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Clamour for Nigerian President Of Southeast Extraction Resonates In The U.S.

By
The Source
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Johns Hopkins University

Conferees at Johns Hopkins University, Washington DC, say it will engender peace, cohesion and national stability if a President of South-east extraction is elected in Nigeria in 2023.

This is as the growing clamour for that resonated, loudly, on Friday, March 11, in the United States of America at an international conference organized by a group, Nextier Advisory. The group is a multi-competency public policy advisory firm with core competencies in policy research, analysis, design and implementation.

The conference which took place, in-person, at the meeting hall of the School of Advanced and International Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Washington DC, also had an online audience drawn from around the world on Zoom.

Themed “U.S. policy and Nigeria’s national decisions in the 2023 elections,” organisers of the conference that included School of Advanced and International Studies at the Johns Hopkins University, School of International Service at the American University, and the Center for Peace, Democracy and Development at the University of Massachusetts, said the goal was to ascertain how best U.S. policy can strengthen democratic institutions in Nigeria and help the country manage its perfect storm of security crises, and help affirm commitment to civilian electoral rule in Nigeria.

Participants at the Conference that included Nigerians agreed that the easiest way to ensure peace in the country was to promote equity, fairness and justice.

With nationwide elections scheduled for early 2023 and tensions over who will succeed the term-limited President and Governors escalating in recent months, the Conferees warned the situation was sure to aggravate the already precarious security situation in the country as the nation moves toward hotly contested party primaries in mid-2022.

“Nigeria’s increasing fragility has become the subject of increasing debate and concern. The country has displayed a growing national security crisis arising from widespread kidnappings, banditry, multiple ongoing insurrections, rising secessionist movements, intensifying farmer-herder conflicts, and elite struggles over control of political offices,” the conference organisers noted.

But Prof Chudi Uwazurike, an academic and former member of the Federal House of Representatives, said the most pragmatic way of dealing with the Nigerian question was to ensure that Nigeria elects a President from the Southeast in the 2023 elections.

Prof Uwazurike’s call was echoed by Idayat Hassan, Director of the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), an Abuja-based policy advocacy and research organization focusing on deepening democracy and development in West Africa.

Urging the political parties, particularly the dominant ones – Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) – to zone their Presidential tickets to the Southeast, both Prof Uwazurike and Idaya, a Lawyer, said such a move will not only promote equity, justice, and fairness but also engender the needed peace, cohesion and national stability that will stimulate nation-building.

Prof Uwazurike, a renowned public intellectual, said: “Zoning presidency to the Southeast in 2023 will address grievances. Nigeria has a fantastic opportunity in 2023 to create a good future but there is a need to address the injustice done to the Southeast region. There is the need to ensure there is equity, justice, and fairness so as to assuage the people.

“Their request is not a radical one but a rational approach that will promote peace and national cohesion.”

Speaking in the same vein, Idayat Hassan said: “2023 will provide another unique opportunity to re-negotiate the country. If there is no justice and equity, Nigeria will collapse. We need to acknowledge the injustice that was done to the people (South-easterners).

“Election 2023 should be seen as a time for genuine reconciliation in Nigeria by supporting a President from the Southeast region to emerge in 2023.

“We must allow inclusion, equity, justice and fairness to reign because without it you cannot deepen the nation’s democracy.”

There has been clamour for the Igbo to be allowed to produce the president in 2023 since it is the only major ethnic group that hasn’t held the position since 1999, not even the vice president.

However, a participant, Brig. General Saleh Bala, said he was opposed to the idea of zoning.

Rather than rotating political positions around tribal groupings, he is of the view that since democracy is a game of numbers, the majority should have the final say.

But he was countered by Chief Osita Chidoka, former Minister of Aviation, who reminded him that concepts like quota system and Federal Character, which was codified in the Constitution were all done to carry along certain parts of the country considered to be lagging behind for the sake of unity and inclusiveness.

In his contribution, Michael Gonzales, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, whose portfolio covers West Africa and the Sahel Region, reiterated America’s commitment to ensuring transparent and credible elections in Nigeria in 2023.

Gonzales warned that there would be sanctions for Government officials who would be tempted to manipulate the 2023 elections.

