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First Lady Tinubu, Govs Uzodimma, Zulum, Hug FUTO Awards, Make Promises

December 8, 2024

Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Governor Hope Uzodimma and Governor Babagana Umar Zulum

Three eminent Nigerians – First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and Governor Babagana Umar Zulum – were on Saturday awarded Honorary Degrees of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) at its 36th Convocation ceremony in recognition of their immense contributions to the development of education, the country and humanity.

It was on a day 632 students were equally admitted to the University’s post-graduate degree for fulfilling all the requirements.

While Senator Tinubu and Governor Uzodimma were conferred with the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Management, Honoris Causa, Governor Zulum got the honorary Degree of the Doctor of Technology, Honoris Causa.

In his welcome address, the Chancellor of the University, His Royal Highness Alhaji Mohammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa, appreciated the efforts of the University management in dealing with multiple challenges and appealed to the Federal Government to step-up the funding of Universities, especially that of FUTO to enable her cope with the prevailing debilitating and near crippling financial throes.

The Chancellor whose address was read by the Vice Chancellor, Prof (Mrs.) Nnenna Oti called on stakeholders like the Alumni, Corporate bodies, captains of Industry, Multinational agencies and Multilateral linkages to assist the University to achieve her mandate in manpower and skills development to drive our national economic development.

In his message, the Visitor to the University, President Bola Tinubu congratulated the graduands and the awardees for their meritorious successes and service to the society that merited them the honour.

Represented by the Vice Chancellor University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, the President urged them to harness the potentials in the agricultural, vocational and information technology skills to add value to themselves and the nation at large, reminding them that henceforth, they are ambassadors of FUTO and should exhibit creativity, integrity, honesty and innovations as they go into the larger society.

The President underscored the Federal Government’s commitment towards tertiary education that necessitated the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) dedicated to granting student’s fees and personal upkeep loans, and commended the management of FUTO for the various initiatives that have repositioned them as a choice university in the country.

He urged FUTO and other public universities across the country to make entrepreneurship and skill development top priority so that our graduates nationally and globally will be competitive in emerging technologies and wealth creation.

The President enjoined the Pro-Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor, members of the Governing Council and Senate, Principal Officers and indeed all staff of FUTO to serve the university with greater zeal, courage and patriotism and continue to ensure prudent use of resources at their disposal.

In her welcome address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Mrs.) Nnenna Oti welcomed all to the 36th Convocation ceremony and called for reawakening of the patriotic zeal to attend the critical mass required to join the league of developed nations.

She highlighted several achievements of the University under her watch in the areas of accreditation of academic programmes, establishment of Centre of Excellence, and improved ranking of the University among others, noting that “for the first time FUTO was mentioned in a global University ranking.”

Other areas of achievements, Oti identified, include physical infrastructure development, power infrastructure, expansion of ICT infrastructure, staff welfare and development, research development awards and many others.

She identified some challenges which include: lack of staff quarters within the University Campus, need for more students hostels, urgent and compelling need for perimeter fencing of the University land, construction of physical infrastructure for the new Teaching Hospital, College of Medicine and Health Sciences and the rehabilitation of internal roads and the major road/broken bridge linking Ihiagwa/other host communities.

She however appreciated President Tinubu and Governor Uzodimma for their enormous support and assistance to the University that have continued to sustain their operations.

In his address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman 13th Governing Council of FUTO, Senator Jack Tilley-Gyado also singled out and thanked Governor Uzodimma for his personal interest on the University which he said has led to the protection of the university from encroachment and external attacks.

He said the Governor played more than 80 per cent role in getting the approval of the FUTO University Teaching Hospital, in addition to providing a lot in the areas of security to the university.

Tilley-Gyado said, “Governor Uzodimma has a date with history and the FUTO,” and assured that the Council will continue to work closely with the University Management to promote amity and good neighbourliness with the host Community.

He therefore enjoined the new graduands to carry the colours and flag of FUTO with pride and distinction wherever they find themselves.

In their responses after the conferment of the honour, Uzodimma, Zulum and Tinubu appreciated the award and pledged their support for the university.

Governor Uzodimma was the first to speak.

His words: “The Federal University of Technology Owerri is very dear to all of us. That is why since my assumption of office as the Governor of Imo State, I have done everything to give all possible support to the existence and well-being of this university.

“Today, I’m indeed very glad that I’ve been singled out to be honoured by this great institution – an award which I will hold and cherish for a very longtime.

