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We Will Close All IDP Camps By The End Of The Year, Says Zulum

By
Uche Mbah
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0

By Uche Mbah

Borno State may close all Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps located within Maiduguri, by Dec. 31, 2021, the State Government has said.

News Agency of Nigeria reports that Gov. Babagana Zulum revealed this while addressing State House correspondents after a closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in Aso Rock in Abuja Friday.

According to  Agency report, he said the decision to close the camps in Maiduguri is informed by the recent improvement in the security situation in the State.

According to him, the State Government decided to close the camps to enable displaced persons to return to their ancestral homes.

“I came to brief the President on efforts made by Borno State Government in ensuring the return of internally displaced persons to their homes.

“So far so good, Borno State Government has started well and arrangements have been concluded to ensure the closure of all Internally-displaced persons’ camps that are inside Maiduguri on or before Dec. 31.,’’ he said.

According to the Governor, arrangements have also been concluded for the safe return of persons displaced into neighboring Niger and Cameroon Republics, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.

“In addition to that, Borno State Government is also making efforts in collaboration with the ministry to continue with the repatriation of Nigerians in Minawo Camp in Cameroon.

“Furthermore, on Nov. 27, Borno State government will ensure the resettlement of IDPs that are living in Diffa Province of Niger to Malumfatari, a Local Government Area in Borno where we don’t have human population because of the insurgency,” he added.

Zulum commended security agencies for their support and efforts in the restoration of peace to troubled Local Government areas in Borno.

“To this effect, the Nigerian military is providing all the needed support to the Government of Borno State.

“I am pleased to inform you also that the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Adm. Awwal Gambo, ensured the return of Naval Base to Baga last month,” Gov. Zulum said.

FG Links Sunday Igboho To 49 Bank Accounts, Fingers Nat Assembly Member As Sponsor

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government disclosed on Friday that 49 bank accounts in nine banks were traced to the detained Yoruba Agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, aka Sunday Igboho.

Another stunning revelation was that a member of the National Assembly was identified as one of Igboho financial backers.

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, disclosed these in Abuja at a Media briefing.

According to him, “the Federal Government has received the report on financers of Adeniyi Sunday Adeyemo a.k.a Sunday Igboho. The report revealed that Sunday Igboho is a Director and signatory to Adesun International Concept Limited registered on 23rd April, 2010.

“Adesun International Concept Limited also has Oladele Oyetunji and Aderopo Adeyemo as Directors. Sunday Igboho is linked to 43 bank accounts in 9 banks.

“The major financier of the fugitive and separatists was found to be a Federal Law Maker in the National Assembly. A total sum of N127, 145,000.00 was received by Igboho from his financiers between 22nd October, 2013 and 28th September, 2020 through Adesun International Concept Ltd accounts.

“A total sum of N273,198,200.00 million transaction outflows was recorded from Sunday Igboho’s account between 15th March, 2013 and 11 the March, 2021.

“Investigation reveals that Adesun International Concept Ltd (belonging to Igboho) transferred the sum of twelve million seven hundred and fifty thousand naira (N12, 750,000) to Abbal Bako & Sons.

“It might be recalled that Abbal Bako & Sons and its promoter Abdullahi Umar Usman are suspects in the on-going Joint Terrorist Financing Investigation. Abdullahi Umar Usman is by way of financial transaction connected to SURAJO ABUBAKAR MUHAMMAD (who was sentenced to life imprisonment in UAE on charges of financing terrorism [Boko Haram]).

“This report shows the nexus between separatists’ agitation, terrorism financing and disruptions of peace in the country.

“The report found connections of financial transaction between Adesun International Concept Ltd (belonging to Igboho) and some construction companies and businesses among others.

“Having received the reports, the Federal Government remains resolute in its determination to have a peaceful Nigeria. The Federal Government will do the needful, within the context of the legal provisions, in ensuring that the matter is giving the deserved attention and those found guilty will be made to face the wrath of the law.”

How Kanu Is Causing Deaths Of Several People, Burning Of Public Buildings, And Oba’s Palace – FG

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government has linked the leader of Indigenious People’s of Biafra, (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu, with series of criminal activities in the country which resulted into loss of life and properties.

