IPoB not a Terror Group, South East Governors Declare






The Governor of Abia state, Okezie Ikpeazu, has said that South-East Governors only banned the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), but did not declare it as a terrorist organization.
The Governor, while speaking on The Osasu Show,  also stated that labelling IPOB a terrorist organisation has far-reaching consequences.
He said;   “Put the action of the south-east governors within context. It became expedient for the south-east governors to look at their mandate”.

“My mandate as a governor is to secure life and property of not only Abians but everybody that is doing business within the geographical space called Abia.
“So at that time, I should protect even those agitating for an independent country called Biafra. I come from a part of the country where the lives and property of visitors within your gate is perhaps more important than your own life.
“My duty and responsibility as at that day was to make sure that I avert bloodshed of monumental proportion.
“People make all types of agitations across Nigeria. But for me as governor, I supported proscription as at that day because we did not want news to gather under one location or another under the aegis of IPOB.
“But going forward to say this group is a terrorist group has international and far-reaching consequences.
“I don’t think the Igbo are getting a fair deal in this country. There is no other ethnic group in this country’s post-war experience that believes in one Nigeria more than the Igbo.
“The information that is available to the federal government is not available to me and if that is what they have said, it is up to them to defend it.
“But me as a person, sitting in my small corner, I can speak on any other Nigerian; ‘oh, the decision is a hasty decision’ but looking at it from the prism of the federal government is another angle.


Source: Breaking Times

Ist 3 - Storey Building Built in Lagos

Ebun House(85 Odunfa St.) owned by a Sierra Leonean immigrant, was the 1st 3-story building built in Lagos in 1913.

Source: SeeMeSeeNigeria‏.          

Nigeria exits 90 international organisations

Nigeria’s minister of foreign affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama. PHOTO: TWITTER/ GEOFFREY ONYEAMA

The Federal Government says it will trim down Nigeria’s membership of over 310 international organisations and associated financial obligations to safeguard the nation from possible financial embarrassment.
The Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, made this known when she addressed State House correspondents on the outcome of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), which was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday.
According to her, the annual commitment by Nigeria to these organisations stands at 70 million dollars.

“Basically, Nigeria is member of 310 international organisations and a committee was set up to review the rationale for our continued membership of such a large number of organisations particularly in the light of the fact that in many cases we are not actually paying financial obligations and subscription which is causing some embarrassment to Nigeria and our image abroad.
“It was discussed (at the council) that there were commitments made to some international organisations by former government which were not cash-backed,” said the minister.
She stated that the committee set up by the government to review the nation’s membership of the international organisations had recommended that the country should retain membership of 220 out of the 310 organisations.
However, the minister said the council had directed the committee to further look into their recommendations with a view to reconciling the conflicting financial figures meant to be paid as subscription fees to the organisations by Nigeria.
“Our subscriptions are in arrears in a number of major organisations. So, the directive of the council is that we should go and reconcile those figures and come back to council and have a payment plan to avoid Nigeria being embarrassed internationally,” Adeosun said.
On the 2017 budget which was signed in June, the minister described as misleading the assertion that the federal government was facing challenges in the implementation of the budget, adding that “there is really no problem at all, we are on course and preparing for the next set of releases.”
She maintained that the government was committed to infrastructure expenditure that would continue to put the economy on the path of growth.
Adeosun reiterated that the Buhari administration had issued more funds for capital projects than previous administrations in the country.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, also told the correspondents that he briefed the council on Nigeria’s participation in the just concluded United Nations General Assembly in New York.
He described Buhari’s outing at the 72nd UN General Assembly as “extremely successful’’.

Source: The Guardian

APC Attacks Buhari's Adviser, Calls Him A Rogue Elephant

Itse Sagay(SAN)

The national leadership of the governing All Progressives Congress has issued the statement below, launching a blistering attack on the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-corruption (PACAC), Professor Itse Sagay (SAN).