Simon Ekpa Threatens Guerilla Warfare In The South-east; Says It Begins March 15

By
The Source
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By Charles Igbo

As from the 15th of March, a guerilla warfare will break out in the South-east. This is according to Simon Ekpa,  the self proclaimed disciple of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

Ekpa is based in Finland, where he is a citizen. He sounds and behaves like a more aggresive version of IPOB. And, hardly, according to reports, adhere to any instructions from the Directorate of Services, DOS of IPOB.

He first entred into  National consciousness when the IPOB leader, Kanu, was re-arrested and brought back to Nigeria from Nairobi. He, literally, claimed the “leadership” of IPOB’s broadcasting arm. But a couple of days later, he was countered by the leadership of IPOB, which said he was just one of the broadcasters, but has refused to adhere to their code of conduct.

When the leadership of IPOB canceled the every Monday sit-at-home order, it didn’t sit well with Ekpa. He, allegedly, gave a counter order.

Since then, his relationship with the DOS has not been tidy. A few days ago, he let it be known that Kanu has been removed by some people as the Leader of IPOB. He said Sofia Kalu, identified as the Director of Finance, IPOB, in London, is the new Leader, while Kanu is now a Director.

However, Kanu’s family  denied the claim, insisting, through his younger brother, Kanunta Kanu, that Nnamdi Kanu remains the only Leader of IPOB.

Now, Ekpa has raised the ante, and increased the tempo and tension.

In a post which surfaced on Saturday, March 12, Ekpa threatened that a guerilla war will begin in Igboland if Federal Security Agents do not pull out before then. He accused them of killing children and women, all in the name of “stopping Biafra freedom or secessionist as you call them.”

He then issued a three-day ultimatum to them to leave, failing which a guerilla warfare would begin.

His post reads:

“You who bring military to kill our children and women in the name of stopping Biafra freedom or secessionist as you call them.

“15. 3. 2022 is the deadline to demilitarise our region or face the Biafra Guerilla warfare as their defence.

“We will not also allow those who brought them. Simon Ekpa.”

It is not yet confirmed if he consulted the IPOB DOS before the ultimatum. But there has been no response from IPOB and/or any Security Agency.

Already, fear has gripped not a few people in the South-east for a guerilla warfare is the least expected in a zone which economy is almost crippled by insecurity.

NURTW Crisis: How Lagos Agberos Make Over N123 Billion Yearly; Reason For Crisis

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Musiliu Akinsany- MC Oluomo

By Akinwale Kasali

The crisis rocking the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, at the National level has deepened. Most, especially, the economy hub of the nation, Lagos State.

It, however, escalated after the suspension of Musiliu Akinsanya, MC Oluomo, by the National Body led by Tajudeen Baruwa for, alleged, high handedness, insurbodination, abuse of power and lack of respect for the constituted authority.

Though, the Lagos State Chapter of the NURTW has been engulfed in crisis, which led to the killings and severe injuries sustained at Idumota area of the State, as factions within the State Chapter. They had a free for all fight.

The reason for this fisticuff is said to be power of dominance and supremacy from MC Oluomo and the National body, especially with Baruwa.

Lagos State, the commercial hub of the nation, the most valuable State in terms revenue generation, prompting MC Oluomo to ride on that crest and act like a colossus.

According to International Center For Investigative Reporting, ICIR, Lagos State NURTW generates over N123 Billion on a yearly basis.

Analyzing how the Lagos NURTW generates such huge revenue, ICIR highlighted that the number of Commercial Buses in Lagos to be 75,000, with each Bus paying a sum of N3,000 on a daily basis.

At the end of of the Year, revenue generated from buses is a whopping sum of N82.1 Billion.

ICIR Stastitics

For Motorcycles, putting into consideration that it is banned in some parts of Lagos, making most Okada riders to operate in the hinterlands of the State,

the statistics of ICIR indicates that there are 37,000 Motorcycles operating in the State and each one of them pay the sum of N600 to the NURTW daily.

Annually, the sum of N8.1 Billion is realized from Motorcycles.

For Tricycles, popularly known as Keke Marwa and Keke Napep, they pay N1,800 daily for the NURTW officials. It is estimated that there are 50,000 Tricycles in the State.

