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Imo: We Thrive On Accountability – Uzodimma; Promises Synergy With ANAN

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The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has promised that his Government will continue to partner with the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) in the interest of the society and for the benefit of mankind.

Governor Uzodimma made the promise in his remarks at the Association’s   5th Session of 2022 Mandatory Continuing Professional Development/Induction programme which took place in Owerri, the Imo State capital on Wednesday.

The theme of the three day event – August 30 – September 1, 2022  is: ‘Contemporary Development in Public Sector Accounting on Financial Management.’

Represented by the Deputy Governor,  Prof. Placid Njoku, the Governor told the Association that “accountability is the fulcrum around which the 3-R mantra of Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Recovery of our administration revolves.”

He equally informed the audience that the distinct strides his government has recorded within short period in office in the areas of road infrastructure, health, security, agriculture, youth empowerment, industry among others “are as a result of conscious adoption of transparency and accountability.”

He then invited ANAN to “buy-in as partners in the business of government with a mission encapsulated in a multi-disciplinary emphasis in the up-bringing of well-rounded, well-blended and well-honed professionals, profound in knowledge, skillful in-practice and ethnical in conduct.”

Governor Uzodimma seized the opportunity to draw attention of the leadership of ANAN and other accounting bodies on the need for a serious work to sustain the image they have built over the years “to avoid the fact of a select criminal-minded few, no matter their status, from destroying their efforts.”

The Governor congratulated ANAN on her programme in Owerri and hoped that the 5th Session will “inculcate in her members and the newly inducted, the spirit of thorough professionalism, work ethics and values, conduct, and above all, the attitude of patriotism and selfless service to the society.”

He expressed gladness that ANAN chose Imo State to host the programme ignoring the false orchestrations of insecurity challenges against the State.

The Governor described the choice of Imo for the 2022 MCPD as a clear demonstration of ANAN’s appreciation of the conscious efforts of his government to continue to protect lives and property of the citizens and in creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in Imo State.

In his address at the occasion, the President and Chairman of the Council of ANAN,  Rev. Canon (Prof.) Benjamin Chuka Osisioma noted that “ANAN is a premium brand of choice with high National and International recognition,” and that “members are imbued with high quality professional knowledge and skills.”

He equally explained that the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) Programme is a statutory training which the members are required to attend, at least once in a year.

He reminded his members that “as digitally-inclined professional accounting organization,” their drive is “to consistently build future-ready accountants.”

“Dynamism in accounting, business operations and the global economy makes the applications of digital technologies in accounting inevitable.  Your competence and relevance are core areas you should maximally develop for continuous viability in your careers,” he said.

Prof Osisioma congratulated the newly inducted ANAN members and urged them to always ensure quality service delivery in all their engagements.

In his welcome address,  the Chairman Imo State Branch and South East geo-political Zone of ANAN,  Sir Chukwuma Uchehara described the theme of the lecture as apt.

His words: “At the end of the deliberations, professionals will be more armed with the nitty gritties of the job to tackle the dynamism, inherent in financial matters, including but not limited to public sector financial management and standards, revenue generation and risk management in the public and private sectors.”

He expressed gratitude to God that normalcy has returned to Imo State and thanked Governor Uzodimma for his “dexterity and pro-activeness in dealing with the hydra-headed  issues of insecurity challenges.”

He also extended his gratitude to the President and Chairman of Council for considering Imo State as a safe home for the MCPD 2022 programme.

In his vote of thanks, the Chief Executive Officer of ANAN, Dr. Kayode Olusola Fasua also congratulated the newly inducted members, the organizers of the programme, the President and Chairman of Council and the Chairman of Imo State Branch for a successful hosting.

He specifically commended the efforts of Governor Uzodimma in making Imo State safe and secure.

He remarked: “We hardly expected a safe and secure environment to successfully host this 2022 MPCD in Imo State, going by the media hype on the security situation in Imo State.”

Dr Fasua also thanked the Deputy Governor for coming to flag-off the ceremony on behalf of the Governor and by so doing, encouraging ANAN on the need for professionalism.