In the statement, the party described Mr. Sagay as arrogant and a rogue elephant who has no respect for even President Muhammadu Buhari.
The APC says it is responding to an interview Mr. Sagay granted The Nation’s newspaper where he criticized the leadership of the fold as “running riot and destroying the party.”
Read the APC full statement below.
TO SAGAY: YOU ARE THE ROGUE ELEPHANT
Our attention has been brought to an interview published on pages 46-47 of The Nation Newspaper of Sunday, September 24, 2017, granted by the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-corruption (PACAC), Professor Itse Sagay (SAN).
In the said interview, Sagay described the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as “the most unprincipled group of people” who are “encouraging and accepting rogues” in the party.
“When I say ‘rogues’, I don’t mean stealing. In literature, when you say someone is a rogue elephant, it means people who are running riot and destroying the party,” he said.
The Webster dictionary defines ‘rogue elephant’ as “one whose behavior resembles that of a rogue elephant in being aberrant or independent.”
Clearly if we have today, anyone in our government or, by extension, the party who feels accountable only to his own ego; who does not feel the need to bridle his tongue for the sake of anything that is higher than himself; who feels independent of everyone and every institution; that person is Professor Sagay.
Asked by the interviewer if he would stop speaking if the President asks him to stop speaking, he said: “Yes, he is my employer. If he tells me to stop talking, I’ll stop talking. But I have certain rights too, that I can exercise in addition to that because I’m not going to be in a position where I am impotent. So, I must obey him, but I can go beyond that and obey myself too. That’s it.”
Framed in another way, what Sagay is saying here is that, no matter what is at stake, he would rather resign than obey the President if the President tries to restrain him. This is the quintessential rogue elephant behavior.
In his sheer arrogance, he forgets that it is impossible for him to call out the leadership of the party as “weak” and “unprincipled” without indicting the President, who is the leader of the party and has the fundamental responsibility to build the party.
If Sagay had any iota of respect for the man who dug him back from inevitable oblivion and puts him in a position in which he now feels superior to everyone, he would channel his opinions and advice to the President on how to make the party stronger and more principled.
It appears however that Sagay does not have anything constructive to say about anything. He only knows how to tear down and assault everyone and everything.
We want to remind Sagay and all other appointees of our government that the only reason they occupy their current position today is because the APC won the election. There is, therefore, a matter of honor to show decorum and respect for the party and its leadership. You cannot love the fruit and hate the tree that produced it.
SIGNED:
Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi
National Publicity Secretary
All Progressives Congress (APC)

Source: Premium Times

Biafra: Quote me anywhere, Operation Python Dance will not end IPOB – Peter Obi

Peter Obi

Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has said the recent military clampdown on the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its subsequent proscription are not the solutions to the Biafra agitation.

According to him, so long as Nigerian youths remain unengaged in meaningful employment, they would be disposed to joining forces with individuals or groups leading agitations of all sorts.

He blamed Biafra agitation on leadership failure over the years in the country but called for dialogue with those who are agitating in order to look at meaningful solutions that can give them hope.

Obi told the Sun newspaper:

“Irrespective of whatever the Federal Government has said about IPOB, my position has remained constant – agitation in Nigeria is nationwide. It is all over the country, not just from one side of the country. The reason is very simple: there are millions of young people in their productive ages doing nothing.

“When you don’t know where the next meal will come from, you are a free agent, you can become anything. The reason why you people are here is because you know where the next meal will come from.

“What you see today is the cumulative effect of leadership failure over the years in the country. That is one of the consequences and it’s not going to be solved by what we are doing today. You can quote me anywhere.

“We have to sit down, dialogue with those who are agitating and start looking at meaningful solutions that can give them hope. Once a country makes her people to develop a sense of hopelessness, the people will agitate a lot.”

Source: Daily Post

Army gives update on Southeast operation, speaks on Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB

Colonel Sagir Musa

Nigerian Army on Friday gave a detailed update on its Operation Python Dance in the Southeast, war against criminals and onslaught against the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and its leader Nnamdi Kanu.

This is contained in a statement on Friday by Colonel Sagir Musa, Deputy Director Public Relations 82 Division.

The Army revealed that troops made arrests and recovered numerous dangerous weapons.

The statement also assured that the operation is not a clampdown on Igbos but a routine one aimed at safeguarding the region.

