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Wike Drags Buhari As Commander-in-Chief

By
Bayo Bernard
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Nyesom Wike

By The Source

Governor of Rivers State,  Nyesom Wike says President Muhammadu Buhari should not pass his role as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to state governors.

Wike, an unrepentant critic of the president said it would be wrong to blame the governors for insecurity in the country, noting that the president appoints all the security chiefs in the country, who do not answer to the governors.

The Rivers state helmsman’s made the comment after President Buhari, said last week, that the 36 states governors are not doing enough to rein in insecurity in their states.

But speaking on the issue, Governor Wike said Buhari has the Constitutional role to tackle Insecurity and should not pass the buck on the governors who have no control over security apparatus.

Wike, who spoke at the inauguration of the 21-kilometre Odufor-Akpoku-Umuoye Road in the Etche Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday, said such a position suggested that the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government lacked strategies on  how to tackle insecurity in the country.

He stated, “Mr  President, you are the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. You appoint Inspector General of Police. You appoint the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, the commissioners of police, the Director of Department of State Services and other heads of security.

“Which one do we appoint? How can people appointed by Mr. President be under me?”

“It is not only to borrow money for Nigeria that you’re in charge. You must, also, be in charge of other things including security. Who signed order 10? Is it the governors?  It is not when things are going bad concerning security, and you say you’re not in charge, and it becomes governors’ responsibility,” he stated.

Wike said the APC-led Federal Government has failed to fulfil  promises made to Nigerians, adding that Nigerians should  begin to compare the performances of the Peoples Democratic Party governors  with their APC counterparts.

He said, “Mr President was short of calling names of those governors who run to Aso Rock when they are supposed to stay in their states to see the needs of their states and people.

“Mr President should have come out openly and said, ‘my APC governors, stop worrying me. Go back to your states and do your work.’ On that, I support him.

“Thank God, Mr President knows that I am not one of those that go to visit him over one problem or the other. I,  as the governor of Rivers under the PDP, you’ll never find me there,” Wike said.

Nigeria Gas Firm Generates $114bn

By
Bayo Bernard
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Muhammadu Buhari

By The Source

Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG has generated over $114 billion since it was first established in 1978, President Muhammadu Buhari has said.

Buhari disclosed this at the inauguration of NLNG train 7 project in Rivers state on Tuesday, charging the company to ensure its timely completion.

Buhari was the Minister of Petroleum when NLNG was inaugurated in 1978 and still combines the office with his role as the president of the Federation Republic since he became a civilian leader in 2015.

Buhari who did the ground breaking virtually from Abuja said the early completion of the project located in Bonny Island, Rivers State, would pave the way for the commencement of Train 8.

He urged the Board of Directors, management and staff of NLNG, the Rivers State Government, host communities and other agencies of the Federal Government to close ranks so as to ensure completion and eventual commissioning of the Train 7 project.

Buhari said, “As we flag off the Train 7 project today, I look forward to the development and execution of more gas projects by the International Oil Companies and indigenous operators, and more trains from Nigeria LNG to harness the over 600 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves we are endowed with.

“Let me use this opportunity to commend the shareholders of NLNG, the Federal Ministry of Petroleum, the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board and other stakeholders for very exemplary collaboration which has culminated in this great opportunity for Train 7.

“I want to thank the foreign investors for the confidence reposed in Nigeria, and assure all Nigerians and potential investors in the oil and gas sector that the Federal Government will continue to create the enabling environment in order to develop the sector and bring the full benefits of gas closer to our people.”

“As Minister of Petroleum Resources, I kicked off our first foray in LNG Business in 1978. At that time, it was already apparent that Nigeria was mainly a gas-rich country with a little oil.”

The NLNG has generated over $114 billion in 42 years, the president said.

According to him ‘’NLNG has generated $114bn in revenues over the years, paid $9bn in taxes; $18bn in dividends to the Federal Government and $15bn in feed gas purchase.

