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ISWAP are Collecting Tax in Southern Borno, Says Zulum

By
Uche Mbah
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By Uche Mbah

Islamic State of West Africa, ISWAP, still operate and collect taxes from residents of Southern Borno, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has said.

Besides, Abadam and Guzamala Local Government Areas in Borno state have been under the control of Boko Haram terrorist group.

By admitting this, Zulu  only confirmed what has been public knowledge, but which  the Federal Government continues to deny. Instead, the FG, has continued to propagate the lie that 18 LGA’s in Borno were under Boko Haram control before the President Muhammadu Buhari when, in fact, election was held in all Borno State’s LGAs in 2015. All the LGAs were won by the APC during the Presidential/NASS and Governorship/House of Assembly elections.

Speaking during a courtesy call on him by Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Mohammed Ali Ndume,  other Senators and Military Officers, Zulum said though the State is gradually returning to peace, two Local Government Areas are still under the control of Boko Haram.

“I am pleased to inform you that we have started witnessing gradual return of peace, but more needs to be done, because, presently, Guzamala and Abadam Local Government Areas are still under the control of Boko Haram”, he said.

“Although, the current Service Chiefs, the Theatre Commander, and indeed our General Officer Commanding 7 Division are up and doing.  We want to commend the military and other para military personnel for their gallant efforts to see to the end of terrorism in this part of the country.

“Unfortunately, the Government and people of Borno state, especially those from Southern and Northern parts of the state are worried over the increasing number of ISWAP groups who have been terrorizing their communities.

“Just few days ago, I received a security report that in some

communities of Mandaragirau axis in Biu Local Government Area, there are reports that over 500 Boko Haram/ISWAP groups have been converging with over 300 motorcycles and even celebrating parties/marriages amongst themselves without confrontation.

“ISWAP are more equipped, sophisticated, intelligent and dangerous as they grow from strength to strength.

“ISWAP are collecting taxes along major roads in Damboa and other axis in southern Borno. It is very unfortunate.

“But the good news is that about 11 local Government areas of Gwoza, Bama, Marte, Monguno, Kaga, Gubio, Mafa, Dikwa, Ngala and host of others are becoming more peaceful than before, and this could be attributed to about 20,000 surrendered members of Boko Haram who are now in our custody.

”I want to use this opportunity to solicit for prayers from all and sundry for total restoration of peace not only in Borno state, but the country as a whole.” Zulum said.

Breaking: Alao-Akala, Former Oyo Gov Is Dead

By
Bayo Bernard
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Otunba Adebayo Christopher Alao-Akala

By James Orji

Adebayo Alao Akala, a former governor of Oyo State is dead. He reportedly died in his Igbomosho home in the wee hours of Wednesday.

The magazine learnt that family and friends of the former governor were shocked over his sudden death, and have now besieged his home to pay condolences.

Akala, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, ruled Oyo state between 2007 and 2011.

He was also a deputy governor under former governor, Rashidi Ladoja between 2003 and 2006, when Chief Ladoja was impeached and consequently became the acting governor for eleven months.

It was learnt that he suffered from an undisclosed ailment for months before he eventually passed.

He was 71 years old.

More to come……..

Jonathan Mourns Shonekan

By
The Source
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Former President, Dr, Goodluck Jonathan has expressed sadness over the news of the passing on of former head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan who died Tuesday at the age of 85.

In a condolence message to his family and the Government of Ogun State, Dr. Jonathan described him as “an elder statesman, well-loved for his sincerity and sense of purpose.”

The former President further said: “As a leader, Chief Shonekan was well respected because of the enormous goodwill he brought into governance. He was a compassionate and determined administrator, a peacemaker and bridge builder who stepped in to lead the nation at a very difficult time in the history of its political evolution.

“Before he assumed office as the head of the Interim National Government in 1993,  Chief Shonekan had become a boardroom guru, having established himself as a foremost industrialist and one of the leaders of the business world.

“He left enduring legacies, part of which was his considerable effort towards mainstreaming the private sector in the development drive of the nation, especially with the institutionalisation of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), which he founded.

He will be remembered for his great wisdom, peaceful disposition, the goodwill he extended to all as well as his significant contributions to the growth the economy of the nation.”

Anyim Congratulates Super Eagles, Asks Them To Remain Focused

By
The Source
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Anyim Pius Anyim

Former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, has congratulated the Super Eagles on their opening match 1-0 victory over Egypt at AFCON 2021.

He asked them to remain focused in their remaining games.

“It was a delight watching you dominate and win the game against a strong opponent like Egypt,” Anyim, a Peoples Democratic Party presidential aspirant in the 2023 election said.