It reads in full: “Following the commencement of Exercise EGWU EKE II on Friday 15th September 2017 in 82 Division Area of Responsibility, simultaneous activities have started in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and Cross River States without hitch. The essence of the exercise is to enhance troops’ preparedness and proficiency in dealing with emerging security challenges peculiar to the South-Eastern Region, such as kidnappings, armed robbery, communal crisis, farmers- herdsmen clashes, cultism, violent agitations and insurgency, amongst others.

One interesting aspect of the exercise is that, it is multi agency in nature and execution, thus enhancing synergy of efforts among the Services, Security and response agencies. Relevant para-military organizations such as the Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp, Department of State Security Service, Federal Road Safety Commission, National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency and Nigerian Immigration Service are all synergizing and collaborating in the exercise to ensure attainment of these objectives.

Similarly, there are elaborate humanitarian activities associated with it, hence, the 82 Division Nigerian Army embarked on free medical services. The first was on Tuesday 18 th September 2017 at the Adult Education Mass Literacy Centre, Nkwuagu Primary School Amaagu, Abakaliki Local Government Area (LGA ) of Ebonyi State.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TY Buratai, accompanied by the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Dr. Eric Kelechi Igwe, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adamu Baba Abubakar and the Chief of Training and Operations Army Headquarters, Major General David Ahmadu and other senior Army Officers, were personally present at the commencement of the free medical outreach.

The turnout was impressive, as over 2,000 people benefited in the areas of dental, optometry, laboratory services and blood pressure measurements. Others were dispensing of eye glasses, de-worming tablets, assorted drugs, mosquito nets and sanitizer to various categories of people.

In the same vein, similar medical outreach will be conducted at Nnarambia community Central Primary School, Ahiara Mbaise in Ahiazu Mbaise LGA of Imo State on 23rd September 2017 as part of the activities of Exercise EGWU EKE II. The Division has also scheduled similar free medical outreaches in other states covering its area of responsibility during the exercise.

Furthermore, in addition to visiting the Operational Headquarters of Sector 5 of Exercise EGWU EKE II, at 24 Support Engineering Regiment, Abakaliki, the Chief of Army Staff also visited the Step-Up Headquarters of 82 Division at the Nigerian Army Language Institute, Ovim, in Isiuokwuato LGA of Abia State.

So far, the troops have been carrying out routine activities associated with the exercise seamlessly along with other supporting Services and agencies. Some suspected criminals were arrested, farmers-herdsmen as well as communal clashes have been averted. Similarly, kidnappers, cultists, armed robbers and other criminal elements have been denied freedom of action through patrols, raids and manning of checkpoints as follows:

PATROLS

Following credible intelligence report and some distress calls from Ukpata community in Uzo-Wani LGA of Enugu State of a planned attack on the community by Fulani herdsmen on the 19th September 2017, a patrol team of Sector 3 was deployed in the area from 17th September 2017 to date. Through that we were able to prevent serious clash between the Fulani herdsmen and the community.

Similarly, at about 4.30pm on 17th September 2017, troops of Sector 2 on patrol at Ohaji-Egbema general area, along Obokofia-Agwa, Rombe-Oguta road junction in Imo State, intercepted 2 persons in a vehicle conveying about 15kg of a substance suspected to be Indian hemp. The suspects and the substance have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

Also troops of Sector 2, Sub Sector 1, at about 12.00am 19th September 2017, while on patrol along Onitsha-Owerri road arrested 3 suspected hoodlums; Chisom Francis, Chukwu Enema and Uchenna Ogataku that barricaded the highway, extorting money and other valuables from hapless motorists resulting in serious traffic jam. The suspects have been handed over to Ogbaku Police Station.

RAIDS

Following a tip off, a criminal hideout was raided at about 12.15am in Obinze community general area on 17th September 2017. Consequently, 17 suspected criminals were apprehended by troops of Sector 4. Items recovered include 3 x locally made pistols, 5 Dane guns and 15 rounds of various calibers of ammunition. Other items recovered were local charms and 7 wraps of substance suspected to be Indian hemp.

Furthermore, at about 1.30am on 17th September 2017, troops of Sector 4 in conjunction with the Nigeria Police raided a criminal den at Ukukwa North Local Government Area of Anambra State, where they arrested 7 suspected criminals. Items recovered are; 4 x locally made pistols, 420 live cartridges, about 50kg of Cannabis and some Charms. The suspects and the items were handed over to the Nigeria Police.