“These are commendable accomplishments by the company’s 100 percent Nigerian Management Team.”

Twitter Suspension: Federal Government Still Open To Dialogue – Lai Mohammed

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lai Mohammed

By Ayodele Oni

The Minister for Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, announced on Tuesday that the  social media handle, Twitter, has written to the Federal Government on the way forward over the current suspension of the international online media.

Speaking on a phone in Radio programme, of the FRCN, the Minister explained that the Federal Government, too, has set its own rules which the Management of the online media must adhere to before it operates in the country.

He stated: “I can confirm that Twitter has written to the Federal Government that they are ready to talk.

“As we have always maintained, the door is not locked and we are open-minded but Twitter must work towards it.

The Minister reiterated that among other conditions for Twitter to resume operation in Nigeria, there must be an agreement as to what contents it could post.

According to him, Twitter and other platforms must also register as a Nigerian company, obtain license from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and be guided by the rules of the licensing as well as pay taxes, adding that regulation of social media platforms is becoming a global practice.

He said most countries were just waking up to the fact that the platforms were becoming more powerful than even Government and needed to be regulated.

The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) which also monitored the programme from Abuja, quoted the minister as saying that regulation of social media platforms is becoming a global practice.

He pointed out that most countries were just waking up to the fact that the platforms were becoming more powerful than even Governments and needed to be regulated.

“Singapore, Algeria, Pakistan, Turkey regulate the social media, Australia has done so. Even EU that does not have particular laws on social media has made recommendations in a white paper.”

The Minister said that the UK initiated a new law that would make social media companies be fined up to 18 million pounds (about N10.8 billion) if they failed to stamp out online abuses.

He said Google was fined 220 million Euros (about N110 billion) on June 7 by French Competition Regulator for abusing its dominance in the online advertising market in France.

Similarly, the minister said the Federal Cabinet of Pakistan had approved a new set of rules to regulate social media.

In the rules, according to the minister, companies such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and even TikTok were to register and open offices in Pakistan.

He said in compliance with the new online broadcasting rule of Turkey, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video had obtained licenses from that country’s broadcasting authority.

Alhaji Mohammed noted that regulation of the social media was not synonymous with stifling press freedom, stressing that “We must not confuse press freedom with irresponsibility.

“How can you stay in your country and allow your own platform to be used to propagate war in another country?

“The suspension of Twitter is to ensure that no particular platform is used to cause war in Nigeria. Secondly, to ensure that whoever is making money in Nigeria must be made to pay tax.

“Our appeal to Nigerians is that they should understand where we are coming from.

We have no intention to stifle people’s freedom or to cut off the source of livelihood of anybody.

“There must be a country devoid of war before we can talk of freedom and a source of living.”

Heavy Presence Of Uniformed Soldiers In Ekiti Govt House Causes Panic; Govt Douses Fear

By
Ayodele Oni
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Soliders on Patrol

By Ayodele Oni

Residents of Ekiti state were scared on Tuesday with large presence of uniformed soldiers at the gate of GovernmentHouse, in Ado Ekiti.

The Soldiers also beseiged the Fajuyi Park area, the commercial centre of the state capital, prompting motorists and pedestrians to divert to other routes leading to their destination.

They were there till midday with News going round that the soldiers were protesting over non settlement of their special duties allowances by the state government.

The State Government, thereafter, issued a statement, through the Commissioner for Information, Mr Akin Omole, to douse unnecessary tension the presence of the soldiers has caused people of the State.

In the statement, the Commissioner explained that the military men are indigenes of the state that had just passed out of training.

“The Government of Ekiti State, Nigeria is clarifying that there was no protest by soldiers in the State as being mischievously reported on some social media platforms.

“In the morning of Tuesday, June 15, 2021, new recruits into the Nigeria Army, who are indigenes of Ekiti state, came together to pay a courtesy call on H.E. Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Governor of Ekiti State.

