Ohanaeze cancels 2017 Igbo Day in Bayelsa

Ohanaeze cancels 2017 Igbo Day in Bayelsa

 

— 28th September 2017

The pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation,  Ohaneze Ndigbo, has announced the cancellation of the 2017 Igbo Day celebration in Bayelsa State.
According to the group, instead of an elaborate celebration as they do annually in the state, the day would be marked indoors for sober reflections and prayers for unity and peace in Nigeria.
The group while  noting that the  Igbo in Bayelsa State cannot pretend over the incidence of violence and killings in the Eastern states over the agitations by some members of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), the decision to cancel the celebration in Bayelsa was to mourn those that were killed in Aba and Umuahia  in Abia State.
The President of the Bayelsa State chapter of the Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Maurice Amaku, who disclosed this in a press briefing in Yenagoa, said the decision was borne out of a collective agreement reached by the leaders and members of the Igbo community in the state.
Chief Amaku urged the Igbo to use the period for sober reflection by holding prayers in their individual homes.

IPOB: Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers sue Army

                                                             

IPOB: Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers sue Army

— 28th September 2017

•Begs court to order Buratai to produce him

Lawyers to leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, have approached a Federal High Court in Abuja, for an order directing the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, to produce Kanu in court, after declaring him missing.
The originating summons, which was brought pursuant to Section 40 of the Federal High Court Action, F12, LFN 2005, and Section 6(6) (1) (4) of the 1999 Constitution is seeking for an order of Habeas Corpus ad subjiciendum, commanding Buratai to produce Kanu in court.
Kanu was arrested on October 14, 2015 and was consequently arraigned in court, along other defendants, on January 20,  2016, on an 11-count charge of treasonable felony, conspiracy to commit treasonable felony, belonging to an unlawful society, importation of goods, publication of libellous matters, among others.
However, six, out of the 11-count charge had since March 28, 2017, been struck out by the court, including allegation of belonging to an unlawful society. He was subsequently granted bail on April 25, 2017, by Justice Binta Nyanko, of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court.
On August 25, 2017, the Federal Government, through the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN), filed an application requesting the court to revoke Kanu’s bail.
Hearing on the matter is slated to commence on October 17, 2017.
His lawyers, led by Ifeanyi Ejiafor told the court that Kanu was last seen after soldiers had, on September 14, 2017, invaded his house, located at Afara-ukwu Ibeku, Umuahia, Abia State.
Others on the legal team include Maxwell Okpara; Chudi Igwe; Chinwe Umeche; Habila Turshak and Augustine Ezeokeke.
The suit was predicated on the grounds that during “the bloody onslaught by the soldiers,”  Nnamdi Kanu has not been heard from or seen after this bloody attack in his home by agents of the respondent since the September 14, 2017.
Meanwhile, General Officer Commanding, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Adamu Abubakar, has said Operation Python Dance II  has drastically reduced crime in the South East,  barely two weeks of its commencement. Abubakar said this yesterday, when he visited Oba Idemili South Local Government Area camp of the exercise.
He was accompanied by Commander 302 Artillery Regiment, Col. Idongesit Akpan, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa and other security chiefs in Anambra, drawn from the Navy, Police, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Department of State Services, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Prisons and Civil Defence Corps (PCDC), where he restated that the exercise is not about any human being whatsoever, but to ensure a united country where everybody will be safe.
He said the police gave the reports of crime in Anambra State and the Army looked at the analysis of crime in the last two months in the state and it became necessary, that the Army steps in to assist and since the exercise started, the level of crime has drastically gone down.
“We should not be sentimental about things; we should look more at the national interest, rather than personal and parochial interest, when dealing with security issues.
“The Nigerian Army will always respect human rights, as it is enshrined in our Rule of Engagement and also, the Code of Conduct for which every soldier has a copy; human rights are there and we just have to respect them. As we are doing, we also urge the media to report exactly what you see…”

“He said they decided to locate the camp at Oba because of the space that abound in the area, “there is no particular consideration, but that the soldiers particularly, the young ones were brought here to see how it is done in internal security outside the barracks, that was why we chose this place and am sure you can see the layout.”
“While we are teaching we are also training and that is what is going on, here, there is no particular preference; it could be any other place other than this place.”

