Home Blog Page 1301

PDP: No Damage For Damagun

By
James Orji
-
0

The Acting National Chairman of the opposition Peoples’s Democratic Party, PDP, Umar Damagun has continued to throttle on despite plots by some members of the party to remove him.

On Thursday, Damagun received a restraining order from a Federal High court in Abuja, the nation’s capital stopping his removal from office.

According to a copy of the order cited by the magazine, Justice Peter Lifu, who presided ordered the respondents in the interim, from appointing, selecting, or nominating any person to replace  Damagum, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

The interim order, the judge said subsists till May 14, the next hearing date. The ruling was delivered on May 3, according to details provided by the party in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/579/2024.

Further details from the document indicate that the defendants in the suit are the PDP, its National Working Committee, NWC,  National Executive Committee, NEC, Board of Trustees and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

An ally of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, the embattled Chairman had survived a recent plot to unseat him by his traducers who want his replacement to come from the North central, where Iyorchia Ayu, the former chairman came from.

Ayu, the magazine recalls was sacked last year as Chairman after the presidential election which the party lost.

The magazine reported that Damagun was to be removed on April 18 by some unhappy party chieftains, but survived because the plot did not sail through, after the PDP state governors reportedly backed out at the last minute.

Speaking on behalf of the PDP governors ahead the party’s NEC meeting last month, their Chairman and governor of Bauchi state, Bala Mohammed told journalists that the party will ensure that its 2017 constitution is upheld regarding the leadership of the party during the meeting.

Mohammed stated that Damagun removal was not a priority for the meeting, describing the alleged plot to remove the chairman as a speculation.

Mohammed said, “this meeting is not convened to discuss a change in leadership. Our priority is to address all outstanding matters and move forward so that all activities outlined in the party’s constitution, including congresses, are completed within the stipulated timeframe.

“While the public is free to speculate and discuss, it’s important to note that NEC, comprising the PDP Governors’ Forum and other stakeholders, will ultimately make decisions on such matters. As governors, we understand our leadership role, but we recognise that the NEC will determine whether it is appropriate to fill the leadership vacancy, taking into account legal considerations due to ongoing litigation.

“We are committed to unity within the party and will not allow any factionalisation attempts by external forces. Our goal is to address all issues and ensure the party is unified for optimal performance and success in the upcoming elections.”

Good News: FG Rejects Telecom Tariff Hike; Says It Will Harm Nigerians

By
James Orji
-
0

Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communication, innovations and Digital Economy has faulted the plan by telecom operators in the country to hike their tariff.

The Minister gave the federal government position on the issue on Thursday at the launch of the Nigeria Digital Economy Report on in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The GSM operators in the country had recently made a push for increase in tariff. Their reason, they contend is that the tariff has remained the same for 11 years, adding that the current tariff is injurious to their businesses.

Their position was contained in a communiqué signed by their Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria and the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria.

Tijani who appealed to the operators to shelve their plan for a tariff hike stated that doing so at this time will harm many Nigerians who are already suffering as a result of the current economic challenges in the country.

He said the federal government is already addressing the problem in the sector, saying the “solutions to these things will not come from one single thing, which is raising the tariff.”

According to him, “We have to deepen and address so many of these things. The solutions to these things will not come from one single thing, which is raising the tariff, that’s never going to be the solution. There are tons of other things that can be done to ensure that the business environment is conducive for the investors in this phase and the government is articulating that including the tariff conversation.

“The government may intentionally put out the right messages, the right policies and the right intentions but if everything that is coming from the association on just one issue is extremely negative, investors will not come in. Investors will not help. And if we go back to my very clear point, I’ve not seen anything more in what you are demanding that is difficult.”

“It’s the approach to addressing them that I think we are not ready to do. And I’m being open about this because we must, for once, and finally, agree to address these issues positively; because they are not just affecting the companies that you represent. They are affecting the economy and the security of the nation as well.

“So we have to be extremely careful how we approach it and make sure we focus on solving it. Some of the things proposed nine months ago, if we collectively came together to address those things nine months ago, your demands would have been met. But the solution that the association is saying is only one solution. And I don’t believe anyone wants that.”