“The unscheduled visit, however, met with Mr. Governor’s absence, and they were advised to properly channel their request for a meeting so that they can engage with Mr. Governor on a later date, after which they dispersed.

“The large number of security operatives around the Governor’s office and the Fajuyi area of the state capital, Ado-Ekiti, understandably attracted considerable attention.

“Accordingly, we would like to use this opportunity to assure the public that there is no cause for alarm.

“The Government of Ekiti state continues to work collaboratively with federal security agencies and their personnel to advance peace and security in the state and the entire country.”

How Emir of Ilorin Sent Me To Prison- Yoruba Oba of Jebba

By
Bayo Bernard
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0

In this interview, His Royal Majesty Oba Alabi Adebara, the Oba of Jebba, Kwara state reveals the deep-seated animosity between him and Emir of Ilorin, over the Obaship of the ancient Yoruba town.

Tell us about Jebba and its people

Jebba has been existing for a long time and we have been living peacefully with all people irrespective of race and religion. We thank God for the peaceful co-existence among all the tribes living in Jebba. Jebba is a Yoruba town and our mainstay is agriculture, fishing and trading.

What do you want the government to do for the people of Jebba?

We actually thank God for the government of the day, because they have good intention and programmes for us in Jebba. Among the things we want is portable water. And the government is working on it.

But one major thing that is paramount to the people of Jebba is my appointment as the Oba of Jebba. This government should expedite action on the process. This is what is topmost on the mind of the people of Jebba.

But what has been causing the delay up to this moment?

There is a reason because nothing happens by accident. Something must have caused it. If we go into the details, some big and powerful people might not be happy. But one thing I said after the court delivered judgement in my case some years ago is that only what God allows will be possible; If God disallows anything, it will be impossible.

As it is, some people want me to rot in jail, but God did not make me a prisoner, though I spent 19 days in prison. In fact, I was counted in the prison yard during the 2006 census. But God did a favour for me there too.

After two days of stay, they brought me the Holy Koran and I was able to “bring it down” twice while I was there in the prison, since those of us who are inmates have practically nothing to do, other than to take your day in court and come back. But for me, It was from the prison to the court and from court to Jebba.. So God gave me the time and chance to read the Koran

What exactly was the charge against you?

During those period, I used to go for medical check-up every month. I went for one on the 7th of March, 2006 at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. I came the next day. As I came back, and after about fifteen minutes, the DPO for Jebba came in to the palace to inform that I am being wanted at the police CID headquarters in Ilorin the next day between 9. 00 and 10.00 a.m.

So, the next day, I left with some of my chiefs who had hired a bus, while I went in a private car. The CID boss then was one Abdukadir Jimoh who is now the present CP in Cross River State.

Getting there, the CID boss said he wanted to see me alone and ordered my entourage out. Even when my lawyers came, he insisted he wanted to see me alone.

He thereafter brought out a document from his drawer and said the case is pure politics. He then asked me: Didn’t you beg the Emir of Ilorin?

I said yes, we have begged him, and listed some of the emissaries we had sent to beg him. Saadu Kawu was among the emissaries. Others include Grad Khadi Oriire, Chief Imam of Ilorin, Shehu Kamaldeen, a very prominent cleric and Justice Mustapha Akanbi.

He now said, didn’t you send Saraki to him to beg him? I said no, because the people in Saraki’s party here in Jebba were not prominent within the party. The CID boss added that the reason for all these questions is to find a way to help me out. He now called his second in command and instructed me to go and sit in his office.

After some time, one of my children came to inform me that food is ready and that I should come and eat, but the CID boss said I should instead eat the food in his presence. And when it was 2.00 p.m, the time for prayers, the same man came to call me for prayers, but the Police said he should instead bring the praying materials to his office. Then I was forced as to ask them: Am I under arrest? He simply smiled.

After some time, he now took me to another office – my people were now around now, and he told me that from their investigation, the stool of the Oba of Jebba is vacant, and that I have been parading myself as the Oba of Jebba, and so the offence is contrary to the law of the State.