“Your victory has brought hope to millions of Nigerians who are expectant that you would win the Cup. I wish you well in your remaining games.

Anyim also told the team to approach the other games with the same winning spirit.

“The remaining matches are challenges you should approach with the same attitude. Every game is important as it leads to winning the Cup,” he said.

Super Eagles defeated Egypt with Kelechi Iheanacho’s 30th minute strike.

The Egyptians parading their star, Mo Salah, were deemed favourites in the game played in the Camerounian northern city of Garoua that sits near the shores of River Benue

Zainab Marwa: Condolence Register Opened At NDLEA HQs, Abuja

By
The Source
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Zainab Salome Marwa

By Gideon Njoku

A condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Abuja, in honour of Her Excellency, Chief (Mrs) Zainab Salome Marwa, née  Agbaso, who passed on January 8, 2022, in Abuja.

Mrs Marwa, a former First Lady of Borno State, was the first wife of the Chairman of the NDLEA Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd). The couple had four adult children, and ten grandchildren.
Zainab Salome Marwa - Condolence Registar

According to a release by her younger brother, Chief Martin Agbaso, (Ochoudo),  she will be buried on January 29, 2022, at her maiden home, Emekuku Owerri North LGA.

The Traditional Ruler of Emekuku Ancient Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Eze Obi Ejeshi,  Ezeukwu iv, and the Eze-in-Council, had earlier announced the passing of their beloved daughter and sister.

Uzodimma Lauds Amina Mohammed; Says We Are Proud Of Her Outing at UN

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodinma

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has said that the re-appointment of Amina Mohammed to the office of Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations was not a surprise to many because she always blazes the trail in whatever position she finds herself in the service of humanity.

Governor Uzodimma said Amina, like many others, is Nigeria’s gift to the global community and that the country is always proud of her outings both in national and global assignments.

In a statement by Governor Uzodimma’s Chief Press Secretary/ Media Adviser, Oguwike Nwachuku, the Governor said Nigerians would have been surprised to hear that Amina was not re-appointed given her sterling performance,  commitment and dedication to the duty she has been assigned to as UN Deputy Secretary- General.

On Monday, the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres,  said in a statememt that Amina will continue in her role as Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations during his second term.

The UN scribe had said: “Ms. Mohammed’s leadership helped advance the conceptual shift from the United Nations that member states called for in adopting the Sustainable Development Goals.

“Over the last five years, the United Nations Sustainable Development Group was strengthened to enhance global leadership and oversight for development and the United Nations established a strengthened United Nations Resident Coordinator system as the foundation of a more effective development system.

“The Secretary-General expressed his appreciation for the Deputy Secretary-General’s leadership of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group and her determination to reinforce collective results and maximise the impact of the United Nations development’s system on the ground.

“From our robust response to the socioeconomic effects of the COVID-19 crisis, through a boost in climate action and unprecedented momentum for financing for development, to her strong emphasis on coherence across humanitarian, political and development action, her role was instrumental in keeping the Sustainable Development Goals alive at the country level and protecting the Paris Agreement on climate change, despite significant headwinds.”

Governor Uzodimma said he would not agree less with the UN Scribe on his observations on Amina, adding that her best is even yet to come.

Amina Mohammed
Amina Mohammed

The Imo State Governor prayed the UN to continue to provide an enabling environment that would propel Amina to always unleash her God-given potentials in her office in the interest of the global community.

Governor Uzodimma added that Imo State in particular will continue to support Amina in whatever ways possible in her quest to render selfless services to humanity.

Before assuming her role as Deputy Secretary-General in January 2017, Amina was appointed Nigeria’s Minister of Environment by President Muhammad Buhari, an appointment she acquitted herself creditably before the UN gave the offer.

Earlier in 2015, she was Special Adviser to former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Post‑2015 Development Planning.

Mrs Marwa: Family Fixes Date For Funeral

By
The Source
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Zainab Salome Marwa

By Charles Igbo

The Agbaso family of Ezedibia, Emekuku Ancient Kingdom, Owerri North, Imo State, has announced the date for the funeral of its beloved daughter, Chief (Mrs) Zainab Salome Marwa, Née Agbaso.

In a statement signed by her younger brother and Head of family, Chief Martin Agbaso, (Ochoudo), MFR, the family said her remains will be laid to rest in Emekuku on January 29, 2022.

Agbaso’s statement reads in part: “With heavy hearts, and total submission  to the WILL of GOD, we announce the passage onto glory of our beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and sister, Her Excellency, Chief Mrs Salome Zainab Marwa (née Agbaso), Igolo Oha I, the former First Lady of Borno State, whose sad event occurred after a protracted illness.

