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Imo: Gunmen Descend On Market, Kill Four

By
The Source
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Unknown Gunmen

By Charles Igbo

Gunmen, on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, descended on the popular Anara market in Mbano.

By the time they finished  their devilish job, four people lay dead. Three died on the spot. The fourth person died in a nearby hospital where he was rushed to by distraught onlookers.

Eye witnesses said the gunmen who operated in a white-coloured Sienna vehicle, did not stop. They drove through, and fired along, concentrating at a spot where a food vendor was attending to customers.

It is not known what provoked them, but there is a standing order by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, that each day its Leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu appeared in Court, should be marked with a sit-at-home. Meaning there should be no movement in the South-east region. Every activity is expected to freeze.

Kanu appeared at the Federal High Court,  Abuja, on Wednesday before the Hon. Justice Binta Nyako.

The case was, however, adjourned to January 19 and 20, 2022 because Kanu’s Lawyers staged a walk-out even before the Judge entered the Court room in protest that a number of their colleagues were refused entry into the Court by Security Agents.

Justice Nyako frowned at the action of the Lawyers.

Also not allowed in were  delegations from Ohanaeze Ndigbo and  the South-east Council of Traditional Rulers, as well as a number of Journalists.

Many people in the South-east fear that the outcome of Wednesday’s Court proceedings could worsen the security situation in the South-east.

Meanwhile, the Imo State Police Command is investigating the fatal shooting incident at the Anara market.

Secondus Congratulates Soludo, Mocks APC

By
The Source
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Uche Secondus

Prince Uche Secondus has congratulated the Gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in the November 6, 2021 governorship election, Prof Chukwuma Soludo for his victory at the poll.

Prince Secondus said that by Prof Soludo’s victory, the people have spoken and democracy is put in action.

He said that even though he had desired his party, the PDP, to come out victorious, but as a true democrat we will always respect the will of the people where, and when, its allowed to prevail.

In a statement from his media office, signed by Media Adviser, Ike Abonyi,  Secondus commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, security agencies and other critical players for helping to deepen democracy by their positive actions. He hopes and prays that they will repeat the same feat in the forthcom­ing Governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States and and at National Election in 2023.

He, also, commended the PDP flagbeaer in the election, Valentine Ozigbo, and the other patriotic members of the party in the state for putting up a gallant fight in the spirit of PDP and democracy.

Prince Secondus mocked the All Progressives Congress, APC for trying to reap where it did not sow in the hope that untoward act could give them victory where they do not deserve.

Peter Obi Congratulates Soludo

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The Source
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The Vice Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2019 Presidential election, Mr Peter Obi, has congratulated the Anambra State Governor-elect, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo on his victory at the polls.

The candidate of Obi’s Political Party, PDP, Valentine Ozigbo, came a distant second. He won only one Local Government Area, Ogbaru, out of the State’s 21 LGA’s. Soludo won 19 while Senator Ifeanyi Ubah of the YPP won only one – his LGA, Nnewi North.

Surprisingly, the candidate of the APC, Senator Andy Uba won no LGA.

Congratulating Soludo, Obi also thanked the people of Anambra State for braving all odds to participate in the election. He said he would continue to pray for the State.

Obi: “I Congratulate Prof. Chukwuma Soludo on winning the gubernatorial election.

“I thank Anambrarians who braved all odds and came out to perform their civic duties. I  urge them to support the in-coming Governor through prayers and other legitimate  means to see that Anambra returns to her former glory as the “Light of the Nation.”

“Most importantly, I shall continue to commit the state into God’s hands for His will to be done at all times.”

Soludo beat 17 other candidates in the election to become the Governor-elect.

He would be sworn-in in March 2022, and would take over from the out-going Governor, Willie Obiano. Both of them are of APGA.

Self-Confessed Boko Haram Member In Ekiti State Sentenced To Death

By
Ayodele Oni
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Court
The Law

By Ayodele Oni

A High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti has sentenced one self- confessed Boko Haram member, Abdulsalam Adinoyi, to death by hanging for killing a Police officer.

Justice Lekan Ogunmoye stated that the convict was found guilty of murder, terrorism and unlawful possession of firearms among other offences.

The offences, according to the prosecution, were committed between December 2016 and March 2017.

Justice Ogunmoye said “I hold that the prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt against the defendant, thus, implying his culpability in all the charges against him.

“The sole issue for determination is accordingly resolved in favour of the prosecution.

“The defendant is hereby found guilty as charged. He is accordingly sentenced to death by hanging in counts 1, 2 and 3, may Almighty God have mercy on his soul.