The second offence is that I swore to a court affidavit to guarantee a lease of land to some people. I replied that the allegations were not true, but he insisted I should put the statement down in writing, adding that we are going to court that same day.

They then put me in a Station Wagon car. They were two policemen in front beside the driver with guns. I was put in the middle seat, sandwiched between two policemen holding guns, and at the back seat, there were three policemen with guns. There were a total of seven policemen with guns, escorting me to court. The lawyer who stood for me then was Barrister Jawondo, current Commissioner of Justice, before my lawyer arrived.

The court then ordered that I should be remanded in prison and that I should be brought to court at a later date.

So I was moved to prison, but one of the people I met there was the son of the elder brother of one of my teachers. He asked what happened and I explained everything to him. And since then, they detailed two inmates to attend to me. Even at night when I am on bed, the Comptroller while moving round, will call to check me to make sure that all was well. And most time during my stay, they will come and inform me that I have visitors. And if they bring food, I will take the little I can take and passed the remaining to the inmates. During the time for prayers, the Christian inmates will make room for the Muslims, and vice versa.

So, one day after the 2.00p.m prayers, some warders came to call me and said, Kabiesi, they have released you. I was overwhelmed with emotion. A lot of people were already outside the prison waiting. There was a convoy of more than ten cars waiting to take me back to Jebba – in a triumphant version, just like the day I was being enthroned as a king.

You said the CID boss said you didn’t beg the Emir of Ilorin. What exactly was the offence you need to beg him for?

He is in a better position to know my offence to him. But we gathered that the Emir is angry about my appointment as the Oba of Jebba. He is not happy about it. That is all. If there are other things, he should know.

The case was in court for eight years, moving from Magistrate Court through High Court to Appeal Court. It was before Honourable Justice Hannah Ajayi High Court that the case was decided in my favour, before the government decided to appeal against it after eight months, saying the DPP in charge of the case was available on the day of the judgement.

Culled from Kwara Chronicle

W’Bank Knocks Buhari For Pushing 7m Nigerians Into Extreme Poverty

By
Bayo Bernard
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0

By The Source

The President Muhammadu Buhari’s economic reforms policies have pushed more Nigerians into extreme poverty in the last one year, the World Bank said in a report.

The Brentwood, US based institution, in its Nigeria Development Update, NDU said over seven million Nigerians have suffered debilitating poverty as the government pressed for more reforms to stop the country from deeper recession.

The report came barely a week after President Buhari said his government has lifted over four million Nigerians out of poverty in the last few years. The administration said its target is to take over 100 million Nigerians from poverty within few years.

According to the report titled “Resilience Through Reforms, the bank noted that the spiraling cost of food prices has dealt serious blow to the survival of households across the country, adding that the the impacts of COVID 19 has made the situation even worse.

The bank said the Buhari administration should balance economic reforms with the welfare of Nigerians.

While the government took measures to protect the economy against a much deeper recession, it would be essential to set policy foundations for a strong recovery, according to the bank.

World Bank said  “although the economy started to grow again, prices are increasing rapidly, severely impacting Nigerian households. As of April 2021, the inflation rate was the highest in four years. Food prices accounted for over 60% of the total increase in inflation. Rising prices have pushed an estimated 7 million Nigerians below the poverty line in 2020 alone.

“The report acknowledges notable government’s policy reforms aimed at mitigating the impact of the crisis and supporting the recovery; including steps taken towards reducing gasoline subsidies and adjusting electricity tariffs towards more cost-reflective levels, both aimed at expanding the fiscal space for pro-poor spending. In addition, the report highlights that both the Federal and State governments cut nonessential spending and redirected resources towards the COVID-19 response.

“At the same time, public-sector transparency has improved, in particular around the operations of the oil and gas sector.”