“The difference between other awards and this particular one is that it is coming from an institution that both myself and my government has no influence on, and they were able to single me out for this honour.

“On behalf of myself and my wife, the government of Imo State, we are indeed very grateful.”

Uzodimma appreciated the First Lady, the Governor of Bornu State Babagana Zulu and that of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti for being physically present to honour the invitation.

He thanked FUTO for the wisdom in selecting the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, himself and the Governor of Bornu State for the award, and reiterated his gratitude to the President for the approval and support to the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri and asserted that “Imo people’s support to Mr. President and the wife is organic.”

Uzodimma reassured the President that his administration will surely overcome all the challenges he is currently facing in his policies towards making Nigeria better saying, “it is not easy to see the light at the tunnel.”

To the FUTO Community, he promised to continue to help resolve all the problems faced by the University.

In appreciation of the award, he promised to take one of the projects as enumerated by the University and fund it to completion.

Governor Zulum commended the President, the Chancellor of the University, the Pro-Chancellor, Vice Chancellor and Management for finding him worthy of the award and said, “will never take the award for granted.”

He said that in “partnership with the Governor of Imo State” he will “support the University to grow and develop.”

He went further to appreciate the students are getting from the Federal Government through he NELFUND and advised Tertiary Institutions to “run courses that create jobs, as it is not easy to get white collar jobs these days.”

He commended the Vice Chancellor and her management for the several achievements.

In her remarks, Sen.Tinubu said she was dedicating the award to the Girl Child and thanked the University on behalf of other awardees. She pledged to continue to support the University, noting that the award will inspire them to do more.

The First Lady congratulated the Graduands and charged them to own Nigeria in such a way that it will be a worthy inheritance for the future generation. According to her “Nigerians will reap what they invest in Nigeria.”

She proceeded to announce her plan to launch the Green Environment Club where all Nigerians will participate in keeping our environments clean and ensuring proper disposal of waste.

The First Lady informed that she had earlier donated N50million as an endowment for the best graduating student and emphasised the need to support the girl child, the reason she dedicated the award to the girl child.

The Convocation ceremony was attended by the high and mighty within and outside Imo State.

27 Imo PDP LGA Chairmen Ignore Sam Daddy, Crown Ugochinyere Party Leader

Ayodele Oni

December 7, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Chairmen also called for the sack of both the National Chairman and the National Secretary

Opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo state, has picked a member of the House of Representatives, representing Ideato North/South Federal Constituency of Imo State, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, as the leader of the Party in the State.

By picking him to lead the Party, the Party pointedly shunned Senator Samuel Anyanwu, popular as Samdaddy, the National Secretary of the PDP.

They said that the development is in line with Ugochinyere, being the highest elected office-holder on the PDP platform in Imo State. He was picked by 27 PDP chairmen in 27 local government areas of the State at the weekend.

The leaders, in a statement signed on their behalf by Coordinating Chairman of the 27 Imo PDP LGA Chairmen Forum, urged stakeholders in the state to rally round the lawmaker in the battle of rescuing the umbrella party from imminent collapse both at the state and national levels.

The PDP leaders, who passed vote of confidence on Ugochinyere, also insisted that the party’s acting national chairman, Umar Damagun, and national secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, should be immediately removed to pave way for reinvigoration of the main opposition party.

“We the leaders of PDP in Imo state after wide consultations and deep reflection on the state of our party in the state and the country, resolved to appoint the member representing Ideato North/South Federal Constituency of Imo State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Barr Ikenga Ugochinyere as our leader.

“This is based on his antecedents, sterling leadership qualities and commitment to the protection and promotion of the ethos of our party over the years. Judging from his ingenuity, we are confident in his ability to be the rallying point of PDP in Imo state for the party to rebound ahead of future polls.

“We therefore urged stakeholders in the party to rally round him and give him all the support needed to succeed in the task of rebuilding our party into a virile force to be reconked with not just for electoral purposes but in promotion of democratic ideals which our party stands espouses.

“While passing a vote of confidence on Barr Ikenga Ugochinyere as our leader, we insist that the acting national chairman of PDP, Umar Damagun and national secretary, Samuel Anyanwu should be removed without further delay hence their continuous stay in office even illegally is doing more harm than good to our party as we prepared to take over government in 2027.”

Over 400 Thousand Applicants Queue For NNPCL Job, Face Computer-based Test

Ayodele Oni

December 7, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

About 45,689 applicants are vying for employment as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on Saturday commenced its much-anticipated recruitment aptitude test, which is one of the pre conditions.

