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Peter Obi To Uzodimma: You Are A Good Man

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The Source
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Peter Obi and Hope Uzodimma

Obi did not hide his feeling when he met with Governor Uzodimma at the presidential wing of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport Owerri as he arrived for his Party’s campaign rally in Owerri.

Though the Labour Party presidential candidate had arrived earlier and was being shepherded by his supporters at the premises of the presidential lounge of the airport, he broke off from their midst without their knowledge to come and receive Governor Uzodimma whom, he said he was told, was already airborne.

“Your Excellency, I had to stay back to greet you because I learnt you were already on the way coming. You are a good man and I owe you that honour to wait to greet you,” Obi told Governor Uzodimma as they hugged themselves and bantered away.

Though it would have been Obi’s desire to stop by at the Government House on the invitation of Governor Uzodimma after his rally, he said his numerous political engagements would not permit that.

“I really really appreciate,” the former Governor of Anambra State Uzodinma added Obi thanked him for the compliments and wished him well.

It would be recalled that Governor Uzodimma said recently that all political parties interested in campaigning at any government-owned facility in Owerri was welcome as approval for such would not be withheld from them.

He made good his promise by directing the relevant approving authorities in the state to grant the request of any of the political parties to use any facility of their choice for their campaign rally. The Labour Party happened to be the first.

Leaders of the Labour Party on Monday were full of praises for Governor Uzodimma,  describing his magnanimity as historic and commending his politics as one without rancour and bitterness.

Breaking: CBN Withdraws N500, N1000 From ATMs

By
James Orji
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Godwin Emefiele

With effect from January 9, 2023 the CBN has limited cash withdrawal of individual to N100,000 weekly. In a new guideline cited by the magazine, the apex bank has also pegged cash withdrawal by organisations to N500, 000 per week.

The bank has also directed commercial  banks to only load the Automated Teller Machines, ATM with N200 notes effect from next year.

Close sources in the Godwin Emefiele-led CBN said the new regime is necessary to further limit excessive cash in circulation, after the apex bank said too much hassle cash in the economy is causing inflation and promoting criminality.

These are some of the reasons city by the government bank for redesigning banknotes recently. The CBN, penultimate week launched new N200, N500 and N1000 naira notes as part of its monetary control instruments.

In the new memo sent to commercial banks on Tuesday and signed by the Director of Banking Supervision, Haruna .B. Mustafa, the apex bank also directed commercial banks to load only N200 notes in the Auto med Teller Machines, ATM.

The CBN said in the memo: “Further to the launch of the redesigned naira notes by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, and in line with the cashless policy of the CBN, all deposit money banks and other financial institutions are hereby directed to note and comply with the following:

“1. The maximum cash withdrawal over the counter by individuals and corporate organisations per week shall henceforth be N100,000 and N500,000 respectively. Withdrawals above these limits shall attract processing fees of 5% and 10%, respectively.

“2. Third-party cheques above N50,000 shall not be eligible for payment over the counter, while extant limits of N10,000,000 on clearing cheques still subsist.

“3. The maximum cash withdrawal per week via Automated Teller Machine shall be N100,000 subject to a maximum of N20,000 cash withdrawal per day.

“4. Only denominations of N200 and below shall be loaded into the ATMs.

“5. The maximum cash withdrawal via the point of sale terminal shall be N20,000 daily.”

The CBN said in compelling circumstances, not exceeding once a month, where cash withdrawals above the prescribed limits would be required for legitimate purposes, such cash withdrawals shall not exceed N5,000,000.00 and N10,000,000.00 for individuals and corporate organisations, respectively, and shall be subject to the referenced processing fees in (1) above, in addition to enhanced due diligence and further information requirements.

It also said banks were required to obtain the following information at the minimum and upload same on the CBN portal created for the purpose:

“a. Valid means of identification of the payee (National Identity Card, International Passport, Drivers License.). b. Bank Verification Number of the payee. c. Notarised customer declaration of the purpose of the cash withdrawal. d. Senior management approval for the withdrawal by the Managing Director of the drawee, where applicable. e. Approval in writing by the MD/CEO of the bank authorising the withdrawal.

