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Wema Bank: Oseni Gets Mgt. Nod As CEO

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Moruf Oseni has been appointed the managing director/ chief executive officer of Wema Bank Plc. He is expected to replace the incumbent chief executive officer, Ademola Adebise whose tenure will expire in March, 2023.

Until his appointment, Oseni held the position of Deputy Managing Director.

Adebise ‘s departure from the commercial bank followed over one decade on the top management level of the bank.

According to a statement from the bank cited by the magazine, Wole Akinleye has also been appointed as Deputy Managing.

Their appointments, the statement further stated is subject to approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

Oseni is coming to his new appointment with vast experience spanning over 25 years in the financial sector, with more than 15 years in the top management level. He joined the bank in June 2012.

Kidnapped Female Army Officer Dehumanised; Not Yet Released – Army; Blames IPOB/ESN

By
Adesina Soyooye
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PP Jonnson

By Adesina Soyooye

The Nigerian Army has lamented the dehumanisation of its officer who is in the custody of her abductors. It has, also, without concrete evidence, alleged that the ordeal of the officer is the handiwork of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, and its militant wing, Eastern Security Network, ESN. There has been no response from IPOB/ESN both of which have constantly denied complicity in such  incidents which paint the Igbo in unflattering colours.

The officer, Lt PP Jonnson was kidnapped on 26th December, 2022, in Aku, Okigwe, Imo State, on her way to visit  her grandmother after her cadet training. It is not confirmed, yet, if she wore her Army uniform, on the trip, in order to show her grandmother who was to see her in it for the first time.

A video of Jonnson, stripped naked, soon surfaced, obviously videod and released by her abductors. A male voice, in the video gave an inkling to their location, and threatened that they would kill her the same way they would kill any Biafran in the Military or Police. He said they would be killed one by one, and identified themselves as neither members of  IPOB, nor ESN. They said they were just unknown gunmen fighting for the actualization of the Biafran Republic.

On Thursday, 29th December, the story of the officer’s rescue by the Army and the Department of State Services, DSS, surfaced to the joy of many people, especially, the Igbo who were embarrassed by her abduction and dehumanisation.

But on Friday, the Army debunked the story of any such rescue or release.

In a statement, Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Information, confirmed Jonnson’s abduction.  He also confirmed that she was abducted at Aku-Okigwe, Imo State, on her way to visit her grandmother.

Said Nwachukwu: “The Officer’s circumstance as a woman, and a Nigerian citizen of South-eastern extraction did not dissuade her abductors from dehumanising her in their mindless attempt to commit  atrocities under the guise of fighting for Biafra.

“This, evidently, is another pointer to the myriad of crimes being unleashed by IPOB/ESN on Ndigbo, the very people they claim to be fighting for their emancipation.

“It should, therefore, be crystal clear to those who are still in doubt of the true status of these groups that IPOB and ESN are terrorists.

“They are masquerading as freedom fighters, and do not deserve the support of anyone, especially,  the good people of South-east, Nigeria.

“The Nigerian Army states that the information making the rounds that Lt Jonnson has been released, or rescued from her abductors is unsubstantiated as the officer is yet to be released or rescued.”

The video purporting her rescue, Nwachukwu said, is an old video of the arrest of a suspect.

He said: ” Much as we appreciate the concern and goodwill of the general public for her safe rescue, we also wish to note that the information on the rescue of the officer did not emanate from the Nigerian Army.

He, however,  assured that: “The Nigerian Army will leave no stone unturned in its effort to rescue the officer and bring the perpetrators to book.

The Army appealed to Imo people, whose daughter the officer is, to provide credible  information that could lead to her rescue.

“Calm Down PDP, There Is No Problem Yet; What You Have Is An Introduction To Trouble” – Governor Wike

By
The Source
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0

By Charles Igbo

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has put his Party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on notice of the trouble that would soon engulf it.

The PDP has been engulfed in a major crisis since after the Presidential Primaries during which former Vice President Atiku Abubakar beat Wike to a second place. It worsened when Wike, also, lost the Vice Presidential slot, which he had very much looked forward to, to his Delta State counterpart, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa.