The Computer-based Aptitude Test, took place at multiple centers nationwide, and marked the second crucial stage in NNPCL’s thorough recruitment process, which began earlier this year.

The test was administered at the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society Centenary Resource Centre in Maitama, Abuja, with additional centers set up across the country to accommodate the vast number of applicants.

The recruitment initiative, announced in July 2024, is expected to bring fresh talent into NNPCL, one of Nigeria’s most significant state-owned corporations.

NNPCL’s spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, in a statement, highlighted that the recruitment drive targets various positions within the company and emphasized that candidates selected will be those deemed most qualified through a transparent and fair process.

The recruitment is the first major exercise since NNPCL officially transformed into a limited liability company in 2022.

Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) Mele Kyari, who visited one of the testing centers on Saturday, reiterated the company’s commitment to a smooth, credible, and inclusive recruitment process.

“We are an equal opportunity employer, and special provisions have been made to ensure applicants with disabilities can participate without barriers.”

Police Arrests Dismissed Soldier, Dismantles Inter State Criminal Gang In Enugu

Suleiman Anyalewechi

December 7, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Enugu State Commissioner of Police Kanayo Uzuegbu, has charged personnel of the State Command to keep the momentum against criminal elements in the State.

CP Uzuegbu who was reacting to the dismantling of a notorious inter state criminal gang urged operatives to go the whole hog in ensuring a hitch- free festive period in the State.

A statement on Saturday December, 7, 2024, from the Enugu State Command Spokesperson Daniel Ndukwe, informed that the dismantling of the criminal group that specializes in armed robbery and financial fraud was coordinated by the combined efforts of the Emene police formation, Crack Tactical Squad, Octopus Tactical Squad and the Neighborhood Watch Group.

The operations resulted in the arrest of eight members of the criminal gang, and the recovery of a large catche of firearms, ammunition, cash and other suspected stolen items.

Among the arrested members of the group is a dismissed soldier, Sadiq Ahmed who oversees the transportation of stolen items across states for onward sales.

“The operations began on November, 12, 2024, at around 3.30.am, when Operatives from Emene Division, supported by Neighborhood Watch members

responded to a distress call about an armed robbery at an estate in Emene.

During this operation, one Ismaila Isah was apprehended with one locally made pistol, the cash of N300,450 and some stolen items although several accomplices managed to escape.

Ismaila was subsequently transferred to the Crack Tactical Squad for further investigation. His confessional statements and careful investigations led to the arrest of Sadiq Ahmed, Abbas Usman, Mubarak Garba, Abubakar Haruna and Abubakar Sani at their hideouts in New Garki, Awkunanaw, Enugu where another locally made pistol and additional stolen items were seized”, the Police statement noted.

According to Ndukwe, two other members of the gang, Bright Omeniru and Obiri Chukwuebuka, were apprehended in Owerri, the Imo state capital by the Octopus Tactical Squad following actionable intelligence .

During interrogation, according to the statement, the duo confessed to using Mobile phones stolen by the syndicate to fraudulently access victims’ bank accounts.

“Two SIM cards from different networks were also recovered from them.

Investigations indicate that the suspects admitted to committing multiple armed robberies within Enugu metropolis and used victims mobile phone SIM cards to perpetrate acts of fraud.

They further acknowledged moving and selling the stolen items in Imo and other States. Sadiq Ahmed ,the dismissed soldier, admitted to leveraging his background as a former security agent to evade checkpoints while transporting stolen items across state lines”, part of the statement reads .

The Command’s spokesman informed that the suspects will be arraigned as soon as investigations are concluded .

This is even as CP Uzuegbu commended the operatives of the various tactical and special formations for their diligence.

Gully Erosion: World Bank Gives Niger Govt $10m

Ayodele Oni

December 7, 2024

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State

By Ayodele Oni

The Niger State Government has secured a $10 million World Bank-assisted fund to combat gully erosion in parts of Mokwa Local Government Area.

A statement on Saturday by Bologi Ibrahim, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, stated that

Umaru Bago, revealed this during his statewide projects monitoring tour in Mokwa.

The Governor who was taken on a tour of the affected areas, including Kpege, Efu Abebe, and Eti Sheshi, all located in Mokwa Local Government Area, observed that the gully erosion has posed a significant threat to the affected communities.