‎IPOB: Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers sue Nigerian Army
•Beg court to order Buratai to produce him
From Godwin Tsa, Abuja and Aloysius Attah, Onitsha

Lawyers to leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), ‎Nnamdi Kanu, have approached a Federal High Court in Abuja, for an order directing directing the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, to produce Kanu in court, after declaring him missing.
The originating summons, which was brought pursuant to section 40 of the Federal High Court Action, F12, LFN 2005, and section 6(6) (1) (4) of the 1999 constitution is seeking for an order of Habeas Corpus ad subjiciendum, commanding Buratai to produce Kanu in court.
Kanu was arrested on October 14, 2015 and was consequently arraigned in court, along other defendants, on January 20,  2016, on an 11-count charge of treasonable felony, conspiracy to commit treasonable felony, belonging to an unlawful society, importation of goods, publication of libellous matters, among others.
However, six, out of the eleven count charge had since March 28, 2017, been struck out by the court, including allegation of belonging to an unlawful society.
He was subsequently granted bail on April 25, 2017, by Justice Binta Nyanko, of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court.
On August 25, 2017, the Federal Government, through the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN), filed an application requesting the court to revoke Kanu’s bail.
Hearing on the matter is slated to commence on the 17th day of October, 2017.
His lawyers, led by Ifeanyi Ejiafor told the court that Kanu was last seen after soldiers had, on September 14, 2017, invaded his house, located at Afara-ukwu Ibeku, Umuahia Abia State.
Others on the legal team include Maxwell Okpara; Chudi Igwe; Chinwe Umeche; Habila Turshak and Augustine Ezeokeke.
The suit was predicated on the grounds that during “the bloody onslaught by the Soldiers,”  Nnamdi Kanu has not been heard from or seen after this bloody attack in his home by the Agents of the Respondent since the 14th day of September 2017.
Meanwhile, General Officer Commanding, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Adamu Abubakar has said Operation Python Dance II  has drastically reduced crime in the South East,  barely two weeks of its commencement. Abubakar said this, yesterday, when he visited Oba Idemili South Local Government Area camp of the exercise.
He was accompanied by Commander 302 Artillery Regiment, Col. Idongesit Akpan, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa and other security chiefs in Anambra, drawn from the Navy, Police, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Department of State Services, the Federal Road Safety Corps and Prisons and Civil Defence Corps, where he restated again that the exercise is not about any human being whatsoever, but to ensure a very united country where everybody will be safe.
He said that the police gave the reports of crime in the Anambra state and the Army looked at the analysis of crime in the last two months in the state and it became very necessary, that the Army steps in to assist, and since the exercise started, the level of crime has drastically gone down.
“We should not be sentimental about things; we should look more at the national interest, rather than personal and parochial interest, when dealing with security issues”

“The Nigerian Army will always respect human rights, as it is enshrined in our Rule of Engagement, and also the code of conduct for which every soldier has a copy, human rights is there and we just have to respect it, as we are doing, we also urge the press to report exactly what you see.    