“Please further note the following: i. Monthly returns on cash withdrawal transactions above the specified limits should be rendered to the Banking Supervision Department. ii. Compliance with extant AMUCFT regulations relating to the KYC, ongoing customer due diligence and suspicious transaction reporting etc., is required in all circumstances. iii. Customers should be encouraged to use alternative channels (internet banking, mobile banking apps, USSD, cards/POS. eNaira, etc.) to conduct their banking transactions.

“Finally, please note that aiding and abetting the circumvention of this policy will attract severe sanctions.

“The above regulatory directives take effect nationwide from January 9, 2023. Please be guided accordingly,” the memo said.

Upgrade, Not Proliferation Of Law Schools – Body Of Benchers To National Assembly

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nigerian Law School

By Ayodele Oni

Voice has continued to rise against multi campus system for the Nigeria Law School with the Body of Benchers (BOB) advising that those already in existence deserve upgrade and not establishment of more campuses.

The Body believes that those to be established are based on personal interest of politicians, especially national assembly members that are clamouring for campuses at their constituencies.

BOB has therefore advised the National Assembly against giving effect to its proposal to regulate the establishment of Law Schools in the country.

BOB Chairman, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) gave the advice, while admitting 4691 new lawyers at the Call to Bar ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday.

“May we plead with the National Assembly to stop toying with the idea of promulgating laws or amending the Legal Practitioners Act, to pave way for the proliferation of Law School campuses, particularly, around the neighbourhoods of some lawmakers.

“It is within the exclusive prerogative of the Council of Legal Education, in consultation with the Body of Benchers to establish new Law School campuses.

“While I do not question the jurisdiction of the National Assembly to make laws as appropriate, Law School campuses cannot be established without clearance from the Council of Legal Education.

“What we need now is the improvement and upgrading of the existing Law School campuses, using the newly commissioned Graham Douglas Law School Campus, Port Harcourt, built and equipped by the Rivers State Government as a model. I dare say that it is the best in the country for now.”

He advised the new lawyers to always uphold the ethics of the profession and desist from act that could portray the profession in bad light.

“It behoves me at this point to forthrightly prepare your minds for the inevitability of bumpy rides, aspersions, tirades, general vicissitudes, and such other contingencies to which all humans are susceptible.

“These eventualities are of universal character, sparing no one, irrespective of illustriousness or nobility of pedigree, tribal or ethnic affiliation, religious inclinations, affluence eminence or dexterity. Yours faithfully is, of course, a living example.

“Our profession boasts of, and parades three key words: noble, honourable and learned. Covet these flagship words in your endeavours, understanding and relationship with others.

“Do not engage in strife, blackmail, mudslinging, campaign of calumny, treachery or any attempt to run or pull anyone down.”

He urged senior lawyers to improve on the welfare of junior lawyers, and spoke of plans to mentor new lawyers nationwide through a mentoring committee of the BOB headed by J. K. Gadzama (SAN).

Olanipekun urged judges to be lenient with young lawyers, saying: “To our noble judges, before whom these young ones will start appearing, please be patient with them and exercise your awesome owners to commit for sparingly.”

Dwelling on the activities of the BOB, Olanipekun noted that the body is not an appendage of the Federal Government, or any government, institution or agency, howsoever.

“It is an independent and autonomous body, and its meetings, affairs and decisions are not influenced by any power or authority whatsoever.”

OPINION: The Tinubu Chatham House Appearance – An International Embarrassment

By
The Source
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Olufemi Adegbulugbe

I registered and attended, via zoom, the town hall titled “Nigeria’s 2023 elections: Security & economic development and its foreign policy imperatives Confirmation”

The speaker was Mr Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the venue was Chatham House, London. Date was 05, December, 2022.

In my mind, the event was a “make or break” affair. It was an opportunity to prove skeptics wrong or to confirm the position of skeptics.

Unfortunately, the worst happened. The unthinkable happened at a global event.

