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Suspected Kidnappers Cut Off Farmer’s Hand In Ondo, Victim Pleads For Fund For Surgery

May 20, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

While trying to escape from abductors, a middle-aged farmer, Gbenga Adebayo, was attacked and macheted by suspected armed bandits at Ajagbusi camp in the Ala community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Adebayo, who is currently at the emergency care unit of the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, (UNIMEDTH), Akure complex, was ambushed by four heavily armed bandits while on his way to the farm.

The victim, who had his hands deeply cut and currently battling with his life at the hospital’s facility, escaped death by whiskers during the attack.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Adebayo said he had a terrible experience in the hands of the suspects who almost killed him for challenging their plans.

“It was a terrible incident for me. I was on my way to the farm with my younger brothers when the four heavily armed men blocked the road.

“They challenged us and they began to lead us into the forest. In fact, that was when I knew we had been kidnapped by the bandits, numbering about four.

“While on our way, we noticed the gap between the kidnappers and I had to tell others that we have to be brave to rescue ourselves from their hands. I collapsed for two days after I managed to escape and lost lots of blood.

“I never knew they were watching but as I tried to escape they attacked me. Two of them began to wrestle with me and cut my two hands during the fight, I managed to run for my life.”

Adebayo revealed that he has spent a lot of money for treatment, abd added that he was still preparing for surgery in the hospital.

He pleaded for assistance from well-meaning Nigerians to pay bills and prepare for his surgery.

“Aside from the money I have spent on bills here, I am planning for surgery soon on the hands because the attack was just too much. Right now, I am begging for urgent assistance from people within and outside the state.”

Confirming the attack, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya said the security agencies are currently on the trail of the suspects.

“A complaint was lodged at the station after they had escaped from the hands of the kidnappers but our officers are currently trailing the suspects.

“So, we are urging the residents of the state to always give us timely reports of incidences like this. The police in the state in collaboration with other security agencies are battle-ready to combat any criminal elements.”

Imo: IPM “Condemns PDP’s Shameful Exploitation of Tragic Accident, Urges Imo People to Support Families of Victims”

The Source

May 20, 2024

By Charles Igbo

The Imo Progressives Movement (IPM) has condemned, in strong words, what it described as “the despicable actions of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State in their disgraceful attempt to exploit a tragic accident for political gain. It is with deep sorrow and indignation that we address the insensitive and callous statement issued by the PDP, which seeks not to console the grieving families but rather to further their own political agenda.”

A fatal vehicle accident had happened Saturday night at the Imo State University Junction, a very busy spot, taking with it a number of souls, and some more injured. The driver of a truck had lost control of it, snd rammed into three commercial buses in which were passengers. It also hit passers-by. The result was devastating. It left death, sorrow and heartbreak.

A devastated Governor Hope Uzodimma in a swift reaction mourned the dead, consoled families which lost loved ones, and offered help and proffered solutions to stop such an occurrence again.

However, the opposition PDP’s reaction left a bitter taste in the mouth of many. In a statement, it heaped blames on the State Governor, and inexplicably held him responsible for the tragic incident.

But the IPM while condemning the PDP’s reaction saw it as a shame. It said that instead of consoling the bereaved and mourning the dead, the opposition party chose to play politics with it.

Said the statement signed by Collins Opurozor, IPM’s Director, Media and Publicity, “The recent motor accident in Owerri, resulting in the loss of precious lives, is an immense tragedy that we mourn. Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the victims, and we extend our sincerest condolences to them during this difficult time. Such a heart-wrenching event calls for unity, compassion, and support, not the shameful politicization witnessed from the PDP.

“Instead of offering solace and support, the PDP has chosen to exploit this tragedy to launch baseless attacks on the government of Senator Hope Uzodimma. Their reckless and irresponsible behavior not only dishonors the memory of the deceased but also disrespects the grieving families who deserve empathy, support and prayers, not political grandstanding.

“It is deeply regrettable that the PDP has stooped to such levels of opportunism, using the pain and suffering of our fellow citizens as a tool for their own selfish interests. This shameful display of political gamesmanship is an anomie of indescribable proportion and mockery of our fallen brothers and sisters. It further underscores the lack of integrity and compassion within the ranks of the wobbling opposition party.

“IPM firmly stands against such reprehensible actions and calls on the PDP to immediately retract their statement and issue a public apology to the families of the victims. Furthermore, we urge all political parties and stakeholders to prioritize the well-being of our people above petty political gains and to unite in support of the affected communities.

“In times of tragedy, it is the duty of every responsible leader to offer comfort, assistance, and solidarity to those in need.