Similarly, based on intelligence, troops of Sector 2, at about 12.00am hours on 18th September 2017, conducted 2 raid operations on suspected cultists’ shrines at Awara and Assa communities of Ohaji-Egbema LGA of Imo State. The raids resulted in the arrest of 10 suspected cult members. They were however, transferred to the Nigeria Police after preliminary investigation.

In addition, at about 2.30am on 19th September 2017, troops of Sector 1, raided a notorious kidnappers’ den at Ohanze community in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State. The operation led to the release of a kidnap victim, Mr. Monday Benson and the arrest of 3 suspected kidnappers; Arinze Ugiri aged 39 years, from Amouvuro community, Okezie Nwobolo, aged 30 years, from Amouvuro Nteuzor community and Michael Sunday 24 years old, from Okeyan Nteuzor village of Abia State. Suspects have also been handed over to the Nigeria Police after initial questioning.

CHECKMATING VIOLENT ACTIVITIES OF THE BANNED INDIGENIOUS PEOPLE OF BIAFRA

Despite the initial opposition to Exercise EGWU EKE II by the outlawed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra members and their sympathizers and unpatriotic elements, the general area of the South East especially Aba in Abia State is now fully stabilized. The usual violent activities of the outlawed Biafra “National Guards” (manning check points and extorting money from traders and motorists) have now been checkmated. Similarly, the outlawed Biafra terrorists group presence is no longer visible and people go about their normal businesses without fear, let or hindrance.

The 82 Division Nigerian Army wishes to reassure the public that it is poised to maintaining the peace and security in the entire South-Eastern Region. Members of the public are please requested to cooperate with security agencies by remaining law abiding and passing credible information to the nearest security check point or call 193 and the various Sector Commanders’ telephone numbers that were earlier made public.”

Source: Daily Post

Army reclaim all territories from Boko Haram

Col Onyema Nwachukwu

Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East.Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Deputy Director Army Public Relations, said this in a statement issued in Maiduguri.Nwachukwu dismissed as ‘misleading’, reports indicating that seven of the 27 local government areas of Borno State were still under Boko Haram control.

He described the insinuation as an attempt to propagate falsehood and a futile effort to misinform members of the public on the true security situation in the North-East.

Nwachukwu said that the Armed Forces under the Operation Lafiya Dole had recorded significant successes in the counter insurgency operation and had rooted out the insurgents from their major tactical enclave in Sambisa forest and their spiritual headquarters at Alagarno.

“It is very crucial to set the record straight by making it crystal clear that contrary to this misleading report, the Boko Haram terrorists do not hold or control any Local Government Area in Borno or in the North-East as claimed by some elements.

“Local government areas hitherto controlled by Boko Haram have been liberated by troops of Operation Lafiya Dole.“The troops have continued to ensure security in the liberated areas after routing out the insurgents.

“Displaced persons are also encouraged to return to their communities, to resume their normal life”.Nwachukwu explained that the military had conducted various operations to enhance their operations, decimate the insurgents’ group and protect the nation’s territorial integrity.

The Army spokesperson listed the exercises to include Operations DEEP PUNCH, CHIKIN GUDU and RAWAN KADA, adding that the operations were conducted in collaboration with the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).

“These operations culminated in the degradation and incapacitation of Boko Haram insurgents.“Apparently, this is the reason the insurgents are striving to remain relevant by resorting to callous use of women and children to carry out suicide bomb attacks on soft and vulnerable targets,’’ he said.

Nwachukwu stressed that the army had initiated precursor operations to put a final onslaught to the insurgency in the North-East.He noted that a special Mobile Strike Force was launched in the theatre of operations to effectively patrol localities as well as seek out and neutralise the insurgents from their hideouts.“Recently, a total of 82 Boko Haram insurgents were killed in combat and 630 remote settlements cleared by troops.

“ Our troops are tirelessly on the trail of the fleeing insurgents as devastating coordinated aerial and artillery bombardments are being unleashed on the terrorist group. “The troops are therefore not waiting only to repel attacks as erroneously painted, but rather tactically deployed to deny the adversaries freedom of action and access to logistics.