Ex Super Eagles Winger, Tijani Babangida Involved In Car Crash, Hospitalized Alongside Wife, Son; Loses Brother, Ibrahim, a Former Super Eagles Player

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Tijani and Ibrahim Babangida

By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, and the entire football enclave is in a sad mood, mourning the demise of Ibrahim Babangida, former Super Eagles Player.

The player who lost his life in a ghastly Car Crash on Thursday along Zaria Road, also saw the younger Brother, Tijani Babangida, Former Super Eagles Winger badly injured in the same crash alongside his Wife, Son and Maid.

They sustained degrees of injuries and currently hospitalized.

Ibrahim was a member of the 1993 FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning Golden Eaglet squad in Japan.

He played for Bank of The North, Stationery Stores and Katsina United in Nigeria before joining Eredivisie side Volendam in 1997.

Announcing the demise of Ibrahim, Emmanuel Babayaro, General Secretary,  Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria, PFAN, said in a statement:

“Comrades! Let us be in prayers for our President, Tijani Babangida, who just had a ghastly motor accident along the Kaduna-Zaria Road.

“Ibrahim Babangida, his younger brother, died on the spot from the accident while Mr President (Tijani Babangida) and his family were taken to the hospital.

“May the soul of Ibrahim Babangida Rest In Peace with God, amen,” he announced.

It was gathered that Ibrahim would be buried after the Jummat service on Friday according to Islamic rites.

He added that Tijani is “conscious” and other victims of the accidents are “recuperating”.

Kaduna: Fish Out Terrorists Of Ambe Attack, Lawmakers Urge Security Agencies

By
James Orji
-
0

Senator Sunday Katung representing Kaduna south in the National Assembly has called for a thorough investigation of the recent terrorist attack in the state.

A fresh attack by some terrorists led to the death of six persons in Ambe community in the Sanga Local Government Area of the state.

According to reports the attack also left in its wake at least 10 persons seriously wounded.

The state is one of the epicentres of terrorists and bandits’ operations in Norther part of Nigeria, with Southern Kaduna forming their major target.

During the weeks, the state government decided to relocate some schools in the state following recurrent bandit attack and kidnapping.

Speaking on Thursday, while in company of other lawmakers from the state to the community, Katung urged security agencies to fish out those responsible for the latest attack.

The senator also warned those he described as informants of the terrorists that their days are numbered because they will soon be unmasked.

They lawmakers said plans are ongoing to establish a military formation around the communities where bandits and terrorists attack have been rampart.

“I will work side-by-side with the Senator to ensure that the request for the re-establishment of a military camp within the community is actualised to give them and four other communities around the area hope to go back to their farms to cultivate a bumper harvest this year,” Daniel Amos one of the lawmakers who visited the community also said.

Over 350 schools where recently relocated by the state government due to the problem of banditry.

“You Were Not Getting Anything Before ,But Now We Have Shown Good Faith” – Gov Otti Tells Abia Pensioners, Workers

By
The Source
-
0
Alex Otti

The Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti, has again revealed that the sum of  N10 billion, allegedly, removed from the State’s Treasury under the guise of paying for the construction of Abia airport was subsequently moved to 32 suspicious accounts .

This is even as he has assured of making public the details of the report of the forensic audit that unearthed the financial fleecing of the state by the immediate past administration .

Governor Otti, who spoke late Thursday May 9 2024 during his monthly interactive session with the Media in Umuahia, the State capital, also disputed claims by the leadership of Abia pensioners that they were short-changed in the course of the payments of their pension arrears, insisting that the Government fully implemented the terms of agreement entered in to with the pensioners Union .

The Governor, who said he is not interested in seeing anybody go to jail on account of the alleged N10 billion misappropriated Airport funds and others, promised that in less than no time , Ferotex Construction Company will respond to Security agencies and avail them the letters and documents directing it on how and where to move the funds after it had declined involvement in the purported airport construction.

“The Managing Director of the firm ( Ferotex) said he told the ( Immediate past administration) that he has never built an airport before and it is not his area of competence, neither did he apply to build an airport.

“Ferotex will soon respond to show letters directing it to move the funds to 32 different companies .

“We are not interested in anybody going to jail except if they are telling us that if somebody’s money is missing ,he/she should not look for it .

“Where I come from, if your property is missing, you have to look for it ” the Governor stated.