“He is also sentenced to 20 years imprisonment in count 4 and ten years imprisonment in count 5 with N10,000.00 as option of fine.”

Adinoyi was charged and arraigned on charges bordering on Armed Robbery, Murder, Terrorism and unlawful possession of firearms.

These are contrary to sections 1 (2) (a) and 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act Cap C16, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, also Sections 316 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C16, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012 and Sections 11 and 12 of the Ekiti State Kidnapping and Terrorism (Prohibition Law), 2015.

According to the charge, Abdulsalam Adinoyi who hails from Okene in Kogi State, between 22nd of December, 2016 and 20th March, 2017 while armed with gun, attacked and robbed Sergeant Gana Jiya and other Police Officers at Check Point in Oye Ekiti.

During the process, he murdered Sergeant Gana Jiya on the spot, while other Police Officers on duty sustained serious degrees of gun wounds and carted away two AK-47 Assaulted Riffle, launched terrorism attack on people of Ekiti State and his environs, confessed to be member of Boko Haram and unlawfully in possession of AK-47 Assaulted Riffle among others.

In his confessional statement, Adinoyi said, members of his group named Abu Uwais and Aminu a.k.a. Idi-Amin, now at large, were planning for an operation, when Police Officers came to his house, and when searched, the AK-47 Assaulted Riffle was recovered among other items.

To proof his case, the prosecutor, Gbemiga Adaramola called five witnesses including Police officers who were at the scene of the incident.

Exhibits tendered include, AK-47 Assaulted Riffle, statement of the defendants and the victims, photographs, Compact Discs containing Boko Haram trainings, 5 Sim Cards and packs, Flash drive, empty bullet shells, medical reports among others.

The defendant spoke in his own defense through his counsel and called no witness.

Anambra: Ozigbo Congratulates Soludo, Concedes Defeat

By
Uche Mbah
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By Uche Mbah

The distant first runner-up in the just concluded Anambra Governorship election, Valentine Ozigbo, has congratulated the Governor- elect, Professor Soludo on his victory.

Ozigbo is the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the election which Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, won by a wide margin.

In a press statement signed by him, Ozigbo confirmed he has just called and congratulated Soludo.

“I have just called Professor Chukwuma Soludo and congratulated him on being declared the winner of the Anambra State Governorship election 2021.

I wished him well and prayed for his success”, he said.

“Let me also use this opportunity to congratulate all the men and women who contested our dear State’s Governorship this year. You all have shown a determination to see that Anambra is better. It was an honour to run this race with you.”

He outlined his vision to unify Anambra, which he has had for  two years, with other parts of Igbo nation.

“Pulled by the vision of a better and brighter Anambra, we set out on the quest for governorship, resolute on taking revolutionary steps to address the decay and decline in security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, the environment, and all other social systems meant to serve the people.

“As laid out in our “Ka Anambra Chawapu” Manifesto, we planned to transform Anambra into the most competitive sub-national economy in Nigeria by opening up public, social, and commercial spaces leveraging on the strength of our youth and women. Ultimately, to make Anambra the pride of Nigeria.

“Given where we started and where we are today, we consider ourselves winners. Our Ka Anambra Chawapu message has permeated the consciousness of Ndi Anambra, and the nation at large. It is the strongest message that has come out of Anambra 2021, and it continues to beat in the hearts of Ndi Igbo,” he said.

Continuing, he emphasized he will be holding Soludo accountable.

“Though we may not have the opportunity in the immediate to get it started, we will be holding the Government in power accountable to ensure that the welfare of the people is foremost in their actions at all times,”

Ozigbo, however, pointed out that the election was not flawless.

“The security agencies failed to provide a peaceful environment for campaigns to hold. On election day, they were absent from many polling centres leading to elections not holding, or held in situations that allowed for chaos and fraud.

“The National Electoral Commission presented untrained and poorly trained staff who could not operate the voting machines in many places. They failed woefully in providing logistical support for their staff and so elections started very late in many places and did not hold in many others.

“The use of Government funds and resources to corrupt, coerce and intimidate voters, PDP party agents, and Electoral officials was a major factor in determining the outcome of this election.

“All of these led to the disenfranchisement of the greater percentage of voters and staining the course of democracy. I will be dedicating time to champion the positive change we need to ensure that future elections are truly free and fair and that the will of the electorate prevails.

“Denominational politics was also a factor. We need to do a lot more to ensure that competence is never sacrificed on this altar, and that democracy is practised in line with its truest tenets.

