IPOB blames South East govs for invasion of Nnamdi Kanu’s home

IPOB blames South East govs for invasion of Nnamdi Kanu’s home

1st November 2017

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has  blamed South East governors and President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo for the invasion of Nnamdi Kanu’s  compound in Afaraukwu Ibeku Umuahia, Abia State, from September 10 to 14, 2017.

The group said denials by Governor OkezieIkpeazu and others will not eradicate the fact that, he, along with others, designed and perfected Operational Python Dance II.

A statement by IPOB Media and Publicity Secretary of, Emma Powerful, said Ikpeazu should stop lying about his real motives for imposing the curfew which followed the attack on Kanu’s family home.

“Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and his co-conspirators  must give true account before the people of Biafra, how they allowed envy and jealousy over Kanu’s popularity to overwhelm them.

“Ikpeazu’s claim that he imposed a curfew during the invasion of our leader’s house in Umuahia, to save 11.6 million Igbo in the North is laughable.

“The only reason why Ikpeazu deliberately imposed a curfew in Abia state was to stop IPOB members from mobilising to defend our leader, Kanu, during the invasion of his home by soldiers.

“Ikpeazu’s sole reason for imposing the said curfew was to leave the compound of Kanu defenceless.

“Igbo governors and Ohanaeze Ndigbo also felt that the perfect way to demoralise the people of Biafra and stop our agitation is by killing everything in site in and around Isiama Afaraukwu village, to put fear in the heart of IPOB.

“The same way followers of Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky were slaughtered in their thousands in Zaria, with no consequence till date.

“What South East governors didn’t factor into their treacherous calculation is that IPOB is a global movement with a unique structure that no man can destroy.

“Ikpeazu and his cohorts are dreamers for thinking their well-crafted lies, which they have been selling to media houses can save them from the impending doom.

“Biafra restoration effort is a divine project, the sooner they realise this, the better,” Powerful said.

Regardless, Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has said it is trivial for anyone or group to associate Ikpeazu and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe with Kanu’s disappearance.

The group warned the World Igbo Youth Congress (WIYC)  to desist from  toying  with the names of two prominent Abia  sons, whose integrity, the group said, could not be questioned.

OYC National Secretary, Obinna Adibe, who stated this in a statement, yesterday, warned  WIYC not to toy with the names of  Abia sons who had taken pains to address all the issues thrown up by Biafra agitation to the satisfaction of everybody.

Adibe explained that Kanu has not been seen ever since the army launched its Operation Python Dance II in the South East.

“It is  petty for anyone to link Ikpeazu and Abaribe with the sudden disappearance of Kanu.

“We insist that security operatives are in a better position to tell the current location of Kanu and that neither the governor nor Abaribe is a soothsayer or a detective to actually say whether Kanu is alive or dead as well as his present location.

“The governor and his colleagues in the South-East rose to the occasion and averted what could have been another major mayhem in this zone. We believe, just like other men of goodwill, that the governor should be commended not vilified.

“We, therefore, warn that any further attempt to drag these our leaders into this matter will be stoutly resisted. The era where fifth columnists infiltrate some desperate political jobbers to cast aspersion on our people is over.

“By this notice, the WIYC and all the people behind the group are warned to desist from further attempt to disparage the governor of Abia state. If they continue with this untoward business, we shall ensure that they are fished out and disgraced.”

Ikpeazu had told State House Correspondents in Abuja, after a meeting with Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, at the Presidential Villa, that it was not his duty to locate Kanu.

Ugwuanyi commends Aqua Rapha for employing youths

Ugwuanyi commends Aqua Rapha for employing youths

 

31st October 2017

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has commended the management of Aqua  Rapha Investment Limited for helping in reducing the number of unemployed youths on the streets by providing them employment.

The governor, made the commendation when the management of Aqua Rapha visited him to present the European Quality Award the company won recently.

He observed that the company’s activities have helped to reduce the unemployment rate in the state.

“Your company is helping the government to tackle unemployment by engaging so many youths in jobs,” Ugwuanyi  said.

He congratulated the company for winning the European Quality Award, promising to fix the road that passes through the company to the 9th Mile Corner through Eke in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Earlier in his speech, the Group Managing Director of Aqua Rapha Investment Ltd,  Engr Sunday Nwankwo promised that the company would always support the state government in creating employment for the people of the state.

Nwankwo also applauded the efforts of the governor in the last two and half years he had governed the state, saying that he has brought good governance and abundant dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

Presenting the award the company won to the governor, he told Ugwuanyi that “one good tenure deserves another” as he called on Enugu people to support him again in 2019.

Cristiano Ronaldo won FIFA best player 2017

Cristiano Ronaldo won FIFA best player 2017

— 24th October 2017

The Real Madrid player, Cristiano Ronaldo, has clinched  the top award as the best FIFA men’s player for 2017 ahead of his bitter rival Lionel Messi.
Speaking after receiving the award, Ronaldo described the event as a great moment of his life, especially his to emergance as the best player in the world
The Real Madrid forward said: “Guys, I’m going to speak first in Portuguese and then in English.
“Thanks a lot for voting for me. I mention Leo and Neymar, great to be here. Real Madrid supporters, my team-mates, my coach, they all support me all year.
“We are in England for the first time and I win consecutive awards. I am really glad, this is a great moment for me. I have fans all over the world.
“I appreciate that. It’s great to be here around great players, I am so happy guys. Thanks and have a great night.”