Igbo group drags Buhari, Buratai to ICC over killing of IPOB members

Igbo group drags Buhari, Buratai to ICC over killing of IPOB members 

- Alaigbo Development Foundation said it has sent out petitions to the International Criminal Court and the US over killing of members of the Indigenous People of Biafra - The group said the petitions were sent out with full documentation of facts and figures of abuses against the people in south east - The group alleged that Nigerian military's operation python dance II is aimed at eliminating people from the south east An Igbo group, Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF) has said it has taken a step to file a suit against President Muhammadu Buhari; the chief of army staff, Tukur Buratai and some other individuals over the ongoing Operation Python Dance II in the southeast. The group said it has filed a petition before the International Criminal Court at the Hague over human rights abuses by the Nigerian army against members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). ADF said the military exercise in the region was aimed ethnic cleaning of the people of Igbo extraction. September 24, the president of the ADF, Uzodinma Nwala said the group will ensure that a petition loaded with facts, figures and evidences is filed before the ICC. Nwala said the group had already filed series of petitions against the Nigerian government, the military at the United States Congress. He also said the ADF is currently documenting incidents that have occurred in the past against the people of the region. “During our visit to the United States of America, we visited the US Congress, and many other places and we gave them a petition, and alerted them that forces were mobilizing to decimate Ndigbo; in fact, that another pogrom was in the making. “Our people abroad are working hard. The petitions are virtually ready and, in our own case, we want to make sure everything is tidied up. “We are documenting every case, this is not an emotional burden to ADF; it is a highly, intellectual burden. The documents are getting ready to prosecute these things. “The petitions have gone out, including to the ICC on the invasion. As the invasion was going on, documentations were being made, including the videos forwarded to them. We are virtually ready to present the case on the issue of ethnic cleansing,” he said. The group's president also condemned the proscription of the IPOB by the military and the federal government. He said the move by FG and the military were illegal against the group. “Again, it is a nullity, even if they start arresting everybody because of IPOB; how many will they arrest? IPOB can change its name to IPOB or any other thing. “It is a movement of a people and not an association you can register and later, you say you do not want to register,”‎ Nwala added. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigeria’s #1 new app NAIJ.com earlier reported that the US government said it does not consider the IPOB as a terrorist organization. The US through its spokesperson of the American Embassy in Nigeria, Russell Brooks, said according to its law, the IPOB cannot be categorized as a terrorists organization. Brooks however said the US is committed to the unity of the Nigerian state despite all odds.

Catholic priest tells FG to ban CAN, JNI

Catholic priest tells FG to ban CAN, JNI

 - A Catholic reverend father has called for the proscription of Christian Association of Nigeria and Jamatul Nasrul Islam - The reverend father claimed such step would go a long way to stem the tide of religious crisis being instigated in the country - He also claimed proscription of the two organizations would show adherence to Nigerian Constitution which states that the country is a multi-religious state Reverend Father Gabriel Teruwose Ngbea, a Catholic priest, has urged the federal government to ban the two main umbrella bodies of religious organization in the country. The cleric urged the federal government to proscribe the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Jamatul Nasrul Islam (JNI) immediately. The priest made this known in Abuja on Tuesday, September 26, at the public presentation of the book “Constitutional Misconception of Secularism: Implications for Politics and Religion”. The book was authored by him. The Reverend father claimed such step would go a long way to stem the tide of religious crisis being instigated in the country. Father Gabriel on page 302 of his book said that: “CAN and JNI should be proscribed because apart from their failed mandate of advancing religious interests that these bodies have constituted themselves into a political organization, often deployed to pursue political interests.” He said the proscription of the two organizations would show adherence to Nigerian constitution which states that the country is a multi-religious state. Going further, he also proposed the establishment of what he called Religious Equity Commission (REC) with a mandate to ensure that there is no discrimination among Nigerians on the basis of their faith, Nigerian Tribune reports. “The establishment of an independent Religious Equity Commission whose mandate should be to ensure that there is no discrimination among Nigerians on basis of faith. CAN and JNI should be completely banned in the country.” However, chairman of the occasion, Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria's former vice-president restated his position that the present administration should listen to demands of agitators for restructuring. Atiku who was represented by former speaker of the Plateau state House of Assembly, George Daika said: “Let me, however, use this opportunity to remind us all that at this delicate moment in our nation’s history – with separatist agitations, militancy of the religious and secular varieties, calls for restructuring, and jostling for future elections, we should all be mindful of and sensitive to the feelings and preferences of those who may not think the way we think, the way we speak or worship, the way we worship or belong to the same political party as us. Our diversity ought to be our strength and, together, we can still build the Nigeria of our dreams.” Meanwhile, in a report by NAIJ.com, Nigeria is reputed to rank 9th among 40 most religious countries in the world. Watch video as christian group defends Apostle Suleman who was accused of extra marital affairs.