Mr Tinubu spoke for 15-20 minutes and will not answer any of the 11 questions directed at him.

Rather, Mr Tinubu assigned to himself the role of a “moderator” and delegated persons to answer questions on his behalf.

In fact, he assigned specific questions to specific persons.

It is unprecedented that such would happen at a global event in Chatham House, with the whole world watching. It was a shame. It was shameful and a bad day for Nigeria.

Mr Tinubu must be reminded that the personality invited to Chatam House is Bola Ahmed Tinubu and not Dele Alake, El-Rufai, Gbaja, Betty Edu or the team he referred to.

Mr Tinubu must be reminded that no team exists for now until after a President emerges, and is sworn in. Whatever team exists only exist at the backstage for now.

For now, it is the Presidential Candidate that is the voice who must engage directly with the voters and wider audience.

Why will Mr Tinubu not answer questions directed at him, in a Townhall meeting he voluntarily participated? A Townhall different from bala blu, bulaba!

Mr Tinubu failed to understand that his appearance at Chatham House was an interview process and I have never seen where a person attending an interview will delegate the questions. It is most shameful to say the least.

The event left no reasonable person in doubt that Mr Bola Tinubu does not have the physical and mental capacity to lead the most populated black nation, the Giant of Africa.

All the foreign journalists that gathered at Chatham House, those that joined online and Nigerians in diaspora congregated to hear Tinubu take and answer questions. The questions were directed at Tinubu but unfortunately, Tinubu disappointed everyone and left no one in doubt that he lacks the mental capacity to lead any country. Perhaps, not everyone was disappointed.

The Guest Speaker turned moderator event show is unprecedented in the history of Chatham House. Chatham house must now put procedures in place to ensure this fraud never happens again.

The big question is what was the objective of the appearance at Chatham by Mr Tinubu.

In my opinion, Tinubu’s appearance at Chatham House confirms to the world, the mental deficiency of Mr Tinubu and also highlights the fact that the Tinubu team is aware of this mental deficiency but working hard to package this unfitness.

Out of the 5-6 Presidential aspirants illegally introduced to us by Mr Tinubu at Chatham House, El-Rufai impressed me the most. Dr Betty Edu also impressed me.

But I am at a loss as to why Gov El-Rufai will be a participant in this fraud and illegality to deceive Nigerians.

The appearance of Prof Osinbajo at Chatham house would have presented the best of Africa. It would have made the black race proud.

Unfortunately, it was not to be.

And I, therefore, settle for the best alternative option.

I support OBI/DATTI for President and Vice President by the grace of God.

I am now convinced, beyond reasonable doubts, that Mr Tinubu is unfit to become the next President of Nigeria.

However, he remains a key candidate in the race to Aso Rock. In any sane and civilized country, the name, Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not even be on the ballot.

May God bless our troops,

God bless Nigeria.

Adegbulugbe, lives in Alberta, Canada*

Splinter Group Of University Lecturers Protests Non Payment Of Withheld Salary, Threatens Court Action

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ngige Presents Certificate to New ASUU

By Ayodele Oni

Splinter Group of University Lecturers, the Congress of University Academics (CONUA), is aggrieved with the Federal Government over failed promises.

CONUA was birthed in the wake of the prolonged strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) after some lecturers resolved to resume lectures and went ahead to form the body.

There were mixed reactions after it was formed with some declaring that it was illegal while others, especially government officials welcomed its formation.

Now the body has resolved to sue the Federal Government over the withheld salaries of its members.

The government held on to the salaries of university lecturers for embarking on strike from mid-February to mid October this year.

The CONUA, in a statement on Tuesday, expressed disappointment with the Federal Government for withholding the salaries of its members, stressing that the government was fully aware that its members neither called for nor participated in the said strike.

The statement by its president Dr Niyi Sunmonu, national secretary, Dr Henri Oripeloye and national publicity secretary, Dr Ernest Nwoke, pointed out that its members had expected the Federal Government to correct itself by releasing the withheld salaries along with November salary, but it failed to do so after series of letters and actions reminding the minister of Labour and Accountant General that its members did not participate in the strike.