“In all, I am more determined to working for a better future for our children by remaining in active politics and rebuilding our party to be more united and more robust for those who come after us,” he said.

The All Progressives Congress, APC candidate, Andy Uba, is yet to congratulate Soludo.

APC Governors’ Move To Scuttle Direct Primary Fails

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

A tension-soaked meeting was held in Abuja Tuesday night  to finally resolve the issue of the mode of conducting primaries by political parties.

The meeting was at the instance of the Presidency, following mounting opposition against direct primary.

Both  Chambers of the National Assembly had earlier passed a bill recommending direct primaries for political parties in picking candidates for election.

However, some members of the ruling All Progressive Congress, (APC), especially serving governors are said to be uncomfortable with the idea, making them to attempt to dissuade President Mohamadu Buhari from assenting to the bill.

Tuesday night’s meeting, comprising stakeholders in APC, was presided over by the vice president, Prof Yemi Osinbajo and was held in Aso Villa.

A remark by an Aide to the President, Mr Babafemi Ojudu after the meeting stated that “The resolution tonight of tripartite meeting is victory for party internal democracy.

“Tension was high. Emotions predominated but the Vice President was able to play the role of a great conciliator.

‘While the younger elements in the House of Representatives were vehement and uncompromising in the expression of their preference, the Senators were calm but resolute.

“The VP laid out the reasons for calling the meeting and allowed the parties to ventilate

“It was a victory for the party, the governors and the legislators. We should commend the party leaders for reaching an agreement in a democratic manner.

“I think the outcome of today’s meeting is victory for internal democracy in APC. You recall that, in his sagely wisdom, President Muhammadu Buhari had set up a tripartite mechanism to interface whenever conflicts of this nature arose between the party, the body of governors and members of the National Assembly.

“Acting on the President’s mandate, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo called today’s meeting to allow for all parties to ventilate their voices in a no-holds-barred manner.

“It was a family meeting. At the end, a common ground was reached, direct primaries was upheld and aspirants under our party can now go back to the people and seek endorsement, rather than giving a few delegates the power to decide for all.”

The opposition People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) in  a statement issued by spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, held that it is the inalienable right of each political party, “within the context of our constitutional democracy, to decide its form of internal democratic practices including the processes of nominating its candidates for elections at any level.

“The PDP believes that no political party should force its own processes on any other political party as the direct primaries amendment, a practice of the All Progressives Congress (APC), sought to achieve.”

IPOB: Kanu Protests In Court; Lawyers Anger Judge; Kanu Insists He Shall Be Free

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Nnamdi Kanu and his Lawyer

By Ayodele Oni

Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB),  Nnamdi Kanu on Wednesday protested against the refusal by security agents to allow his United States Lawyer  witness his case.

His Lawyers, including his Special Counsel, Alloy Ejimakor and lead Counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, angered the Judge, Her Lordship, Binta Nyako, by walking out of the Court, even before she entered the Court.

They too were protesting the refusal of security agents to allow some of their colleagues into the Court.

But Kanu expressed optimism that he would regain his freedom soon insisting he committed no offence to warrant his rearrest by the Nigerian Government.

His stand was disclosed by Ejiofor, in a statement he issued.

Ejiofor disclosed that the legal team was working seriously to ensure Kanu’s release.

The statement reads partly:

“Onyendu is very much strong in his conviction and has remained unshaken, believing most strongly that he will regain his freedom soon because he has not committed any offence known to law.

“Our Client – Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is not oblivious of the antics of his detractors, who are desperately working day and night to enthrone confusion and destroy all he has laboured for years to build.

“To that end, he advised his followers to remain more vigilant now than ever. He emphasized that this is indeed perilous times.”

The statement also quoted Kanu as expressing gratitude to his followers for standing by him.

Kanu, who was rearrested in Kenya earlier this year, would continue his trial at the Abuja Federal High Court.

Meanwhile, Justice Nyako adjourned the case  till January 19, 2022.

Confusion ensued as Kanu’s team of lawyers staged a walk-out over the refusal of security operatives to allow some of them to gain access into the courtroom.

Kanu, who was brought into the courtroom around 9.52am, had shortly after his case was called up, bemoaned the refusal of security agents to allow some members of his legal team, especially his lawyer from the United State of America, Bruce Fein, to enter the courtroom.

He told Justice Nyako that Fein, who was handling a case for him in the US, was around to witness his trial.

“I have an ongoing case in the US. I have not been allowed to see him. He is here to see me and to observe the proceedings.

“He has been to the DSS to see me, but they denied him access to me,” Kanu stated from the dock.

