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“Fmr. Senator Abbo Is A Certificated Liar”  – Nnamani, Fmr Senate President

By
The Source
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Ken Nnamani and Senator Abbo

By Charles Igbo

“I don’t know how Senator Abbo can boldly fabricate an event that never happened”

A scandalized and shocked former Senate President,  Ken Nnamani, has threatened to take legal action against controversial-prone  former Adamawa North District Senator, Elisha Abbo.

Nnamani’s anger stems from what he described as a libellous interview against him granted Arise Television by Abbo.

In the interview Abbo, still whining over losing the Senate seat in the 2023 Elections dragged Nnamani’s name over his loss at the Court of Appeal.

He had been sworn-in for a second term as a Senator, but the Court, after a thorough interrogation of the process and results, and after listening to his Counsel and that of his opponent, Amos Yohanna, in a unanimous judgement by the three-member Panel, said the declaration of Abbo as the winner was, at once, unjust and unfair. The Panel of the Court of  Appeal Judges said Abbo won no election. The Court then ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to withdraw the Certificate of Return from Abbo, and give same to Yohanna.

Since then, Abbo has been blaming one person or the other for his loss at the polls. He had, initially, held members of the Court of Appeal Panel, especially, its Chairman,  responsible for his loss, insinuating it was a compromised judgement.

When that laughable allegation failed to gell, he held Senate President Godswill Akpabio responsible. He said Akpabio was the one who influenced his loss at the Court of Appeal.

Two days later, he apologized  profusely to Senator Akpabio and said his political mentor, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar asked him to go and apologise.

However, suddenly, a couple  of days ago, Abbo appeared on Arise Television, and while speaking on current national issues, he not only dragged in Akpabio’s name (after he had apologized) as being the one who sacked him from the Senate, he, in a most disturbing manner, dragged in Nnamani’s name.

Nobody knows why he dragged in the respected former Senate President’s name in. But he said the Judge who delivered the judgement had apologized to him; that the Judge sent former Senate President Nnamani to his house to apologize to him, Abbo.

However, a shocked Nnamani said nothing could be further from the truth. He dismissed Abbo as a pathological liar, and the current lie as one from the pit of hell; a blatant lie.

Senator Nnamani said he had never been to Abbo’s house before; had never had any discussions with him on his case or any other case before; and had never discussed any Judge or judgement with him.

Nnamani, who was Senate President from 2005 – 2007, has threatened to institute a legal action against Abbo, just as Akpabio, too, has threatened.

Said Nnamani in a statement on Saturday: “I don’t know how Senator Abbo can boldly fabricate an event that never happened to buttress his allegation of judicial miscarriage against him.

“I have never visited him at his house or anywhere. I don’t know where he lives. I have never discussed with him about his case, or any case decided by a court  of law in Nigeria. The only time we met was when he visited me at my house, and it was more of a social visit.

“While I contemplate private legal action for Senator Abbo’s libelous statements, I want the public to completely disregard his falsehood.”

For now, unless Abbo apologises, publicly, to Senator Nnamani, he would have two cases hanging on his neck in the Court – one from Akpabio, the other from Nnamani. Only irrefutable evidences will save him.

Imo NBA Lauds Uzodimma On Appointment Of Acting Chief Judge

By
The Source
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Justice Theresa Chikeka and Hope Uzodimma

Members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Imo State, have welcomed the appointment of the Acting Chief Judge of the State, Hon Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu. They  rose in unison on Sunday to endorse the recent appointment of Justice Nzeukwu as the Acting Chief Judge of the State.

They also commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for adhering to the provision of the law in making the appointment, saying that Justice Nzeukwu still remains the most senior Judge in the State judiciary.

Addressing a news conference in Owerri,  Chairmen of four of the five branches of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) in the State declared the appointment of Justice Nzeukwu as well informed and in accordance with the law.

“Consequently,  we hereby state categorically that the decision (appointment of Justice Nzeukwu by Governor Uzodimma) is acceptable to the majority of the members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Imo State.”

Those who signed the text of the news conference are: Prince B .O . Amukamara, Chairman NBA, Orlu branch; I. I Iheonu, Chairman, NBA, Okigwe branch; Ndubuisi Uhuegbu,Chairman, NBA Mbano/Etiti branch, and Chief Eze Ihekoronye, Chairman, NBA, Mbaise branch.