“IPM remains committed to upholding these values and working tirelessly to ensure the welfare and safety of all citizens of Imo State. Just like our National Convener, Rt. Hon. Eugene Dibiagwu (Ozurigbo), has already started doing, we call on well-meaning Imolites to also stand and be counted in support of the families of the victims.

“We further invite all individuals and organizations of good conscience to join us in condemning the PDP’s disgraceful behavior and standing in solidarity with the grieving families. Together, let us honor the memory of the departed by fostering unity, compassion, and resilience in the face of adversity.”

UN Group Rallies Women For Societal Transformation

Ayodele Oni

May 20, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Women Groups from five states in the northern part of the country are brainstorming in Jos, Plateau state at a two day programme to discuss rights for the womenfolk.

The States are Plateau, Benue, Bauchi, Gombe and Adamawa and the programme is under the auspices of CLEEN Foundation with support from the Norwegian Embassy, and United Nations (UN) Women.

According to the organizers, the two-day event symbolizes empowerment, resilience, and a steadfast commitment towards advancing women’s rights.

Director of Plateau state Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, Olivia Dazyam, while speaking at the occasion on Monday, said the event served as a pivotal platform for women to amplify their voices and foster unity in their quest for gender equality and social justice.

With the theme “Learning Exchange for Frontline Women Mediation Network In Plateau,” Olivia said the programme aims to equip women with the necessary tools and knowledge to engage effectively in societal transformation.

The director added that by enhancing their capacities and advocacy skills, participants are poised to become formidable agents of change within their communities, catalyzing a ripple effect of empowerment and progress.

She explained that the importance of localized engagement is emphasized as a cornerstone of the programme, recognizing the unique power and influence that women mediation platforms possess at the grassroots level.

“By amplifying our voices within our communities, women are better positioned to address social issues, mediate conflicts, and drive positive change that resonates at the local and regional levels.”

Earlier, Peter Gad, the director CLEEN Foundation, while declaring the two day programme open, said the training holding simultaneously in Plateau and Kaduna states, serves as the symbolic presence of women, representing a myriad of backgrounds, experiences and aspirations that epitomizes the rich tapestry of resilience and courage that define the Nigerian women

He added that the foundation has fully invested in changing the stereotype around women and promoting the many ways they can pivot.

“At CLEEN Foundation, we are fully invested in changing the stereotype around women and promoting the many ways they can pivot. So far, this series of engagements, have helped shape the women in fundamental aspects of peace building, digital skills, communication and cyber security.

“Furthermore, their interest, commitment and results have truly been next-level and commendable.

“This exchange visit between the National Women Mediation Network, Project secondary state platforms, and State Women mediators in Kaduna and Plateau presents an opportunity for collaborative learning and capacity building in conflict resolution and mediation, particularly focusing on gender perspectives.

“More so, in pursuit of sustainable peace (SDG16), the importance of this gathering cannot be overemphasized. It also aims to leverage on local expertise and National support to promote peace building initiatives in the respective regions.”

The discussions revolved around key issues such as conflict resolution, gender-based violence, women’s economic empowerment, and political participation.

Throughout the event, participants are expected to engage in panel discussions, and interactive sessions that facilitate knowledge-sharing, networking, and collaborative problem-solving.

“In Abia, We Put Money In The Hands Of Those Who Will Use It To Grow The Economy, Not Those That Will Take It Abroad” – Gov Otti

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 20, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Amidst growing interests to come back shown by industrialist and other major business actors who, in the past few years, fled the State due to unfavorable conditions, the Abia Government has said that plans are at an advanced stage to establish another Industrial Estate, in Umukaa area of Isiala Ngwa South Council of the state.

This is just as it has announced that the sum of N10b has been set aside as soft loans to Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, across Abia State to encourage mass participation in the renewed efforts to grow the economy.

These were some of the highpoints of at the weekend by Governor Alex Otti, while featuring as a guest speaker at the Cambridge University in the United Kingdom.

In a statement issued on Monday, May 20, 2024, by his Media Aide, Kazie Uko, the Abia State Governor was quoted as saying that he has received an avalanche of expression of interest letters from some companies and other business outfits to return to the state after fleeing Abia’s commercial hub, Aba, because of deplorable conditions of infrastructural facilities and other unfriendly business indices.

“This renewed interest is as a result of the recent award, and flag-off of the reconstruction of the Osisioma-Ekeakpara Industrial road, a critical corridor in Aba’s manufacturing layout.

“We are working towards establishing another industrial layout around the Umukaa axis in Isiala Ngwa South Local Council of the state”, the Governor stated.