FRAUD ALERT NDA FAKE ADMISSION LETTER

FRAUD ALERT
NDA FAKE ADMISSION LETTERThe attention of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has been drawn to a fake and outrageous NDA Letter of Admission being circulated through emails, social media and other sources.   The fake letter purportedly signed by the Academy Registrar is NOT from the NDA.   The letter also contains the financial requirements for the following:

    a.    School Fee = N120, 000.00
    b.    Accommodation Fee = N25, 000.00
    c.    Acceptance Fee = N30, 000.00

The NDA does not in any way charge for School fee, Accommodation and Acceptance fees or any fee at all.  It is pertinent to note that all admitted NDA Candidate would be contacted by the NDA authorities through appropriate means.   Furthermore, only qualified candidates who successfully pass the Medicals, Physical and NDA Selection Board interview would be considered.   The list of all NDA successful Candidates would be published at the official NDA website(www.nda.edu.ng) and in the national dailies at the end of the selection exercise with the approval of the Chief of Defence Staff. Admission letters will be issued to successful candidates after matriculation in December 2017.

The general public is therefore advised not to fall prey or have any dealings with the said fake NDA admission letter.   Also, NDA admission letters are only given to successful candidates after resumption and completion of appropriate documentation in the NDA, Kaduna. Accordingly, the general public is advised to report anyone circulating such letters or similar information to the nearest Military or Police Unit.  For avoidance of doubt a copy of the fake letter is as shown below. 

Wife of Kaduna State Governor Commends NDA Commandant

Wife of Kaduna State Governor Commends NDA Commandant

Wife of the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Hajia Hadiza El –Rufai, has commended the Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy, Major General MT Ibrahim on the level of infrastructural development within the Academy. Hajia Hadiza made the commendation while delivering her goodwill message at a public lecture titled, “The future of Urban Development in Nigeria and the challenges of development control mechanism”, organized by the NDA Publications Committee in collaboration with the Department of Geography and the Centre for Energy and Environment of the NDA.

Being her first visit to the Academy, Hajiya Hadiza said she was equally impressed with the efforts the Academy has made to arganise such an important event, which she described as timely, particularly at a time when the society is undergoing stages of development.

Wife of the Kaduna State Governor, Hajia Hadiza El – Rufai, giving her goodwill message during the public lecture organized by the NDA Publications Committee

In his remarks, the Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy, Major General MT Ibrahim attributed some of the challenges being faced by most of our urban centres to the hazard nature development is carried out in our society, especially in terms of infrastructural development. He therefore called on stakeholders in the area of development to always come up with a blue print before embarking on any developmental quest.

Further in his remarks, the Commandant thanked the wife of the governor for gracing the event despite her tight schedules. He also appreciated the guest lecturer, for a well researched presentation, describing him as a man of intellectual depth, whose enthusiasm is infectious.

Commandant NDA maj Gen MT Ibrahim addressing participants at a public lectures.

On his own part, the Guest Lecturer, Professor Williams B Qurix, in his presentation gave a critical assessment on urban development in Nigeria against the backdrop of a changing population and growth.

Prof WB QURIX, presenting a lecture at the professor Mahmood yakubu hall, NDA Kaduna

Citing example with a number of selected states in Nigeria, which include Kaduna, Abuja and Lagos, the guest lecturer revealed that urban growth in these states have overstretched the state of critical basic infrastructure in the cities and the mechanisms of development control seem ineffective in stemming growth, thereby leading to unplanned development. Furthermore, Professor Qurix added that neglect on the part of government to put in place genuine plans to develop the rural areas is one amongst the various factors responsible for a large number of urban population density in the country, which has contributed to most of social vices the society is battling with today. To address some of these Challenges associated with our urban centres, Professor Quirix advocated for a synergy among the government development agencies which includes the Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Agency (KADSUPDA), Kaduna State Environmental Protection Agency (KEPA), Kaduna Public Works Agency (KAPWA) and Kaduna State Traffic and Environmental Law Agency (KASTELEA) to synergize and come up with a development control manual that would give guideline information, as well as set up monitoring and evaluating units to ensure compliance to development control guidelines. To tackle some of the challenges associated with our urban centre, Professor Qurix recommended that the development agencies should be strengthened to dispense good governance and should be independent to the extent of planning both the physical and socio economic environment. Other recommendations include reordering of priority in revenue generation and funding for critical infrastructure, urban aesthetics, crime management and social consensus among others.