“Her body will be laid to rest in Emekuku, Owerri, Imo State on 29th January, 2022

“May her precious soul rest in the bosom  if God”

Mrs Marwa was the first wife of his childhood sweetheart, Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa, rtd, Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

“Between them, they have four adult children, two males, two females and, 10 grandchildren.

2023: Umahi Challenges Tinubu, Joins Presidential Race; Asks Ohanaeze To Keep Off Politics

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

As if waiting for somebody to declare before summoning the courage to do same, Ebonyi State Governor, Dave  Umahi, says he will jostle for the Presidential seat, come 2023, with other aspirants under the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

His declaration came 24 hours after former Lagos State Governor and APC National Leader, Bola Tinubu, declared, after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari that he would run for the Presidential seat in 2023 to fulfil his lifetime ambition.

Making his intention known on Tuesday, January 11  2022, at the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja, after a closed door meeting with  Buhari, where he informed him of his intention, Umahi informed Nigerians of his aspiration.

In a chat with State House Corredpondents Governor Umahi said he had informed the President of his political ambition during their meeting.

“We discussed politics as well as the growth of our party, APC, in Nigeria and South East; and, of course, you know, the interest of South-East for the seat of presidency in 2023.

“Of course I told Mr President that, without prejudice to whatever will be the decision of the party which we shall abide by, if the party throws the ticket open or zones it to Southern part of Nigeria, that I believe, with what I have put in place in the past six years plus, that I’ll be running for presidency on the platform of APC.

“So, I told him, and of course, he believes that whoever wants to run for President of this country must have to consult widely, go to all the leaders.

And that we must do everything to remove ethnicity and religion in our politics so that this country can grow.”

Umahi said he was  on the verge of making wider consultations with stakeholders across the country regarding his ambition, but said he deemed it fit and honourable to first hold a meeting with the President to inform him.

“I wouldn’t have done that without first coming to clear with Mr President that there is this feeling in South-East that has not been President and that people feel that those of our leaders in the various political parties should indicate interest to contest.

“And this is fair, this is important. But at the end of the day, it is God Almighty and the political parties that will also decide.”

When asked whether he had consulted with the Pan-Igbo Socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Nd’Igbo about his ambition and if he had received their blessing, he said the Ohaneze leadership should not play politics.

“Yes, they can speak for the interest of the South-East, they can speak for fair treatment to South-East people as a matter of equity, justice and fairness, leaving a level-playing-field for all the political parties and the aspirants.

“They should not dabble into politics on who to support or who not to support.”

Umahi said the Igbo socio-cultural group as well as other relevant organisations will be informed of his ambition in 2023.

The Governor also advocated for what he described as political solution to the raging insecurity in the South-East.

“Let me, also, add that,as the Chairman of South-East Governors’ Forum,  I support a political solution to our insecurity problems in South-East; and of course, I mentioned it to Mr President.

“You see, political solution does not terminate the judicial process.

 

“And if you know, Mr President very well, he has always said, and has always demonstrated that he wouldn’t interfere with any judicial process; everybody knows him for that.

 

“If agreement is reached between parties, you don’t expect Mr President to be the negotiator; there are a lot of Federal Government officials.

“So, I believe strongly that as South-East is proposing for political solution, they should be able to engage the Federal Government.

“Afterall, there’s always what is called ‘out-of-court settlement’, but it is for our people and our brother(Nnamdi) Kanu to be willing for us to truly engage so that we can find true peace in our region.

“Because, the activities there have destroyed a lot of the economy of South-east, a lot of lives have been lost and (even) when we were shouting that it wasn’t going to benefit us, because agitation shouldn’t have gone the way it did.

“Today, the matter has gone beyond (IPOB). You know, every criminal, kidnapper, armed robber tends to claim IPOB, and IPOB in turn is fighting them, but I think it is late.

“So we desire peace, we desire to save the lives of our people and, so, we are willing to engage, to see that we have, you know, an amicable settlement, rebuild the economy of South-East.”

He disclosed that he used the opportunity of the meeting to invite President Buhari to visit his State to inaugurate some landmark projects executed by his administration.

Kanu Should Allow Us Plead His Case – Umahi; Says IPOB Fighting Criminals

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, wants a political solution to the insecurity in the South-east, a consequence, most people think, of the anger of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra against the Federal Government, over the well-noted marginalisation of the South-east.