Wike is leading a faction of the PDP which has divorced itself from the mainstream PDP, and therefore, not participating in any Party activities, including the Presidential Campaign. All efforts from within and outside the Party to resolve the crises has been unsuccessfully as both Parties, especially Wike and company, stuck to their guns.

The Wike Group, which includes four other Governors- Samuel Ortom, Benue, Okezie Ikpeazu, Abia, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Enugu, Seyi Makinde, Oyo – and a number of Stakeholders, are insisting on  the stepping down of the Party’s National  Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, from office. Aside from holding Ayu responsible for Wike’s loss, they want him succeeded by a Southerner, positing that it is against the Party’s Constitution for both the National Chairman and the Presidential Candidate to come from the same region of the Country – the North.

They have said they will never work for the Presidential success of Atiku, nor vote for him. In the past weeks, they have been stressing that they would vote for another Presidential Candidate of their choice. Wike and Ortom in particular. A few days ago, Ortom endorsed the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi.

When the five Governors left for London, a couple of days ago, as has been usual for them in the past few months, tension mounted, and so did wild speculations. It was said that they went to London to make a final decision on which Presidential candidate to back; that they are divided into two -three for the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu, and two for Obi; that they have held a meeting, in London, with Tinubu and reached an agreement with him. The latter was especially promoted by Special Assistant to President  Muhammadu Buhari on Digital Communication, Bashir Ahmad, who  said the five rebellious PDP Governors, have made a “fantastically positive” offer to Tinubu which would seal victory for him in 2023.

But on Friday, 30th December, on return from London, Wike put a lie to all the speculations. He said all the publications, including Ahmad’s statement, were fabrications, a bundle of lies.

He spoke while flagging off the construction of a new road in the State.

He said there was no such meeting with Tinubu. He said there was no agreement with Tinubu. He said the crisis in the PDP is nothing compared to what is to come. “They say there is problem in the Party, there is no trouble. This is just an introduction ( to trouble).”, Wike said.

He dared the PDP leadership to expel him from the Party, and see if it would  survive. He recalled how then President Obasanjo knelt down to beg Atiku to allow him a second term, and agreed to all Atiku’s conditions, including the sack of Chief Tony Anenih as Minister for Works, as well as dropping him from the Presidential Campaign Council. Wike, also, accused Journalists of behaving as if they are in the contest for the Presidency.

He said he never granted any interview to the BBC. “I did not”, he emphasized, otherwise, he asked, where are the pictures, where is the video.

Wike: “You know these days, we don’t have Journalists. We have Press men. You can see people not being able to give correct information. You see Newspapers that are now running election. You see TV Houses now standing for election.”

Wike said he was not worried about anything, and asked the PDP to leave him and his Governor-allies alone and focus on their electioneering campaign.

Wike: “PDP is bothered over me”

“To go and sleep, you are worried. Still you tell Nigerians you don’t bother. They say I held a conversation with BBC. Where is the picture, where is the video?

“You know these days, we don’t have Journalists. What we have are Press men. You can see people not being able to give correct information. You see Newspapers that are now running election. You see TV Houses now standing for election.

“Wike had interview with BBC. Wike said we had a deal with so-so and so. Meanwhile, there is no video, no voice anything.

“And, some of you, you waste your time to listen to such things. Don’t you know that when I want to do something, I will do it. Do you need to speculate? You don’t need to speculate.”

The Real Trouble  Coming For PDP

Wike: “They say there is problem. There is no trouble. What we have is an introduction to the problem that will come. So, my dear people, don’t bother yourselves. They say we have meeting with so-so and so.  So, what is their problem.”

Atiku is holding meetings with APC Governors

Wike: “Assuming we had a meeting, has Atiku not been  meeting with APC Governors? Ask him. As he is in Dubai, don’t we know what is going on? So, why do you bother about us, G-5?

“You said you will win without us. Leave me alone. Leave Seyi Makinde alone. Leave Ortom alone. Leave Ikpeazu alone. Leave Ugwuanyi alone. Focus on your problems.”