To address this issue, he revealed that competent contractors with proven track records have been identified to handle the project, which is set to commence soon.

The governor urged the people of the affected communities to cooperate with and support the contractors, assuring them that his administration is committed to alleviating their suffering.

Some residents of Mokwa expressed their gratitude to the governor for his intervention, stating that the project will bring them much-needed relief from the hardship and uncertainties they have faced for many years.

The statement added that “This development is part of the World Bank’s efforts to support Nigeria in addressing its environmental challenges, including gully erosion.

“The World Bank has been working with the Nigerian government to implement the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), which aims to reduce vulnerability to soil erosion in targeted sub-watersheds.”

PDP NWC Nullifies Expulsion Of Imo Reps Member, Ikenga

Ayodele Oni

December 7, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has reacted to the purported expulsion of Ugochinyere Ikenga Ikeagwuonu from the Party by the Umuopia/Umukegwu Ward Chapter of the PDP in Imo State.

The member representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State and Spokesperson of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), was reported to have been expelled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect for gross indiscipline, insubordination and anti-party activities.

The expulsion was contained in a letter by the Ideato LGA chapter of the party dated December 5, 2024, and signed by the LGA Chairman, ThankGod Okeke and the Secretary, Onyebuchi Umeh, which they addressed to the State Chairman.

The expulsion followed the report of the party’s disciplinary committee, dated November 27, 2024, which investigated misconduct charges against Ugochinyere in line with Section 57 (1-4) of the PDP constitution 2017 as amended.

PDP national publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in a statement on Saturday, stated that the National Working Committee, (NWC) of the party has nullified the action.

The statement reads “The attention of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to the purported expulsion of Hon. Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu from the Party by the Umuopia/Umukegwu Ward Chapter of the PDP in Imo State.

“The NWC declares the said purported expulsion as null and void and of no effect, not being consistent with the express provision of Sections 57 (7) and 59 (3) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) and laid down Rules of our great Party.

“Section 57 (7) of the Constitution of the PDP is clear in providing that ‘Notwithstanding any other provision relating to discipline, no Executive Committee at any level, except the National Executive Committee, shall entertain any question of discipline as may relate or concern a member of the National Executive Committee, Deputy Governors or members of the National Assembly…’

“Also, Section 59 (3) of the Constitution of the PDP is unambiguous in providing that ‘Notwithstanding any other provision of this Constitution relating to discipline, no Executive Committee at any level except the National Executive Committee shall entertain any question of discipline as may relate or concern a member of the National Executive Committee, President, Vice President, Governors, Deputy Governors, Ministers, Ambassadors, Special Advisers or member of any of the Legislative Houses.’

“It is, therefore, clear that no Ward, Local Government or even State Chapter of the Party has the power to suspend, expel or discipline a member of the National Assembly in any form whatsoever without due recourse to the National Working Committee as provided by the Constitution of the PDP.

“The NWC strongly cautions that the PDP is an organized political Party governed by strict adherence to the provisions of its Constitution and Rules and will not allow any individual or group at any level to violate its Constitution and Rules under any circumstances whatsoever.

“The NWC states that Hon. Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu remains a bona-fide member of the PDP with all rights, privileges, recognition, obligations and charges all leaders, critical stakeholders, members and supporters of our Party in Imo State and the nation to disregard the purported expulsion.

“The NWC calls on all Party members in Imo State to remain united and continue to work together in the overall interest of our Party and the people.”

Endorsements Will Spur Me To Do More – Ekiti Gov Oyebanji

Ayodele Oni

December 7, 2024

Gov Abiodun Oyebanji Rallies Ekiti Traditional Rulers

By Ayodele Oni

Few days after declaring that he is not worried over agitations ahead of the 2026 Governorship election, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has disclosed that the series of endorsements by interest groups won’t serve as distractions to his performance and implementation of lofty policies that can transform the lives of the populace.

Oyebanji, who applauded the groundswell of endorsements being accorded him, said his administration has done exceedingly well by fulfilling electioneering promises to the people in the implementation of the six point agenda that has been the compass of development.

The governor spoke in Ado Ekiti, on Saturday, while being endorsed for second term by a group under the auspices of Progressive Grassroots Development and Support Foundation.

Speaking at the event, Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy, Mrs. Monisade Afuye, assured the people that the gale of endorsements will catalyse his spirit and commitment to serve the people better.