In their separate remarks the managing Director KATSELEA, Colonel AZ Ahmed (rtd) and the MD KADSUPDA, Arch Fausat Ibikunle, assured the esteemed audience of their readiness to key into and attend to the development control issues and activities within the state to make it a better place for all.

Cross Section of some participants at the NDA Public Lecture on Development Control Mechanisms

The lecture which drew participants from within and outside the Academy dealt extensively with some of the Challenges associated with most of our urban cities in Nigeria with some proffered recommendations.

Lil Kesh – Baby Favour

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Nigeria’s unity not negotiable – Senate

Nigeria’s unity not negotiable – Senate

ABUJA — The Senate, after a two-hour closed-door session, yesterday, declared that Nigeria’s unity is not negotiable. This came as the House of Representatives resolved to investigate calls for restructuring by some sections of the country. Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki; leading his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu and others into the Senate Chamber on resumption from annual recess, yesterday, in Abuja. RIGHT: Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara and other Principal Officers, heading to the Chamber for Plenary on resumption from annual recess, yesterday, at the National Assembly, Abuja. Photos: Gbemiga Olamikan. The House also said it will constitute a committee to aggregate the issues raised by agitators towards addressing the demand for restructuring of the country, as well revisit aspects of the constitution, dealing with power devolution. The Senate position followed a briefing from chairman of the South-East Senate caucus, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe. The Senate also said it will encourage agitators in the polity to seek peaceful means towards resolving their grievances. While the Senate was on break, the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, which is seeking secession of the South-East, was declared a terrorist organisation by the military and proscribed by governors of the region. Although, the government later procured a court order to legitimatise its action after Senate President Bukola Saraki  faulted the proscription of the group, saying it was unconstitutional. He said the senate would investigate the issue when it resumed. In the House, the Speaker, Mr Yakubu Dogara, at the resumption from the seasonal holiday, yesterday, also indicated the readiness of the National Assembly to revisit areas pertaining to devolution of powers that were stepped down during the recent voting exercise. Meanwhile, chapters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi states, yesterday, threw their support behind the restructuring of the polity towards giving more powers to the states. In his opening address, while welcoming members back from the holiday,  Dogara recalled issues that stirred the polity while the House was on vacation. Among the issues he noted were agitations against marginalisation in the South-East, recovery from recession, among others. On a possible way out of the agitations, he said: “We are all aware that during the recess, the agitation by a group of persons based in the South-East geo-political zone of the country and the heightened call by many groups for restructuring of the country dominated discourse in Nigeria. “Indeed all patriotic Nigerians rose in unison to uphold the fundamental rights of all citizens to move freely and reside in any part of the federation as they choose, without let or hindrance. It appears to me that the citizens of this great country have sounded the message loud and clear that they stand for a united, prosperous and just Nigeria. “Do we have a legislative response to the issues that have been thrown up? Is the National Assembly involved in the debate? Can restructuring take place outside the existing legal order? Indeed all the arguments about restructuring are, at the end of the day, legislative issues. It may be necessary in due course for the National Assembly to have a second look at the issues that had been thrown up. The National Assembly as a representative and product of the people cannot act contrary to the wishes and aspirations of its constituents. We need to sift all the ‘noise’ and find out what exactly a majority of our people actually want? This is a responsibility we cannot outsource. “Going forward, it is my view that we need to revisit some aspects of the voting on Constitution Alteration. Luckily we still have the legislative window of conferencing with the Senate, where we have differences.” Following Dogara’s remarks, the House Leader, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila (APC, Surulere, Lagos) moved for the constitution of an ad-hoc committee to probe various issues raised by ethnic nationalities across Nigeria. He observed that “events of the last few weeks brought Nigeria close to the precipice but for the determination of Nigerians in their various show of commitment to the peace and unity of the country. Hence the urgent need for the intervention of the House of Representatives.” Ruling in favour of the motion, Speaker Dogara said: “There’s no need to debate this matter until the investigations have been concluded.  