The report however, notes that despite the more favorable external environment, with recovering oil prices and growth in advanced economies, a failure to sustain and deepen reforms would threaten both macroeconomic sustainability and policy credibility, thereby limiting the government’s ability to address gaps in human and physical capital which is needed to attract private investment.

Meanwhile the bank’s Country Director, Shubham Chaudhuri said “Nigeria faces interlinked challenges in relation to inflation, limited job opportunities, and insecurity.”

He said while the government has made efforts to reduce the effects of these problems by advancing long-delayed policy reforms, it is clear that these reforms will have to be sustained and deepened for Nigeria to realize its development potential.

Lagos Commissions 110 Maternity Bed Hospital, Pledges To Prioritize Maternal Health Care

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Epe Hospital

By Akinwale Kasali

There was wild Jubilation in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commissioned a newly built 110-Bed Maternity Hospital in the area.

The fully equipped 110-bed Maternal and Child Centre, MCC, was built in the ancient town to reduce maternal mortality rate and address complications that may lead to birth defects.

Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration has over the past two years delivered an MCC building in Eti-Osa, Alimosho and Badagry, before this edifice in Epe.

Aside the commissioning of an MCC Center, the Governor formally inaugurated the Emergency and Security Regional Dispatch Centre in Epe town for a swift response to emergencies and management of disasters.

The emergency infrastructure is targeted to raise the capability of the State Government in responding to emergency situations in the eastern part of Lagos.

Leading the Commissioning was the Governor alongside the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, a native of the town and members of the State Executive Council.

Speaking, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the overarching goal of his administration’s investment in the provision of healthcare infrastructure was to eradicate infant and child mortality in Lagos by creating quality care for pregnant women.

The Governor said the Epe MCC would not be the last, stressing that his Government had an objective to build more maternal child centres across the State, thereby improving access to quality care for expectant mothers in pre-and post-natal management.

“There is no better time than now to put an end to preventable maternal and child deaths, using advanced technology, modern equipment and well-trained health workers. The process of bringing life into existence should no longer lead to the loss of another life. Health is a major pillar of our administration’s THEMES Agenda, which focuses on improving quality and access.

“Our Government remains committed to addressing maternal and child mortality in Lagos, and this is the basis of our consistent action and smart investments in the provision of health infrastructure. Our women must no longer die while giving life. This 110 bed-Maternal Child Center is another essential facility built to achieve safe childbirth and reduction in maternal and infant mortality.”

The MCC, which is a secondary public health facility will provide services related to reproductive issues, including obstetrics, gynaecology, paediatrics, family planning, immunisation, laboratory services and radiology.

The State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said the MCC’s inauguration by the Governor came three weeks after the facility began full operation.

He noted that the hospital had already received 590 patients and performed 100 birth deliveries, stressing that the facility would raise the capacity of the State to combat medical challenges accounting for infant mortality.

However, the delivery of the regional Emergency and Security Dispatch Centre was strategic for the efficient and rapid deployment of first responders to emergency situations within Epe and neighbouring towns.

The emergency infrastructure serves as a hub and one-stop facility for agencies, including Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services Agency (LSFS), Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), Lagos State Ambulance Services, Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (TASKFORCE) Unit, and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS).

The facility also houses two magistrate courts built by the Ministry of Justice to strengthen the justice administration system in the division.

“The delivery and commissioning of the Regional Emergency and Security Dispatch Centre reinforces the commitment of our administration to the provision of a seamless and efficient safety, security and emergency management approach in Lagos. It demonstrates the premium our Government places on the safety of lives and property of residents, irrespective of where they choose to live within the State.

“The synergised efforts of all the safety agencies within the Centre will enhance efficiency in terms of the ability of our officers to effectively tackle emergencies and improve response time to emergencies. As a proactive Government, we will not deviate from the goal of ensuring every part of Lagos is safe and secure. We will continue to invest in human and capital resources that guarantee the safety and security of all residents.”

Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr. Tayo Bamgbose-Martins, said the LASEMA Response Unit had been equipped with a mini fuel dump and 100,000 litre water storage facility for usage of fire trucks.

