picked up at various locations within and outside the state last month.

According to him, the 22 years old boy, Daniel Marcus, was being held for alleged breaking of some shops along Oba Adesida road, Akure.

He disclosed that sometimes in March, a case of Shop Breaking and Stealing was reported by a complainant that his shop at Adesida road Akure was burgled and items such as receipts, mobile phones, laptops, phone accessories worth ten million naira were carted away.

“The Police through InfoTech, arrested Daniel Marcus aged 22 years and also recovered some of the stolen items.

“Further investigation revealed that the suspect had burgled other shops and had sold part of the stolen items and also issued receipts to the buyers.

“Items recovered includes; 23 laptops of different brands, 4 mobile phones of different brands, One industrial Pressing Iron, mobile phone accessories, 4 new materials yet to be sown, Stolen receipt from one of the shops burgled.

“Receivers of the items have been apprehended and part of stolen goods recovered. Suspect is in custody and investigation is still ongoing.”

Also in custody is a suspected hired assassin who specialize on harassing victims with death threat to extort them.

He stated that “On 18th of April, 2024 at about 0700hrs, a case of threat to life and demanding money with menace was reported to the police.

“The complainant stated that she received a call from a strange number and the caller introduced himself as an assassin.

“The caller affirmed that he had killed over 500 people and that three of her staff has paid him to assassinate her. He demanded that a certain amount be paid to an account or the complainant will be executed.

“Out of fear, the victim sent the sum of ₦110,000:00k to the account forwarded to her. Through Technical assistance one Adetokunbo Adesina was arrested.

“The suspect claimed he was sick and needed money to carry out a surgical operation and decided to use the threat as a means to extort the victim because she refused to employ him in her pure water factory.”

The Commissioner explained that other suspects being held are in connection with attempted kidnapping, murder, robbery and cultism.

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