While expressing the interest and readiness of his administration to key into the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, policy on digital currency product for SMEs when operational, the Governor, however, noted that his regime has concluded plans to avail SMEs in the State a-N10 billion life line.

“In the meantime, we are working to make available N10 billion funding with very low interest rate for SMEs loans .Already, the sum of one billion naira is currently being disbursed at zero interest to small businesses at the grassroots through the cooperatives programme, a scheme we initiated while on campaign for the elections”

He asserted that the move is principally aimed at making capital available to the SMEs to enable them be fully active in the process of adding value to the economy of the State.

“If people don’t have money, they can’t participate in the economy. It makes more sense to put money in the hands of those who will use the money locally, not those who will transfer them abroad.

“This is why we are making it a point of duty to pay the state’s workforce promptly and regularly. It is an intentional policy designed to put money in their hands so that they will participate in the economy,” he stated

Governor Otti, also, harped on the imperativeness of the existence of favourable conditions for growth and development in any society.

” It is important to create objective and conducive conditions for businesses to thrive. Capital will go to a place where it will make returns .

“Capital is so sensitive that it has so much information about you. Do the homework ,create the enabling environment for capital to find you ,secure and make your environment attractive to capital”, the Governor noted.

Sambisa Forest: Troops Rescue Many Children, Women After 10yrs In Boko Haram Captivity

Tosin Olatokunbo

May 20, 2024

After spending 10 years in the captivity of Boko Haram, troops of the Nigerian Army has rescued over 380 hostages of the dreaded Islamic group.

Those rescued, according to the acting General Officer Commanding, GOC, 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Abubakar Haruna include children and women.

Gen. Abubakar announced the rescue on Sunday yesterday while visiting the frontline troops in Sambisa Forest, Borno state.

He explained that the gallant troops have now liberated some parts of the forest formerly under the insurgents, adding that the soldiers are poised to “clearing the remnants of terrorists in the forest”.

The enclaves include Lawanti, Ukuba, Farisu, Sabil Huda, Njimia, Garin Gulukos, Garin Falluja, Shababul Ummah, Garin Pannel Bitter and Lagara Anguwan Gwai Gwai.

He said, “I want to commend you for your exceptional performance and professionalism exhibited during the operation and I urge you to sustain the tempo. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, is highly pleased with your performance.

“You have done your best. You have sacrificed yourselves to ensure that peace and normalcy return to the Northeast. This is a wonderful outing and we are very happy.

“We have to stop whatever we are doing and come here to let you know that we are with you always. To know what you people are doing so that we can have a feeling of what you people are going through.”

State Police: “We Must Checkmate Govs Abuse” -Senate Leader

James Orji

May 20, 2024

Senator Opeyemi Bamidele has called for a legislation that will address the possible abuse of state police by state governors in the country.

Opeyemi, the Majority Leader of the Nigerian Senate made the remark on Sunday in an article titled “In Search of a New Police Model”.

His comment comes on the heels of controversy surrounding the creation of state police.

Not a few Nigerian s have expressed their fears that sub-national governors will abuse the institution to further their own interest, particularly, they did not rule out the suggestion that governors could use the police under their command to oppress political opponents.

Some Nigerians who support state police insist that its advantages at this time of serious security challenges in the country supersedes whatever reservation other Nigerians have against it.

For instance, the Pan-Yoruba group Afenifere recently urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to issue an Executive Order for the establishment of state and local government Police.

“President Tinubu should get state and local government police off the ground immediately through the invocation of an Executive Order while the process of amending the Constitution continues,” the group said.

Speaking on the possible abuse by the governors Bamidele said clauses must be added in the ongoing bill for the establishment to checkmate the governors.

Bamidele stated: “In essence, the legal framework must be actionable and definite, evident and transparent, to allay public concern about the state police.

“It must convincingly address thorny issues that can, in the future, encourage the arbitrary use of state police by governors.”

Asserting the urgent need for the creation of state police in the country, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, stated that this will address the problem of insecurity such as banditry, terrorism and others.

The Afenifere spokesman made the remark during a recent conference in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

2027: Obedients Beg For Forgiveness, Seek Reconciliation

James Orji

May 20, 2024

Ahead the 2027 election, supporters of the Labour party, LP, Presidential candidate in the 2023 election Peter Obi are seeking for forgiveness from Nigerians.

Comrade Enag Joseph Maigari, the head of the Reconciliatory Committee set up by the Obedient Movement, the body rooting for the former governor of Anambra state, on Sunday harps on the need to reconcile Nigerians in other to be able to liberate them from their oppressors.