Activist Ann-Kio Briggs Lashes Tinubu, Says He Is Shameless To Have Visited Jonathan

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Ann-Kio Briggs

By Akinwale Kasali

Human Rights Activist and foremost Environmentalist, Ann-Kio Briggs, has lashed All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for having the audacity to visit former President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and seek his support in actualizing his 2023 Presidential ambition.

Briggs described the former Lagos State Governor and APC National Leader as shameless and lacks integrity.

The Environmentalist noted that Tinubu should be ashamed of himself for consulting Jonathan over his Presidential race a few years after heaping verbal attacks and insults on the former President and his wife, Patience, because he was a minority President from Ijaw in the Niger Delta.

She added that Tinubu was one of the opponents of the Jonathan administration, who mobilised opposition against him and called him all sorts of derogatory names.

“Politics in Nigeria is a filthy game about personalities, not about the people, if not, Tinubu should be too ashamed to visit Jonathan and sit down on the chair in his house.

“This is a man (Tinubu) that cannot differentiate between politics of ideology and shameful politics. They hauled insults at him (Jonathan), they hauled insults at his wife.

“They constructed effigies to mock Jonathan; they organised ‘Occupy Nigeria’ and paraded with coffins and did all kinds things against Jonathan. Today, they are shamelessly visiting Jonathan, sitting on his chair in his house.”

Showering encomiums on the humility, maturity and elder statesman attitude of Jonathan, Briggs  described Jonathan as “a kind-hearted man and Ijaw son” who had been vindicated on many fronts, stressing that he had acknowledged while in office that he was the most insulted and abused president.

The Niger Delta born activist said that Tinubu and his ilk should realise that the oil and gas resources in Jonathan’s Niger Delta remained the sources of their feeding and wellbeing of Nigeria, adding that “after all the insults, calling him clueless, they are now visiting Jonathan and sitting in his house.”

She had earlier on her  Facebook page, expressed similar views, saying that all anti-Jonathan elements, including the APC Presidential candidate, would have their payback time.

She stated that Tinubu could not hate Ijaw people in 2015 when Jonathan lost his re-election bid and hope to achieve victory in the forthcoming Presidential poll in Ijaw land.

Briggs further said, “One by one, from top to bottom, they all go back to Jonathan to receive their shovel of hot coal on their heads. I will tell the APC/Tinubu for free that if Ijaws vote for him, it will not be at a level for him to claim victory in Ijaw nation. He cannot hate Ijaws in 2015 and expect Ijaws to vote for him in 2023. Jonathan is an Ijaw son and man, but all Ijaws are not Jonathan.

“Go and collect your debt from Buhari, Jonathan no get vote for you inside our creeks, swamps and mangroves. Ijaw youths are not going to eat the corn and groundnut you are offering, we have enough plantain, fish and all the oil and gas we need to import all we want to eat.”

Peter Obi Challenges FG To Name Financiers Of Terrorism

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Peter Obi

By Akinwale Kasali

As the spate of insecurity keeps on lingering in the country, the Labour Party, LP, Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi has challenged the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to name the financiers of terrorism in the country.

Obi said it was necessary for the Federal Government to publicly name terrorism financiers and oil thieves across the country and save the country the bloodshed and dwindling economic fortunes.

The former Anambra State Governor said that the  call had become imperative to ensure there were no ‘sacred cows’ in the fight against terrorism, anti-corruption and economic sabotage across the country.

Obi took to his Twitter Handle on Social Media Tuesday August 31, 2022, adding that it was important for the  Government to rise to the occasion.

It would be recalled that months back,  the Federal Government had said the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit uncovered 96 financiers of terrorism as well as the 424 associates and supporters of the financiers.

Announcing the development, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, on February 3, 2022, while reeling out the administration’s achievements, said the fraud unit unmasked 123 companies and 33 bureau de change operators linked with terrorism in the country.

However, Mohammed did not give the names of the sponsors and companies linked with terrorism.