The CONUA insisted that the government’s action violates labour law. As a union that prides itself of doing things differently, it revealed that dragging the government to court was its next action.

The statement reads: “ The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has expressed disappointment with the Federal Government, especially the Ministry of Labour and Employment, over the non-payment of its members’ withheld salaries even when the government knew that the union did not call for strike action and its members were not involved in the strike action that lasted for eight months and which shut down the university system nationwide.

“CONUA formally made its non-involvement in the strike known to the Federal Government in a letter addressed to the Minister of Labour and Employment in April 2022.

“In the letter, we made it clear that because CONUA constituted a separate and independent union in the university system, our members did not call for any strike.

“This was followed by a press conference in Abuja on August 19, 2022 at which it was categorically stated that CONUA was not part of any ongoing strike and that the “No Work No Pay” principle ought not to apply to members of the union.

“CONUA’s expectation is that, due to the express and categorical declaration, the government would seamlessly release our members’ outstanding salaries when it resumed the payment of salaries to all university staff in October 2022.

“But to our dismay, CONUA members were also paid pro-rata salaries in complete disregard to the fact that we were indeed shut out of duties by the strike.

“Subsequently, we wrote to the Accountant-General of the Federatıon and the Ministry of Labour and Employment reminding them that it was an error to lump our members with those that declared and embarked on strike action.

“It was yet another shock for the outstanding backlog of salaries not to have been paid to our members along with the November 2022 salary.

‘The non-payment of our withheld salaries contravenes Section 43 (1b) of the Trade Disputes Act CAP. T8, which states that “where any employer locks out his workers, the workers shall be entitled to wages and any other applicable remunerations for the period of the lock-out and the period of the lock-out shall not prejudicially affect any rights of the workers being rights dependent on the continuity of the period of employment.’ This provision is consistent with global best practices.

“From the foregoing and as a law-abiding union that pledged to do things differently, we have resolved to seek legal redress of the illegal withholding of our legitimate salaries by taking the matter to court in consonance with the rights enshrined in our laws.”

Sammie Okposo’s Daughter, Alula, Breaks Silence, Says Her Father’s Death Blanks Her Out

By
The Source
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0
Alula Okposo - Sammie Okposo Daugher

By Akinwale Kasali

Alula Okposo, late Gospel singer, Sammie Okposo’s daughter, is yet to come to terms with the sudden passing of her father.

Alula has not commented on her social media handles, neither has she given any conventional  media audience since the November 25th, 2022 incident. But, she has finally broken her silence.

Taking to her Instagram Page, she wrote that her father’s death has made her blank.

“The real truth is I feel like a blank sheet of paper …. just waiting for the different strokes from the paint brushes.”

She continued, “God knows best because I know your definitely jamming with the Angels, changing it for them, letting them know say Na your voice bad pass … anyways make we leave the story for the writer. BIG LOVE My G, RIP.”

Yesterday, family of the deceased announced the burial arrangements of the late Iconic Gospel Singer, whose tribute night will be held for him on Tuesday, December 13 in Lagos State, followed by a service of songs on Wednesday.

The funeral service for Sammie will take place on December 15 and will be private affair.

The 51-Year Old  Niger Delta-born music star was known for emboldening the gospel music scene by taking his music away from the quiet confines of the Church.

He released his first album, Unconditional Love, in 2000.

Aregbesola APC Faction In Osun Dissolved, Reunites

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Members of the Osun Top Progressives, (TOP) a faction loyal to the former Governor of the state, Rauf Aregbesola have announced return to the mainstream of the party and cessation of hostility.

The faction, after it failed to produce the governorship candidate of the party for July election, allegedly worked against APC candidate, Gboyega Oyetola, which led to his defeat at the election.

Despite efforts by leadership of the party to resolve the crisis, the Aregbesola led faction stood its ground and surreptitiously worked for the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) Ademola Adeleke, that eventually won the election.

Aregbesola, Minister of interior, was not in the country on the day of the governorship election in the state, which some of his followers boycotted.