“The insurgents are on the run and could not hold or control any territory. Boko Haram lacks the capability to hold any territory in the North-East”.
Nwachukwu reiterated the commitment of the military to end insurgency, protect lives and property as well as protect national territorial integrity.
He urged members of the public not be misguided by the misinformation and cooperate with security agencies.

Source: The Guardian

Nnamdi Kanu challenges court order declaring IPOB terrorist organisation

Nnamdi Kanu

The leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has challenged the court order proscribing his group and declaring it a terrorist group.

In a statement on Friday, Mr. Kanu’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, said the motion challenging Wednesday’s court order was filed on Friday.

According to the motion, dated September 21, Mr. Ejiofor argued that IPOB is a non-violent organisation; therefore the decision of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court to issue an order, based on a motion made ex-parte, was illegal.

A motion ex-parte is a motion heard by the court without the presence of the other party/ parties.

The lawyer added that his client, whose whereabouts has been unknown since the violent crisis in Abia started two weeks ago, was not allowed fair hearing and that the court lacked the jurisdiction to grant such an order.

The Nigerian government on Wednesday obtained an order of court, affirming the declaration of IPOB as a terror group.

The group, which seeks an independent country of Biafra, has been accused of killing and intimidating civilians and security operatives.

Source: Premium Times

The dangerous pied piper in Igbo land by Dan Agbese

Kanu is funded by rich Igbo men who believe that their fate lies in his hands. He could do what Ojukwu could not do – and the Igbo would have their sweet revenge against the Nigerian state with a resurrected Biafra. 

At last the governors of the Southeast woke up to the dangers posed by Nnamdi Kanu to the interests of their geo-political zone and the corporate existence of the Nigerian state. He is not just the newest irritating boil on the nose of the Nigerian state, but also a dangerous pied piper in Igbo land.

The governors knew this all long. But until their meeting in Enugu on September 15, they had been individually mealy-mouthed about the activities of Kanu who sees himself as the only Igbo man capable of doing what Ojukwu could not do – dismember our dear country.

The decision by the governors to ban IPOB was taken in desperation. They knew the ban would not put at end to IPOB and Kanu for two good reasons, namely, (a) their pronouncement does not have the force of law and (b) it is, therefore, patently unenforceable.

The governors, individually or collectively cannot enforce the ban. In effect, the ban amounts to nothing more than a calculated attempt by them to feebly reassure the rest of us that Kanu is on his own and does not represent the political interests of Ndi Igbo. I am afraid, it blows in the wind. It is weak, it is deceptive and it is even dishonest.

The governors are the chief security officers of their various states. IPOB activities are carried out in all the five Igbo states that make up the South-East geopolitical zone. I have seen no evidence of any by the governors taking determined steps to stamp out these activities, even when they can clearly see that they threaten peace in their political kingdoms.

Kanu does not need them or their approval to do what he is doing. Their disowning him cannot stop him. The painful fact is that the governors are fully aware that Kanu is not alone in his diabolical plans against the Nigerian state. He enjoys the tacit support and encouragement of well-placed and responsible Igbo men who believe that he is fighting the cause or causes of all Igbo people, whatever the cause or causes might be.

Ohaneze, the umbrella Igbo organisation, blows cold over the activities of Kanu. It supports him and defends him at every opportunity and drags across the path of our reasoning the tattered argument about the right of people guaranteed by our constitution to pursue their legitimate interests. Kanu is not pursuing the legitimate interests of Ndi Igbo, and therefore, what he is doing cannot be defended on that sacred ground.

Kanu was released on bail. Every bail granted by the courts has conditions attached to it. Kanu accepted the conditions attached to his bail. But he has violated every single one of them. And now he argues, and Ohaneze and other Igbo leaders agree with him, that there should have been no conditions attached to his bail. In violating the bail conditions, he treats our law and our court with absolute contempt. Yet the men who ought to appreciate this choose to make him untouchable. This encouraged him to magisterially say that if he is re-arrested, Nigeria would cease to exist. Such arrogance.

Kanu is funded by rich Igbo men who believe that their fate lies in his hands. He could do what Ojukwu could not do – and the Igbo would have their sweet revenge against the Nigerian state with a resurrected Biafra.