The Attorney General of the Federation, and Minister of Justice,, Shehu Malami disclosed at a media briefing in Abuja Friday that despite the  proscription of IPOB, Kanu was exploiting various means to invite his followers.

“Despite the proscription of IPOB by the Federal Government, Nnamdi Kanu continued the subversive campaign, instigating and inciting broadcasts to direct members of the IPOB to launch attacks on Government.

“The EndSARS protests of October 2020 played into the sinister plans of Nnamdi Kanu, whereby he seized the protests through subversive and inciting online broadcasts and actively commanded and directed attacks on security personnel and facilities.

“As a result of these broadcasts, members of IPOB attacked and killed security personnel and burnt down Police stations, Correctional centers, INEC offices, bus terminals, the Palace of Oba of Lagos, Banks, hospitals, shopping malls and vehicles, amongst others.

“On 12th December, 2020, Eastern Security Network” (ESN) was formed by Nnamdi Kanu as an armed wing of IPOB with the mandate to advance the nefarious agenda of the outlawed group.

“ESN continued to launch attacks on security personnel, civilians perceived as enemies as well as destruction of private and public properties.

“The destructive activities of IPOB/ESN pose serious threat to Nigeria’s National Security and its corporate existence, which resulted into re-arrest of Nnamdi Kanu and members of his group.

“The eventual re-arrest of Nnamdi Kanu in June 2021, and some members of his group led to the inauguration of a Presidential Ad-hoc Committee, comprising twenty-four (24) members.

“There were several IPOB/ESN attacks and destruction (arson) of public and private properties during the EndSARS and Biafra agitations across the country, especially in the South-East and South-South regions, notably the Palace of the Oba of Lagos where twelve (12) flats were completely looted and vandalized.

“The country home of the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, was burnt, over one hundred and fifty (150) buses burnt at the Lagos Bus Terminal, Sen. Ndoma Egba’s home in Calabar Municipal, Cross River State, was completely looted and vandalized, Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre, City Hall Race Course, First Bank Branch Lagos, Lagos State Public Works Commission, Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), Marina, Lagos, High Court Igbosere, Lagos, were all burnt, amongst other heinous crimes committed.

“We have also established that KANU is not alone in his subversive activities. He has accomplices in Nigeria and abroad, individuals and groups as well as state and non-state actors who are aiding and facilitating his campaign against the people and state of Nigeria.

“Some of the state actors aided KANU, even as a fugitive, in his destructive mission, ignoring the terrorist nature of his activities.

“We call on these countries to desist from aiding subversive acts by KANU and IPOB against the state of Nigeria and its people.

“Conversely, there are some friendly countries which, recognising the status of IPOB as a terrorist organization, have either banned the activities of IPOB or placed KANU on Stop List.

“To these peace loving countries that have put KANU on their Stop Lists and banned IPOB from operating in their territories, we express our appreciation.”

It is Evil to Owe Pensioners – Ozigbo

By
The Source
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0

The Governorship candidate of the PDP in the  forthcoming gubernatorial election in Anambra State, Mr. Val Ozigbo has condemned what he called “mindless non-payment of gratuities to civil servants that retired in Anambra State since 2017.”

In a release made available to the press, Mr. Ozigbo said it was unbelievable that after the efforts by the Peter Obi administration to clear over 35 billion Naira arrears of pension and gratuities owed retirees in Anambra State since 1991, that the present Government in Anambra State has allowed the debt to start accumulating to over 5 billion Naira again by its refusal to pay retirees their pension since 2017.  He described the action as heartless and wicked, wondering how those responsible feel whenever they read the stories of retirees dying due to lack of basic needs they often use the gratuities to solve through the returns they get after investing it wisely.

In Ozigbo’s words: ‘I am the son of a headmaster, I recall how my father invested his gratuity wisely after retirement and how the little investment contributed to welfare of our family. I am  happy when Obi cleared the gratuities but saddened that they have started to accumulate under Gov. Willie Obiano.”

Assuring retirees of his capacity to stop the trend, he said that depriving workers of their wages or rewards cannot be justified by any means. He also said that as a Christian, he was aware that depriving workers of their wages  was regarded as one of the sins crying to heaven for vengeance.