They averred that Justice Nzeukwu who by records, both statutorily and constitutionally, “is the most senior and qualified amongst the four most senior judges of the Imo State judiciary for appointment as the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State.”

According to them,  Governor Uzodimma  was in order by “lawfully and carefully performing his constitutional duty under Section 271(4) of the 1999 constitution as amended by appointing Hon Justice T.N . Nzeukwu as the Acting Chief Judge of the state.”

They further declared, “the decision of His Excellency, Senator (Dr) Hope Uzodimma, CON,  in appointing Justice T N Nzeukwu is well informed, legal and constitutional.”

They congratulated the new Acting Chief Judge,  Hon Justice Nzeukwu for his appointment, saying it was merited as the most senior of the four senior justices in the State judiciary, and wished him God’s guidance and protection.

They also commended Governor Uzodimma for his courage and firmness in appointing the most senior of the judges as the Acting Chief Judge of the State.

Call For State Police Intensifies, As Groups Lament Spate Of Kidnapping In SW

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Police Officer

By Akinwale Kasali

The spate of insecurity in the South West of Nigeria, has, again, pushed to the front burner, the clamour for State Police by Self Determination Groups in the Region.

The Groups have thrown their weight behind the setting up of State Police, saying it is the only panacea to cases of kidnappings.

The Groups lamented the approach of South West Governors in achieving this goal, and cappealed to them  to support the cause for the establishment of State Police.

The call was made at a stakeholders’ meeting held at Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, with the theme; ‘Western Nigeria Global Summit on Security and Livelihood.’

They said it was time for Governors and Local Government Chairmen to be mandated to secure their citizens “because they are the Chief Security officers of their territories, and everyone of them should be held accountable for insecurity in their areas.”

Adewale Adeoye, the Chairman of the Planning Committee said that Nigerians had always wanted to live on their own terms and not on the terms of others.

“But now many Nigerians are confronted with the challenges of living under the threats of attack, and many people are dying in their own land, and they need hope instead of despair,” he said.

He lamented that their means of survival were being threatened, and that most Yoruba lands had become terrorist havens.

In the same vein, Convener of the Summit,  Comrade Wale Oshun said the South-west had a lot of work to do in securing their people, maintaining that one of the reasons for convening the meeting was to seek an end to the senseless killings in the region.

It added that people of the region are ready to protect themselves legitimately if the Government cam allow them to do so, as the Insecurity and kidnapping in the region is no more acceptable, urging Governors of the Region to back the call for State Police.

BUK Denies Lowering Admission Standards

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Bayero University Kano - BUK

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The authorities of the Bayero University, Kano, has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment towards upholding quality, fairness and transparency in the conduct of all of its academic activities.

The Institution’s position is coming against the trending publications both on the social media and a section of the convention news outfits alleging the lowering of standards by the BUK management ,especially, in its admission processes.

In a  statement on Sunday, April 6, 2025, Lamara Garba, its spokespersons urged the general public to disregard the publications as the issues being raised therein are false and misleading.

According to Garba, the incident happened as far back as  2020/2021 during the  Direct Entry Admission, noting that the authorities equally addressed the matter in line with the institution’s strict adherence to openness and due process.

“The attention of the Beyero University, Kano, BUK, has been drawn to a misleading narrative by several online newspapers and other platforms regarding our admission process.

“We wish to categorically state that the claims are false and distort the facts. The incident being referenced occurred during the 2020/2021 Direct Entry admission over two years ago.

“During that period, BUK’s rigorous screening process uncovered a number of applications supported by fake results.

“In line with our zero-tolerance policy on academic fraud, all such applicants were denied admission.

“Rather than being a scandal, this development earned BUK commendation from the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board JAMB, which applauded our vigilance and commitment to due process.

“In fact, BUK was honoured with an Award of Excellence and Due Diligence by JAMB in 2023, making us the first University in Nigeria to receive such recognition” part of the statement reads.

Boko Haram Invades Military Base, Kills Captain, Others

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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iswap BokoHaram
Islamic Insurgents

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A Captain  was among casualties recorded on Sunday April, 6  2025, following an audacious attack on a Military Formation in Izge Community, Gworza Local Council of Borno State by suspected Boko Haram terrorists.

According to some  locals, troops and Boko Haram insurgents were on early Sunday morning  engaged in hours of  grueling exchange of gun fire, following the invasion of the Platoon Formation of the Operation Hadin Kai stationed in Izge, within the volatile Gworza area.