At the end of the year, the Lagos Agberos generate the sum of N32.9 Billion.

These juicy largesse is the reason why becoming the Chairman of the NURTW Lagos Chapter is always like going to war. Candidates deploy any means available to get to the position.

It was gathered that the reason behind the crisis is this largesse, which sources within the NURTW confirmed.

The source said that MC Oluomo was not ready to listen to directives from the National body because the State he governs has the financial muscle and it is also a major financier of the Union.

Reaction Trails Dispatch Rider Caught With Child Inside Dispatch Box

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Chid Caught in Dispatch Rider

By Akinwale Kasali

No one could have ever imagined it that a child could be stuffed inside a Dispatch Rider’s box. If not for the intelligence and security consciousness of passers-by at the Sangotedo area of Lagos State, Saturday morning, a yet to be named Dispatch Rider would have succeeded in the act of kidnapping.

It was gathered that the Dispatch Rider kidnapped the Child and stuffed him inside his Dispatch Box.  But the cry of the child was what alerted passers-by who gave a hot chase to the Rider and apprehended him at a traffic point.

A passer-by was said to have raised an alarm

which attracted other passers-by who rescued the child. They descended on the suspect, beat him mercilessly, and were about to lynch him before he was rescued by security agents.

Eyewitness account said that it took the intervention of the Police within the axis to stop the irate crowd from setting him ablaze. On rescue, the suspect was sandwiched between a motorcyclist and another man carrying the baby who only wore a singlet. We could not confirm where they were headed to. But the angry crowd kept hitting the Dispatch Rider who was wearing a t-shirt.

At the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, said the case has not been reported to any police station or formation in the state.

He called on the parents of the said stolen child and those  still holding the suspect to report to the nearest police station .

He said:”The attention of the Lagos State Police Command has been drawn to a video going viral on social media alleging that a dispatch rider was caught with a stolen child in dispatch box.

“The command wishes to inform the public that the incident said to have taken place in Sangotedo area, Lekki, was not reported at any police station to enable the police take appropriate actions.

“Notwithstanding that the incident was not reported, Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, has directed that efforts should be intensified to locate the whereabouts of the alleged dispatch rider and the parents or guardians of the child to enable the police investigate the incident”.

Reactions have, however, trailed this development, as social media users took different social media platforms to condemn the act, calling on security agencies and the Lagos State Government to wade into the issue and see that justice is served, and the Dispatch Rider prosecuted.

They, also, called on Security Agencies to no longer give Dispatch Riders an easy passage but to screen the boxes they are carrying, wondering what more atrocities some of them had committed using dispatch boxes.

2023: Southern, Middle Belt Leaders Insist On Restructuring, Rotation Of Presidency To South

By
The Source
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South And Middle Belt Leaders

“The designation of Governor of a State as the Chief Security Officer of the State is a ruse without being in control of the State’s of the State’s Security apparatus.”

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF A MEETING OF THE SOUTHERN AND MIDDLE BELT LEADERS’ FORUM HELD ON THURSDAY, 10TH MARCH 2022