Noting that Nigerians must come together he said “we too need forgiving and to forgive ourselves” in order to be able to achieve the sole aim of making Obi president in the next election.

The Movement has been widely condemned for being too intolerant of those opposing the presidential ambition of Obi on the social media.

The former Anambra helmsman recently asserted his interest in vying for the president the second time.

As part of this plan, Obi had visited some prominent leaders of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, including former vice President Atiku Abubakar, raising suggestion among some Nigerians of his possible defection to the PDP.

The Reconciliation Committee, according to Maigari, is necessary to harmonise the gains the Movement has recorded so far, and to plan for the future.

Instructively, the members of the committee have been carefully selected from across the six geo-political zones, the Movement said.

The members of the committee are: From the North East: Joseph Enan Maigari, Hon. Dr. Yawe Jinadu, Comrade Zanna Ali Haruna, and Dr. Kambu Papka. From the North West: Khalifa Sharif Anta, Alhaji Usman Graham, Abubakar Yawale, and Mrs. Deborah Bwala-Maina. From the North Central: Sheikh Rufai Al-siddiq (PRO), DIG Lawal Gambo (Rtd.), Iortyom Kenneth Terhemba, and Caleb Audu (Assistant Secretary).

From the South South: Chief Ephraim Etete-Owoh, Comrade Gometi Crested, and Dr. Chinelo Onwusi (Secretary). From the South East: Mmaduabuchi Chekwubechukwu (Mobilization), Dr. Chibuzor Obiesili, and Engr. John Iwuchukwu. From the South West: Adeyeye Tosin (Head ICT), Odusote Emmanuel, Kolade Gbolagade, and Hon. Prince Austin Yonwunren

According to he group, they need Nigerians support to end the oppressive government, adding that the country needs to heel at this time to be able to move forward.

Maigari said, “We are a wounded people because of the failure of the past and present leadership, no matter on which side we stood. We all stand in need of healing. We on the team are no superhuman exceptions. We too need forgiving and to forgive ourselves in order to be able to wrestle the oppressors holding this country captive since 1960.

“Everyone is aware that we have been assigned a delicate task whose execution, success or otherwise, will have critical and far-reaching consequences for our land and nation in the coming years.

“We will be engaging in what should be a corporate nationwide process of healing through contrition and forgiveness. To be able to forgive one needs to know whom one is forgiving and why. That is why the truth is so central to this whole exercise.

“But we will be engaging in something that is ultimately deeply spiritual, deeply personal. That is why I have been appealing to all our people – this is not something just for the committee or team alone. We are in it, all of us together, Muslim and Christian, North and South, we this rainbow people of God.

“The miracle must endure. Freedom and justice must become realities for all our people and we have the privilege of helping to heal the hurts of the past, to transcend the alienations and the hostilities of that past so that we can close the door on that past and concentrate in the present and our glorious future.”

Recall that former vice president Abubakar has promised to support Obi if the PDP zoned the president to south in 2027.

“President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Is Renewed Hopelessness” – Prof. Usman Yusuf

Akinwale Kasali

May 20, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Prof Usman Yusuf of the Northern Elders Forum, NEF, has tagged the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration mantra of Renewed Hope as Renewed Hopelessness.

Yusuf said that Nigerians are being impoverished by the All Progressives Congress, APC, Government, adding that rather than inject the Nigerian people with some hope capsules, the Tinubu administration has made Nigerians more hopeless in the last one year.

He said, “People have lost hope. It pains me to see our people lining up to collect cups of palliatives. Renewed Hope has turned into hopelessness. People have lost hope.

“The last one year has been a year of nothing but deception, destitution and hopelessness.

“From next week, they will start telling us their propaganda. What have they done to benefit the ordinary people? In a span of one year, they have brought millions of people back into multidimensional poverty, they have pushed millions more children out of school because their parents cannot pay their school fees.”

Yusuf, a former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, stated this in an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics. He described the economic management team of the President as “tax collectors” rather than “economists.

“The economic team, to me, looks more like tax collectors than economists. Taxation does not grow economy; only production does,” he said.

Iran Mourns As President Raisi Dies In Helicopter Crash, To Elect New President In 50 Days

Akinwale Kasali

May 20, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the unfortunate fatal Crash of the Helicopter conveying Iranian President, Ebrahim Raisi and his Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, as well as seven others which happened yesterday, Iranians are in deep mourning

The helicopter crashed as it was crossing a mountain terrain in a heavy fog. There were three Helicopters on the trip. Two landed safely at their destination but the President’s Helicopter crashed. It took over 16 hours for the site of the crash to be located, albeit, with the help of concerned countries including India and Turkey.