Nigeria’s World Cup qualification and the media

Nigeria’s World Cup qualification and the media

— 21st October 2017

By George Aluo

Who says winning in the round leather game called football is not the best thing to happen to any country. Even if this assertion is not universally true, nothing can be truer than it in this clime called Nigeria.

Since last week when the Super Eagles qualified for the Russia 2018 World Cup, the country has largely been on the same page with every Tom, Dick and Harry celebrating and eulogizing the players that performed the feat.

For once, everybody is proud to be a Nigerian. During the Eagles game against Zambia, nobody talked about where a particular player hailed from. All we wanted was result. It didn’t matter if the team’s Franco German tactician, Gernot Rohr had fielded all Ijebu or Kalabari players. All we were interested in was let us land in Russia in style. The Eagles got the job done with a Shehu Mohammed (a northerner) emerging the MVP, while an Alex Iwobi (a southerner) scored the winning goal.

Unknown to many, a good number of the stakeholders who had rolled out the drums today celebrating the country’s qualification are those who ab initio wanted to play the spoilers role, but for the patriotic decision of the media not to play along.

It must be pointed out here that if there is any sector of our national life where the Pull Him Down (Phd) syndrome thrives very well, it is in the area of sports, especially football. Be that as it may, the incumbent board of NFF has an avalanche of enemies, who had vowed to stop them from succeeding. Most of these enemies had the backing of those in government…I don’t want to mention their names.

But this writer has not forgotten what some people said about Nigeria and the World Cup project. Their earlier submission that it would amount to sheer waste of time for Nigeria to be in Russia. This writer still recalled that some people believed Nigeria had no business being at the World Cup.

“That competition (World Cup) stinks of corruption; Nigeria is too poor to waste money on it. The cup that we can win is the African Cup of Nations. There is nothing again that will take us to another man’s balcony in the name of the World Cup. We already have the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics…we can attend such meets. I am opposed to the World Cup. Conspiracy in the World Cup is too much.” Nigerians have not forgotten who fired the above salvos when the battle for the soul of the NFF Glass House was raging.

Hear another of such salvos when the NFF hired Rohr: “I am not aware we have a new coach. Those who hired him are on their own…” Nigerians, who follow football, know who made these statements and the new tune they are singing now that we are Russia bound.

It would be recalled that the NFF President, Pinnick Amaju and his team knew no sleep when the World Cup qualifiers got underway in Ndola, Zambia. The soccer federation’s second Vice President, Shehu Dikko was to be arrested when he returned from Zambia with the Eagles. The man escaped because the band of supporters, who traveled to Zambia with Eagles ensured the police did not whisk him away at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja.

All efforts made by the “enemies” of Nigerian football to recruit the sporting press on their side were rebuffed.

This writer, alongside many of my colleagues had been accused of being on the payroll of Amaju, no thanks to the unwavering support he enjoyed from the media. While, I may not be able to speak for others, as a person, I know I m not on any persons payroll in the NFF.

The decision to support Amaju was purely on national interest and to the glory of God, that decision yielded dividend with the qualification of Nigeria for the World Cup, which is the world’s biggest single sports fiesta.

If the media had backed those who wanted Amaju out by fire by force, today, the country would have been the loser. That Nigerian football was not plunged into another round of crisis was because the media stood solidly by the Itsekiri born football buff called Amaju. Like him or not, Amaju has passion for the game. He is a young man that wants to take Nigerian football to the next level. He has a clear vision of where he wants to take Nigerian football to…so it behooves on all of us to support him in the interest of the nation. Those who want to take over the Glass House should wait for the next election, which would come up after the World Cup in Russia. If football stakeholders feel there is need for a change of guard, why not. What some of us don’t like is the idea of some people playing the spoilers’ role, a situation that does not help the country. That Nigeria did not qualify for the 2006 World Cup under Ibrahim Galadima was because of the same “show spoilers” role played by some people.

When Pinnick went for Gernot Rohr, some of us have not forgotten what some of those now celebrating our World Cup qualification said. When the NFF wanted to move Super Eagles games to Uyo, we know the politics that played out. We also know how the same people infiltrated the NFF board, ostensibly to destabilize it. We know the tacit support that was given to those who wanted to use the judiciary to truncate the nation’s football administration.

However, the NFF board (Amaju and his men) on their part must realize that they must be ready to justify the confidence reposed in them by the media. It must not be business as usual in the way the game is being run.

To keep enjoying the support of some of us (I want to repeat…not paid for) they must be transparent and carry every genuine stakeholder that can positively contribute to the development of Nigerian football along.

The soccer federation has of late attracted new corporate sponsors. To keep them and attract more, there must be financial transparency. In this era that money from government is no longer flowing, the way to go is corporate sponsorship. And as we all know, football is a big business in other climes. That is what it should be in Nigeria.

The biggest challenge facing Nigerian football is that of administration.

It is time to start getting it right. If FIFA, CAF and their affiliates in other countries are swimming in cash without depending on any government for money to fund their activities, one does not see any reason why the story would be different in Nigeria.

More importantly, to be autonomous and out of government control, as those running the game would want, the NFF must be able to bankroll its activities. The NFF cannot be asking for government money and expect those in government to watch the money “being shared” without asking questions or demanding for their own cut.