He said, “For its part, the analysis by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, in 2020-2021, revealed 96 financiers of terrorism in Nigeria, 424 associates/supporters of the financiers, involvement of about 123 companies and 33 bureaux de change, in addition to identifying 26 suspected bandits/kidnappers and seven co-conspirators. The analysis has resulted in the arrest of 45 suspects who will soon face prosecution and seizure of assets.”

Mohammed added that from the NFIU’s analysis of tax evasion and tax avoidance linked to corruption, the agency identified N3.0tn in VAT and N3.7tn in Withholding Tax due to the government.

“The NFIU has also sent 1,165 intelligence reports on cases of corruption, money laundering and other serious offences to 27 domestic agencies for investigation, prosecution and asset recovery,” the minister said.

He revealed that on terrorism financing, the NFIU had intelligence exchanges on Boko Haram, ISWAP, banditry, kidnapping, and others with 19 countries.

“During the same period, 2020-2021, the organisation returned fraudulently-obtained funds totaling US$103.7m, 3,000 Pound Sterling; 7,695 Singapore Dollar and 1,091 Euros to 11 countries of victims who came into the country,” Mohammed had said.

Obi wrote, “I am struck and intrigued by the news report linking “highly placed” Nigerians to oil theft. Same has been the case with financing insurgency and Boko Haram. When will FGN summon the political will to publicly name such persons?

“In the National Interest, there should be no sacred cows”, Obi Stated.

How SP Omoni, Police Spokesman, Died In His Sleep After Birthday Party

By
The Source
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Nnamdi Omoni - Police SP

By Charles Igbo

Nnamdi Omoni, a Superintendent of Police, until recently, the longest serving Spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, went to bed on Monday night, presumably, hail and hearty. But Tuesday morning, he was found dead in his bedroom. Omoni died in his sleep.

He had celebrated his birthday on Friday, in company with colleagues, and family and friends. And just three days later, he was gone.

For five years, he was the popular face of the Rivers State Police Command, due to his sense of duty. He mixed well with the members of the public, especially, Journalists.

He held that position until his promotion to the rank of an SP recently. That was when he was posted to Elimgba Police Division, Obio/Akpor  Local Government Area, as the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, and was succeeded by Grace Iringe-Koko as the new Police Spokesman.

A devastated Iringe-Koko confirmed Omoni’s sudden death to Journalists, but was yet to issue a statement on it until the approval of the Police Commissioner.

Even though the cause of his death is yet unknown, not a few people suspect cardiac arrest.

Recall that Omoni’s Deputy when he was the Police Spokesman, Christian Udogu, also died suddenly in 2021. Udogu, an internationally celebrated Volleyball player, suddenly died while watching television with family in his living room. He suddenly complained of chest pain, then slumped and died.

Omoni hailed from Rivers State.

2023: Labour Party To Challenge REC Appointment; Alleges Partisanship

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Independent National Electoral Commission

By Akinwale Kasali

The Labour Party, LP, has vowed to challenge the appointment of the Resident Electoral Commissioners, REC, by  Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, alleging that four of the 19 REC nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari “fell short of the threshold of partisanship and impeccable character.”

The Party followed the footsteps of  a Group under the aegis of  Coalition of Civil Society Organisation, which had earlier raised alarm over the appointment of the REC officers.

Among the four, the group named Prof. Muhammed Bashir (Sokoto REC) and claimed that he contested as a governorship aspirant in the APC in 2015.

They also named Sylvia Agu (Enugu REC) as the sister of the APC Deputy National Chairman, South East, Emma Enukwu.

However, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Arambambi Oluwafemi, said that the Labour Party would  challenge the appointment of a Resident Electoral Commissioner.

They claimed that he was a one-time governorship candidate of the ruling party, The All Progressives Congress, APC.

Arabambi made this statement at the press briefing and reaffirmation, on Tuesday, that Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour is the Labour Party Governorship Candidate in Lagos State.

It would be recalled that Rhodes-Vivour defected to the LP after losing the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Gubernatorial Primary to Olajide Abdulaziz Adediran popularly known as Jandor and was not considered as his running mate, leading to his exit from the PDP to LP to actualize his ambition.