He revealed that Ferotex in whose account the N10 billion was sent, in the course of its engagement with the auditors (KPMG) confessed that it was deceived, adding that the past administration never denied the movement of the funds.

“Their claim was that the funds were diverted for road construction ,which they must prove when the time comes.”

Further clarifying Government’s position on the controversy surrounding the recent  payments of pension arrears in the state, Governor Otti said “They (pensioners) told us that they are interested in the payment of their full pension from January 2024 . They also said that they were ready to forgo all the arrears once there is a commitment to be paying them their full monthly pensions promptly and regularly..

“So we went back and thought about it and came to the conclusion that what they (pensioners) were proposing was not a fair deal.

“We said despite the difficulties the pensioners were facing ,that we were not going to write off the entire arrears.

“So we looked at our books and put down #10 billion to defray the total arrears . Based on that ,we went back and entered into an agreement which every party signed .

“I am aware that after we paid the money ,the leadership of National Union of Pensioners came to say no, they had made a mistake. That they did not say gratuities should be written off. But of course ,you have signed a document and on the basis of that document ,action has been taken .

“I think it is a huge joke to come and claim that you did not sign any document and or that a portion of the document should be expunged after you have signed . Gratuity is a one time thing . You were not getting anything before. We have shown good faith”

“How My Would-have-been Assassin Saved My Life, Home”, Reveals What Killed Professor Obiozor

By
The Source
-
0

By Charles Obi

Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has revealed how his life and home were saved by one of those contracted to carry out the heinous crime.

Iwuanyanwu, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, disclosed his close shave with the arsonists when he raised alarm that his life was under serious threat. He said there were plans to either kill him or raze down his home.

According to him, the treatment given to his predecessor in office, Professor George Obiozor, was reserved for him but for one of those contracted to carry out the crime who backed out at the last moment because of the kindness which he, Iwuanyanwu, extended to his  family.

Recall that Obiozor, renowned diplomat, academic and administrator, died of what many felt was heartbreak, shortly after his country home in his Awo-Omama, Imo State Community, was razed completely down by gunmen. Gone was everything he had struggled for in life, especially, his journey as a diplomat.

Chief Iwuanyanwu revealed that the mission of  those who razed down Obiozor’s country home was to murder him. When they got to his home, however, they discovered he was not home. Their next option was to raze down his home. Obiozor never recovered from it.

Recounting his own ordeal, Iwuanyanwu said the same group planned to give him same treatment but was aborted when one of those contracted recalled how his brother was put through University by him, Chief Iwuanyanwu.

He said what he is going through because he is Ohanaeze President General “is becoming dangerous.” Aside from Obiozor’s case, Iwuanyanwu recalled that past Presidents of Ohanaeze suffered one near- calamity or other. For instance, he recalled that the home of Nnia Nwodo was bombed. Luckily for Nwodo, he was not there. In the case of Professor Joe Irukwu, he was falsely accused of receiving hundreds of millions of Naira to compromise Igbo interest, an allegation Iwuanyanwu said, Irukwu carried to his grave.

He identified those behind these atrocities as “some South Easterners” who are anti-Igbo, and now ready to kill him.

Iwuanyanwu: “This has become very dangerous. These people have carried this too far.

“Sometime ago, I got information that some people were coming to burn my house; that people said they were hired to burn my house.

“Some people also said they were hired to come and kill me, all sorts of stories like that. And I started asking myself what is it that I have done that would warrant that my house should be burned, that I should be killed?

“I told those people that they shouldn’t worry. Fortunately, one of them said that the person they hired said that I trained his brother in the University. You know, I had a scholarship scheme that trained over 5,000 youths in the University. So, he said his brother was trained by me, and so he cannot burn my house.

“I feel sad that I should be confronted by some of these types of spectre of threats just because I want to serve my people.

“I have looked at my past career and seen how God blessed me. At 82, when I’ve retired, for me now to come back to serve my people snd to find myself completely engulfed in this type of mess.

“I’m somebody who is dogged and can’t easily be pushed around. God has given me the heart and determination to serve my people.

“Obiozor died as a result of that attack in his country home because as a diplomat, all his books, awards, and recognitions were totally burnt, and these things he cherished very much.

“In the case of Nnia Nwodo, as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, they trailed him to his village in Ukehe, Enugu State and threw bombs into his house. Fortunately, he was not there.