On the whole, to the glory of God, Nigeria has landed in Russia. Should every football stakeholder be on the same page, going far at the Mundial come next year, won’t be a mission impossible for the Eagles. We have got a bunch of young and talented players who are eager to make name. Just like Sebastian Broderick and his boys did at the Japan 93 FIFA JVC U-17 World Cup, the Eagles can spring the mother of all surprises in Russia by winning the World Cup.

Like Americans would say…Yes, we can! If only those who would later start taking credit for the job they did not do or help its course would allow the FA to be. Some of us wouldn’t want to know if the NFF budget is well “spend” or not ahead of the soccer show piece.

Produce Nnamdi Kanu in court of face jail, court tells lawmaker

— 17th October 2017

From: Godwin Tsa, Abuja

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, and two others standing as sureties for the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, to produce him in court and explain the IPOB leader’s whereabouts or forfeit the N100 million bail bond and face jail term.
This order equally applied to the two other sureties who stood bail for Kanu.
Nnamdi kanu’s whereabouts is yet to be known following the invading of his home in Umuahia by men of the Nigerian army, under the Operation Python Dance II.
The Federal Government is arraigning Kanu and three others before a Federal High Court in Abuja on a five count criminal charge bordering on treasonable felony.
He was however granted bail by the judge on April 24, 2017, on health grounds by Justice Binta Nyako.
Those who stood sureties for him were the Chairman of the Senate’s South East Caucus, Enyinnaya Abaribe; a Jewish priest, Immanuu-El Shalom and an accountant and Abuja resident, Tochukwu Uchendu.
Before Tuesday’s  proceeding, the federal government in one of the applications has asked the court to revoke the bail granted to Kanu, which appeared to have been allegedly breached by the IPOB leader since he was allowed to go home on bail.
When the case came up, Kanu was absent in court while his three other pro- Biafra agitators standing trial with him, Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu, David Nwawuisi and Bright Chimezie were produced in court by prison officials.
His counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, told the judge that his client had been missing after soldiers allegedly invaded the IPOB leader’s home‎ on September 14, 2017, adding that the Nigerian Army was in the best position to produce the defendant.
Meanwhile, a lawyer, Mr. Ogechi Ogunna, who appeared for Abaribe, informed the court that his client had filed a motion seeking to be discharged as Kanu’s surety.
But ‎the two other sureties, Immanuel Shalum Okabenmabu and Tochukwu Uchendu, were absent from court and not represented by any lawyer on Tuesday.
Responding to Abaribe’s application, Justice Nyako said his motion could not be heard until Kanu was produced in court.
Justice Nyako handed down three three options for Senator Abaribe’s to fulfil.
One of the options was for Abaribe to produce the defendant in court and then apply to be discharged as a surety.
The other option the judge gave was for Abaribe to be ready to forfeit his N100m bail bond.
While the third option ‎was for Abaribe to request to be given time to produce the defendant in court.
Abaribe’s counsel, Ogunna replied saying, “he (Abaribe) is not in a position to do any of these.”

However the judge insisted that Abaribe must opt for one of the three options.

With the judge’s insistence, Ogunna opted to be given time to produce him.

The two other sureties were not represented I court on Tuesday.

Earlier, prosecuting counsel, Mr. Shuaibu Labaran, noting that Kanu was not present in court, urged the judge to revoke defendant’s bail, order for his arrest, and direct the defendants’ three sureties “to show cause why the bail bond of N100m entered into by each shall not be forfeited or they be committed to prison.”
The trial was been adjourned until November 20.
Meantime, Abaribe had in his application that has FG as the 1st respondent, said he “lacks capacity to produce a person stated by the 1st Respondent to be a member of a terrorist organisation, or any persin whom the 1st respondent is reported to be interested in his whereabouts including the aftermat of the military operations in Abia state which commenced about 11th September, 2017”. He specifically prayed the court for an order “discharging the applicant as surety of the 1st/2nd respondent, and discharging the recognizance entered into by the applicant, and to discharge the applicant from the entire incidence of the bail of Nnamdi Kanu- the 1st defendant/2nd respondent in charge No. FHC/Abj/CR/383/2015: Federal Republic of Nigeria v Nnamdi Kanu, Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu, David Nwawisi. As well as, “An order discharging the bond executed by the applicant for the bail of the 1st Defendant/2nd Respondent in charge No. FHC/Abj/CR/383/2015: Federal Republic of Nigeria v Nnamdi Kanu, Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu, David Nwawisi and refunding the sum of N100, 000, 000.00 (one hundred million naira only) or any other sum paid into this honourable court or undertaken to this honourable court sequel to the bail of the 2nd respondent”. FG has already filed its own counter motion where it insisted that the federal lawmaker, having vouched for the IPOB leader, must produce him before the court for trial. Meanwhile, two former Aviation Ministers, Chief Osita Chidoka and Femi Fani-Kayode were in court to show solidarity to the “missing” IPOB leader. Speaking to newsmen after the proceeding, Chidoka who is a gubernatorial aspirant in Anambra state, urged the National Assembly to investigate what transpired during the Operation Python Dance II the Army conducted in the South East. Chidoka said he did not believe there was any form of insurrection in the region to warrant deployment of soldiers by FG. On his part, Fani-Kayode asked the Nigerian Army to produce Kanu who he said was only fighting for his constitutionally guaranteed right to self determination. “It is very clear to us that something must have happened to him and I am deeply concerned. If he is indeed in custody of the Army, they should let us know. If he is dead, let them release his dead body. “I call on the Nigerian military to stop this charade. If Kanu is with you, please release him. “The allegation that 28 persons were killed by the military in Kanu’s compound is unacceptable and I say shame on those that may not know Kanu but hear about all these allegations and still stay on the fence. I say shame on them. We are men of courage and we are here today”, Fani-Kayode who wore Igbo chieftaincy attire with a matching red cap, added. Kanu is facing four out of the five count amended charge that borders on treasonable felony, criminal conspiracy and alleged illegal importation of radio transmitters into Nigeria for the dissemination of hate messages. FG, among other things, alleged that Kanu had “on or about the 28th April, 2015 in London, United Kingdom did in a broadcast on Radio Biafra monitored in Enugu, Enugu state and other parts of Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, referred to Major General Muhammadu Buhari, GCON, President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a paedophile, a terrorist, an idiot and an embodiment of evil, knowing same to be false and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 375 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C. 38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004″.