The terrorists were said to have  launched the surprise  attack, deploying Rocket Propelled Grenades, assault trucks  and other sophisticated weapons at about  1.00am.

The attack resulted in  a serious gun duel between the invading terrorists and soldiers for several hours, forcing the locals to hurriedly mobilize  vigilantes and local hunters to join the fray in support of troops.

However, by the time the attack was repelled, an Army Captain and a Corporal were said to have been killed on the side of the Military, while the invading terrorists suffered heavy casualties.

“We the people of Izge came under Boko Haram invasion at about 1.00am when most of us were asleep .

“Unfortunately, a Captain and Corporal were among the people that lost their lives.

“Although many of the terrorists were also neutralized, their surviving members quickly evacuated their dead colleagues from scene of the attack.

“Presently, many of our resilient people are still in the bush trying to hunt down the fleeing terrorists”, one local source volunteered.

At the time of reporting, military authorities were  yet to officially react to the situation.

Group Flays Police Invitation Of Emir Of Kano, Sanusi

By
Ayodele Oni
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Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

By Ayodele Oni

Police invitation to the Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, has generated reactions among prominent Nigerians with some condemning the action.

The invitation by the police was dated April 4, 2025 and signed by Olajide Rufus Ibitoye, Commissioner of Police (OPS) on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Force Intelligence Department, and  surfaced in public on Saturday.

According to CP Ibitoye, the Emir was invited in relation to an incident in the ancient city during the recent Sallah celebration.

It stated: “I have the directives of the Inspector General of Police through the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID) to invite you for an investigative meeting with regards to an incident that occurred during the Sallah celebration within your domain.”

The Assembly for the Preservation of Traditional Institutions in Nigeria described the invitation extended to the Emir of Kano, as suspicious.

National Coordinator of the group, Alhaji Yahya Nda Musa pointed out that the matter in question is already being handled by the Kano state command of the Nigeria Police.

“The Assembly for the Preservation of Traditional Institutions in Nigeria therefore, received the content of this letter with utter surprise, disbelief and suspicion based on the fact that the only known incident during the Sallah celebration was an attack on the Emir’s entourage by some miscreants on his way back to the palace along Kofar Wambai after the Eid prayer at the Kofar Mata Eid prayer ground.

“In the wake of the attack on the Emir’s entourage, which was declared as assassination attempt on Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Police announced the arrest of one Sagiru Usman, a 20 year old of Sharifai Quarters as one of the suspected attackers of the Emir’s entourage which led to the death of one Surajo Rabiu, a vigilante member from Sabon Titi in Jaba area of the state.

“In the same vein, the Kano Police Command launched investigation into the incident and invited Shamakin Kano, Alhaji Isyaku Wada, the Chief guard of the Emir for questioning over the security breach.

“Therefore, it is confusing and unimaginable that despite the ongoing investigation by the Kano State Command of the Nigeria Police, in what appears as a sudden turn of events, the Police high Command in Abuja extended an invitation to the Emir in connection to the same matter that is being investigated by the state command of the Police Force. This is curious.

“Let it be known that we are not unmindful or questioning the authority of the Police to extend invitation to any Nigerian irrespective of his or her status, however, we are constrained to express our suspicion and express our curiosity based on the fact that there has been lingering dispute over the stool of the Kano Emir which was orchestrated by some trouble makers.

“We are of the view that, this invitation to Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II by the Police high command, is an affront on our revered traditional institution whose custodian and identity is the Emir and therefore call on the Police to refrain from being used by some selfish people whose known trade is causing trouble and are hell bent on destabilizing Kano.

“Though, we are happy that, despite earlier alarm that was raised on the eve of the Sallah for an impending security threat, the occasion ended peacefully with citizens going about their lawful business.

“However, we are concerned that this invitation of the Police to the Emir is a recipe for unrest due to the fact the Emir is held in high esteem by his subjects and therefore such an invitation can be seen as desecration of the revered institution and therefore reprehensible on the part of his subjects.”

“Olunloyo Obtained PhD In Applied Mathematics And Number Theory At The Age Of 25” – President Tinubu  Mourns Fmr. Oyo Gov.

By
Ayodele Oni
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Victor Olunloyo and Bola Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has joined notable Nigerians to mourn the passage of former Governor of old Oyo state, Dr Omololu Olunloyo whose death was announced on Sunday.

The President conveyed his deepest condolences to the government and people of Oyo State, in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday.