“Professor Joe Irukwu, also, suffered similar fate when he was accused of receiving millions of Naira to work against Igboland. Irukwu painfully carried the allegation until his death.”

Uzodimma Endows Chair At UNN, Urges Universities To Lead Way For New Nigeria

By
The Source
-
0

The pursuit of learning and research at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka was given a boost on Thursday as the Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma endowed a Chair in the Political Science Department of the Social Science Faculty just as he challenged Nigerian universities to lead the way for a new Nigeria.

The endowment to be called “Hope Uzodimma Chair for good governance and civic responsibility” is in sync with the content of the 52nd Convocation Lecture of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka which Governor Uzodimma delivered at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium on Thursday.

The theme was: Why Universities Should Lead the Way to a New Nigeria.

One time Governor of old Imo State, who was also a Foreign Affairs minister and Senator, General Ike Nwachuku (rtd) was the Chairman of the UNN 52nd Convocation Lecture which had in attendance, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and the Chancellor of the University, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, among other dignitaries.

Governor Uzodimma challenged the Nigerian Universities to rise up to their expected role of leading the way for a new Nigeria, taking up their leadership and innovative roles, and contributing to the all round development of the country, the way it is done by their counterparts in other parts of the world.

He congratulated the graduands of the prestigious university despite the challenges they faced and advised them to roar into the world to make a difference.

As Governor Uzodimma rounded off with his lecture, he announced the endowment of the Chair as part of his contribution to advance the course of erudition and research at the first indigenous University of Nigeria even as urged the UNN to lead the way towards Nigeria’s rebirth.

He reminded his audience that Universities all over the world are known as centres of learning and excellence and that the society looks up to them for guidance and learning, and advised the students and all faculties of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka to be ambassadors of truth.

Governor Uzodimma disclosed that he carefully chose the topic for the lecture taking into account what will best align with the current mood of the nation, and considering also, that the University is the brewer of fresh ideas.

His lecture brought to the fore what roles Universities play, through research and scientific inventions in the economic development of nations and more importantly, why the Universities in Nigeria must do the same. He challenged Nigeria’s Universities to assume the role of drivers of social change and lead the way to a new Nation.

“A recent study on the economic impact of the University of California got me thinking on how we can improve the economic impact of our own universities. In the report, the University of California was described as an essential economic engine for the State of California, contributing about 82 billion U.S dollars annually, to the economic output of the State.”

Governor Uzodimma posited that Nigerian Universities should not only provide high level manpower for national development, but should also produce disciplined and well cultured graduates, adding that, “Universities must certify that their students are of good character before graduating them.”

“It is not in doubt, the role Universities should play, is to serve as the compass to lead the society to technological breakthrough and informed leadership. Our own Universities must lead us to the new Nigeria of our dreams, especially in technology and governance.”

Governor Uzodimma reeled out names of Nigerians, most of them graduates of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka who are making waves globally in their chosen fields and posited that Nigerian Universities can be part of that great change agent for a new country of our dream.

He suggested that the Universities must key into the new ways of smart and digital learning processes that help to produce skilled manpower that cannot only be exported but help to drive development and competitiveness locally.

“There is no doubt that the future surely holds great prospect for Nigeria’s digital economy when all our higher education institutions are transformed into smart universities imbued with the knowledge base and competitive edge to match their contemporaries in other parts of the world,” he said.

He added: “I dream of a time when new  political and economic theories will emerge from our lecture rooms and scientific discoveries and revolutions are announced in our laboratories. A time when our campuses become places where ideas are hatched, where new theories are examined and where new philosophies are debated. In this University of my dream, young adults should be nurtured and turned into thinkers, innovators, analysts, dreamers and sceptics.”

Governor Uzodimma decried some of the maladies that go on in the Universities today that impede our dream of Universities as agents of development and insisted that deployment of sanctions could go a long way in helping to save the situation.

To improve the ability of Nigerian Universities to play the roles expected of them, Governor Uzodimma proposed the following:  establishment of ICT centres in all Universities and possibly, in both Secondary and Primary schools; strengthening the law establishing the Nigerian Universities Commission; empowering Universities to be able to withdraw the certificate of any of their graduates indicted in any form of criminality or corruption.