Police’ll continue to raid IPOB leader’s family house –CP

Police’ll continue to raid IPOB leader’s family house –CP

— 13th October 2017

From Chuks Onuoha, Umuania

Commissioner of Police (CP) in Abia State, Anthony Michael Ogbizi, has said the police will continue to visit the country home of leader of proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB),  as long as they keep getting intelligence reports that arms are being stockpiled there.

Ogbizi stated this yesterday, when he interacted with newsmen at the Police Officers Mess, Factory Road, Umuahia.

The CP reacted over  a raid on Kanu’s home, last Sunday.

He said all items recovered there were itemised and marked as exhibits and that nothing was stolen during the joint military/police operation there.

He  said the police and army had intelligence report about the building and those around it, which made them storm the house that day.

Ogbizi said during the raid, lethal materials were recovered including Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) such as petrol bombs, double barrel rifles, IPOB staff of office, insignia and some vital documents.

He also said they arrested a suspected technician of the group, while some documents, “which we are perusing, contain vital information about the group, which we are going to investigate thoroughly.

“We even noticed a Biafran flag mounted on top of a telecommunication mast, very close there. We are going to the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) through which we are going to sanction all telecommunication operators whose mast are being used to hoist such flags.”

Ogbizi also disclosed they are investigating all telephone conversations between IPOB leaders, including text messages.

“We are going to go after all those who are found culpable, they should stop hiding to give the public false information.”

He noted that the joint military operation is targeted at curbing IPOB activities as leaving them could lead to them carrying arms, which may lead to chaos.

On the issue of police excesses, the Abia CP said the media should find a way to reach the CP or the area commanders to tell them what their men are doing. “After making the report, you leave the rest to us and see what we are going to do.”

Ogbizi seized the forum to solicit for the support of newsmen in the state, saying newsmen cover more areas than the police. “We need your support for the police in the state to do their work well.”

He announced that he will be holding a stakeholders meeting with all concerned in the state, including traditional rulers, town unions, president generals of various communities as well as student unions, on the way forward as regards security.

The new CP said his aim in the state is to reduce crime rate to the barest minimum, stressing that in no distant time, residents of the state will be free to walk the streets of the state without fear or any form of harassment from hoodlums.

On the upcoming Christmas period, Ogbizi said the command is ready to combat crime and ensure the safety of those who are living in the state and those who may be coming in to spend holidays.

Hold President Buhari, Ohanaeze, Southeast governors responsible if we take up arms – IPOB

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, on Monday said President Muhammadu Buhari and the five governors of the south eastern states were working hard to criminalize it despite its non-violent stand.

In a press release signed by Emma Powerful, media and publicity secretary of the group, he said the Buhari administration and the five governors were worried that despite the brazen provocation and attack against its leader and members, the group had remained non-violent.

It said that President Buhari should be blamed if the group decided to shed its non-violent stand and take to arms as it has been pushed beyond limit.“It was the Nigerian government and her security operatives that brought violence into the Biafra agitation not IPOB. Should IPOB decide to engage in armed struggle at a future date, the world must hold the government of Buhari, Igbo governors and Ohanaeze Ndigbo responsible.

“We always held peaceful rallies and protests all around major cities across Biafraland without any violent incident or objection from the masses, but they decided to tag us terrorists in order to justify the violent crackdown on innocent Biafran populations. Our happiness is that today the world can see that IPOB is innocent and have totally vindicated us,” he said.

The group which referred to the governors and the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo as political contractors said they were envious of IPOB’s popularity and the demonstrable feat it had achieved in the struggle.

31 monkey pox cases in Lagos, Ekiti, Ogun, others

Monkey pox, which started with an index case in Bayelsa on September 22, has spread to six other states, including Lagos.

There are 31 cases, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said yesterday.

NCDC National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu listed the states as Bayelsa, Rivers, Ekiti, Akwa Ibom, Ogun and Cross River.

He said   samples had been collected from each suspected case for laboratory confirmation.

Said Ihekweazu: “It is unlikely that many of the    suspected cases are actually monkey pox, but all are being    investigated.”

He said all the suspected   cases were receiving medical    care and the patients improving clinically in their    various states.

Ihekweazu said the centre    had activated an Emergency    Operation Centre (EOC)    to    coordinate the outbreak    investigation and response    across the affected states.    “The EOC is currently supporting    state    ministries    of Health in their response to the outbreak through active case finding, epidemiological investigation and contact tracing. Measures have been put in place to ensure effective sample collection and    testing to enable laboratory    confirmation. Risk communication activities have been    heightened to advise the    public on preventive measures. All 36 states and the    FCT have been notified for    preparedness,” he explained.