Kanu has hundreds of young Igbo men in uniform. What we do not see so far are the arms. But there is nothing secret about the fact that he has visited the U.S. and other Western nations for purposes of procuring arms. He has calculated that an armed conflict with the Nigerian state is inevitable in the pursuit of his cause or causes. Would the governors pretend that this is news to them?

Kanu is deified by young Igbo men who flock to worship him. They kiss his feet and he dresses like a respectable Eastern potentate. A Moses has arisen in Igbo land.

We are actually back in the dark days of Biafra propaganda. Kanu is following the same path and with crass tendentiousness, he is sensitising the rest of the world to the cause of IPOB. Last week I watched a video clip of an interview President Muhammadu Buhari had with a reporter from Al-Jazeera. The woman told the president of IPOB claims that allocation to the Southeast had been cut down by 50 per cent. This propaganda is to suggest that that zone is denied its legitimate share of the national cake and, therefore, it is a clear evidence that the Nigerian state thinks poorly of the rights of the Igbo.

Can anything be further from the truth? The sharing formula of the monthly allocation to the three tiers of government is governed by law. Under that law, it is not possible to marginalise a state or a group of states. But lies are sweet and the Western media are prepared to lap up whatever Kanu dishes out to them. Thanks to IPOB propaganda, the Western media are beginning to see and treat Kanu and his people as the under dogs taking on the behemoth called the Nigerian state. It was so with Biafra propaganda. The Nigerian state had no answer then; it has no answer now.

IPOB grew out of MASSOB championed by Uwazuruike. Neither Uwazuruike nor Kanu has articulated the grievances of the Igbo. But this has not stopped them from being seen as the new and authentic champions of the cause or causes of the Igbo people. The governors know this too well.

The two groups are exploiting two emotional feelings of the Igbo as a people. These are (a) a sense of entitlement and (b) a sense of injury. The first led to the January 15, 1966 coup that has forever changed the architecture of our national politics; the second led to the secessionist bid by Ojukwu. And this has scarred our national psyche for which we have for ever been in search of, a salve with endless political experiments and constitutional provisions to achieve an airy something called a sense of belonging.

Biafra was wiped off the map of the world in January 1970. But it has stuck in the throat of the Nigerian state like a fish bone. It can’t swallow it and it can’t spit it out. It is an effective weapon of dastardly blackmail against the Nigerian state. I do not see it as a passing phase. If MASSOB and IPOB get off the radar, another blip will be seen on the same radar. The sense of entitlement and the sense of injury among the Igbo would always be available for exploitation by ethnic champions and jingoists.

I just hope that Buhari would not make the same mistake that General Yakubu Gowon made with Ojukwu. He thought there was nothing to Ojukwu’s boast; and that was why his response to the secession was a police rather than a military action to quash it. He woke up to how prepared Ojukwu was only when his forces took over the Mid-West and threatened Lagos.

I need say no more.

Source: The Guardian

Ohanaeze launches peace efforts in Sokoto

The Igbo apex socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has launched a peace and unity initiative in the North.

It is all in continuation of efforts to prevent a bloodbath in the country as a result of the activities of proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The Ohanaeze team yesterday visted Sokoto State. Lead by  Dr. John Nwodo, the team met with Governor Aminu Tambuwal.

Nwodo said Nigeria must undergo another civil war.

He said the visit was to deliver the message of Southeast governors, traditional leaders and spiritual leaders.

“Nigeria should in no circumstance experience war the second time as it generates no good, but more harm to our country.

“We must remain partners in progress of our country as we have seen how our own fathers lived to make it grow and develop to its present stage,” he said.

Nwodo said unity and peaceful co-existence must be the responsibility of all citizens.

He said although the nation is now facing challenging times, the cohesion that existed over the years was worthy of being maintained.

“Yes, our country is facing a trying ‎period, but we should not, under any circumstance, allow the experience of another civil war to happen again. We should not allow personal emotions to undermine our national unity,” Nwodo said, adding that the visit was at the instance of the Southeast governors.

He praised Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar of Sokoto who “in the ongoing ethnic tensions, portrayed himself as a father by stating recently that ‘whoever wants to attack the Igbo, should attack him, first.”