Oyebanji urged the members of the group to participate in the voters registration with the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) to be eligible to vote during election, describing this as the best way to make their support potent and effective ahead of 2026.

“What you are doing today is part of your democratic right as enshrined in the Constitution. But let me assure you that the series of endorsements that have been given to our dear governor would be a source of inspiration and not distractions to us.

“We are going to rededicate ourselves and become more focused to deliver democracy dividends to our people wherever they may be.

“I feel honoured that several interest groups have come out openly to endorse Governor Oyebanji for second term even when the government has just got to the middle of its first term. This buttressed the fact that we have worked hard to gain the trust of the people.”

Maintaining that the endorsements were not misplaced, Oyebanji posited that his government has worked round the clock to provide security and good governance, saying the occasional cases of insecurity being witnessed, had been responded to adequately to ensure safety of lives and property.

Cataloguing the government strides geared toward adding value to the lives of the citizens, Oyebanji, said just recently, he approved N70,000 as Minimum Wage for workers, assuring that the implementation will begin from December 1, 2024, besides prompt payment of salaries, deductions, pensions and gratuities.

“We have demonstrated enough commitments to job creation and youth development. In the last two years, over 4,000 youths had been employed into the state civil service, while over 20,000 productive population had been gainfully engaged in agriculture, skills acquisition schemes, small and medium scale enterprises, among others.

“In infrastructure, this administration has not disappointed the people. If you travel round the state, you will notice series of ongoing road projects being undertaken by government.

“The flagship of this is the flyover project being constructed in Ado Ekiti that will ensure traffic decongestion in the metropolis and boost the functionality of the Ado Ekiti Business District.

“Let me also add that over 40 communities that had hitherto been in total darkness had been reconnected to the national grid and now enjoying progressive increase in business activities.”

Gov Otti Orders Salary Arrears Payment To Sacked Polytechnic Staff

Suleiman Anyalewechi

December 7, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Governor gives one million Naira each to 150 best Polytechnic Students to start business

The Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, on Friday December 6, directed the duo of the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, and Accountant General to ensure that all staff of the Dr Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic Aba (formerly Abia state Polytechnic) who were sacked unjustly by the immediate past administration are paid their salary arrears.

The Source reports that in 2019, over 254 staff of the institution were sacked on purely politically motivated grounds.

As at the time of their retrenchment, they were owed about 16 months salaries.

Similarly, in 2021, another sect of about 98 staffers were thrown out. They equally left without their 23 months of salaries, and other entitlements, a situation that threw them into a state of unmitigated hardship.

However, with the current administration making good its earlier promise to pay all backlog of inherited salaries in twelve tranches effective September this 2024, the sacked workers and others who had retired from service,were curiously omitted .

So far, those still in service, who were being owed about 33 months arrears have been paid four out of the scheduled 12 tranches.

The non-inclusion of the sacked and retired workers in the salary arrears payments, expectedly provoked both open and subtle agitations from the affected staff.

But speaking at the 19- 21 combined Convocation ceremony of the Polytechnic on Friday, Governor Otti, informed that he has directed the SSG and the Account General, of the State to ensure that the arrears of salaries of the sacked staff, including others who are no longer on the payroll of the polytechnic but are being owed by the past administration are paid.

The Governor noted that his administration has already commenced the payment of the arrears to the polytechnic staff ,since September this 2024.

He also emphasized that Government, in addition to the servicing of the inherited salaries, has been religious in the payment of monthly salaries to the staff of the institution, as well as others in the State since mounting the saddle in May 2023 .

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment towards improving both the standard of education and the welfare of the workforce in the State.

“Our commitment to education has brought about extensive financial support to all the State-owned institutions regularly and prompt payments of salaries and allowances to the teaching and non-teaching staff, and offsetting of their outstanding salary arrears owed staff working in our institutions as well as other measures designed to cushion the effects of the hardship visited on the workers by the previous administration”, Governor stated.

While lamenting the serious neglect suffered by the education sector during the past administration, Governor Otti reassured of his dedication to giving the needed support to all public educational institutions in the State.

He informed that Abia state has paid about four years of accumulated counterpart funds to the Universal Basic Education UBEC.

According to him, UBEC has also written to affirm its willingness to release funds to support the education sector in the State.

To underscore the importance attached to the development education, Governor Otti further said that ,his administration will be allocating 20 percent of the 2025 budgetary estimate to education just like in the outgoing 2024 fiscal year.

The Governor announced that he would give the sum of one million Naira business grant to each of the 150 best graduating students of the Polytechnic.