  1. A Meeting of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum (SMBLF), held on Thursday, 10th March 2022, in Abuja under the Chairmanship of the Leader and Elder Statesman, Chief E. K. Clark, OFR, CON.
  2. Delegations of the constituent Organisations of the SMBLF were respectively led by Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Leader of Afenifere (South West); Dr. Pogu Bitrus, President of the Middle Belt Forum ( Middle Belt); Professor George Obiozor, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo represented by the Secretary-General, Ambassador Okey Emuchay, MFR (South East); and Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, FNSE, National Chairman of Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF (South South).
  3. The Meeting was also attended by former Governors, Ministers, Federal and state legislators, top politicians and professionals from the Southern and Middle Belt regions, including His Excellency, Senator Jonah Jang, Senator Femi Okurounmu, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Professor Ihechukwu Madubuike, Professor Charles Nwekeabu, Chief Gary Igwariwey (former PG Ohanaeze), Senator Bassey Ewa Henshaw, HRH Eze Cletus Iluomanya, Dr. Solomon Arase, Chief Supo Shonibare, Chief Sola Ebiseni, Chief Edozie Ezeugwa, Eze Dr. Ibe Nwosu, Engr. Bekinbo Dagogo-Jack, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, Elder Steven Bangoji, Dr. Akin Fapohunda, Dr. Alabi Femi, Dame Betty Igbeyi, mni, Hon. Dr. Stella Dorgu, Nella Andem-Ewa, SAN, Dr. Ebun Sonaiya, Hon. Edward Pwajok, SAN, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, Eze Charles Olisakwe, Hon. Keftin Amiga, CP Iorbes Ihagh (Rtd)- PG MUT, Dr. Mrs. Esther Mangzha, Mrs. Beatrice Eze, Elizabeth A. Jibrin, Engr. Bayo Adenekan, Elder Mac Emakpore, Chief Douyi Douglas-Naingba, Akin Osuntokun, Hon. Jonathan Asake (SOKAPU), Comrade Jare Ajayi and Ken Robinson, among others.
  4. The Meeting extensively discussed the State of Affairs in the country, particularly, the security situation, Restructuring and the 2023 General Elections.
  5. Arising therefrom, the meeting resolved as follows:
  6. That the existing Constitution and Structure of Nigeria are grossly flawed, therefore, insists on the fundamental RESTRUCTURING of the country, to reflect true federalism, and enthrone equity, fairness and justice, before the 2023 General Elections;
  7. Notes, in particular, that Local Government affairs are state matters and that the listing of Local Governments in the Constitution is inconsistent with the principle of federalism;

iii.  Further notes that the Reports of both the 2014 National Conference and the Governor Nasir El-Rufai – APC Committee on True Federalism of 2018 recommended that the Federation of Nigeria should remain as constituted by the Federal Government and the States, and specifically excluded Local Government from being a Tier of Government in the federation but only subject to the creation and administration of the States;

  1. That the legislations of the National Assembly granting Local Government autonomy are superfluous and exercise in futility;
  2. Declares that State Police is a sine qua non in a Federal System of Government; notes that there is no government, properly so-called, that is without the Instrument and Capacity to enforce its Laws and maintain security within its Territorial Jurisdiction;
  3. Posits that the resultant effect of the monopoly of internal security by the Federal Government is the unprecedented dire state of insecurity in the country;

vii.  Emphasizes that the designation of Governor of a State as the Chief Security Officer of the State is a ruse without being in control of the State’s Security Apparatus;

THUS, URGES THAT EVERY STATE IN NIGERIA SHOULD HAVE ITS OWN POLICE, TO COMPLEMENT THE FEDERAL POLICE.

viii.  Demands the harmonization and immediate implementation of the Reports of the 2014 National Conference and the 2018 APC Committee on True Federalism aforesaid rather than the current cosmetic Constitutional Amendment, which is a drain on the resources of the country and do not address fundamental issues including fiscal federalism.

  1. Maintains that the basis of any viable democracy, especially in a diverse and complex country such as Nigeria, is fair and even sharing of power;
  2. THEREFORE, UNEQUIVOCALLY, AND IN FULL RESOLVE, AGAIN, CALL ON ALL POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE COUNTRY TO ZONE THEIR PRESIDENTIAL TICKETS TO THE SOUTH;
  3. Accordingly, calls on all lovers of peace and equity in Nigeria, particularly our people of Southern Nigeria and Middle Belt region to REJECT any political party that fails to zone its Presidential ticket to the South;

xii. Consequently cautions Political Stakeholders from Southern Nigeria against aspirations or actions that would compromise the shared Resolve of our people.

xiii   On the worsening state of insecurity in the country, the Forum, particularly, decries the continued kidnappings and killings of innocent citizens and wanton destruction of livelihoods across the country by terrorists and criminals, especially in the North West, North East and Middle Belt region;

xiv.  Condemns, in the strongest terms, the ongoing massacres and decimation of indigenous populations, especially in Zuru, Kebbi State, Southern Kaduna, Benue, Plateau and Southern Gombe, where an untold number of citizens have been killed and Communities deliberately displaced,  by Islamic Extremists and foreign Fulani Herders, with plausible official complicity.