Former Governor Oyetola is currently challenging the outcome of the poll at the Election Petition Tribunal.

The dissolution of TOP, was announced on Tuesday in Osogbo, with members of the caucus announcing their return to the APC.

Their spokesman, Dr Najeem Salaam called for support of all progressive minded individuals, to join efforts at rebuilding the party, for future electoral successes.

Salaam, a former Speaker of the Osun House of Assembly, stated that  the dissolved TOP was formed on the basis of promoting the trajectory of the progressives from the Action Group days to the formation of the APC.

He said TOP is now ceasing on its hostilities, inviting genuine Progressives to an all-inclusive meeting for the rebuilding of the party, within the next one week.

He called on party members across the state to bury the hatchet and work for the greater good and service to humanity through progressive governance.

As a move to fast-track the rebuilding process, Salaam noted that the core progressives will setup a truth and reconciliation forum within the party, when fully restructured to prevent any recurrence of the ugly past.

It is not immediately known whether the returnee TOP members will embrace the leadership structure of the party, put in place by former Governor Oyetola.

CBN: Buhari Re-appoints Ahmad Deputy Gov

By
James Orji
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0
CBN aishah-ahmad

President Muhammadu Buhari has reappointed Aisha Ahmad as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

Ahmad was first appointed by the President four years ago as the Deputy Governor in charge of Financial System Stability of the apex bank.

According to a letter forwarded to the Senate on Monday, President Buhari requested the upper chamber of the National Assembly to approve the appointment of Ahmad for another five year and final term. The letter was ed today on the floor of the Senate.
“As Deputy Governor in charge of Financial System Stability, she is responsible for leading the effort to promote a sound financial system in Nigeria; one of the principal objects of the Bank as specified within the CBN Act,” the CBN wrote about her.

Banking industry feelers say with over 20 years experience with global financial institutions such as Stanbic IBTC Bank, Zenith Bank PLC and Bank of New York Mellon, Diamond Bank PLC, the new CBN deputy governor-nominee, Aishah Ahmad, seems fully prepared for the position.


Ahmad was born on October 26, 1976, and hails from Niger State. She was the Head, Consumer and Privilege Banking at Defunct Diamond bank,. She had earlier served as the Head, Retail Banking Directorate of the same bank.
She joined Diamond Bank in June 2014 as a Deputy General Manager and the Head, Retail Financial Services Division, overseeing Privilege Banking, Consumer Banking Group, Retail Assets, Cards and Customer Engagement & Insight.


Prior to joining Diamond Bank, Ahmad worked with Stanbic IBTC Holdings where she served in various capacities as Head, High Net-worth Individuals; Head, Private Client Services and Deputy Head, Private Client Services between 2009 – 2014.


She had also worked with other companies such as Zenith Capital Limited as Head, Business Development, Bank of New York Mellon (UK), Synesix Financial Limited (UK), Zenith Bank Plc as Head, Retail Banking Unit, and NAL Bank Plc as Head, Private Banking.
She also worked with First Interstate Bank Plc as Executive Assistant, Treasury Group, Manstructs Group Nigeria Limited as Group Accountant and Z. O. Ososanya & Co.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Abuja, an MBA (Finance) from the University of Lagos and an M.Sc. Finance and Management from the Cranfield School of Management (UK).


She is a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) and she holds the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
Ahmad is currently the Chairperson of Women in Business and Public Service, WIMBIZ, and a board member of the SOS Children’s hospital.
She is renowned for her experience in the private banking space having managed many High Net-worth Individuals (HNI’s) throughout her career.
Ahmad is married to Abdallah Ahmad, a retired brigadier-general, and has two children.

2023: Atiku Support Group Mocks Tinubu, Says  Conduct At Chatham House Disgraceful

By
The Source
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0
Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

The Campaign Support Organization of the Peoples Democratic Party’s Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar has come down  hard on the All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his outing at Chatham House, London on Tuesday, 5th December, 2022.

The Atiku Support Organization, ASO, mocked    what it called a disgraceful conduct displayed by Tinubu at the outing.