Concluding, Ozigbo said that compassion for the people is one of the qualities that leaders should possess, especially now the country is witnessing the worst economic downturn. “It is sad to see a Governor taking over a billion as monthly security vote, going on long convoy, junketing around the world in the name of holidays, sponsoring things that do not add to the growth and well-being of the state and yet cannot pay the gratuities of retirees.

Ozigbo assured that he would eventually change the trend for good in the fullest of time.

Terrorism: Nnamdi Kanu On Stop-List Of Countries, Says Malami

By
Uche Mbah
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0

By Uche Mbah

The Federal Government has, perhaps, given an inkling into why Kenya cooperated with it in the extradition of the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to Nigeria.

Kanu was re-arrested in Nairobi, Kenya, and brought back to Nigeria in June 2021.

Addressing a Press Conference in Abuja on Friday, October 22, a day after Kanu was arraigned in Court to face the charges against him including terrorism and treasonable felony, the  Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Salami, SAN, disclosed that a number of countries, seeing the dangers of Kanu’s activities, had since placed him on Stop List. He said such countries have also banned the activities of IPOB in their countries.

“There are some friendly countries which, recognising the status of IPOB as a terrorist organisation have either banned the activities of IPOB or placed Kanu on Stop List”, Malami said.

Giving a run down of the alleged activities of Kanu, Malami also accused IPOB of hiding under the October 2020 #EndSARS protest to wreak havoc on the Southern part of the Country,  especially, including the destruction and looting of the Palace of the Oba of Lagos and destruction of the  vehicles owned by Lagos Government for transportation.

But critics dismiss, as media trial, Malami’s allegations, especially after the Court appearance of Nnamdi Kanu, where Journalists and many interested parties, including Lawyers and an Ohanaeze Ndigbo Delegation, were barred from entering the Court room to watch proceedings.

Kanu had, in Court, while pleading not guilty,  dismissed the allegations against him on the grounds that the Federal High Court Abuja has no jurisdiction to try him, laying down arguments to support his claim. He said the  allegations against him were not committed on Nigerian soil, but in the United Kingdom, which citizen he, also, is.

Malami, while briefing journalists Friday also accused some state actors of aiding Kanu after he allegedly jumped bail by escaping from the country.

“We have also established that Kanu is not alone in his subversive activities. He has accomplices in Nigeria and abroad, individuals and groups as well as state and non-state actors who are aiding and facilitating his campaign against the people and state of Nigeria.

“Some of the state actors aided Kanu, even as a fugitive, in his destructive mission, ignoring the terrorist nature of his activities.

“We call on these countries to desist from aiding subversive acts by Kanu and IPOB against the state of Nigeria and its people”, he said.

FG Establishes Foreign Nations, National Assembly Member, Behind Kanu, Igboho Funding

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, said on Friday that the Federal Government has established that the Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo aka Igboho, and leader of Indigenious People’s of Biafra, (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu, are being funded from within and outside Nigeria.

The Minister said specifically that Igboho derived his funding from a member of the National Assembly.

According to him, a report by a Security Ccommittee constituted by the Federal Government also revealed that Igboho, allegedly, received funding from a firm, allegedly being probed for terrorism financing activities.

Malami declared: “It might be recalled that the firm, and its promoter are suspects in the on-going Joint Terrorist Financing Investigation.”

The Minister emphasised that the firm and one of its owners, is by way of financial transaction, connected to one Surajo Abubakar Muhammad (who was sentenced to life imprisonment in UAE on charges of financing terrorism (Boko Haram).

The Attorney General further disclosed that the Committee also made damning discovery about the activities of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu and his following, noting that there were information that Kanu was receiving support from both within and outside Nigeria.

“We have also established that Kanu is not alone in his subversive activities.

“He has accomplices in Nigeria and abroad, individuals and groups as well as state and non-state actors who are aiding and facilitating his campaign against the people and state of Nigeria.

“Some of the state actors aided Kanu, even as a fugitive, in his destructive mission, ignoring the terrorist nature of his activities.

“We call on these countries to desist from aiding subversive acts by Kanu and IPOB against the state of Nigeria and its people.”