While clarifying the lingering crisis between the former state Chairman of the party, Ifagbemi Awamaridi, and the party, the National Publicity Secretary also presented the new state executives of the party.

According to his statement, the Lagos State Labour Party is headed by the Chairman, Kayode Salako, six deputy chairpersons; Chief Seyi Sowunmi, Adeola Adebanjo, Lanre Adenuga, Tony Obi, Mr Ayinla and Olubunmi Odesanya, and the Secretary, Okpala Emeka.

While calling on Nigerians to vote for the Presidential candidate of the party, Peter Obi, he challenged the APC,  saying, “We have a Mr President appointing people of questionable character against section 156 Subsection 1b, that says, people that have questionable character should not be appointed.

“A President will now appoint a former Governorship candidate of the APC as a REC. So they think they can rig the election. I am telling the APC, your national chairman, your presidential candidate, and even President Buhari, that you cannot rig this election.

APC should be prepared to vacate offices when Nigerians change the tide of elections and vote massively for a candidate of their choice. We are not only warning the APC, we are still going to challenge that appointment in court. The APC made their people Resident Electoral Commissioners, it is not acceptable. We are all joint owners of the Nigerian project.”

When asked about the name of the party’s Governorship candidate on the list of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Arabambi said that although the name of Awamaridi, who reportedly served as a placeholder governorship candidate, remained on the INEC list, the name of the Governorship and House of Representative Members of the Party would be changed by INEC in October in accordance with the substitution primaries won by Rhodes-Vivour.

Arambambi said, “Simply to put the records straight, Awamaridi was the Chairman of the LP of the Lagos caretaker committee at one point. He was made a placeholder for the Governorship primary election, thus his name was submitted as the Governorship candidate since Lagos LP was yet to conclude all the required processes.

“The placeholder status given to Awamaridi was one from which he formally tendered an official resignation. Awamaridi’s resignation was willfully, voluntarily and clearly signed and tendered. Of course, documents don’t lie.

“Meanwhile, it is not in doubt that if he, Awamaridi, by any stretch felt or feels aggrieved, he knows that the courts are open to seeking legal redress because his tenure has expired as the chairman of the caretaker committee. He added, “He will have to prove whether he committed perjury or we committed perjury.”

He added, “LP, officially, and very strongly, re-affirms with authority that the winner of the substitution election on the platform of the LP, as the governorship candidate for 2023 for Lagos State, is Gbadebo Rhodes-Viviour.”

After receiving the Certificate of Return of the Governorship primary of the party, Rhodes-Vivour, in his speech, said, “It is time to move from a government of transformation by taxation to a Government of transformation by genuine development.” He promised Lagos residents to deliver “Lagos that works for all.”

You Are Rare Gift To Your Generation, Gov Fayemi Tells Bishop Kukah

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has described the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Most Revd Matthew Hassan Kukah as a voice for the vulnerable and less priviledge.

In his congratulatory message to Kukah on his 70th birthday, the Governor saluted his courage and dodgedness despite occasional harassment.

Fayemi, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Yinka Oyebode, described Kukah as a special breed and a gift to Nigeria and humanity.

The Governor said Bishop Kukah has been a voice for the vulnerable and the less privileged; adding that the priest has an irrevocable commitment to fighting injustice and human right violations.

The chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) hailed Kukah for his patriotism, which is evident in his contributions to national discourse; stressing that the priest cum scholar has never shy away from speaking truth to power.

Eulogizing Kukah’s virtues of integrity, hard work, resilience and humility; Dr Fayemi said these attributes have endeared the priest to the people across tribes and faiths in Nigeria.

“Bishop Kukah embodies humility, courage, integrity and diligence. His passion for the masses, especially the vulnerable and less privileged is second to none. Such a man can best be described as a special gift of God to his generation.

” On this occasion of his 70th birthday, I wish him long life and good health so that he can continue his selfless service to humanity.

“On behalf of my wife, the Government and the good people of Ekiti State, I congratulate Bishop Kukah and wish him many more years of celebrations.”