Chairman of traditional rulers in Epe Division and Oloja of Epe, Oba Kamarudeen Animashaun, conveyed residents’ appreciation to the Governor for the projects, whom he described as “bountiful gifts”.

The monarch said there would no longer be a need for emergency personnel to travel from Lagos central for rescue operations in Epe.

He said: “I am convinced that the siting of the maternity hospital and LRU in Epe town will not only bring comfort to our people, but also create a lot of job opportunities for our youths, thereby leading to wealth creation for the populace.”

Chairman of Epe LGA, Hon. Adedoyin Adesanya, hailed Sanwo-Olu for the projects, saying pregnant women seeking comprehensive care would no longer go to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and Lagos Island General Hospital.

The delivery of the project, the council boss stressed, is an “overwhelming reciprocity of support” shown by the Governor during his election.

Also, Hon. Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe Constituency 1 in the House of Assembly, described the projects as an honour, pointing out that the gesture was an indication that the Governor listened to the cry of Epe people.

Buhari Is Too Soft On Nigerians- Ngige

By
Bayo Bernard
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0
Chris Ngige
The Source
President Muhammadu Buhari has performed well since he came to office,  the minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige has said.
He said many Nigerians are taking the president softness and democratic credentials for granted.
Ngige, a former governor of Anambra state and staunch ally of the president, disclosed this on Monday, in an interview with channels Television.
Ngige’s comment came on the heels of allegation by a renowned labour activist and former President of NUPENG, Frank Kokori that some federal government officials are undermining the authority of the president.
Kokori cited his appointment as NSITF Chairman by the president but was later reversed by Ngige, who installed his protege, Austin Enajemo-Isire into the position.
The minister cited the freedom being enjoyed under the administration as one of the dividends of democracy under President Buhari, noting that this would not have been possible under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
According to him, Buhari has performed in key areas which should be admitted by Nigerians, noting that “there must be a limit to politicking. If a government has done well, if a president has done well; you should give him in the areas of doing well, accolades there. Areas he has not done well, point them out and discuss.”
He said the very is very cautious of breaching the rights of Nigerians, adding that the current administration has given enough space to people to express their rights, warning that this should not be taken for granted.
He said “this president is a democrat, and he is so afraid of breaching the constitution or any law; he is so afraid of it. I’m even stronger than him in terms of that.
“In what country? Even President Obasanjo, can he give you people this latitude? He will not. I know him. My dad or my granddad Obasanjo or senior uncle, he will not grant you people that.
“This president is now a willing horse and you people want to ride him to death,” Ngige said.

ISWAP Releases Kidnapped UN Aid Workers

By
Uche Mbah
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0

By Uche Mbah

Aid workers, who have been abducted by the alleged members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province, ISWAP, have been released by the terrorist Organisation. This, this magazine gathered, was part of the batch released by the group after negotiations.

Released was Idris Alooma, abducted along Damaturu-Maiduguri road. He is a staff of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). Also released were Reverend Sango and Barka Wasinda. Wasinda was a staff of Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, while Sango was a Christian Cleric.

Last March, the terrorist group had attacked support facilities of the UN organ, which included healthcare facilities. In response, the UN suspended operations in the areas of Files and Damask, the epicenters of the attack. It is not clear, however, where the released kidnap victims are receiving treatments.

Northern Group Urges FG To Allow Igbo Leave Nigeria Peacefully; Umahi Kicks,Says Igbo Not Ready To Break Out

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

Ebonyi State Governor and Chairman, South-east Governors’ Forum, Dave Umahi has revealed that leaders of the South East geopolitical zone are against and strongly opposed to the secessionist agitations by some people from the region.

He said as Governors in the region, they are ready to dialogue with the youths agitating for Biafra Republic to know their grievances.