When asked by the Judge, if he was ready to conduct the proceedings himself, in the absence of his lawyers, Kanu said no. Nyako expressed her displeasure over the attitude of Kanu’s Lawyers.

I Will Work With You, Buhari Tells Anambra Gov elect, Soludo;Congratulates Him

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Governor-elect of Anambra state, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, for his victory in the just concluded election.

Prof Soludo is the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)and was declared winner in the Gubernatorial election in Anambra State by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC).

This was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and publicity, Mr Femi Adesina in Abuja.

According to the statement, “The President praises the security agencies for their determination to ensure that the election went on as smoothly as possible, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the successful conclusion of the exercise despite initial challenges encountered.

“President Buhari enjoins Prof. Soludo, member of the Presidential Economic Advisory Committee, to rally other stakeholders to tackle the enormous challenges confronting the State and the Southeast in general.

“The President looks forward to working with the incoming governor for the peace, security and development of not only Anambra State, but the entire country.”

Soludo beat the candidate of the President’s party, APC, Andy Uba, and those of the PDP and YPP, Valentine Ozigbo and Ifeanyi Ubah in the election by a wide margin. He won 19 out of the State’s 21 LGAs.

The other candidates of the remaining 14 candidates could be dismissed as “also ran.”

Breaking: Court Adjourns Kanu’s Trial to 2022 As His Lawyers Staged a Walkout

By
Uche Mbah
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0

By Uche Mbah

An Abuja Federal High Court presided over by Justice Binta Nyako has adjourned the trial of incarcerated  leader of the Indegenious People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu to January 19, 2022.

The adjournment came on a day INEC announced the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA,  as winner of the Anambra guber elections.

The Indegenous People Of Biafra,  IPOB had planned a one week sit-at-home, which could have been on during the trial, but had to shelve it at the last minute.

Besides, Kanu’s team of lawyers, staged a walk-out in protest over the barring of some of them from entering the hall by the Security operatives.

Kanu, had opened up his case by complaining of the refusal of security agents to allow some members of his legal team, particularly his lawyer from the United State of America, Bruce Fein, to enter the courtroom.

“I have an ongoing case in the US. I have not been allowed to see him. He is here to see me and to observe the proceedings.

“He has been to the DSS to see me, but they denied him access to me”, Kanu stated from the dock.

Not delving into his complaint, the Judge asked him if he was ready to stand in his own defence. He declined.

But M. D. Abubakar, the Director of Public Prosecution, pleaded with the Court to go on with the trial even without Kanu’s lawyers, since they walked out, and therefore are deemed to have abandoned their case.

In a short ruling, Justice Nyako adjourned the case till January 19 and 20, 2022, for trial, while frowning at the conduct of Kanu’s Lawyers.

Malala Gets Married Years After Surviving Taliban’s Assassination

By
Bayo Bernard
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0

By James Orji

Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani activist who was shot on the head by Talibans in 2012 has announced that she is now married. The youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner, disclosed this on Tuesday on her Instagram post, thus putting an end to speculation that she will never get married.

Early this year, this activist had expressed doubt on whether she will get married after her parents tried to “arrange love marriage” for her, she told British Vogue, a United Kingdom based tabloid.

Speaking on her marriage, Malala said “Today marks a precious day in my life,” she wrote. “Asser and I tied the knot to be partners for life. We celebrated a small nikkah ceremony at home in Birmingham with our families. Please send us your prayers. We are excited to walk together for the journey ahead.”

Her parents, Ziauddin and Toor Pekai Yousafzai, shared their excitement along with some photos by their daughter’s friend, photographer Malin Fezehai.

“It is beyond words. Toor Pekai and I are overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. Alhamdulillah,” her father tweeted.

In 2012, Malala was shot in the head by Taliban terrorists in Pakistan for her campaign for the education of girls.

Recalling the incident, the activist said “in October 2012, a member of the Pakistani Taliban boarded my school bus and shot one bullet into my left temple. The bullet grazed my left eye, skull and brain – lacerating my facial nerve, shattering my eardrum and breaking my jaw joints”.

Immediately after she was shot by the Islamists Malala, who was only 15 at the time, covered her face with her hands and tried to bend down before she collapsed.

After the shooting, emergency surgeons in Peshawar removed her left temporal skull bone to create space for her brain to swell. Their quick action saved her life, but soon her organs began to fail. She was airlifted first to the capital of Islamabad and then to the UK for further treatment.

“When I opened my eyes, I was relieved to realise I was alive. But I didn’t know where I was or why I was surrounded by strangers speaking English,” Malala recalled.

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