Nigeria Accuses Kanu, Igboho, Of Being Sponsored To Destabilise the Country

By
The Source
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0
Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho

Full Text Of A Press  Conference Addressed by the the Honourable Attorney General Of The Federation And Minister Of Justice Abubakar Malami, SAN,  On Investigation Reports On Acts Of Terrorism And Allied Offences Perpetrated By Nnamdi Kanu And Report On the Sponsors And Financiers Of Sunday Igboho And Associates.

“As you are aware, Nnamdi Kanu, the self-acclaimed leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been at the center of a subversive campaign against the Nigerian State.

“Consequently, Nnamdi Kanu was arrested on 14th October, 2015. He was charged to court for treasonable felony, among other crimes. He was granted bail by the Federal High Court, Abuja on 25th April 2017. He however breached the bail conditions and fled abroad.

While in self-exile, Nnamdi Kanu intensified his subversive campaign, using online Radio Biafra to instigate violence and incite members of IPOB to commit violent attacks against civil and democratic institutions, particularly the security personnel, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and civilians. He instigated the destruction of public and private properties across the country.

“As a result of these criminal activities, IPOB was proscribed and designated a terrorist organization by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, in an Order made on 20th September 2017.

Despite the proscription of IPOB by the Federal Government, Nnamdi Kanu continued the subversive campaign, instigating and inciting broadcasts to direct members of the IPOB to launch attacks on government.

“The EndSARS protests of October 2020 played into the sinister plans of Nnamdi Kanu, whereby he seized the protests through subversive and inciting online broadcasts and actively commanded and directed attacks on security personnel and facilities.

As a result of these broadcasts, members of IPOB attacked and killed security personnel and burnt down Police stations, Correctional centers, INEC offices, bus terminals, the Palace of Oba of Lagos, Banks, hospitals, shopping malls and vehicles, amongst others.

“On 12th December, 2020, Eastern Security Network” (ESN) was formed by Nnamdi Kanu as an armed wing of IPOB with the mandate to advance the nefarious agenda of the outlawed group. ESN continued to launch attacks on security personnel, civilians perceived as enemies as well as destruction of private and public properties.

“The destructive activities of IPOB/ESN pose serious threat to Nigeria’s National Security and its corporate existence, which resulted into re-arrest of Nnamdi Kanu and members of his group.

“The eventual re-arrest of Nnamdi Kanu in June 2021, and some members of his group led to the inauguration of a Presidential Ad-hoc Committee, comprising twenty-four (24) members drawn from:

*1. Federal Ministry of Justice (MoJ),

*2. Federal Ministry of Information (MoI),

*3. Nigeria Police Force (NPF),

*4. Department of State Services (DSS),

*5. National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and

*6. Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA),

“The Committee, inaugurated by the President, and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR), was headed by the Honorable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

“The Committee finds as a fact, that consequent upon the instigating directives of Nnamdi Kanu, members of IPOB/ESN carried out massive attacks on democratic institutions especially INEC Facilities with a view to hampering democratic process in Nigeria. These attacks that were carried out between October 2020 and June 2021 include the following:

  1. That acting on the instigating directives of Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB members and #EndSARS protesters attacked and killed many security agents, destroyed several public and private properties, including Police stations, public transport buses and other facilities across the country.

*II. That on 21st October 2020, Nnamdi Kanu through an online call-in radio programme (Radio Biafra), further instigated IPOB members to burn down all police stations and kill Government security forces, which was carried out and several Security personnel (especially Police Officers) were killed and public and private properties destroyed.

*III. One hundred and seventy-five (175) security personnel were killed by IPOB/ESN, comprising one hundred and twenty eight (128) Police men, thirty seven (37) military personnel and ten (10) other security operatives;

*IV. Killing of prominent Nigerians, (recently there were gruesome killings of traditional leaders: Obi 1 of Okwudor autonomous community, Eze E. Anayochukwu Durueburuo and Eze Sampson Osunwa of Ihebineowerre autonomous community as well as the killings of Dr. Chike Akunyili and eight others as well as the killing of Alhaji Ahmed Gulak on 30th May. 2021);

*V. That as a consequence of Nnamdi Kanu’s broadcasts, there were nineteen (19) attacks on INEC facilities that resulted in the destruction of offices as well as burning of eighteen (18) INEC logistical vehicles, several election materials, equipment and ICT gadgets in Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Cross River, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo States;

*VI. That one hundred and sixty-four (164) police stations and formations, including Police Headquarters, Owerri, Imo State were attacked by IPOB/ESN leading to the death of one hundred and twenty-eight (128) police men {as stated in III above}; one hundred forty four (144) injured while six hundred twenty eight (628) vehicles were destroyed.