  1. Urges the Federal Government, especially, to be alive to its primary duty of protecting the lives and property of citizens; safeguard all Communities across Nigeria, and ensure the immediate return of displaced citizens to their ancestral homes.

xvi.  Demands, in national interest, the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu and a stop to any further persecution of Sunday Igboho, who is currently on a conditional release in Benin Republic,

xvii.  Warns that the continued detention and trial of Nnamdi Kanu on charges of terrorism and treasonable felony while known Boko Haram terrorists are being given VIP treatments and hosted in Government Houses is not only provocative and perfidious but a bizarre double standard on the part of the Nigerian State.

xviii.  More disconcerting is the fact that the women and children rendered widows, orphans, and displaced by the terrorists, now being gratified by the Federal Government and its security agencies, are wallowing in wretched IDP camps.

xix.  Warns that the Federal government’s lukewarm attitude in tackling the security challenges in the country lends credence to impressions that this administration is using insecurity to foster certain political agenda.

  1. However, reaffirms commitment to the unity of Nigeria, situated on the tenets of Equity, Fairness, Justice, and the Principle of Federalism.
  2. The meeting was held in an atmosphere of harmony and collective commitment to the decisions.
  3. Done in ABUJA, this 10th Day of March 2022.

Signed:

Chief Dr E. K. Clark, OFR, CON – Leader

Chief Ayo Adebanjo – Leader, Afenifere

Dr. Pogu Bitrus – National President, Middle Belt Forum

Ambassador Okey Emuchay, MFR – Secretary-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo for Professor George Obiozor, the President – General.

Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, FNSE, National Chairman of Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF

Osun: More Trouble For Adeleke Ahead July Gov Election

By
James Orji
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By James Orji

The coast in not yet clear for Senator Ademola Adeleke as the candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP in the July governorship election in Osun state.

Adeleke’s nephew Dele Adeleke had earlier withdrawn from the race as a PDP aspirant after the family waded in to clear the way for the senator to clinch the ticket.

On Tuesday, the PDP in the state declared the senator as the winner of the governorship primary conducted by the party, despite a parallel election by a faction of the PDP which later declared Dotun Babayemi as their own candidate for the election.

The primary conducted by the Adeleke group was supervised by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the PDP had gone ahead to present a certificate of return to the senator in preparation for the governorship election coming up in four months time.

But four days after Adeleke was declared by PDP as its candidate, an Osun State High Court sitting in Ijebu-Jesa has nullified his candidacy.

The court said it only recognized Babayemi, the candidate elected by the other faction, whose ward executives were elected on September 25, 2021.

The court also granted an interim order affirming 215 delegates elected on September 25, 2021, as the authentic delegates in accordance with a motion ex parte filed on behalf of Adedokun Ademola and 29 others by his counsel, Edmund Biriomoni.

In line with Ademola’s lawyers’ request, the court said an order of “mandatory interim injunction is granted by this court recognising or affirming the Peoples Democratic Party, Osun state governorship primary conducted on the 8th of March, 2022, wherein the ward executive officers elected on the 25th of September, 2021 in the following wards listed as (a) -(y) in the motion paper of the Peoples Democratic Party voted as delegates in full complaint with the judgement of the court delivered on 22nd of November, 2021 and order of the mandatory interim injunction granted on the 3rd of March, 2022, affirming the 215 ward executive officers as the authentic/or authorised elected ward executive officers permitted to vote as delegates at the party governorship primaries.

“An order of mandatory interim injunction of this court is granted restraining the defendants/respondents from recognising any other governorship primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party, Osun state conducted on the 8th of March, 2022, apart from the governorship primaries conducted on the 8th of March, 2022 wherein ward executive officers elected on the 25th of September, 2021 in the following wards listed as (a) -(y) in the motion papers, of the Peoples Democratic Party, Osun state voted as delegates at governorship primary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Osun state in full compliance with the judgement of the court delivered on the 22nd of November, 2021 and order of mandatory interim injunction granted on the 3rd of March, 2022 affirming the 215 ward executive officers as the authentic/or authorised or elected ward executive officers permitted to vote as delegates at the party governorship primaries”.