Raisi, 63 years old, was elected president in 2021.

According to the Iranuan Constitution, a new President will be elected in 50 days time. Before that, the Vice President will be the interim President.

The late President first ran for the office in 2017 as the candidate of the conservative Popular Front of Islamic Revolution Forces. A divisive figure, he lost to Hassan Rouhani, 57% to 38.3%.

known as the “butcher of Tehran”, he was one of the four people on the prosecution committee, responsible for the execution of thousands of political prisoners in Iran in 1988. The Committee was later labeled the “death committee”.

He was sanctioned by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control in accordance with Executive Order 13876. He was accused of crimes against humanity by international human rights organizations and United Nations special rapporteurs.

Raisi successfully ran for president a second time in 2021 with 62.9% of the votes, succeeding Hassan Rouhani. According to many observers, the 2021 Iranian presidential election was rigged in favour of Raisi, who was considered an ally of Ali Khamenei.

Raisi served in several positions in Iran’s judicial system, such as Deputy Chief Justice (2004–2014), Attorney General (2014–2016), and Chief Justice (2019–2021). He was also Prosecutor and Deputy Prosecutor of Tehran in the 1980s and 1990s.

He was Custodian and Chairman of Astan Quds Razavi, a bonyad, from 2016 until 2019.

He was a member of Assembly of Experts from South Khorasan Province, being elected for the first time in the 2006 election. He was the son-in-law of Mashhad Friday prayer leader and Grand Imam of Imam Reza shrine, Ahmad Alamolhoda.

“Kwankwaso Deceiving The Public, Expelled NNPP Faction”

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 19, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The National leadership of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, of displaying bias in the ongoing internal crisis rocking the party.

However, it has insisted that the only way the electoral umpire could convince the party of its neutrality is for the Professor Mahmud Yakubu-led INEC to take all necessary steps to fish out and punish its staff that monitored the last National Convention held by “some expelled and renegade members of the party in Abuja.”

In a statement issued on Sunday, May 19, 2024, by its National Secretary, Oginni Olaposi, the NNPP expressed dismay that despite being served with all necessary court notices halting the said convention, INEC staffers still monitored the exercise.

The party warned that the INEC should, as a matter of necessity, maintain a high level of neutrality in the present crisis situation in the party as doing otherwise will expose it to accusations of bias.

“Without prejudice to the integrity, honour and leadership of the INEC Chairman, we are using this medium to remind him that successes and otherwise of electoral processes in Nigeria largely depends on the level of quality of leadership of the Commission under his watch.

“It is trite to note that INEC as a Commission has the mandate to regulate and control electoral processes in Nigeria in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Electoral Guidelines.

“This shall be without prejudice to the partial autonomy and independence of political parties to regulate and control themselves in accordance with the party’s constitution.

“One begins to wonder why INEC, as a Commission, other than being neutral is found to be doing the contrary, and taking sides over an internal matter of the NNPP .

“And for the records, Federal High Courts sitting in Awka Anambra state and Abuja have said that the crisis in NNPP should be resolved internally .

“We regret to note that Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso and others expelled from our party have been deceiving the general public that the NNPP under the leadership of Major Gilbert Agbo rtd lost in the various court cases .

“One begins to wonder how the pronouncements of the Courts that NNPP leadership crisis is an internal matter of the party translate to loss .

“The Federal High Court has jurisdictions over the party constitution to give direction. We have approached the Court of Appeal in that regard to demand for a clear statement as to how the internal crisis can be resolved and who does it.” Part of the NNPP statement reads.

“The NNPP has therefore called on the INEC chairman to rise to his responsibilities and ensure that the electoral body guarantees fairness ,justice and equity for all in its operations .

“This is even as it has urged Prof Yakubu to quickly act on a letter written to the electoral umpire by the Board of Trustees BOT seeking the custody of the party ,while the various court cases instituted by different interests groups last .

“However ,we have been meant to understand that sometimes ,the Chairman of INEC may be shielded from facts of issues and sectional heads tend to do things on their own without the the knowledge of the Chairman.

“On the part of the INEC as a regulator ,it shall be oversight function to deploy alternative dispute resolution ,especially when the matter is brought before it formally .

“Other than that, INEC is found attending and observing an illegal convention of the expelled members .INEC again,should have the courage to respond to the letter of the Founder ,and Members of the Board of Trustees BOT to facilitate and order the board to take responsibility of resolving the internal crisis .

“And for the avoidance of doubts,it is on record that Rabiu Kwankwaso and his splinter group and INEC were duly served court notices against the illegal convention and yet it held and INEC erroneously attended ” the NNPP stated .

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