Others include; De-robing and withdrawal of all certificates of any lecturer indicted in any form of corruption, sexual assault or any other form misdemeanour while similar faith should be visited on University authorities who misappropriate funds meant for research and administration.

His words: “If you are wondering why I am insisting that our Universities must lead us to the new Nigeria of our dream, it is because I see the Universities as the sculptors, while Nigeria is the rock. The sculptor owes it as a duty to mould the rock into a monument to behold. In truth, there is no alternative to the pivotal role of Universities in our country and indeed every country.

“So, the path forward requires a collective effort, s shared vision and a commitment to excellence. It is time to invest in our Universities to prioritise research and innovation. In addition, we must creat an enabling environment for our students to thrive and ensure they are equipped with the skills, knowledge and character necessary to contribute to the development of our nation.

“Yes, the Nigeria of our dream is possible and it starts with our Universities. As Nigeria’s first indigenous University, this new or revised consciousness should start here at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.”,

In his remarks, Chairman of the Convocation Lecture, General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd) said “Universities, as bastion of knowledge and innovation, have a crucial role to play in leading Nigeria towards a brighter and more prosperous future.”

He said, “since Universities are homes of research and development, through cutting edge research and innovation, they have the capacity to address some of Nigeria’s most pressing issues in all sectors, including insecurity.”

While welcoming the dignitaries who accompanied the UNN 52nd Convocation lecturer to the occasion, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Charles Igwe said Convocation Lecture requires that the lecturer is carefully chosen are invited to speak on topics of national and global interest.

Prof Igwe said Governor Uzodimma fitted the mould as a two term Senator, serving Governor in his second term in office, Chairman of Progressives Governors’ Forum, Chairman of South East Governors’ Forum and a detribalised Nigerian with huge appetite for service. He thanked the Governor for honouring the request by the University to share his experience with them and the public.

Adding his voices, both the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and Chief Iwuanyanwu lauded the delivery of the topic by Governor Uzodimma and promised to facilitate the distribution in different parts of the country.

The Deputy Governor of Imo State,  Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Chike Olemgbe,  his Deputy, Rt Hon. Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu, former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, serving and former Ministers, Commissioners, Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, Chief of Staff, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie, and other top government officials attended the lecture.

Also in attendance were ranking traditional rulers from Imo State and beyond, captains of industries, All Progressives Congress chieftains from the South East; women, youth and student groups.

“Replace Our Dead Son With One Of Us” – Family Of Murdered Officer Appeals To Nigeria Customs Service

By
The Source
-
0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The immediate family members of a Customs operative, Auwal Haruna Customs Assistant II, suspected to have been felled by yet to be identified gunmen at Gamjin -Makaho check point along the Katsina- Dakama road in Kaita Local council of Katsina state, on April 17,2024,  have appealed to the Nigerian Customs Services NCS, and other relevant authorities to replace their late son with a member of the family.

This is just as the Comptroller General of Customs CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has reaffirmed his determination to fish out out and prosecute all those directly and or indirectly involved in the gruesome killing of Haruna.

The deceased family members who spoke through the Chairman of Dutsi local council, the home local government  of late Haruna during a condolence visit to the family on Thursday May 9 by CGC, Adeniyi, lamented  the huge loss and pain that have  been inflicted on the family and entire community by the sudden death of Haruna.

The Council boss regretted that with the demise of Haruna ,the community has been stripped of the only customs personnel from its rank,urging the NCS to strongly consider his replacement from amongst them.

The CGC ,who was represented by NCS delegation led by the Customs Area Comptroller ,Katsina Command Muhammad Umar ,while vowing to ensure that justice is served ,noted that the service has commenced investigations in to the sad incident..

Adeniyi who had about penultimate week in an official statement assured that the suspected killers of Haruna will not go unpunished, also  emphasised the importance attached to the safety of every personnel of the service.

In a statement issued by the spokesperson for  the katsina Customs Command Tahir Balarabe  SPC , the CGC described the killing of the NCS operative as unprovoked,and painful.

,while expressing profound grief over the needless death of the gallant officer  CGC Adeniyi,also commiserated with the family of the deceased and the entire Kayawa  community over the painful loss .