Another problem he thinks a political solution could be possible, is the Nnamdi Kanu case. But on this, he put a caveat: ” It is for our people and our brother, Kanu to be willing for us to truly  engage so that we can find true peace in our region.” He, however, added that President Muhammadu Buhari does not interfere in judicial processes, but added, I doesn’t have to be the President engaging in such negotiations.

Umahi spoke at the State House, Abuja, where he went to tell President Muhammadu Buhari that he would run to succeed him in office in 2023.

And in what can be regarded  as an about- face, Kanu said IPOB was fighting criminals, but noted that it was late in the day. He said: “Today the matter has gone beyond IPOB. You know, every criminal, kidnapper, armed robber tends to claim IPOB, and IPOB in turn is fighting them. But I think it is late.”

He said that these criminal activities, including IPOB restrictions have destroyed the economy of the South-east because nobody listened to them (Igbo leaders) when they talked, and pleaded restriction of such activities.

Umahi: “Let me also add that as the Chairman of South-East Governors’ Forum, that I support a political solution to our insecurity problems in South-East; and of course, I mentioned it to Mr President.

“You see, political solution does not terminate the judicial process.

“And if you know, Mr President, very well, he has always said, and has always demonstrated, that he wouldn’t interfere with any judicial process; everybody knows him for that.

“If agreement is reached between parties, you don’t expect Mr President to be the negotiator; there are a lot of Federal Government officials.

“So, I believe strongly that as South-East is proposing for political solution, they should be able to engage the Federal Government.

“After all, there’s always what is called ‘out-of-court settlement’, but it is for our people and our brother Kanu to be willing for us to truly engage so that we can find true peace in our region.

“Because, the activities there have destroyed, a lot of the economy of south-East, a lot of lives have been lost and (even) when we were shouting that it wasn’t going to benefit us, because agitation shouldn’t have gone the way it did.

“Today, the matter has gone beyond (IPOB). You know, every criminal, kidnapper, armed robber tends to claim IPOB and IPOB in turn is fighting them; but I think it is late.

“So we desire peace, we desire to save the lives of our people and, so, we are willing to engage, to see that we have, you know, an amicable settlement, rebuild the economy of South-East.”

Emekuku Ancient Kingdom Mourns, Announces The Passing Of Chief (Mrs) Marwa

By
The Source
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0
Zainab Salome Marwa

By Charles Igbo

The Traditional Ruler of Emekuku Ancient Kingdom, His Majesty, Eze Obi Ejeshi, the Ezeukwu IV,  has announced the passing of a renowned daughter of the Kingdom, Chief (Mrs) Zainab Salome Marwa, nee Agbaso.

HRM made the announcement in conjunction with the Eze-in-Council, the Town, Union, and the Youth Council on behalf of the good people of Emekuku Ancient Kingdom.

Mrs Marwa, was the first wife of the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA,  Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa, with whom he has four adult children, including  a senior Army officer, Mohammed Marwa, jnr.

Mrs Marwa, a former First Lady of Borno State, died in Abuja, on January 8, 2022, at the age of 66 years.

Announcing her death in a statement he personally signed, Eze Obi Ejeshi said Emekuku has lost a kindhearted daughter who, when alive, championed the cause of women and the girl-child.

Following is the full text of the statement entitled:

Emekuku Announces, Mourns The Passing of Mrs Marwa

“His Royal Majesty, Obi Ejeshi, Ezeukwu iv, of  Emekuku Ancient Kingdom, Owerri North Local Government Area, Imo State, the Eze-in-Council, the Emekuku Town Union, and the good people of the Ancient Kingdom, announce, with palpable shock, the passing of our beloved daughter and sister, Chief (Mrs) Zainab Salome Nwangboliwe Marwa, née Agbaso, (Igolo)

“Mrs Marwa, a respected and revered daughter of the Kingdom, was a former First Lady of Borno State.

“In that position, she championed the cause of women and the girl-child, a passion she continued to pursue until her untimely death.

“Born to the family of Papa Nathaniel (Agadaga) and Mama Anna (Charity) Agbaso of Ezedibia, Emekuku, she got married to her childhood  sweetheart, Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa, (rtd), currently the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), with whom she had four adult, very successful, children, and ten grandchildren.

“A good-hearted and kind woman, she was the beloved elder sister of our illustrious sons, Chief Martin Agbaso (Ochoudo), and the former Deputy Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Sir Jude Agbaso as well as other siblings.

“Mrs Marwa will be missed, sorely, by the entire people of the Ancient Emekuku Kingdom.

“We mourn with the Agbaso family, and pray for the repose of her soul.

Burial arrangements will be as announced by the Marwa and Agbaso families.”

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