Meanwhile, watchers of events in the state insist that the PDP must put its house in order to be able to stand a chance against Governor Gboyega Oyetola, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the upcoming election. Oyetola narrowly defeated Senator Adeleke four year ago.

FG Shuts ‘Chinese’ Money Lenders Offices In Lagos

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0
CBN Gov Emefiele

By Tosin Olatokunbo

The federal government has shut the businesses of some illegal money lender in the country. The Source magazine had earlier reported that most of the illegal online financial institutions are mostly owned by foreigners, particularly the Chinese.

Last month, the Director General of the Federal Competition Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC Babatunde Irukera had warned that the agency may be forced to move against the businesses of the illegal money lender following complaints of harassment by many Nigerians.

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN Godwin Emefiele had also lamented that the money lenders have become problems for many Nigerians who are unsuspecting of their dubious activities.

On Friday, the FCCPC alongside the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, ICPC National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA and the Nigerian Police Force, NPF raided some illegal financial institutions operating in Lagos.

The money lenders offices raided by security agents include GoCash, Okash, EasyCredit, Kashkash, Speedy Choice, Easy Moni, among others.

Irukera, said the agency had to wade in after series of complaints from customers. He explained that the money lenders become popular during the covid 19 lock down two years ago, but have since a problem.

According to him, “some time ago, when the country was on lockdown in 2020 due to the pandemic, we started seeing the rise in money lenders.

“Because there was lockdown due to the pandemic, people needed small easy loan which is understandable. But over a period of time, people started complaining about the malpractices of the lenders, so we started tracking it”

“Towards the end of last year, we gathered quite a lot of information. We started working with some other key agencies and the FCCPC led the meeting where we all agreed there would be a joint effort to look into these businesses”.

He explained that one of the reasons why the agency decided to act was the complaints that the lenders charge exorbitant interest from customers who find it to pay back the loan.

When this happened, the agency said such customers are subjected to unwarranted embarrassment forbidden by law.

“The key two things that were subject of concern were what seems to be the naming and shaming violation of people’s privacy with respect to how these lenders recover their loans.

“Secondly, the interest rate seems to be a violation of the ethics on how lending is done. So, those were the two things that we set out to look for,” Irukera said.

He stated further that “so, we started an investigation trying to determine the location of these firms. That has been a very difficult thing. We did that for several months and some of them have moved from one place to the another and we have been visiting these places for months”.

He said the agency had to intervene to save Nigerians.

He said, “we found out that most of these companies operate from the same place. We also found out that many of them are actually operated by the same person. They are not Nigerian companies, they don’t have an address in Nigeria and they are not registered in Nigeria with the Corporate Affairs Commission and they do not have any license to do their business”

Having found out that many illegal money lenders operate online, the agency has now written to global applications operators with the possibility of closing some online financial applications operating in the country.

Irukera said “in addition to what you are seeing here today, the FCCPC has also issued multiple orders today. Two of them are going to vendors: Apple and Google stores where some of these apps are available.

“We have asked them to shut these companies’ apps down so that people will not be victimised anymore. Secondly, some of them (the orders) have gone to the bank, asking them to freeze the accounts used by these people.”

The FCCPC boss however stated that not all money lenders are operating illegally.

Buhari Commissions Integrated Livestock Farm At Emekuku, Imo State

By
The Source
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0
Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday commissioned the Imo State integrated livestock farm at Achara-Ubo at Emekuku in Owerri North Council of Imo State with a call on the people to assist in protecting the farm.

Represented by Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, the President said the renovation and rehabilitation of Achara Ubo Farm Estate as a Training Centre for the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) is also meant to provide sufficient protein through livestock and ensure food security and sufficiency for Imo people in particular and the South East in general.

Addressing the large crowd of citizens and stakeholders that turned out to grace the occasion at the farm site, the Governor said “it takes a leader with the fear of God to achieve positive programmes and policies for his people,” noting that “the renovation and activation of the farm project is a hope come through and a hope for Imo youths and Imo people.”

He explained that by the magnitude and level of activities that will take place at the farm, “several Imo youths will be engaged and removed from crime and criminality with the provision of several jobs.”