According to the statement, “President Tinubu, on behalf of the Federal Government, extended sympathies to the Olunloyo family and all who knew and respected the late elder statesman and scholar.

“Dr. Olunloyo, renowned for his mathematical prowess, obtained a PhD in Applied Mathematics and Number Theory from St. Andrews University in Scotland at 25. In 1962, at just 27, he became a Commissioner in the Old Western Region.

“He served multiple times as Commissioner in the Western State, which succeeded the Western Region.

“His leadership as the founding Rector of The Polytechnic Ibadan and Kwara State Polytechnic established enduring academic and administrative foundations in the two institutions.

“President Tinubu paid tribute to Dr Olunloyo’s remarkable academic and professional journey and his fervent belief in education as a transformative tool for national development.

“Dr Olunloyo will be celebrated in academic circles for his brilliance and foundational contributions to applied mathematics and number theory. As an educator, he profoundly influenced future leaders and fortified educational institutions.”

Reflecting on Dr. Olunloyo’s tenure as governor of the old Oyo State, President Tinubu remarked: “Although his time in office was brief, his tenure was marked by exceptional vision and leadership.

“The abrupt end to his administration due to military intervention did not deter him from continuing to serve the nation.”

President Tinubu further applauded the late governor for his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s unity, progress, and intellectual advancement, emphasising that his contributions will remain enduring milestones in the nation’s history.

“May the Almighty God grant him eternal rest and bring solace to all who mourn this distinguished statesman.”

Plateau Massacre: Northern Govs Say Killings, Threat To Unity, Stability Of Region

By
Ayodele Oni
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Northern Governors Forum

By Ayodele Oni

The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has condemned the recent attacks on five communities in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, describing them as senseless.

The Forum said killings  threaten  the unity and stability of the Region.

The  Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, in a statement, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incidents, which  claimed over 50 lives, and left scores injured, mostly women and children.

The statement was made available to journalists in Gombe by Mr Ismaila Uba-Misilli, the Director-General, Press Affairs, Gombe Government House.

Yahaya, while commiserating with families of victims as well as  the government and people of Plateau, decried the  cycle of attacks on rural communities in the North.

He described the persistent shedding of innocent blood as a stain on the conscience of the region and the nation.

“The sanctity of human life must never be taken for granted. These heinous attacks on innocent people are totally unacceptable and must be condemned by all.”

The NSGF Chairman commended the Plateau governor, Mr Caleb Mutfwang, for his swift response and measures  taken after the  attacks, as well as the security agencies for their rapid intervention to restore calm.

He, however, urged security operatives to intensify efforts to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

Yahaya also stressed the need for tolerance, peace building and mutual understanding among diverse communities, particularly between farmers and herders.

He reiterated the commitment of the Northern governors to working collectively to address insecurity, promoting social cohesion, and fostering harmonious coexistence across the region.

“As Northern governors, we will continue to take deliberate steps to end this cycle of violence, by strengthening security collaboration, promoting dialogue, and implementing policies that encourage peace and unity.”

He further called for  support from all stakeholders to complement government’s efforts by preaching peace, tolerance, and forgiveness.

“Olunloyo, Titan Who Left Legacies That Nigeria Should Be Proud Of” – Southern Govs Forum

By
Ayodele Oni
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Victor Olunloyo Is Dead

By Ayodele Oni

Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum, (SGF), in a tribute, has eulogized late former Governor of Oyo state, Omololu Olunloyo, describing him as a highly accomplished scholar and a genius even among geniuses.

Chairman of the Forum and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun  described the death of Dr.  Omololu Olunloyo,  mathematician and engineer, and renowned technocrat, a few days before his 90th birthday, as a great loss to Nigeria and intellectuals around the world.

Abiodun, who expressed the Southern Governors Forum’s condolences with the Oyo State Governor,  Seyi Makinde, and the government and people of Oyo State in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Sunday, described Olunloyo as a titan who left legacies that every Nigerian should be proud of.

Abiodun, who described the late politician who served as the governor of Oyo State from October 1, 1983, to December 31, 1983, said the life of the Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife; first Rector of Ibadan Polytechnic and first Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic, among others, was a study in excellence.

He added that Dr. Olunloyo’s unique achievements as “a prodigious scholar with reputable papers, and as an octogenarian with a sharp memory and wit, not to mention a lifelong dedication to books and the quest for knowledge in various fields, were well known.