I’ll, therefore, put it to vote.” Immediately he pronounced it, the ayes carried the day without any dissenting voice. Presidency hails House The House resolution was welcomed by the Presidency, which through the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Legislative Matters, Sulaiman Kawu hailed the House on the move. Kawu in a statement yesterday said:  “May I use this opportunity to commend the 360 members of the House for unanimously passing a resolution to work for the unity of Nigeria in the face of daunting challenges and threats by certain groups, who are bent on causing disharmony and disunity among Nigerians. “Indeed, there is no better time to come out with such a strong position like now. In the same vein, the lawmakers resolved to work with Mr. President for One Nigeria so as to take the country to the next level of development is laudable.” Meanwhile, the Senate also after a closed-door session affirmed that the indivisibility of Nigeria as a country was not negotiable, just as it said that it could only support lawful agitations by any group or section of the country. The Senate also resolved that constitutional means must be used to resolve crises in the country, even as it vowed that as an institution, it would use all means within its reach to ensure peace in all parts of Nigeria. These decisions, Vanguard gathered, were taken at the closed-door session after the Chairman, South East Senate Caucus, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (PDP, Abia South) briefed the Senators on the unfolding issues surrounding the Indigenous People Of Biafra, IPOB, its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, his bail as well as the proclamation that the group was a terrorist organization. A source told Vanguard that the Senators were however, divided on the issue especially those from the North who were not comfortable with the activities of IPOB, and the hate speeches of Kanu. But at the end of the day, the lawmakers came to a compromise of the need to preach peace and keeping Nigeria as one indivisible nation. SOKOTO, KEBBI and ZAMFARA APC support Restructuring The state chapters of the three North-West states of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara made their submissions to the APC committee on restructuring at its public hearing in Sokoto yesterday. The position of Sokoto as presented by former deputy governor, Chiso Abdullahi, rejected the creation of new states, saying that many states in the country at the moment are not viable. He advocated that the presidential system and fiscal federalism should be maintained as enshrined in the constitution while power rotation and zoning should be maintained to foster national unity while also calling for the abolition of one of the two chambers of the National Assembly. Kebbi State also rejected the creation of new states and bicameral legislature while zoning should be practised between North and South. Kebbi also advocated a revenue sharing formula with Federal Government having 40 percent, states 40 percent and local government areas 20 percent. It also canvassed for devolution of powers whereby the Federal Government should transfer some aspects that will be better handled by the states. Zamfara State, however, disagreed with Sokoto and Kebbi as it called for the sustenance of the status quo on the major issues of derivation, devolution of powers, presidential system of government and land tenure system. Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the APC Restructuring Committee for North-west and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, said all the views collated would be taken back to the APC national headquarters. “At the end of the exercise, all the views collated will be analysed and this will form the opinion of the APC and the federal government,” he said. In his remarks, Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, said the aim of the public hearing was to collate views of the people on how the country should be restructured and governed.