I will tell you my decision

Wike: “So, my dear people, I just want to tell you that whatever decision, I will tell you. And I cannot take any decision without taking advice from you. Is that not? Is that not?”

Newspapers standing for election

Wike: “So, please, allow these Newspapers who (sic) are standing for election. All of us know the Parties they are supporting. All of us know the candidates they are supporting. They cannot come out to tell Nigerians the simple truth. Every time, they are telling Nigerians lies upon lies, upon lies upon lies.”

You cannot threaten me. Sack me and see

Wike: “I am not one who will see somebody and I will hide. Hide for who?  Who is that person that will threaten me? You say you will sack me. Go ahead and sack me. I am not worried.  You that is (sic) sacking, you are worried. Me that will be sacked, am I worried? Try and see how you will survive it.”

I went to London to enjoy myself and my family

“I just went to enjoy myself and my family. Don’t you see  how I am looking?  Don’t you like how I am looking? If you check their BP (Blood Pressure), it is very high. Mine is like a kid’s. Bring a Doctor now, check my BP, you will see. But their own us rising high and high everyday.

“So, just please focus on what we are doing. Forget all these their rumour mongering.

“Everyday, Tinubu has settled this, Obi has settled this, Obasanjo has done this. So, you can see people, instead of them to focus on their their campaign, am I contesting election? You that is (sic) contesting, go and focus on your campaign. Go and tell the people what you will do when elected.

Arise Television, is contesting election

“But my problem, and that is why Nigerians forget easily, and I want to challenge some of these people who think they can deceive me and deceive you. When they want to tell people the truth, tell them the truth.

“They have been circulating on Arise Television, one of those contesting election, that Wike said I am a Party man, whoever wins, I will support, I will support. I did not deny that.”

Obasanjo sacked Anenih as Minister and removed him from PCC to please Atiku

“Wike: “In 2003, when President Olusegun Obasanjo wanted to run for a second tenure – a whole President wanted to run for a second – he knelt down before his Vice, and said, ‘my Vice, please, allow me to run.’

“You know one of the conditions he (Atiku) gave him? That Tony Anenih must be sacked as the Minister for Works, and Tony Anenih must not be in the Presidential Campaign Council.

“Obasanjo obliged and sacked Tony Anenih as the Minister for Works, and removed him from the Presidential Campaign Council. This is a President, (and) his own his own Vice giving him condition. A retired General knelt down and was given conditions.

“We (G-5) are not even doing  that, we are not saying sack this one, we are only saying that the constitution of our Party must be respected, based on what the National Chairman said, and what you (Atiku) told me in my house.”

For the records, Obasanjo and Atiku’s second tenure in office was not cordial. It was rough. Obasanjo rendered him redundant, sacked most of his Aides, called him corrupt, and tried to remove him from office when Atiku publicly began to fund another Party, ACN, Bola Tinubu’s baby. He later decamped to the Party on leaving office, and became its Presidential Candidate. Atiku was defeated by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Soludo’s Community Ignores Him, Gives Obi Rousing Welcome; “No Candidate More Qualified Than Me – Obi”

By
The Source
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Peter Obi

Former Governor of Anambra state and presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, has said no other presidential candidate is more qualified than him in the forthcoming presidential election.

Obi made this known on Friday, December 30, 2022, during Aguata stakeholders meeting held at Isuofia in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State. Isuofia is the hometown of the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo.

The LP candidate says he is a proud Nigerian and that he is not contesting because he is Igbo but because he is a Nigerian.

He promised to serve Nigeria, noting that there is nothing to share. According to him, it’s nobody’s turn to be President but the turn of Nigerians to take back their country.

Saying some people said he didn’t have structure, Obi noted that it’s such structures that brought problems to the country.

“We have young boys and girls who are doing nothing,” Obi said, adding that small countries which were no match for Nigeria had overtaken us.

He lamented that Nigeria could not feed her citizens, vowing that he must change Nigeria and that things wouldn’t continue like this.

He also lamented the spate of corruption in Nigeria, wondering how someone who returned N30 billion after allegedly stealing N109 billion was granted bail.