The Lagos State Government confirmed yesterday that it had recorded two suspected cases and appealed to residents to remain calm and vigilant.

Commissioner for Health Dr. Jide Idris told reporters that the two suspected cases were being investigated.

“Though no confirmed case has been recorded, there is need to sensitise members of the public and provide adequate information on measures for prevention and control of the disease in line with the policy of the state government,” he said.

Idris said the two suspected cases were recorded in a private hospital which he did not name.

He added that one of the suspected cases just came from Bayelsa State and ate bush meat.

Idris said the two suspected cases had been quarantined in their various houses pending the result of the investigation.

The commissioner said in the wake of this outbreak, the government was reiterating the need for members of the public to observe and maintain a high standard of personal and environmental hygiene at all times as part of the precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the disease to the State.

He urged the public to be vigilant and report any suspected case of the disease to the nearest public health facility or the Directorate of Disease Control in the Ministry of Health.

“Also, health workers are advised to practise universal safety precautions in the management of suspected or confirmed cases, wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment when attending to cases, wash hands after each contact with patient or contaminated materials while surveillance system must be strengthened.

“The state government has mobilised the Disease Surveillance Officers in the 57 LGAs and LCDAs in the state and health workers in both public and private health facilities have been placed on high alert,” Idris said.

Idris called on residents to remain calm and go about their businesses without fear as the government had put in place adequate measures to effectively prevent and control the spread of the infection to the state.

“In case of any suspected case of Monkey Pox, the Lagos State Ministry of Health should be notified through the following mobile lines: 08037170614, 09087106072,” the commissioner said.

IPOB declares sit-at-home in Anambra, November 18

IPOB declares sit-at-home in Anambra, November 18

— 9th October 2017

The Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) has declared sit-at-home in Anambra State on November 18, 2017 in protest and boycott of the governorship election in the state.

The group said that election boycott was the only legitimate tool left in the hands of the oppressed people to register its displeasure with the alleged ongoing genocide in its land.

A statement by the Media and Publicity Secretary of IPOB Emma Powerful said that Biafrans in Anambra must not only stay at home on that day, but must also make sure those around them do not vote on November 18, because if they vote, Nigeria will never again take Biafra agitation serious.

The speech states: “We want to bring to the notice of IPOB members in Biafraland particularly those in Anambra State that November 18 gubernatorial election is the day of destiny for all lovers of freedom. Every genuine Biafran desiring of freedom for Biafra from this Islamic bondage of Hausa Fulani caliphate called Nigeria, must not only stay at home on that day, but must also make sure those around them do not vote. November 18, 2017 is a date with history”.

“If we Biafrans succeed in demonstrating before international observers that we are serious about our freedom by locking down Anambra State on that day, the world will be in no doubt that Biafra is unstoppable. Our destiny is firmly in our hands. We must teach corrupt Igbo politicians that money cannot buy IPOB because we are special breed untainted by the corrupt tendencies of Nigerian politics. Locking down Anambra State will pave the way for IPOB to announce a date for substantive referendum later next year with or without the approval of Nigeria”

“Events in Catalonia and Kurdistan havde pointed the way forward for we Biafrans because it was clearly demonstrated by both nations that we can call for and conduct our referendum with or without the cooperation of Nigeria. Election boycott is the only legitimate tool left in the hands of we oppressed people to register our displeasure with the ongoing genocide in our land, arbitrary arrests, torture and reign of saboteurs in government houses across Biafraland. If we vote, Nigeria will never again take Biafra agitation serious”.

Catalonia referendum: Thousands rally for Spanish unity

Catalonia referendum: Thousands rally for Spanish unity

— 8th October 2017

Thousands of people calling for Spanish unity have attended rallies in the capital Madrid after Sunday’s disputed referendum for Catalan independence.
Other demonstrations – including in the Catalan city Barcelona – have also been held urging political dialogue.
Protesters dressed in white gathered with signs saying “Spain is better than its leaders” and “let’s talk”.
Businesses have continued to announce their departure from the Catalan region amid the ongoing political uncertainty.
The Caixa Foundation, which controls one of the Spain’s largest banks, announced it was moving its headquarters to Palma de Mallorca while the crisis continues.
The country is waiting for a speech on Tuesday by Catalan President Carles Puigdemont amid speculation he will declare independence.
The final results showed 90% of the 2.3 million people who voted backed independence. Turnout was 43%.
There have been several claims of irregularities, and many ballot boxes were seized by the Spanish police.
What are the latest developments?
Spain’s government representative in Catalonia apologised on Friday to people hurt during police efforts to stop the referendum, but blamed the Catalan government for holding an illegal vote.
Enric Millo said he could not help but “regret it and apologise on behalf of the officers that intervened”, while casting doubt on the numbers said to be injured.
Nearly 900 people were injured as police, trying to enforce a Spanish court ban on the vote, attempted to seize ballot boxes and disperse voters. Thirty-three police officers were also hurt.
The Spanish government’s official spokesperson, Iñigo Méndez de Vigo, also apologised for the police violence and suggested that new elections in Catalonia might be a way to heal the fracture caused by the disputed referendum.
Catalan President Carles Puigdemont is expected to address the Catalan parliament on Tuesday at 18:00 local time (16:00 GMT) after Spain’s Constitutional Court earlier suspended the Catalan parliament session that had been planned for Monday.
There is speculation that the parliament will declare independence unilaterally at its next sitting.
Meanwhile, the former leader of Catalonia, Artur Mas, told the Financial Times newspaper that the region was not yet ready for real independence – even though he believed it had won the right to break away.
The competing authorities in Barcelona and Madrid could each take a potentially dramatic step.
Barcelona has the option of making a unilateral declaration of independence. For its part, Madrid has the power to dissolve self-rule in Catalonia. Each step – if taken – would provoke a constitutional crisis in Spain.
There are some signs that each side may choose to pause. Mr Puigdemont says he will deliver a report to the Catalan parliament on Tuesday about the political situation – a deliberately vague form of words which gives him room for manoeuvre.