”In the same vein, I came with the assurances of Southeast governors that any Igbo who wants to kill a northerner, should first kill them,” Nwodo added.

Tambuwal, said Nigeria’s many ethnic groups and languages should be used to promote unity, not division.

”The recent tension, especially in the Southeast was caused by young men who do not understand any other way of channelling their grievances other than the way they have chosen.

”I assure you that we are at peace with each other here in Sokoto and we shall continue to be,” Tambuwal said.

Igbo leaders in Adamawa State also yesterday disowned IPOB and its activities.

President-General of Igbo Cultural Association in Adamawa Chief Fidelis Umeh praised Governor Muhammadu Bindow’s efforts at maintaining peace and stability.

Umeh, who spoke at a news conference in Yola, described the governor as a role model in bringing about change, development and peaceful co-existence among the state’s diverse people.

According to him, IPOB’s activities are not in the overall interest of the Igbo.

“The Igbo residing in the state are totally against the movement and activities of IPOB.

“Permit me to use this ample opportunity to indicate my ardent admiration and profound appreciation to Governor Bindow for the positive change and development he has brought to the state.”

Umeh also expressed gratitude to the governor for ensuring  that the Igbo live in peace  in the state, saying that the Igbo community appreciated his concern for their safety.

Source: The Nation

Police uncover illegal firearm factory in Abuja

The Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Mr Sadiq Bello, said the Command has arrested three suspects in connection with an illegal firearm fabricating factory in Shenagu village near Zuba, FCT.

The suspects are: Philip John, owner of the factory, Mr Onyegabueze Okpara, supplier of ammunitions and Joseph Bulus, distributor of the arms.Bello made the disclosure while briefing newsmen on arrest by operatives of the command on Friday in Abuja.

He said that items recovered from the suspects include: locally fabricated revolver pistol cylinder, four Dane guns, one double barrel gun, one single barrel gun, two caliber live cartridge and six Dane gun muzzles.

Others are: four single barrel muzzles, six barrel gun frame, two gun muzzle spring, one manual motor drill, one dice for retread and various implement used for manufacturing locally made weapons.

He said that during interrogation, John confessed to have been in the illicit business for 17 years and selling the fabricated single-barrel guns and Dane gun for N20, 000 and N10, 000 respectively.

The commissioner said that the Okpara, who disguise as a bicycle spare parts dealer was arrested at Kaita market with the items which he concealed and sells to criminals.

He said that Okpara had been in the illicit deal since 1997, sells a pack containing 25 pieces of live cartridge for N12, 000, while single cartridge goes for N500.

Bello said that Bulus, the major link, who connects the principal suspect, John, with potential buyers of the fabricated firearms was arrested in Zuba.

He said that the suspects would be charged to court on conclusion of investigation.

Bello said that the command also arrested five armed robbery suspects at Apo roundabout and Kabusa areas of the FCT.

The suspects are: Hashiru Isiaka, 30, of Kuruduma, Umar Adamu,20, of area 1 Garki, Tukur Bala, 25, also of area 1 Garki, Bashiru Mohhamed,25, of Durumi and Benjamin Jatau, 29, of Kabusa.

He said that Jatau was arrested by operatives of the command on Sept. 15 during a stop and search at Dantata bridge in Jabi.

Bello said items recovered from the suspect are: one revolver pistol with two rounds of live ammunition, one revolver pistol and one locally made pistol, Nokia cell phone, Indian hemp, charm and screw driver.

“The exhibits were discovered by the police during a search conducted on the bag the suspect was carrying while on transit from Jabi to Kabusa in a tricycle,“he said.

He said that the suspect who was an ex-convict confessed that the guns, which he bought for N50, 000 was to be used for a major robbery operation around Kabusa and environs.

“The suspect and exhibits have been transferred to the command Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) for discreet investigation and prosecution,“he said.

He said Isiaka, Adamu, Bala and Mohammed were arrested on Sept. 20 by the command SARS while responding to a distress call about a robbery at Apo roundabout.

The commissioner said that Adamu was arrested at the scene of the crime while his cohorts who fled on sighting the operatives, were later arrested on Sept. 9.