*VII. That three hundred and ninety-six (396) firearms and seventeen thousand seven hundred and thirty eight (17,738) ammunition were carted away during the IPOB/ESN attacks;

VIII. That there were three

*(3) IPOB/ESN attacks on Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), including the Headquarters of NCoS, Owerri, Imo State where one thousand eight hundred and forty one (1,841) inmates escaped;

*IX. That the Headquarters of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Umuahia, Abia State was also attacked by IPOB/ESN leading to the death of one (1) officer;

*X. That there were several IPOB/ESN attacks and destruction (arson) of public and private properties during the EndSARS and Biafra agitations across the country, especially in the South-East and South-South regions, notably the Palace of the Oba of Lagos where twelve (12) flats were completely looted and vandalized, the country home of the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, was burnt, over one hundred and fifty (150) buses burnt at the Lagos Bus Terminal, Sen. Ndoma Egba’s home in Calabar Municipal, Cross River State, was completely looted and vandalized, Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre, City Hall Race Course, First Bank Branch Lagos, Lagos State Public Works Commission, Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), Marina, Lagos, High Court Igbosere, Lagos, were all burnt, amongst other heinous crimes committed.

*We have also established that KANU is not alone in his subversive activities. He has accomplices in Nigeria and abroad, individuals and groups as well as state and non-state actors who are aiding and facilitating his campaign against the people and state of Nigeria. Some of the state actors aided KANU, even as a fugitive, in his destructive mission, ignoring the terrorist nature of his activities.

We call on these countries to desist from aiding subversive acts by KANU and IPOB against the state of Nigeria and its people. Conversely, there are some friendly countries which, recognising the status of IPOB as a terrorist organization, have either banned the activities of IPOB or placed KANU on Stop List. To these peace loving countries that have put KANU on their Stop Lists and banned IPOB from operating in their territories, we express our appreciation.

*Similarly, the Federal Government has received the report on financers of Adeniyi Sunday Adeyemo a.k.a Sunday Igboho. The report revealed that Sunday Igboho is a Director and signatory to Adesun International Concept Limited registered on 23rd April, 2010. Adesun International Concept Limited also has Oladele Oyetunji and Aderopo Adeyemo as Directors. Sunday Igboho is linked to 43 bank accounts in 9 banks.

*The major financier of the fugitive and separatists was found to be a Federal Law Maker in the National Assembly. A total sum of ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SEVEN MILLION, ONE AND FORTY-FIVE THOUSAND NAIRA ONLY (N127, 145,000.00) was received by Igboho from his financiers between 22nd October, 2013 and 28th September, 2020 through Adesun International Concept Ltd accounts.

A total sum of TWO HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-THREE MILLION, ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY-EIGHT THOUSAND, TWO HUNDRED NAIRA ONLY (N273,198,200.00) transaction outflows was recorded from Sunday Igboho’s account between 15th March, 2013 and 11 the March, 2021.

*Investigation reveals that Adesun International Concept Ltd (belonging to Igboho) transferred the sum of twelve million seven hundred and fifty thousand naira (N12, 750,000) to Abbal Bako & Sons.

It might be recalled that Abbal Bako & Sons and its promoter Abdullahi Umar Usman are suspects in the on-going Joint Terrorist Financing Investigation. Abdullahi Umar Usman is by way of financial transaction connected to SURAJO ABUBAKAR MUHAMMAD (who was sentenced to life imprisonment in UAE on charges of financing terrorism [Boko Haram]).

This report shows the nexus between separatists’ agitation, terrorism financing and disruptions of peace in the country.

*The report found connections of financial transaction between Adesun International Concept Ltd (belonging to Igboho) and some construction companies and businesses among others.

Having received the reports, the Federal Government remains solute in its determination to have a peaceful Nigeria. The Federal Government will do the needful, within the context of the legal provisions, in ensuring that the matter is giving the deserved attention and those found guilty will be made to face the wrath of the law.”