” The brutal attack on the Customs operatives demonstrates the danger faced by men and officers of the Service in the line of duty .

The NCS in collaboration with other security agencies are tirelessly working to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure they face the full wrath of the law .

.

While we pray for the repose of the soul of Haruna ,we also assure his family and Kayawa community that the Nigeria Customs Service will continue to be with them during and after the grieving period ” CGC Adeniyi stated.

Meanwhile the Katsina state Governor Dikko Umar Radda ,has tasked  security agencies to leave no stone unturned in their bid to arrest and prosecute the killers of Haruna .

Governor Radda who spoke when the CGC delegation paid him a visit at the Katsina state Government House said “It is very important that the security agencies in charge of investigation, ensure that the culprits are brought to book and justice done.

On behalf of myself and the good people of Katsina state ,I condole the Comptroller General of Customs and the entire personnel of the Service over the irreplaceable loss.”

Fish Out Those Behind Insecurity In Nigeria –Kano Gov Yusuf Charges Security Agents

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0

By Ayodele Oni

Still in search of solution to insecurity in the northwest area of Nigeria, the Directorate of State Security Services (DSS) has rallied security chiefs in the zone for High-Security zonal conference in Kano.

The conference, according to organizers aimed to enhance operational and intelligence-sharing synergy among State SSS Directors across the Northwest Geopolitical Zone.

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, while addressing participants, called upon security agencies to intensify efforts in uncovering the sources of insecurity plaguing Nigeria.

Governor Yusuf emphasized the need for proactive strategies to address the escalating security challenges in the country.

“I challenge you to use intelligence data gathering to locate the whereabouts of those perpetrating the crimes,” Governor Yusuf urged, highlighting the importance of identifying the individuals or groups behind the attacks.

“Are they Politicians, Traditional Leaders, Religious or Business Community? Do more to unravel those sponsoring and conducting attacks on innocent lives for the Country to be peaceful.”

The conference, convened by the State DSS Director in Kano, Alhassan Muhammad, under the auspices of the Director General State Services, Yusuf Magaji BICHI, aimed to enhance operational and intelligence-sharing synergy among State SSS Directors across the Northwest Geopolitical Zone.

Alhassan Muhammad emphasized the complexity of today’s security landscape, ranging from cybersecurity threats to physical security challenges and from terrorism to armed banditry.

He underscored the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange among security agencies and stakeholders to tackle these multifaceted challenges effectively.

“In today’s rapidly evolving world, security concerns have become increasingly complex and multifaceted.

“Thus, this conference has curated a comprehensive program that features thought-provoking keynote presentations, interactive discussions, and networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among DSS from various States.”

Enugu Property Belongs To The Military, Nigerian Army Insists

By
The Source
-
0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigerian Army, on Thursday, May 9, 2024,  insisted that until proven otherwise, the now contentious Enugu property situated at Plot 30 Abakaliki Road and encompassing 7 Abakaliki Lane in the Government Reservation Area GRA remains under its ownership.

Army Spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu, a Major General, in a statement said until there is valid legal position proving that the said property does not belong to the military, any claims to the contrary are only predicated on misinformation.

His reaction, is coming amidst claims by a civil society group, Civil Rights Realization and Advancement Network CRRAN that the Nigerian Army is trying to confiscate the said property from its rightful owners, in complete defiance of the directives of the Chief of Army Staff,.

However, General Onyema, in the statement described the accusations as unfounded ,as well as intended to rubbish the Army’s ongoing efforts to enthrone peace and normalcy in the Southeast region of the country.

According to the Army Spokesman, the property in question has all along belonged to the institution, with its immediate past occupant as Colonel Emeka Ugwuoke Rtd, while in service.

He noted that Col. Ugwuoke was however evicted from the said property in April 2023 following his retirement from service, adding that some trespassers decided to encroach through a corner of the property from where the Nigerian Army evicted Col. Ugwuoke.

“The Nigerian Army is a disciplined institution that respects human rights and the rule of law . we urge the public to disregard the narrative  that suggests the NA is acting unlawfully or without respect for due process.

The NA’s position is that the property remains under its ownership ,until proven otherwise through appropriate legal channels,and any claims to the contrary are based on misinformation” General Onyema stated.

1...1,3001,3011,302...3,101Page 1,301 of 3,101