He said he was committed to the presidential contest for a better Nigeria, for our own future and the future of our children.

In his speech, the traditional ruler of Isuofia, Igwe C.A.O Muoghalu, expressed happiness at the visit of Peter Obi. He prayed God to protect Obi, saying, “we love him.”

Also speaking, Labour Party chieftain, Chief Valentine Ozigbo, said Aguata was the first local government area in Anambra that Obi would visit as a presidential candidate. He urged Aguata people to be the first in the election. “We must mobilise to the fullest, we must do everything possible to ensure we succeed maximally,” Ozigbo said.

In his own speech, a prominent industrialist and an indigene of Isuofia, Chief Paul Okonkwo, also known as Ojih, extolled the virtues of Obi. He said Obi had no rival, urging him not to fear because the majority of youths, women, children, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo and many others had agreed that Obi would be our President.

Stating that Obi’s humility is second to none, Chief Okonkwo said the majority of Nigerians believe in him.

Highlight of the occasion was the introduction of the Labour Party state Assembly candidates for Aguata 1, Barrister Arinze Ikeabanife and Aguata 2, Chief Isaac Okpala as well as the House of Representatives candidate for Aguata Federal Constituency, Chief Andy Azike.

Some other dignitaries who graced the occasion include the Managing Director of Winco Foam, Chief Godwin Okafor; Special Assistant to the Governor, Anambra Liaison Office Lagos, Barrister Leo Chiegboka; former Onowu Isuofia, Chief Pius Moneme; Chief Patrick Ifionu (Patfins); Chief Benji Uba, who hosted the gathering; Chief Uchenna Okpalaunegbu; Chief Pius Moneme and representatives from all the 14 communities in Aguata.

Southern, Middle Belt Leaders Mourn Obiozor, Commiserate with the Igbo Nation

By
The Source
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Professor George Obiozor

The Southern and Middle Belt Forum, SMBLF, has condoled with the Igbo Nation over the death of Professor George Obiozor.

Professor Obiozor died on 26th December, 2022, of alleged heart-related issues.

His death was confirmed in an announcement by the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, on Thursday, 29th December.

Until the Professor’s passing, he was the President General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. He was, also, one of the Leaders of SMBLF.

A statement signed by the Leaders of the Forum – Chief Edwin Clark, Chief Ayo Adebanjo – Dr Pogu Bitrus – noted that: “Though death is a necessary end, it is saddening that George departed at a time when Nigeria was in dire need of patriots and Leaders like him as the country struggles with various internal conflicts and traverses a puzzling phase in its history.”

The full statement reads:

“The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum (SMBLF) received the news of the passing on of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ambassador (Prof.) George Obiozor, CON, with profound sadness. We are greatly pained by this incident; we have not just lost a trusted and dependable ally, but a good friend, a true patriot, and a highly esteemed Statesman.

“Professor George Obiozor was an exemplary, unpretentious and self-effacing leader; and a first-class gentleman, a thorough bred scholar, who firmly and committedly, in tandem with his Compatriots, maintained our common stance on the fundamental principles of equity, justice and fairness, and inclusivity, in the quest for a better Nigeria. He was a man of peace who will be remembered for his candor, open-mindedness and civility. His life and works will remain an inspiration to present and forthcoming generations on the lessons of tolerance, unity and peaceful co-existence.

“A renowned academic and foremost diplomat, Ambassador Obiozor was a former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs. He was Nigeria’s Ambassador to Israel, with concurrent accreditation as  High Commissioner to Cyprus, before becoming Ambassador to the United States. Obiozor was elected as the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide on 10th January 2021.

“His death is a monumental loss not just to SMBLF and the Igbo Nation but the entire Country. Nigeria has, indeed, lost a true patriot, an exceptional diplomat, an intellectual giant and a visionary statesman.

“Though death is a necessary end, it is saddening that George departed at a time when Nigeria was in dire need of patriots and leaders like him as the country struggles with various internal conflicts and traverses a puzzling phase in its history.