Anambra Guber: APC Candidate is Your Nemesis, SAUGCO Tells APGA, Soludo

By
The Source
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0
Charles Soludo and Andy Uba

About three weeks to the Anambra State Governorship Election, the star players are at one another’s neck, particularly the candidates of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr. Andy Uba and that of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Professor Charles Soludo.

Both are on the campaign train.

Angry at a scathing remark made by the Soludo team that Uba has not kicked off his campaign because he is afraid of his own past, and so, afraid to face the people,  the Senator Andy Uba Governorship Campaign, SAUGCO has called Soludo’s team “meddlesome Interlopers.”

It also says APGA is  dancing on the graves of people killed over insecurity

In a strongly worded statement signed by its Director, Media and Publicity, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, in response, SAUGCO said:

“After weeks of running a shadowy campaign anchored on propaganda and character assassination, the outgoing All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA administration in Anambra state may have finally woken up to reality: that the All Progressives Congress, APC candidate, Senator Andy Uba, is indeed its nemesis.

“Reacting to a Press Statement signed by Mr. C. Don Adinuba and entitled “Soludo Campaign Mocks Andy Uba, APC Candidate,” Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, director, Media and Publicity of the Senator Andy Uba Governorship Campaign Organisation, SAUGCO wondered why two weeks to the November 6, 2021 governorship election, the Soludo Team is still embittered by the emergence of Uba as APC candidate.

“Besides the fact that primaries are internal affairs of political parties, one still wonders why they have continued to cast their eyes and focus on the APC primaries concluded almost four months ago, in June, 2021.

“We see this as an act that portrays them as meddlesome Interlopers. Moreso, when neither Soludo, nor Adinuba sought nomination under the APC.

“In a classic recast of the Biblical injunction where such people were urged to first remove the logs in their own eyes, before worrying about the speck in others, we pitifully request Soludo and APGA to first deal with the prearranged outcome of its own primaries, whereupon elected members of both the House of Representatives and the State House of Assembly were brazenly pronounced as disqualified, in favour of a man who had never won even a Councillorship contest.

“Equally worrisome is the proclivity of the Soludo Team to always seek to dance on the graves of worthy indigenes of Anambra, and other residents, who lost their lives consequent upon the inability of Governor Willy Obiano to secure the state.

“Seeking to denounce the decision of Senator Andy Uba to call off the APC’s planned flag off on October 2, 2021 in honour of those killed days before that date, aptly shows the APGA candidate’s desperation for power.  We do not really blame Soludo, for having never held any elective office in his life, his desperation to be governor of Anambra state has so blindfolded him to the extent of going out for campaigns a day after Dr. Cyril Akunyili was gunned down on the streets of Anambra. Ironically, Soludo’s wife is niece to the late Professor Dora Akunyili and has never bothered to commiserate with the family, either in private or publicly.

“Contrary to Soludo’s  obsession with making a song and dance out of “big rallies” and “flag offs,” may we educate him that the times do not demand such. Besides security concerns, such recourse is tantamount to preaching to the choir, as such events attract only party members. Real politicking is meeting the people in their different local government areas, villages and households – a last minute strategy which Senator Uba and his team commenced this week, with campaigns in Onitsha North and South and Anambra East and West LGAs.

“On the failed attempt to drag the name of Distinguished Senator Andy Uba into  events that happened in Anambra at the time he was dutifully serving in the Presidency, we state, unequivocally, that no Panel of Inquiry set up in the aftermath of the crisis indicted him, or had his name mentioned under any guise.

“In deed, since Professor Soludo’s current godfather is still Governor of Anambra state, and custodian of all official documents relating to the state, we challenge him to produce any shred of evidence, or document linking Senator Uba to the issues raised – or permanently shut up and stop the further maligning of his person.

“In deed, we advise Prof. Soludo to first deal with the issue of N2 Billion which he dubiously collected from individuals and corporate organisations under the guise of building a memorial hospital in honour of his mother. Today, 13 years after, there is neither a hospital building standing anywhere in fulfillment of that pledge, nor has the eminent Professor of Economics lived up to the demands of his calling, by rendering a proper account of the donated sums of money, or an apology.”