BREAKING: Nigeria picks World Cup ticket, beats Zambia

BREAKING: Nigeria picks World Cup ticket, beats Zambia

— 8th October 2017

The Super Eagles of Nigeria this evening in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State defeated the Chipolopolo of Zambia by 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier encounter.

Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi shot  Nigeria to the 2018 World Cup finals  in Russia with a goal, the only one in the tense encounter that saw both teams putting in their best.

With the victory, the Super Eagles became the first African team to advance to Russia after taking an unassailable lead atop Group B with 13 points ahead of Zambia that comes second with distant 7 points.

Nigeria’s appearance at the Russia 2018 will be her sixth at the World Cup finals since Atlanta 1994 it made a debut attendance.

President Buhari congratulates Super Eagles, says their victory over Zambia is their Independence gift to Nigerians

President Buhari has congratulated the Super Eagles on their victory Saturday over the Chipolopolo of Zambia at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The President, who described the hard-earned victory as “very sweet, soothing and a 57th Independence Anniversary gift to the nation,” applauded the nation’s senior men’s football team for the feat of making Nigeria the first African country to qualify for Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament, with a match left to play.

As he joined millions of football-loving Nigerians in rejoicing with the players and their coaching crew, President Buhari called on all Nigerians to apply the values of perseverance, resilience, discipline, hard work and team-spirit which propelled the footballers to excel since the beginning of the qualifying matches, to all sectors of national life.

The President promised that the Federal Government will continue to support the team within available resources so that the nation will maximise the unifying potentials of sports in general and football in particular.

He enjoined the entire team and Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) officials to remain steadfast and focused when they begin preparations for the global football fiesta in order to make Nigeria proud.

President Buhari urged public, private organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to continue to assist the Super Eagles as the team heads for a sixth appearance at the summit of football competition.

The President also appreciated the government of Akwa Ibom State for the invaluable support it has been rendering to the football team, describing it as worthy of emulation.

Ex-Chelsea & Real Madrid star, Ricardo Carvalho gets 7-month suspended jail term over Spanish tax fraud

?Ricardo Carvalho has been handed a suspended prison sentence relating to tax fraud that the Chelsea legend committed during his days at Real Madrid.  

The centre-back, who now plays football with Shanghai SIPG, was handed a seven-month jail term and ordered to pay a €142,822 fine by Madrid's magistrate court.

However, Spanish criminal law does not expect individuals handed a sentence under two years to actually spend time in prison so Carvalho will not have to go to jail.

According to reports, Carvalho had dodged tax returns totalling €545,981 across the years 2011 and 2012, which fell during his three-year spell with Los Blancos under current Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho.

The Spanish prosecution offence had ordered that Carvalho should face a year in prison and pay €300,000 in fines for his own case but, after being found guilty of his offences, the judiciary opted to cut short his suspended sentence and reduce his fine.

50 years after: Soyinka, Kukah regret Igbo massacre in Asaba

50 years after: Soyinka, Kukah regret Igbo massacre in Asaba

— 7th October 2017

From PAUL OSUYI, Asaba

Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka has frowned at the practice of naming national institutions and infrastructures after leaders known to have committed grievous harm against humanity.

Prof. Soyinka bared his mind in Asaba, Delta State capital as special guest of honour at the ceremony marking the 50^th Commemoration of  Asaba Massacre with theme “In Pursuit of Rebirth”.

He rallied against the situation where the perpetrators of the Asaba Massacre were rewarded; adding that one of the commanders was made governor of a state and others had streets named after them in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Soyinka opined that to glorify the perpetrators of the Asaba Massacre with streets and important public infrastructure desecrates the memory of the innocent people killed by federal troops in 1967.

“How do we talk to future generations about corruption if they find a street named after Gen. Aanni Abacha?

“Do not we think it about time that somebody took the bull by the horns and wipe out the memory of that individual, it is a small restitution.

“We do not say dig up Abacha’s remains and put in the evil forest, but do not leave lying around the provocative symbols the trauma that this nation went through.

“What does that make of the ethical foundations from which they pull them out to assist in peace keeping in areas all over the world in the enthronement of peace in the world?

“We are saying that to complete that archway of healing through which all of us must pass, the capstone is restitution,” he said.

Soyinka who along with other speakers advocated restitution to complete the healing process for the October 7, 1967 massacre, said “restoration is only possible ultimately, when it is closed by a consciousness of remorse and compensation, no matter how symbolic.”