The Group said that it was a colossal disgrace put up by Tinubu as he delegated questions directed at him to his party men at the conference room. It said it is proof that he had no  capacity to govern a country as complex as Nigeria.

The former Lagos State Governor was at  Chatham House  to speak to Nigerians in the Diaspora on why he should be elected in 2023.  But he pushed the responsibility of answering questions asked  by the moderator to a couple to some members of his entourage.

He assigned Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State to speak on how his (Tinubu-led) government would address insecurity and asked the Director of Strategic Communication of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Dele Alake, to respond to the question on oil theft. The APC National Women Leader, Dr Betta Edu, spoke on health while Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, answered the question of bilateral relationship with Britain.

A statement released by ASO, and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr Victor Moses,  partly read: “The fact that Bola Tinubu couldn’t provide answers to basic questions, especially on how to improve bilateral ties in the area of defence with the United Kingdom, but called on El-Rufai, Gbajagbiamila, Betta Edu and co to rescue him shows that Nigeria may be in for a major calamity ahead.

“In fact, the entire program by Tinubu at the Chatham House was a show of shame and an embarrassment to Nigeria.

“It is now clear to all Nigerians why Tinubu dodged the AriseTV Town Hall debate. His mental facilities have shown a complete mark of deterioration, and he can not face a one-on-one debate or conversation about his plans for Nigeria. A continuation of the APC government will be a major disaster for Nigeria.

“As the 2023 election draws closer, we wish to call on Nigerians not to be deceived or misled by the APC to bring calamity upon the nation. We have had enough under President Mohammadu Buhari,” it added.

The group further charged the electorate to support and vote for Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, who they said was an experienced politician, a seasoned administrator, a compassionate philanthropist and an accomplished businessman.

Boko Haram Slaughter 30 ISWAP Wives In Supremacy Battle

By
James Orji
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0

Boko Haram terrorists have slaughtered over 30 wives of members of rival group, the Islamic State of West African Province, ISWAP, in what has been described by analysts as a reprisal attack.

ISWAP had killed one of the Boko Haram Commanders, Malam Aboubakar (Munzir) and 15 others after which the latter launched the counter attack to kill the former women in a bloody reprisals in Sambisa Forest.

Recall that since December 3, a top Boko Haram leader in charge of Mandara Moutain, Ali Ngulde has led hundreds of fighters to wage war against the ISWAP in Sambisa Forest.
Sources said the attack began with a failed negotiation initiated by the Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād (Boko Haram) terrorist group, inviting its rival group the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP), that they are ready to surrender themselves (mubayi’a) to IS/ISWAP leadership.

Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad, who confirmed the slaughter, disclosed that, “Unknown to the ISWAP group, Ngulde and his team had staged an ambush against them in which at least 12 of them were killed in Yuwe, while others escaped with bullets wounds.

“In the aftermath of the encounters, Boko Haram members seized four Hilux trucks mounted with weapons belonging to their rivals and burnt another.

“Shortly after the victory, the Boko Haram fighters mobilised more fighters from Abu Ikilima’s camp at Gaizuwa, Gabchari, Mantari and Mallum Masari to attack more ISWAP positions in Ukuba, Arra and Sabil Huda and Farisu, killing about 23 more fighters.

“Few hours later, a top ISWAP leader, Ba’ana Chingori, called for a declaration of war and led a column of fighters to carry out reprisal attacks on the Boko Haram in Farisu.
“The attack paid off as the ISWAP neutrialized 15 Boko Haram terrorists including a unit Commander, Malam Aboubakar (Munzir) and seized seven motorcycles from them.
“The ISWAP group later retreated and took position at the camp of Izzah.

“Thereafter, they moved to Garin Abbah, located about 2 kilometers away, where they pinned down to wait for the Boko Haram.

“But instead of going to meet the ISWAP rivals to continue the fight, the Boko Haram elements made a detour, headed to where ISWAP wives are and killed 33 of them,” the source said.

Those watching what is going on said ISWAP will not take the killing of their women lie low and are likely to avenge their deaths in a matter of days or weeks.

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