He said that the suspects robbed and dispossessed two of their victims of N120,000.Bello said that suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.

He said with the support and cooperation of the public, the command would continue to track and arrest criminals in the territory.“This arrest goes to show that the command will not go to sleep, residents have a stake and should feel free to give police information“he said.

Source: The Guardian

Dalung: Kanu Responsible for Violence in South-east

Solomon Dalung

Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, has said the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, from prison is responsible for the agitation and chaos in the South-east.
Dalung, who spoke to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Hausa service monitored in Sokoto on Sunday, said the security situation in the South-east has worsened as a result of the release of the IPOB leader.

He noted that the region had been peaceful since Kanu’s incarceration at the Kuje prison.
The minister berated the IPOB leader for inciting his supporters to perpetrate violence, saying no government would fold its arms and allow few individuals to make the country ungovernable.
Dalung described the deployment of soldiers to the South-east as a good step in the right direction aimed at curtailing the excesses of IPOB, adding that President Muhammadu Buhari took decisive measures in order to avert anarchy in the region.

Source: This Day

Biafra: Nnamdi Kanu’s activities could lead to war – Uwazurike

Uwazurike

Ralph Uwazurike, founder of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), has stated that activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) do not tally with the rule of engagement of the Biafra struggle.
Speaking in Owerri on Thursday, Uwazurike added that the activities of the IPOB leader, Mr Nnamdi Kanu, “could only lead to an unplanned war which is against the Biafra struggle.”
  Ralph Uwazurike, founder of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), has stated that activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) do not tally with the rule of engagement of the Biafra struggle.
Speaking in Owerri on Thursday, Uwazurike added that the activities of the IPOB leader, Mr Nnamdi Kanu, “could only lead to an unplanned war which is against the Biafra struggle.”

Uwazurike said Kanu’s major interest was to destroy the agenda of MASSOB.
He said that the hallmark of any freedom fighter was to submit to arrest.
“A real freedom fighter submits to arrest but Kanu has told his members to burn down the country if he is re-arrested, a true indication that he was paid to destabilise MASSOB,” he said.
He also accused the Federal Government of popularising Kanu, adding that “if the government had ignored Kanu, the situation would not have escalated.’’
 
Ralph Uwazurike, founder of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), has stated that activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) do not tally with the rule of engagement of the Biafra struggle.
Speaking in Owerri on Thursday, Uwazurike added that the activities of the IPOB leader, Mr Nnamdi Kanu, “could only lead to an unplanned war which is against the Biafra struggle.”

Uwazurike said Kanu’s major interest was to destroy the agenda of MASSOB.
He said that the hallmark of any freedom fighter was to submit to arrest.
“A real freedom fighter submits to arrest but Kanu has told his members to burn down the country if he is re-arrested, a true indication that he was paid to destabilise MASSOB,” he said.
He also accused the Federal Government of popularising Kanu, adding that “if the government had ignored Kanu, the situation would not have escalated.’’

“The IPOB has no agenda and I advise Igbo leaders to condemn its activities.
“Nnamdi Kanu has no agenda and he is only thriving on the relevance given to him by the government.
“I recruited him and I know his capacities and he is not a leader. I have 25 steps towards actualising Biafra and Kanu does not have even one agenda,” he said.

Source: Daily Post

Naira depreciates against dollar

The Nigerian currency, naira, lost N2 to the dollar at the parallel market on Thursday, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
It exchanged for N369 to the dollar, weaker than N367 posted on Wednesday, while the Pound Sterling and the Euro closed to the naira at N478 and N437, respectively.
At the Bureau De Change (BDC), the naira was sold at N363 to the dollar, while the Pound Sterling and the Euro closed at N478 and N437, respectively.
Trading at the investors’ window saw the naira closing at N360.50 to the dollar, while it exchanged at N306 to the dollar at the CBN window.
Traders said demand for dollar far outstripped supply as usual.
The naira had been battling to remain stable at N365 to the dollar before the forces of demand and supply pushed its depreciation further.
Some financial analysts had on Tuesday argued that the naira, at N360 to the dollar, was undervalued.
In spite of over 3.6 billion dollars injected to the foreign exchange market by the CBN since February, the naira rate was still struggling to be stable.


Source: NAN