He thanked President Buhari whom he described as “a man whose mind is always about the well-being of the people,” for acceeding to his request to have the farm revived.

“The President was passionate about  the plight of Imo youths to be engaged in meaningful ventures and that is why he approved my request for the rehabilitation of Achara-Ubo, Sunghai farm, Avutu poultry and Adapalm.”

The Governor seized the opportunity to thank the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of NALDA, Prince Paul Ikonne for following up on the President’s directive and ensured that the renovation of Achara-Ubo comes through.

Governor Uzodimma informed that the first 200 trainees that will work in the farm were selected from Owerri Federal Constituency and promised to give them start-up capital as graduates to engage in the various sectors of farming.

The Governor however urged them to ensure they exhibit “the highest sense of responsibility and discipline and avoid sharp practices that may land them into trouble.”

He challenged the graduates to be ready to develop themselves and bring their knowledge with additional value chain that will attract the government to arrange for off-takers of their products.

He commended the Member representing Owerri North in the Imo State House of Assembly,  Hon. (Dr.) Philip Ejiogu who, though belongs to an opposition Party,  but was present at the commissioning “because he cares about development projects in his constituency.”

He specifically thanked Ejiogu for promising to collaborate with the Traditional Rulers and people of his Constituency to provide local security and hospitality that will protect the farm Estate.

“This is very necessary because external security though advantageous has some attendant problems,” Uzodimma said.

On the capacity of the farm, the Governor informed that the Estate is meant to house thousands of birds in six poultry houses, a reasonable number of goats, pigs, and other similar livestock which is expected to multiply with time.

The Governor also regretted that the good intention of government was initially misconstrued when enemies of the people insinuated that the farm was for RUGA settlement, saying those who biased the minds of the people were their enemies.

On this, he also thanked the NALDA Chief Executive for his promise to soon bring in another 13,000 broiler birds to maximize the capacity of the farm estate.

In his address, the Imo State Commissioner for Livestock, Dr. Anthony Mgbeahuruike thanked Mr. President and Governor Uzodimma for jointly putting resources together to bring back Achara Ubo to life after 40 years of abandonment.

He noted that the NALDA project at Achara Ubo is solely to create jobs and empower the youths of Imo State through agricultural revolution as well as serve as a source of food security to the people.

He thanked the people of the area for providing conducive environment for the resuscitation of the landmark project.

Buhari in Imo

He also informed that the farm currently has six poultry houses that contain about 11,000 birds, three brooding houses, three goateires with 192 goats, three piggeries containing 107 pigs, three solar bore holes, access roads to drainage system and solar powered street lights,  among others.

Also in his address at the occasion, the Executive secretary/ CEO National Agricultural Land Developmental Authority,  Prince Paul Ikonne told the audience that “the reactivation of the farm estate is a prove that President Muhammadu Buhari means well for Imo people”  and that “through NALDA 5,000 Imo indigenes will benefit from Central Bank of Nigeria NALDA programme.”

He charged the trainees to take the programme seriously as the President has given them all it takes to carry on with the project. ‘’This project belongs to the people.”

Ikonne thanked the Governor of Imo State for giving them the needed support that enabled them to realise the project.

He equally thanked the host Community for their cooperation that made the realisation of the project possible and hinted that 1000 women from Imo State are to benefit from a cassava farming programme that would be sited in three locations in the State.

The member representing Owerri North, Hon. Philip Ejiogu poured encomia on Governor Uzodimma for his capacity in attracting and realizing the project, noting that it is a pet project that was dear to his heart.

He therefore promised to provide local security and hospitality to guide and protect activities of the farm estate.

In their goodwill messages,  the APC Chairman in Imo State, Macdonald Ebere, the IMC Chairman of Owerri North, Engr. Lams Ibe, an APC Apex Leader,  Prince Lemmy Akakem and the Secretary General of Ubowalla Community,  Mr. Zeph Ovuoh,  thanked the Governor and the President for their love for Owerri North and for bringing in such a giant project that will absorb most of their unemployed youths and remove them from crime and criminality.

The event attracted key traditional rulers from Imo State, top government officials and appointees, elder statesmen and stakeholders from Imo State and Party faithful across demography.