Recounting his experience before the civil war finally broke out, Soyinka said the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Chike Edozien hosted him in his home as mediatory efforts intensified to avert a full blown war.

“I may have come to Asaba a few times, but it is impossible for me to come to this town and among the Asaba people without an indescribable gamut of very mixed emotions, apart from the role of memory there is also the fact the history, but before my crucial passage through Asaba and the consequences, both for community and the nation and to principles to which one has attached oneself.

“Because it was here that I crossed through the bush paths, through the then Biafran enclave on behalf of the not just myself but of a group which believes passionately that the civil war was avoidable.

“Yes, shooting had started, but it was still at the skirmish level and we were frankly obsessed with the notion that anything on the scale of a civil war… without emerging in world history, anything in that nature which is avoidable could and should be avoided.

“Dr. Edozien who was  then Dean of Melaney Hall, University of Ibadan to which I returned as a fellow after my studies abroad he was my host. I slept in his house on that night and I talked with him. I remember that he was very happy that some efforts were being made to mediate.”

According to Soyinka he received information of the Asaba Massacre while in exile as he kept contact with the on goings-on in the country, adding that the incident inspired his publication The Man Died.

He urged forgiveness following atrocities committed during the civil war, while advocating that Nigerians must never forget, as the knowledge and wisdom derived from such experiences were ingredients that help shaped the moral foundations of nations.

Bishop of Catholic Diocese, Dr. Hassan Kukah described the Asaba Massacre as a black spot in the nation’s history that the world must know existed, but warned that the process of healing is a long one that Nigerians must embark upon with mutual trust and love.

Other speakers recounted their personal experiences during the period, and cautioned on the need to keep the memories for future generations.

They urged the federal government to build a memorial plaque with the names of victims in Ogbesowa Quarters in Asaba metropolis, the spot where the most heinous acts of violence were committed against the Asaba indigenes.

A book co-authored by Prof. Elizabeth Bird and Prof. Fraser Otanelli of the University of Florida, Tampa on the event and titled: ‘The Asaba Massacre: Trauma, Memory and the Nigerian Civil War’ was unveiled  at day two of the ceremony.

Immigration accuses Justice Ngwuta of dubious passport use

Immigration accuses Justice Ngwuta of dubious passport use

— 7th October 2017

From: Godwin Tsa, Abuja

Nigerian Immigration  Service (NIS) yesterday told a Federal High Court in Abuja that the use of two diplomatic passports and two other standard international passports simultaneously by Justice Sylvester Ngwuta of the Supreme Court was not a genuine mistake.

An Immigration official, Nuhu Tanko Kutana, stated this during the trial of the Supreme Court Justice.

Under cross examination led by counsel to Justice Ngwuta, Mr. Kanu Agabi, SAN, the third prosecution witness said that the defendant was in possession of four diplomatic passports – three Standard International Passports and one ECOWAS passport.

He further told the court that the defendant’s conduct and use of the passports, which he had declared in sworn affidavit as missing, did not show it was a genuine mistake, as he went ahead and started using them.

Kutana further stated that the defendant would have reported to the Nigerian Immigration Services, which replaced those passports when he recovered the ones he claimed were lost.

The witness admitted he made two statements and the additional statement was based on what he saw later in the document. The defendant’s lawyer requested to tender the additional statement and it was admitted in evidence as an exhibit.

Mr. Kutana said he analysed the seven passports handed to him by the office of the Attorney General of Federation and found that they were genuine. That they were authorised based on letters written on the directive of the defendant by one Mrs. L Nwankwo, a protocol officer with the Supreme Court.

He agreed that Mrs. Nwankwo misinformed the NIS but on the directive of Justice Ngwuta that he had lost the passports.

He said that under the law, there were circumstances where a citizen could have standard passport and diplomatic passports, “but you are not allowed to have two valid diplomatic passports at the same time.

It is illegal,” he added.

He explained that when passport is issued in replacement of an old one, the number is endorsed on the new passport.

The witness also stated that there were two valid visas on exhibit 5 (a) diplomatic passport that was reported lost and exhibit 5 (b) the  replaced diplomatic passport because the defendant went and applied for another visa for the  replaced passport exhibit 5 (b).

He said it is an offence to discard passport that is valid and ask for the issuance of a new one. He said the defendant failed to report when he found the old one and began to use it. “We make allowance for genuine mistakes, but the defendant’s conduct did not show that it is a genuine mistake as he went ahead and started to use it,” Kutana said.

Justice John Tsoho adjourned the case to October 20 and 27 for continuation.

IPOB condemns killing of The Sun salesman

IPOB condemns killing of The Sun salesman  

       

— 7th October 2017

From Jeff Amechi Agbodo, Onitsha

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) under the leadership of Nnamdi Kanu, has commiserated with the management and staff of The Sun Publishing Ltd over the killing of its sales representative in Onitsha, Anambra State, Mr. Fabian Obi, by armed robbers.

The group said the untimely death of Obi came as a shock to all, as such heinous crime rarely occurred in the past, stressing that it was a sure sign, if any is needed, that life under the current socio-economic and political climate in Anambra State was no longer safe.

A statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, said, “it is quite unfortunate that this type of unfortunate incident could happen in Anambra State governed by Chief Willie Obiano, who has often boasted about his crime fighting credentials. It appears that Governor Obiano’s allegedly use of armed services like the Hausa- Fulani army and police is usually reserved for the unarmed law abiding citizens exercising their right to freedom of assembly and association and not against violent criminals.