“We commiserate with the Igbo Nation and the Nigerian State, and extend our deepest condolences to the Government and people of Imo State, the Obiozor family of Awo-Omamma in Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State, as well as the Leadership and Membership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, on the passing of this celebrated leader, friend, brother and father. The entire membership of the other component organizations of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum mourn with you and pray that the Almighty God grants us all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. We will greatly miss his sublime contributions to the progression of the Forum since he assumed the position of President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

“SMBLF would liaise with the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the government of Imo State and his family to ensure that our dearly beloved George Obiozor is bestowed a benefiting last respect.

“May his Good Soul Rest in Peace!”

Professor Obiozor, a native of Awo Omamma, Imo State, was a Professor of International Relations and Diplomacy. He was a Scholar and accomplished Diplomat. Aged 80 years, his last diplomatic posting, before retirement from public service, was Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States of America.

Our Life In Danger; UNILORIN Resident Doctors Cry Out

By
Ayodele Oni
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UNILORIN Resident Doctors

By Ayodele Oni

Call it one of the hazards of the profession or aggression of the highest order, resident doctors, of the University of Ilorin Teaching hospital have cried out saying enough of harassment by relations of patients  admitted in the hospital.

They have staged a rally to protest increased assaults on members, in the cause of carrying out assigned duties.

The protest is coming after one of the resident doctors was allegedly assaulted by relations of a patient that died in the course of treatment, which led to detention of the corpse.

President of the association ,  Ijaiya Adeyemi said the protest is to draw the attention of relevant authorities to the dangers on the lives of doctors, who have been regularly brutalized by family members of  patients over accusation of unsatisfactory service delivery.

During the protest, regular activities were halted in the early hours of Friday at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital as a result of the protest by Resident Doctors of the health institution over the continued assault on medical officers by relatives of patients seeking medical attention.

The Resident doctors therefore, insisted that culprits be apprehended immediately and prosecuted accordingly, while also calling for the presence of armed security personnel at all emergency points in the hospitals among others.

The health workers also advised on adequate sensitisation of the general public against acts capable of endangering the lives of medical personnel in the cause of carrying out their assigned duties.

Northern Group Insists CBN Governor Emefiele Must Be Investigated; Urges DSS To Appeal Against Judgement

By
Ayodele Oni
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Abdulsalam Mohammed Kazeem - The Concerned Northern Forum

By Ayodele Oni

A northern Group has insisted that the Governor of the Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele, must be arrested despite a court injunction which has given him a respite.

The Concerned Northern Forum,(CNF) impressed it on the Director- General of Department of State Security Services, (DSS) Mallam Yusuf Magaji Bichi to ignore and immediately appeal against the Federal high court injunction and go ahead with the planned arrest of Mr Emefiele.

The Group maintained that his arrest is in the interest of National security.

Addressing a World Press Conference in Kaduna the Spokesperson of the for the Group, Abdulsalam Mohammed Kazeem, declared that “National security is a serious issue, we can’t afford a relapse of insecurity in this country because of mindless distractions.

“Unraveling the role the CBN under Emefiele is playing in sponsoring terrorism will put paid to the endless and mindless killings and attacks all over the country.

“As patriots, who wish to always stand on the path of righteousness, we won’t take sides with those calling for the sack of the DSS boss but rather ask that he should be allowed to carry out his duties without interference by anybody especially, when it comes to the issue of national security and the general well being of Nigerians.

“Those asking the DG to give details of Emefiele’s underhand dealings should know that security is a tactical issue and evidence can’t be made public so that criminals won’t be alerted and made to destroy evidence.

”Mr Godwin Emefiele, should as a matter of urgency, be relieved of his duties as the Governor of the apex bank (CBN), as his character and integrity is already questioned.

“He should be investigated accordingly and with immediate effect.His involvement into partisan politics and the spurious investments he has made even in some Nigerian banks make him unfit to continue as CBN Governor as this contravenes the CBN Act and other extant laws.

“He should be made to face the charges leveled against him in a competent court of law.

“The allegations by Hon. Mohammed Gudaji Kazaure concerning the misappropriation and diversion of stamp duty funds as well as other financial crimes require in depth investigation.