Imo: Again, Fresh Human Head Dumped In Orlu Road

By
The Source
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0
Hope Uzodimma

By Charles Igbo

The sacrilege in Imo State continued on Friday, March 11, 2022, when a male, fresh, human head was conspicuously dumped at the popular Banana Junction, Orlu.

Residents woke up Friday morning, only to be assaulted by the sacrilegious sight.

Nobody knows who were behind the horrendous act, or the point they wanted to make. But the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, visited the area on Thursday during an inspection of the huge first class road his Government is constructing, and stopped at the same spot where the fresh human head was dumped.

Said a sad indigene of the area to this magazine: “Those who did this wanted to tell the State that: “We are still here because there has been peace in the State for sometime.”

At the time of writing this, Friday, the identity of the beheaded male, whose head was still at the spot it was dumped, was yet to be known. His body has, also, not been found, nor has the Police issued a statement.

This strange and abominable incident is not unprecedented in the Orlu area of the State. For over a year, the Orlu area of Imo State has been facing serious security challenges. Kidnappings are taken for granted, and so are killings and arson, especially, of Policemen and Police facilities.

On about three other occasions, human beings had been beheaded, and their heads hung in public places like trophies.

The insecurity in the area has brought to a halt, almost,  social and commercial activities. Not a few indigenes of Orlu, especially, those with recognizable names, and those who leave outside it, have abandoned the Zone. They have relocated to other areas, including, Owerri and Anambra State.

Incidentally, the Governor is from Orlu zone of the State. And so are his two predecessors, Achike Udenwa and Rochas Okorocha.

Gradually, but steadily, the Zone, lmolites say, is destroying itself.

Nnamdi Kanu’s Continuous Detention, Provocative – Southern/Middle Belt Forum; Demands Freedom For Him, Igboho

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0

By Adesina Soyooye

A meeting of Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum has demanded the immediate release of the Leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from the custody of the Federal Government.

The meeting, also, demanded for the discontinuation of the prosecution of Sunday Igboho, a Yoruba Nation agitator, who is on temporary release in the Republic of Benin.

The Forum made the demands in a Communique it issued after a meeting members held in Abuja on Thursday, March 10, 2022, under the Chairmanship of Chief Edwin K. Clark.

Kanu has been in the custody of the Federal Government since 2021 when he was re-arrested in Nairobi, Kenya and brought back to Nigeria.

He is being prosecuted by the Federal Government at a Federal High Court over sundry allegations including terrorism and treasonable felony.

He was on bail granted him by the trial Judge, the Honourable Justice Binta Nyako, but was forced to flee Nigeria when soldiers, inexplicably, invaded his father’s Palace in his community, Afara, Umuahia, in 2017.

In the case of Igboho, he fled the country when the Federal Government declared him wanted. He was on his way to Germany, through the Republic of Benin, in company of his wife, Ropo, a German citizen, when they were arrested at an airport in Cotonou by that country’s security agents.

While his wife was released on their first appearance in Court, Igboho was clamped into prison, and being prosecuted for sundry allegations. The Nigerian Government wants him extradited to Nigeria to face charges.

Last week, after 231 days in detention, he was released on bail to take care of his failing health. He was, however, restricted to Cotonou.

At the well attended meeting, the Forum demanded: “In national interest, the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu and a stop to any further persecution of Sunday Igboho, who is currently on a conditional release in Benin Republic.”

It also warned that the continued detention of Kanu is, at once, provocative and perfidious while known terrorists are being given VIP treatments.

Said the Communique: ” The continued detention and trial of Nnamdi Kanu on charges of terrorism and treasonable felony while known Boko Haram terrorists are being given VIP treatments and hosted in Government Houses is not only provocative and perfidious but a bizarre double standard on the part of the Nigerian State.”

The Leaders, also, condemned a situation where widows and orphans of the atrocious activities of Boko Haram terrorists are suffering in IDP Camps, while those responsible for their situation are being pampered by the Federal Government.

Said the Communique:  “More disconcerting is the fact that the women and children rendered widows, orphans and displaced by the terrorists, now being gratified by the Federal Government and its security agencies, are wallowing in wretched IDP camps.”

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