“We wish to further remark that it is the very height of hypocrisy, when Governor Obiano and his protege, Soludo, go on campaigns with an assortment of security personnel, he assumes the title of chief security officer of Anambra state. But when he fails to provide security cover for other candidates, he passes the buck to President Muhammadu Buhari.

“In the fullness of time, both Governor Obiano and Soludo would realise that their boasts about being in control of the forces of coercion is after all, a transient privilege,” the statement added.

FIFA Ranking: Super Eagles Maintain 36th Position In The World, Fifth Best In Africa

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Super Eagles at Teslim Balogun Stadium

By Akinwale Kasali

Despite losing 1-0 at home to minnows, Central African Republic at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, Nigeria, the national football team, Super Eagles still managed to retain its 36th position in the world ranking.

Though, it avenged the loss in the reverse fixture at the Omnisport Stadium in Douala, Cameroon, with a 2-0 win over Central African Republic in the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, but it failed to climb up the ladder, and remain stagnated in the 36th position for over three months.

World soccer governing body, Federation International  Football  Association, FIFA, released the ranking of teams, with no significant changes for the Top Five teams in Africa.

Coach Gernot Rohr’s Super Eagles accrued 1478 points to maintain its 36th spot globally.

For South Africa’s  Bafana Bafana, who completed the double over Ethiopia, they garnered 13 points to move up to 66th in the world but remain number 12 in Africa.

Ghana Black Stars also enjoyed convincing results, over Zimbabwe home and away to retain 52nd position in the world and seventh place in Africa.

The Harambee Stars will not be featuring at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, and their losses to Mali saw them crash to 104th in the world and 23rd on the continent.

Senegal – who already qualified for the play-off round of the World Cup – are ranked first in Africa with 1564 points, while Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles – who dropped one point – are now 27th globally and second in Africa after accruing 1525 points.

Overall, Belgium remains top despite losing the Uefa Nations League title to France. Among the top five, only Les Bleus and Italy have improved their positions.

Brazil are second but are breathing down the necks of Belgium, just 12 points behind. England, meanwhile, drop two places to fifth.

Some of the significant movers in October are Morocco (29th, +4), Russia (33rd, +4), Egypt (44th, +4), Saudi Arabia (49th, +7) and South Africa (66th, +7).

The next Fifa Coca-Cola World Ranking will be published on 25 November 2021.

Terrorism: You Can’t Try Me In Nigeria, says Kanu

By
Uche Mbah
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0

By Uche Mbah

Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has asked the Federal High Court to recuse itself from the case of terrorism and treasonable felony proffered against him on the grounds that the Court lacks jurisdiction to try his case.

The Government had amended earlier charges brought before the court, presenting a seven-count charge against him.

Kanu insisted that the trial ought not to take place at all since most of the crimes were committed in the United Kingdom, where the Court has no Jurisdiction over him since according to him, the UK has its Judicial system.

This was stated in his notice of preliminary objections filed by his lawyers.

The following are excerpts from the preliminary objections his lawyers filed.

“…That I know as a fact that the United Kingdom (of which London is the capital), is a sovereign state under International Municipal Law and has municipal laws punishing criminal offenses.

2) That I also know as a fact that jurisdiction is extrinsic to adjudication. It is conferred on a court, aliunde. It is not intrinsic.

3) That I know that as the elements necessary to constitute incitement in the alleged several broadcasts of the defendant/applicant occurred in London, United Kingdom, and not in Nigeria, the court in Nigeria has no jurisdiction to try the defendant/applicant on any charge founded on any such alleged incitement, even if the defendant/applicant enters within the geographical boundaries of Nigeria.

4) That I also know as a matter of fact that the alleged offenses for which the defendant was charged, do not constitute terrorism offenses in London, United Kingdom, where they were allegedly committed.

5) That I am further aware that there is an obligation on the Attorney General of the Federation to maintain international co-operation for compliance with International Treaties on terrorism.

6) That the defendant was abducted from Kenya and consequently extraordinarily rendered to Nigeria, without firstly subjecting him to extradition proceedings in Kenya; I know as a fact that this is a violation of all known international conventions and treaties on extradition.