“Alas, like many giants before him, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo has gone to rest. Although a scientist, Baba loved reciting poetry, particularly those by William Shakespeare, and, remarkably, did not read with glasses even in his old age.

“He was always on hand to offer wise counsel to the present generation of leaders, regardless of party affiliation.

“The story of his exemplary accomplishments as a student is well told. For instance, he was one of the 10 students who were given scholarships out of the 2,002 students who applied to Government College, Ibadan, in 1947.

“Remarkably, out of those ten brilliant students, he was the only one who came from Standard 5; all the others had already completed Standard 6.

“Dr. Olunloyo did his Higher School Certificate in three months, came first in all of the old Ibadan Province, and got admission to study Mechanical Engineering at the oldest Scottish university, the University of St Andrews.

“Because of his exceptional brilliance, he succeeded in persuading the university to let him begin his studies in 200 level and graduated with First Class honours at age 26, going on to become a state commissioner at just 27.

“On behalf of the Southern Governors Forum, I commiserate with His Excellency, Governor Seyi Abiodun Makinde, and the government and people of Oyo State on this great loss.

“May the Almighty God grant him eternal rest and give his family and friends the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

Sacking Of Non-Indigenes By Past Abia State Administrations Is Illegal – Gov Otti

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Alex Otti - Abia State Governor
Alex Otti, Abia State Governor

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has assured of the readiness of his administration to revisit the issue of sacked non-indigenous civil servants in the State.

He also expressed his  unwavering determination to nurse back to life some old Industrial and business outfits in the commercial nerve centre of Abia State, with a view to creating more job opportunities for  the people.

The Source reports that the Abia State Government under former Governor Theodore Orji, between 2010 and 2011, disengaged not a few Imo Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and other civil servants in Abia State, citing lean resources and need for restructuring as major reasons.

Unfortunately, however, many of the sacked non-indigenous workers were relieved of their appointments at the twilight of their careers thus forstalling the possibility of retirements with benefits and pensions.

Instructively too, many were being owed several months of  salary arrears as at the time of their disengagement.

Several efforts to have the immediate ,past administration of Dr Okezie Ikpeazu reconsider the sad fate and plight of the sacked non-indigenes were not only rebuffed, but  escalated.

Between 2019 ,and 2021, many non-indigenes, alongside Abians were massively sacked at the State’s Polytechnic in Aba, parastatals and other MDAs in a move that was widely perceived as  politically motivated.

Sadly too, all the victims left with salary arrears ranging between 16 and 23 months ,which have not been paid till date.

At  a reception  held in his honour by the Union of Anambra State Association, Aba Branch, on Saturday, April 5, 2025 ,Governor Otti noted that even though the development happened long before he came on board, he will nevertheless take a second look to explore the possibilities of a fair resolution.

“The President General just made two requests- the first one is a piece of land to build a community project. Let us know where you want the land and you will get.

“The Second one is the issue of sacked non-indigenes in 2011. A list of 154 people who were disengaged in 2011 has been submitted.

“I have taken the list ,and I will ask my people to look at it . I see that majority of the people were teachers, and I don’t know how old they are now.

“But if they are under 65 ,we will be able to work out an arrangement where we may re-engage them on contract basis.

“We have a shortage of teachers ,and because we don’t agree that somebody who lives here is not from here, that action in 2011 was illegal ” Governor Otti stated .

He informed that he will  direct the  State’s Head of Service, himself a non-indigene, from Edo state, to look into the case of the disengaged non-indigenes with a view to finding a way of either compensating them or re-absorbing them .

“As I noticed, this issue is not limited to Anambra indigenes. People from Imo and other South East States may have been affected .What we are trying to do is to redress the wrong of the past”. the Governor noted .

To further create jobs ,rather than sacking people ,Governor Otti, said his administration is currently interfacing with the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, on the possibilities of acquiring and resuscitating the moribund Aba Textile Mills and Star Paper Mills ,and other rested large scale industrial outfits in Aba.

“We are negotiating with the people that acquired the Aba Textile Mill .We want to return it to life .

“As a Government ,we are interfacing with AMCON.We want to acquire the Star Paper Mill ,and bring it back on stream.

“These industries were set up by our forebears. They were visionary. So, if we cannot do better than them, we cannot explain why we are in this world.

So ,it is a challenge. I want the support of everyone so that we return our State to what it used to be” the Governor emphasized .

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