2023: Activist Adeyanju Alleges APC Using Jonathan To Score Cheap Political Points

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

The visit of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and some members of the Party to the residence of former President Goodluck  Jonathan in Abuja has continued to generate controversy.

Mixed reactions trail the development, considering how mean and rude and insulting Tinubu was to Jonathan when the former President was in office.

Social Commentator and Convener of Concerned Nigerians, Deji Adeyanju, in his reaction to the visit said that the All Progressives Congress is planning to use and dump Jonathan.

Adeyanju reminded the former President of the role the APC cabals played during its presidential primary, saying he earlier warned him of ‘use and dump.’

Bola Tinubu And Jonathan
Bola Tinubu And Goodluck Jonathan

Tinubu was accompanied by his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, alongside five APC governors, that included the Governor of Plateau State and Director-General of his Presidential Campaign Council, Simon Lalong,his Ogun State counterpart, Dapo Abiodun, Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawale, Jigawa State Governor, Abubakar Badaru and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Reacting via a Facebook post, Adeyanju said, “Dear Goodluck Jonathan, you won’t die if you don’t support anyone in this election. During the APC primaries when the cabal were deceiving you, hope you remember all my warnings to you that they just wanted to use and dump you. A word is enough for the wise.”

Adeyanju added that the APC Cabals are trying to use him to score cheap political points, which was the purpose of their visit to his house.

He however warned him to be careful and shouldn’t fall for their plot.

But a PDP Chieftain who pleaded anonymity asked the activist to shut up, and not be dabbling into things he hardly understood. He said Jonathan is a former President, and Tinubu visited him as he visited other former Leaders. He asked: “When Tinubu visited former President Olusegun Obasanjo, was he using Obasanjo to dump him? One expected this activist to  commend Jonathan for confirming that he is a true statesman by receiving, especially, Tinubu and Shettima, in audience. Did Peter Obi not visit Jonathan? And is anybody stopping Atiku Abubakar, who also stabbed Jonathan at the back, from visiting him? We should be reasonable in this country. Perhaps, the so- called activist wanted Jonathan to act uncivilised and tell Tinubu not to visit him. Jonathan is too civilized for that sort of childish behavior.”

Insecurity: Governor Akeredolu Beefs Up Security At Motor Parks

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State
Rotimi Akeredolu

By Akinwale Kasali

The unprecedented situation in Nigeria, has prompted Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State to urge Commercial Drivers’ Unions in Parks all across the State to always be security conscious at time.

Akeredolu said that there is the need for the drivers at parks to check the luggage of the passengers and the passengers themselves before boarding their vehicles, as part of security measures.

He gave the charge at a two-day training organised by the state Ministry of Transport in conjunction with High Point Nigeria Limited, for the executive and members of the State Chapter of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, held at Oba Ile in the Akure North Local Government Area of the state, on Tuesday.

The Governor who was represented at the event by his Special Adviser on Transportation, Tobi Ogunleye, said the training was to sensitise members of the association on their security and security of their passengers on the road in the light of recent security challenges in the country.

He said, “There is a need for us to have a culture of empathy. You have the right to check loads of your passengers at parks; you need to know your passengers. We want you to partner with Amotekun; we want you to be part of security and surveillance in the fight against insecurity in this state.”

He also warned the Vehicle Inspection Officers across the state to desist from the act of extorting motorists on the road, saying the current administration in the state “has zero tolerance for corruption.”

Adetunji Adeleye, Ondo State Amotekun Corps Commander,  also urged the commercial drivers to assist the corps in the fight against insecurity in the state, as security is everyone’s busy regardless of what you represent.

Adeleye who was also represented by the Head of Operation and Surveillance of the Corps, Adebayo Ayeni, the Amotekun boss, said it was necessary for drivers to check passengers’ luggage at parks. He also admonished them to install closed-circuit television in their parks as part of the security measures.

“Be security conscious when you are travelling on the road. When passengers come to your parks, ensure you check their loads and if you see anybody hiding anything suspicious under the clothes, quickly alert us. Also ensure that CCTV is installed in your parks to monitor the movement of the people,” he charged.