Fifty graduates will be selected from the three sets of graduands at the Convocation, while prospective beneficiaries.will be required to forward business proposals to that effect.

He promised also to improve the internal road network of the Polytechnic, with a view to adding to its aesthetic value .

Foreign: Iran’s Support For Assad Wanes As Rebels Advance on Damascus

James Orji

December 7, 2024

Following the withdrawal of Iranian forces from Syria anxiety has mounted over the future of the Bashir Al Assad regime.

The Iranian forces, reports say, have been moving out of the country in the last few days, further highlighting the desperation of the decades-old Assad government, amidst threat posed by rebel forces which have recorded advance as they try to sack the government in Damascus.

The rebel forces capturing significant regions, including Aleppo and Hama, and advancing toward Damascus, sources said.

According to The New York Times, the struggle by the regime to remain in power has been worsened by the withdrawal of Iranian forces, which fought on the side of Assad against the rebels during the country’s civil war.

The bloody 13-year war saw the regime’s forces fighting side by side with the Iranian forces, with the help of Russia quenched the rebellion.

But the Ukraine- Russian War, and the Israel -Hezbolah offensive in Lebanon, which has resulted in the killing of many Hezbollah commanders have seriously limited assistance for President Assad from his two allies.

The twin problems , diplomatic sources say, has forced Iran to take more desperate measures, including the withdrawal of its elite Quds Force, of the Revolutionary Guards Corps, IRGC, from Syria.

Other support staff, including diplomatic staff, and their families were also reportedly leaving Syria, heading to Iraq, Lebanon, or back to Iran via planes and land routes, officials said on condition of anonymity.

The advance of rebel forces and capturing of significant regions, including Aleppo and Hama, and advancing toward Damascus, appears to have forced Iran to reassess its involvement with the Assad regime.

“Iran cannot manage the situation in Syria right now with any military operation,” said Mehdi Rahmati, an Iranian analyst close to government officials. “This option is off the table.”

Iran’s military presence in Syria has long been strategic, serving as a route to supply arms to Hezbollah in Lebanon.

However, the current rebel offensive, spearheaded by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, threatens to sever this link.

The Iranian-backed Afghan Fatemiyoun Brigade, previously stationed at military bases in Syria, has reportedly been relocated to regime strongholds such as Damascus and Latakia.

Iranian officials, including parliamentarian Ahmad Naderi, have expressed frustration over the situation, warning that the fall of Damascus would diminish Iran’s influence in Iraq and Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Diplomatic sources insist that the election of Donald Trump as United State President has further put pressure on Iran in its support for its Axis of Resistance, including Syria playing a major role.

Insecurity: Anambra Anglican Bishop Declared Missing

James Orji

December 7, 2024

The police in Anambra state are in desperate search for the missing Anglian archbishop, Most Rev. Prof. Godwin Okpala, the retired Archbishop of the Niger Province and Bishop of Nnewi.

He was said to have seen last on Friday,

on a journey to Umuchu, a community in the state, according to a statement by the Church on Saturday.

What the state police command cannot ascertain is whether the missing cleric was abducted or not, sources privy to the report said.

The command also said the issue has not been reported to the command.

The development has caused serious tension in the Governor Charles Soludo-led state, where the government is currently battling a high level of insecurity and criminality.

The diocese in a statement on Saturday by the Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ndubuisi Obi, urged well meaning Nigerians to offer intercessory prayers for the safe return of the missing Archbishop.

The alert reads: “PRAYER ALERT from BISHOP Ndubuisi Obi of Nnewi Diocese. Dearly Beloved people of God, With a deeply burdened heart, we write to inform you of the distressing news that our revered Father in God, the Most Rev. Prof. Godwin Okpala (Retired Archbishop of the Niger Province and Bishop of Nnewi), has been missing since yesterday morning.

“He embarked on a journey to Umuchu accompanied by his driver but, unfortunately, never arrived at his destination. Since then, there has been no communication, and neither he, his driver, nor the vehicle have been located. We earnestly plead for your fervent prayers for their safety and swift return.

“The relevant authorities have been contacted, and we are hopeful and trusting in God’s divine intervention for a positive resolution. Please, join us in prayer of intercession, trusting in the Lord, whose watchful eyes never slumber, to bring our beloved Father in God, and his driver back to us safely. Thank you for standing with us in this moment of distress. +Ndubuisi Nnewi.”

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