Umahi noted that President Muhammadu Buhari and his Ministers might not be aware of all cases of marginalisation or exclusion of Igbo people in the country, but Governors in the South-east would first meet with the youths in the zone on Saturday, 19th June, 2021, to itemise their grievances, some of which would be taken to the Federal Government.

Governor Umahi who recently joined the All Progresssives Congress, APC, from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said this while featuring on Politics Today, a current affairs programme on Channels Television, monitored in Lagos.

On the issue of marginalisation of the region which has been a major issue, for which the People of the region are protesting, Umahi said, “A section of South-east youths is saying that there is marginalisation, maltreatment of the people of the South-east and they want a country of theirs. Our position as leaders is to say, ‘who did you discuss that with? And that we are better in a united and fair Nigeria. “So, we do not accept their position in terms of secession. But we can as leaders listen to them and that is what we are going to do on the 19th of this month.”

When asked to state categorically if he felt that the South-east was not marginalised, Umahi said, “It is not a straight-worded thing. There are issues which I explained to the wonderful honourable Minister of Defence.

“My position is that there are certain things that happen in this country that even Mr President, even the ministers will not be aware of. When somebody from the South-east is due for promotion or a particular appointment is not appointed, how will Mr President know about it?”

However, a Northern Group, under the aegis of the Coalition of Northern Groups, CNG, has stated that despite the fact that the South-east region has produced key persons in the Nigerian Federal Government, the region should not be denied a referendum to allow it determine its exit peacefully and without bloodshed.

In a press statement on Monday, June 14, 2021, the Group noted that in order to avoid the recurrence of any terrible and planned mass killings, untold sufferings and atrocities, it insist on a referendum to take place across the country to agree on an immediate and permanent exit of the Igbo from Nigeria.

Spokesman of CNG, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, stated this in a release titled, “Igbo leaders fake, unreasonable; we insist on referendum for Biafra.”

The coalition said, “In the light of the frantic efforts being made by some sections of the leadership of the Igbo to disown the current violent agitations for a separate state of Biafra, we, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) insist they should not be believed and only a referendum for Igbo exit can provide final guarantee for a peaceful Nigeria.

“It is important for Nigeria to see through this hypocritical desperation by the Igbo leaders to buy time to restrategise for a deadlier onslaught for Biafra as an afterthought following the exposure of the extent of their complicity in the sponsored Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) secession project.

“With the level of commitment of the Igbo public to the point of young men killing their parents who dared oppose Kanu’s activities, the rest of the country cannot be expected to accept to continue as a nation with the Igbo on the apparent weakness of the assurances of a handful of Igbo leaders.

“We also consider the sudden contraption by a certain section that calls itself “northern Igbo” as a more latent, disagreeable and unacceptable threat to the North and its people than their brethren that fight us from their South Eastern enclave.

“This is because their presence within the deep hinterland of the North and the permanent nature of that presence, accord them undue advantage over the trusting indeginous northerners who are steadily weakened by a carefully orchestrated, widespread drug war and clandestine spread of arms by these settlers.”

The CNG stated that contrary to the Igbo leaders’ claims of marginalisation, records showed the region produced the first post-independence president of Nigeria, and also had the first military Head of State in the person of Aguiyi Ironsi.

The CNG said, “Whereas even in most of the countries that we look up to as epitomes of democracy today, the vanquished in a civil war are always oppressed, marginalised and don’t enjoy the privileges of equal citizenship for decades afterwards, Nigeria was able to assimilate the Igbo nation back into the Nigerian entity after the civil war faster than most nations.

“All Igbo must leave the territory of Nigeria and assemble in their designated enclave for the purpose of the referendum during which period no further contacts should be experienced between them and the rest of Nigeria so as not to lead to any interference in the process.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria shall also have no hand whatsoever in the process, and shall not be called upon to participate or render any assistance whatsoever from the beginning to the end of the referendum.

“Should there be any need, the participation of other regional, continental and international organisations can be requested to determine the way and manner such a referendum is to be held”, the statement reads.

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