S-East govs to rehabilitate, empower IPOB members — Umahi

S-East govs to rehabilitate, empower IPOB members — Umahi

ABAKALIKI—Chairman of South East Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ebonyi State, Mr David Umahi, yesterday, stated that the South-East governors have concluded arrangements to re-absorb, rehabilitate and empower youths who were misled by the agitation of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, in the country. This came as the  Biafra Zionists Federation, BZF, has vowed that Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai,  will  end up in prison over the recent deployment of troops in Abia State. David Umahi, Okezie Ikpeazu, Willie Obiano, Rochas Okorocha and Ifeanyi Ugwanyi This is even as  Anambra State government and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Professor Ilochi Okafor, disagreed  on the issue of Biafra during the commencement of the 2017/2018 Anambra State legal year. Governor Umahi , who spoke during the Ebonyi Peace Day celebration at Ezillo, in Ishielu Local Government headquarters in the state directed the Commissioner for Economic Empowerment and Job Creation, Uchenna Orji, to begin the immediate compilation of the names of the youths with a view to assisting them become self-reliant, economically self-sufficient and meaningful to the society. Umahi further stated that the proscription of IPOB has helped in saving the lives of over 12 million Igbo and foreigners across the country, stressing that the importance and sanctity of human lives cannot be over-emphasized. He expressed dismay over the methodology being used by the IPOB to achieve their mission, adding that it was wrong for the agitators to start abusing other ethnic groups in the course of their agitation. The  governor appealed to the Ezza-Ezillo communities to do their best by ensuring lasting peace in their communities as the state government was committed to the peace and development of the area. Highlights of the occasion included  the final signing of the peace agreement between Ezza and Ezillo communities, release of peace symbol (pigeons) by the governor and dance and band performance by both parties. BZF blasts Mohammed, Buratai, Mbaka The Biafra Zionists Federation also warned the Enugu charismatic Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, to be careful over his alleged sabotage of the Biafra struggle. BZF leader, Benjamin Onwuka, said that all the people who were involved in the deployment of troops to Aba and Umuahia will pay a heavy price over the deaths. Onwuka said “banning IPOB will not affect restoration of Biafra. It is a waste of time; IPOB is just a group, Biafra is a country. You cannot ban a nation, which came into being in May 1957. So, banning IPOB is simple waste of  political time.” On the army invasion of Abia State, the zionists said: “It is clearly a tragedy. It is clearly a military invasion; it has nothing to do with IPOB or Nnamdi Kanu. This is the North invading the East because of Biafra. I want to deeply condemn the act. He said: “The statement from Lai Mohammed is rubbish and I am telling him today that he will face ICC over the killings in Abia. “We are as well calling on the Northern religious leaders, the Sultan of Sokoto and the Emir of Kano to call President Buhari and the Army chiefs to order. “They should order them to withdraw these troops and rampaging herdsmen from Biafra land.” On Fr. Mbaka, he said: “It is regrettable that our church leaders, especially the notable ones,instead of supporting Biafra, are busy using words that do not in any way reflect what is happening. Look at the killings in Abia, have they said anything? “The Zionists are warning Ejike Mbaka that he is putting his adoration ministry on the line. All the clerics supporting these killings will be sent away from here by the Biafra government and we will take over that his adoration ground.” Anambra govt, UNIZIK ex-VC differ on IPOB While the Anambra State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr. Anali Chude, described IPOB as enemies of the state for calling for a boycott of the November 18 polls in the state, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, and former Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof Ilochi Okafor, said IPOB had the right in law for agitation. Chude, who urged the people of the state to go out en emasse on November 18 to exercise their franchise without fear of any molestation, described those who called for the boycott of the election as enemies of the state who wanted to plunge Anambra State into chaos by directing that elections would not hold in the state. The Attorney General said:”It is the stand of the state government that election must hold in Anambra State. We shall stand up to the occasion and refuse to allow people who do not wish Anambra State well to drag us to a situation whereby we will be turned into the guinea pigs in the Nigeria polity.” But Prof Okafor argued that demonstration towards the right to self determination was recognised as fundamental rights in international law and the United Nations Charter, adding that the military had no role to play in quelling civilian demonstration where the police had not failed. According to him, the Igbo had faced and lived under pogroms and threats of extermination for 100 years in the country. He said: “There is nothing like military democracy. It is democracy pure and simple; it is where the practice of rule of law, as well as security and welfare of citizens are paramount, without discrimination of tribe, religion, sex and ethnic origin. “Armies do not arrest civilians. Police do. Armies are not sanctioned against a peaceful people, or demonstration. Armies intervene where it is beyond the police, against insurrection, terrorism, and external aggression.” This country has neglected women, youths —Okorocha Governor Okorocha stated this at a two-day first Women Gender and Young Workers conference, organised by the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, in Owerri. He mentioned agitations by IPOB as a proof  that youths had been neglected. He said: “I am happy because I love you. I am happy because I believe that the local government is the closest government to the ordinary person in the street. “I have seen women in Nigeria struggling for recognition and I see misrepresentation of women in the society and the failure to give women responsibility is why things are going the way it is in this country. “This country has neglected the women and youths. Imagine the IPOB, they are not people of my age. It is time to engage the youths of this country. “Let me say this, we must go back to agriculture. And there is no system more qualified to talk about agriculture if not the local government system. I want this conference to include agriculture in their agenda.” Operation Python Dance is to ensure a united country Meantime, General Officer Commanding, GOC, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major-General Adamu Abubakar, yesterday, in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area camp of  the Operation Python Dance II, said the exercise is not about  anybody whatsoever, but to ensure a very united country where everybody will be safe. He said the police gave the reports of crime in the Anambra State and the army looked at the analysis of crime in the last two months in the state and it became very necessary that the army steps in to assist, and since three weeks now, the level of crime has drastically gone down. He said: “The Nigerian Army will always respect human rights, as it is enshrined in our Rule of Engagement, and also the code of conduct for which every soldier has a copy. Human right is there and we just have to respect it, as we are doing. We also urge the press to report exactly what it sees. “We should not be sentimental about things; we should look more at the national interest, rather than personal and parochial interests, when dealing with security issues.” He said they decided to locate the camp at Oba because of the space that abounds in the area, “there is no particular consideration, buat the soldiers particularly, the young ones were brought here to see how it is done in internal security outside the barracks, that was why we chose this place and am sure you can see the layout.” “While we are teaching we are also training and that is what is going on, here, there is no particular preference; it could be any other place other than this place.” The GOC who earlier commissioned the reconstructed Onitsha Military Cantonment gate, two water boreholes of 48,000 gallons capacity, built inside the military cantonment by the Nigerian Army headquarters, said that the projects were to assist the soldiers to be responsive to their duties anytime they are called upon to do so.