In his keynote address, the state Head of Service, Kayode Ogundele, said there was a need for the drivers to be more security conscious while on the road.

The HoS said, “You would all agree with me that the nation’s security challenges are not only connected to one means of transportation or the another, but it is also a major medium for perpetuating them.

“As a result, our drivers and riders must be more security conscious, as many of these evil men use commercial vehicles to carry out their evil plans. It is on this note that I would like to enjoin us all to endeavour to be more security conscious, which is one of the issues to be addressed in the course of this training programme.”

2023: Omokri Hails Jonathan’s Maturity, Says Tinubu Attacked Former President For Five Years

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

A former aide to former President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Reno Omokri,  has hailed the tenacity, maturity and composure displayed by Jonathan while receiving the All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who was on a courtesy visit to Jonathan in Abuja on Tuesday .

Omokri while reacting and sharing pictures from the visit on Wednesday, said from 2010 to 2015, Tinubu attacked the person of Jonathan while he was in the saddle as President.

The social commentator described Tinubu’s attack on Jonathan as uncalled for, stressing that in spite of all the attacks on his person, the ex-President never bore a grudge against Tinubu.

He described Jonathan as the best leader Nigeria has ever had.

The Tuesday meeting between Jonathan and Tinubu was held behind closed doors at Jonathan’s residence. It was in continuation of Tinubu’s nationwide consultation with critical stakeholders as the 2023 Presidential Election gathers momentum.

Tinubu was accompanied on the visit  by his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, and five APC Governors.

They included the Governor of Plateau State and Director-General of his Presidential Campaign Council, Simon Lalong, his Ogun State counterpart, Dapo Abiodun, Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawale, Jigawa State Governor, Abubakar Badaru and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

While the details of the meeting was not made public, a source in Tinubu’s camp revealed that the visit was an extension of the APC national leader’s consultation with major stakeholders in the polity ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

Reno Omokri
Reno Omokri

“His visit to Jonathan shouldn’t come to anyone as a surprise. Tinubu holds no grudges with any political leader whether within the party or in the opposition,” the source had said.

Reacting via a tweet, Omokiri said, “H.E @GEJonathan, the best leader that Nigeria ever had. Look at his Godly gesture. Bola @officialABAT spent the five years between 2010-2015 insulting, attacking and lying against Jonathan. Even after GEJ left office, he continued. Yet, Jonathan never bore a grudge!”

Edo Govt Intervenes, Orders Release Of Detained Village Heads

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Protest of Arrest of Monach in Edo State

By Ayodele Oni

Following the protest by the people of Ulegun community in Edo state, and to douse tension, the detained Head of the community and its Chief Priest have been released.

People of Ulegun in Okha Local Government, had embarked on protests since Monday over the detention of the Village Head, Eghosasare Omoregie and the Chief Priest Philip Uwuoroya by the Police on the orders of the Oba of  Benin.

The Village Heads were said to have been invited to the Palace of the Benin Monarch a week ago to resolve an issue of land dispute but were abducted and detained at a Police post close to the Palace.

The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Abutu Yaro, on Wednesday ordered the release of the Village Heads following the intervention of the State Government.

The people had protested the alleged demolition of over 80 houses in their community, as well as the arrest and detention of the Enogie and Ohen at the Oba Market Police Station by a group of Chiefs, led by the Secretary of Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor.

The duo was said to have been invited by Irabor towards finding a lasting peace over a disputed land when they were arrested, but have now regained freedom following the intervention of the State Government and the Commissioner of Police.

During the protest at the Government House, in Benin City, on Monday, the community’s Queen Mother, Rose Omoregie, alleged that the community Head was called for a meeting last Wednesday and that since then, he had not returned home.

Mrs. Omoregie explained that the Enogie inherited the land in dispute between the Ulegun Community and Ikhiri Community from his grandfather, and that the said land belongs to the Ulegun Community.

Urging the immediate release of the Enogie and Ohen, she said the dispute over the land has since 1974 been settled and resolved in favour of the Ulegun community from the Palace of Oba Akenzua up to the Supreme Court.

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