7) That prosecuting the defendant on the 7-count amended charge would amount to allowing the complainants to benefit from their illegality and wrongdoing

8) That I am aware that he who comes to equity must come with clean hands, and no party should be allowed to benefit from his wrongdoing.

9) That I know as a matter of fact, that the extraordinary rendition of the defendant robs the Honourable Court of the requisite jurisdiction of trying the defendant on counts 4, 5,,6 and 7 of the Amended Charge.

10) That counts 1,,2, and 3 of the Amended Charge were brought under a non-existent law.

11) That count 3 of the Amended Charge relates to an offense allegedly committed in Ubuluisiuzor, in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, which is outside the territorial jurisdiction of the Honourable Court.

12) That I know as a matter of fact that an offense can only be tried by a court exercising jurisdiction over the place or area where the alleged offense was committed.

13) That counts 5,,6, and 7 of the Amended Charge do not disclose an offense known to law.

14) That there is no proof of evidence attached to the Amended Charge filed against the defendant.

15) That even the purported proof of evidence to be relied upon by the prosecution, does not disclose any prima facie case against the defendant.

16) That from the list of exhibits and witnesses attached to the Amended Charge, there is nothing relating to or linking the defendant to the 7-count charge, particularly counts 4, 5,,6, and 7 thereof.

17) That no final pronouncement has been made on the purported proscription of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as the said purported proscription is a subject matter of appeal in Appeal No: CA/A/214/2018, pending before the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal.

18) That the defendant/applicant cannot be arraigned anew or tried for an offense when the judgment that made a pronouncement on the instrument constituting a state of affairs as such an offense, is the subject matter of an appeal.

19) That it will be most unjust, painful, wicked, and unfair for the applicant to undergo the rigors of a full trial, when the Amended Charge as constituted, does not disclose a prima facie case against him.

20) That there is no ground for this honorable court to proceed with the trial against the applicant in the circumstance of this case.

21) That the court has the powers and a duty to stop a prosecution which on the facts creates abuse and injustice.

22) That it will be in the best interest of justice if the present 7-Count Amended Charge is struck out and or dismissed.

Can’t, therefore, asked the Court whether it has “the requisite jurisdiction to try the defendant on the 7- count amended charge, given the extraordinary rendition of the said defendant/applicant;

  1. b) Whether the honorable court has the jurisdiction to try the defendant/applicant for alleged acts constituted wholly by elements that occurred within the geographical space of a foreign sovereign nation and outside the jurisdiction of the court.
  2. c) Whether the defendant/applicant can be prosecuted for allegedly belonging to a proscribed organization when the purported proscription of the organization is the subject of appeal in appeal no: CA/A/214/2018, pending at the court of appeal, Abuja division?
  3. d) Whether the information as laid under counts 1,,2, and 3 of the amended charge is not founded under a non-existed law?
  4. e) Whether the radio broadcasts allegedly made by the defendant/applicant constitutes an offense of treasonable felony as envisaged under section 41 (c) of the criminal code Act, CAP C.38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004?
  5. f) Whether the information contained in counts 5,6 and 7 of the amended discloses the commission of any offense known to law?
  6. g) Whether the proof of evidence in support of the 7- count amended charge discloses a prima facie case against the defendant/applicant.

“We respectfully urge your Lordship to decline jurisdiction to entertain the instant Amended Charge, as the alleged offenses contained therein, were allegedly committed wholly in London, United Kingdom, and Anambra State, outside the territorial jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, ”he argued through his lawyers.

“The Honourable Court is further urged to strike out and/or dismiss the counts of the charge which are incompetent and brought under unknown provisions of the laws.

“We further urge this Honourable Court to hold that the purported proof of evidence to be relied upon by the prosecution did not disclose any prima facie case against the defendant, that will invoke the power of this Court to set down the case for trial.

“The 7-count amended charge filed by the Prosecution, we respectfully submit, is not only as naked and empty as a worthless paper, but not founded on existing laws, and the court is respectfully urged to, upon a meritorious consideration of the grounds upon which the objection is predicated, and argument in support thereof, to dismiss in its entirety this seven-count amended charge and accordingly discharge and acquit the defendant/applicant on those 7-count charges.”

The trial Judge, Hon. Justice  Binta Nyako, adjourned the case to November 10.

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