IPOB: Senate, South East governors to meet Buhari over agitations

IPOB: Senate, South East governors to meet Buhari over agitations

The leadership of the Senate and governors from the South East states of Nigeria are reportedly to meet President Muhammadu Buhari on ways to resolve the crises emanating from the series of ethnic agitation including that of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB. The senators’ resolve to meet with the executive was reached on Tuesday at its resumption after eight-week recess. President Muhammadu Buhari The meeting is to cement the agreement by the South East and northern senators on their position on agitation for Biafra. Senate President Bukola Saraki read out the summary of the outcome of the meeting, stating that “At about 12.30 pm, we concluded our closed-door session. “We deliberated on key national issues and resolved as follows that the unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is non-negotiable. “We also resolved to seek all lawful avenues to ensure that peace is restored to all parts of Nigeria. “All groups or associations currently in agitations for one reason or the other should do so through the laws of the land.” Also governors of the five states in the South East will soon meet with President Muhammadu Buhari, on Biafra agitations in the region. Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief David Umahi, disclosed this during the 2017 Ebonyi Peace Day celebration at Ezillo, in Ishielu Local Government Area of the state, “I was able to hold a private discussion with our dear president. We have discussed all issues of agitations and Mr. President is going to further the discussions with South East governors. “And, I want to assure our people that all our concerns will be addressed, under peace, with our President. And Mr. President sends his regards to Igbo people.” Umahi added that he was shocked by the President’s humility when he listened attentively and gave him a dose of humour during the discussion, in New York. “I said ‘sir, you have a very good heart.’ This was because, in the course of our discussion, he said something. He said it doesn’t matter what people say about you; that what matters is God that sent you. And when God sends you, you should do justice to all and leave the rest to God. “So, it doesn’t matter how we feel. What matters is that we must use dialogue, peaceful approach, prayers, commitment and love, to get to where we want to be. And, before now, we were noted for hard work. We must go back to it. We must go back to loving ourselves,” Umahi said. At another forum, Umahi said he would, next week, lead his colleagues in the South-East and other stakeholders in Igboland, to the 2017 National Conference of the Igbo Christian Restoration Assembly (ICRA.