“We wonder what the governor and his South East counterparts are doing with the security votes meant for securing lives and property in their respective states. We pray to God Almighty to grant the family members of the deceased, the management and staff of The Sun Newspapers Limited, the fortitude to bear the loss.”

Kachikwu keeps mum after meeting with Buhari

Kachikwu keeps mum after meeting with Buhari

— 7th October 2017

• Baru meets Osinbajo

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu on Friday at the end of the meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, refused to comment on what transpired. He met behind closed doors with the President  at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Kachikwu, who wore black suit arrived the Villa at about 11:35am and left around 12:50 p.m. He simply said “No comment “ when approached by State House Correspondents as he walked out of the President’s office with the Special Adviser to the President on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina.

Kachikwu’s letter to the President in which he alleged gross insubordination by the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Maikanti Baru, was leaked to the media during the week.

He had alleged that Baru, using the NNPC awarded $25 billion worth of contracts without following due process. He had also alleged that the $25 billion deal was struck without consulting the office of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources or the board of the corporation.

Meanwhile Baru, was also seen leaving the Vice President wing, at about 1.15 p.m. He too avoided commenting on his meeting with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. He however participated in the Ju’mat prayers in the Villa.

What Buhari told me on Biafra agitation – Gov Umahi

What Buhari told me on Biafra agitation – Gov Umahi

— 7th October 2017

Recently, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi state and Chairman, South East Governors’ Forum, travelled with President Buhari to New York to attend the UN General Assembly. In this interaction covered by our correspondent, OBINNA ODOGWU, the Governor revealed the details of his private discussions with Buhari on Biafra agitation as well as the President’s response.

Hate speeches seem to be the order of the day in Nigeria. What is the Ebonyi State Government doing to curb the menace?

We have a very important law we are going to make and that will be on hate speeches. You will have to prove henceforth whatever allegations you put forward, whether it is on the social media or on the pages of newspaper. We are going to make the law so that when you are accusing anybody you will have to prove it. We will create a department that will be in charge of that so that we regulate hate speeches in the state.

Already, Kaduna state did it and I told the Governor, please export whatever you have in Kaduna and bring here. What is pulling this country down is our mouths and mindset. People just sit down at one corner and start to destroy people and cook up all kinds of things you cannot prove. We know that this is democracy but he that comments must prove his or her point and we must insist on that. The courts are there to prove our points and strengthen democracy. Anybody who stays at the corners of his/her house to accuse you, that person must be fished out to prove it.

From all indications, the country will soon be restructured in view of the clamour all over the nation. How prepared are South East states?

Very soon, there will be no more money coming from Abuja, it will happen just suddenly. If they just say okay let us do restructuring and of course the North is doing greatly very well, how do we survive? North has a lot of opportunities, they are moving into agriculture.

And so some people see restructuring as a dream that may not come to pass. If they say we must restructure and let every region harness its resources and keep it, bring 50% of it to the centre, 30% to common pocket to be redistributed and 20% to the federal government. The question is: what are we going to bring to the centre? But this is one of the aspects of restructuring and so we must wake up. I will continue to shout it, we must hear that and I am happy the President commended Ebonyi state in agriculture and fertilizer. One of my fights in this state is such that the Abakaliki rice would not be dimmed because it is known all over the world. But we have to do different things if we must excel. We have improved in agriculture actually but we have not reached our destination and we must get to the destination in rice production in this country.

What can you say about the ongoing agitations in the South-East region for the actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra and the recent proscription of IPOB?

I want to thank the Governors of South-East and the North for their efforts in ending the ugly incident that occurred recently. Let me assure Nigerians that Mr. President has heard you and he is going to address all the issues raised.  There is no need to continue insulting our leaders and abusing other tribes. No need trying to pose danger to the existence of our people. We are not untrustworthy people. We are very, very trustworthy. We are hardworking and well cultured people and so, we have made our points.

I had private discussion with Mr. President in New York and I want to assure the South-Easterners that the President will address all our problems. Nigeria is going to see peace. We are stronger when we are bigger. Let me also tell our people that we are playing too much politics. It is only in the South-East that you see petitions that they are piling in the EFCC. Everything is now about politics and we left our hard work for politics.

As the incumbent and 3rd civilian Governor of Ebonyi State since its creation 21 years ago, what efforts have you made in living up to the dreams of the founding fathers?

In our efforts to create a new Ebonyi State of the dreams of our founding fathers, we christened the platform upon which God brought us to leadership and raised us so high above distractions through the divine mandate. We remain grateful to God. We can humbly say that we have achieved a lot through God’s divine mandate within the two years of our administration. We have kept hope alive and delivered on our campaign promises despite obstacles that have stirred us and still stirring us in the face, but we are surmounting most of them.

Undoubtedly, this year’s celebration for us as a people is an important juncture in the annals of our statehood; because, we have worked hard to bring development to our state.

In the previous years, we have devoted this celebration to enumerating our collective challenges in which insecurity had formed the major challenge. But today, we have modified this annual event such that it has become a convention for our collective achievements. We have kept hope alive and tackled our challenges as a people who are destined to succeed.

Let me emphasize that the dream of our founding fathers was that should Ebonyi State be created; it will survive based on the human and mineral resources that God endowed us with. It is important that we know how far we have harnessed these resources that God gave to us.