“Financial crimes including diversion of public funds as alleged run afoul of President Buhari’s anti-corruption posture and must not be tolerated by his appointee no matter how highly placed.

“Emefiele can’t be sitting as a CBN Governor while these investigation continue. He needs to step aside to prevent any form of interference and undue influence.

“It is our position that the CBN Governor should turn himself in to the DSS for questioning, possible arrest and detention. Failure to do so should be met by a forceful arrest and detention in one of Nigeria’s maximum security prison facility.

“He should forthwith, stop sponsoring faceless goons against the person of the DG of DSS and the Service in general. The endless media wars and attacks can only elongate his doomsday, but will definitely not save from standing trial and answering to the weighty allegations against him.

“We want to call on the DG to ignore the enemies of Nigeria and focus on the duties given to him by the constitution and President Mohammadu Buhari.”

Lagos Court Remands ASP Vandi Till January 30

By
Ayodele Oni
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Drambi Vandi and Bolanle Raheem

By Ayodele Oni

Killer Police Officer, Drambi Vandi, that shot dead a female Lawyer in Lagos on Christmas day was, Friday morning, arraigned in court for holding charge.

A Yaba Magistrate Court has ordered that he be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre till January 30, 2023 to give room for DPP advice.

Vandi an assistant superintendent of police,will be  remanded in the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, pending legal advice from the office of the Lagos state Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The officer, who has already been placed on suspension by the Police Service Commission, through the Inspector General of Police, allegedly shot an expectant lawyer, Mrs. Bolanle Raheem in Lagos on Christmas Day.

Osun: $5m Water Project Bribery Rocks Assembly

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Ademola Adeleke

Tawa Williams, the project manager in the middle of the failed multi – million dollar water project in Osun State has alleged that members of the state house of assembly demanded a $5 million bribe from her.

Following his swearing in as the state Govenor, Ademola Adeleke suspended the project on the basis that nothing was on ground to show for the humungous amount paid for the project by his predecessor, Gboyega Oyetola ‘s governmnet.

Governor Adeleke also suspended Williams as the project co-ordinator for alleged shoddy handling of the $106million dollar loan for the Ilesa Water project, ordering her to return also the bullet proof car she received from the immediate past administration.

The state government, in a statement, said no progress on the project despite reported disbursement of N10billion and another $28million to the contractor.

Responding to the allegation on Thursday, William who spoke on a private television in the state disclosed that the assembly demanded the bribe from her through Nasiru Olateju, House Committtee Chairman on Water Resources.

the House Committee Chairman on Water Resources, Nasiru Olateju, demanded the $5million bribe on behalf of the Osun Assembly.

According to he, “The House is asking for five million dollars and I said I don’t have five million dollars to give to anybody. They asked for it for themselves. They are asking for a takeaway grant and they are saying that they will go to the press and say that the quality of work that we have done is not good.

“I told them that one year ago, you were on the site. You were commending us. Now, you will go back to the press and say we have not done well, what would be your reason?

“Yes. They demanded the bribe. I am saying it with all sense of responsibility. It did not come to the House as a whole. The Chairman of the House Committee on Water Supply and members of his committee called us to the meeting. They were saying that we didn’t give them money, and I was saying we do not have money to give to them. The money I have is to do the job.”

The assembly has denied the allegation.

Group Calls For Urgent Action To Address Insecurity In South East

By
The Source
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Elder Dr Uma Eleazu

A non-partisan organisation with the interest of the Igbo at heart, Anya-Ndi-Igbo, has called on the federal and state governments to address insecurity in the South East as it has become unbearable.

The group, which is committed to peace, security and development of  Igboland and to peaceful co-existence between Ndi-Igbo and other nationalities, made this call  in a statement  issued on December 27 and signed by the Chairman of its Board Of Trustees, Elder Dr Uma Eleazu; Trustee, Prof Ihechukwu Madubuike; President, Engr Chris Okoye; Deputy President, Abraham Nwankwo; Secretary, Sir Okey Nwadinobi; Chairman, Security Committee, Major General Nick Rogers; Representative of Women Groups, Nnedinso Ogaziechi; and Chairman, Media and Strategic Communications, Ikechukwu Amaechi.

The statement reads:

“Generally, Nigerians from all works of life are facing the biggest threat to their lives and livelihoods. The framers of our Nigerian Constitution starting from the 1999 constitution to the last amendment, foresaw today. This explains their provision of the primary duty of government as protection of lives and property. It is, therefore, the inalienable right and entitlement of every Nigerian to benefit from the primary duty of government to protect lives and property.

“In recent years and particularly in the past three years, the scale and depth of insecurity in the South East have become unbearable. Terrorist-type invasions accompanied by massacre and sacking of entire communities, which are hardly countered by Federal and States Governments have become a common feature of the region. Other types of merchants of crime, violence and torture have joined the rampage, thereby creating hell on earth for residents and travellers in the region.

“ANYA-NDI-IGBO condemns the havoc being wrecked on Ndi-Igbo by the existence of non-state actors in the South East, under different guises, acronyms and for other reasons. Only organizations that exist by relevant laws and Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should engage in law enforcement. The objective is to make Ala-Igbo safe, not only for Ndigbo, but also attractive for people from other parts of the country to choose to live in.

“ANYA-NDI-IGBO advises South East Governors to go the extra mile in addressing security challenges and make security the topmost priority of their administration in order to reverse the current ugly trend. They should use all legitimate powers to stabilise and secure their States from further descent into chaos and work with federal authorities to restore normalcy.

“We encourage the Federal Government to open their doors for engagement and dialogue with all Agitation Groups as a way of understanding what the issues are and to resolve the genuine cases.

“We request the Federal Government to put all relevant measures in place to ensure that there is peace and Nigerians are protected as they come out to vote in 2023. All hands must be on deck to ensure that the right things are done. We appeal to the Commanders of the armed forces to collaborate with other State actors to work in synergy to maintain law and order. An insecure nation is a threat to all. It affects our general well-being and scares away our financially strong diaspora community as well as genuine investors.

“It is in line with this understanding that Anya-Ndi-Igbo, a non-partisan organization, committed to peace, security and development of Ala-Igbo and to peaceful co-existence between Ndi-Igbo and other nationalities, makes the following statements:

“a. We urge all communities in collaboration with the State Governments and The Nigeria Police Force to revive and strengthen their customary methods of protecting their communities to safeguard themselves on a continuing basis.

We request the Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) to coordinate the implementation in the spirit of their continued selfless contribution to the welfare of Ala-Igbo. We plead with our revered Ecclesiastical Fathers and Traditional Authorities to bless and support these efforts.

“b. Meanwhile, the five Governors of the South East States are respectfully reminded that they cannot abandon their responsibility by allowing this anarchy and festival of blood to continue. They are expected to use their constitutional powers to do the needful, as the Governments of Benue, Rivers and South Western States have done to arrest insecurity in their respective territories.

“c. Governors in the South East should use their membership of the Nigeria Police Council to demand changes to increase the operational efficiency of the Police. A situation where the Commissioner of Police in a State can be posted out, without the input of the State Governor, the State Attorney General and State Ministry of Justice is unacceptable.

“d. South East State governments should enlarge their Ministries of Justice by adding Internal Security to their mandate. The Internal Security desk would cooperate with the police and other security agencies to agree on approaches to solving the security problems in the region.

“e. Coroners should be appointed and properly equipped in every Magisterial District in the South East. The Coroners should take up all cases of unlawful killings, especially those ‘unknown’ persons killed by security forces. All sudden deaths must be fully accounted for by the Coroner. Coroners’ inquests, properly conducted, will increase justice system visibility and transparency, thereby winning public confidence.

“With goodwill towards all and ill will towards none, Anya-Ndi-Igbo calls on all the sons and daughters of Alaigbo to think about creative and constructive ways of reversing the prevailing security, economic and political challenges in Alaigbo as a solemn duty. It is not time for ambivalence or complicit silence. We will succeed once we resolve to rise to the challenges before us. This current generation must also rise up and face the current challenges and effectively defeat them and triumph or fail and go down in infamy as a generation that lost its ancestral heritage. God forbid!”

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