IPOB denies hand in Anambra killings, points at Imo gov, Uzodimma

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has denied responsibility in the various violent incidents that have so far taken place in Anambra State in recent times, saying neither the group nor its military wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) has anything to do with them.

The group in a statement on Monday made available to Ripples Nigeria, said insinuations that it was responsible for violence in Anambra which stakeholders said could disrupt the November 6 governorship election in the state was not true as they have nothing to do with the incidences.

The group also said the four persons reportedly killed by the military in Nnobi in the Idemili South Local Government Area of the state which were wrongly labelled as ESN operatives by the military, were bandits recruited by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and other politicians to hijack the election.

The statement signed by IPOB’s Director of Media and Publicity, Emma Powerful, insisted that there was an ongoing “genocide plan in the South-East zone against Biafrans”, saying it was worrisome that the international community and global rights organisations were not doing anything about it.

The statement reads:

“The attention of the Indigenous People of Biafra under the command and leadership of our great leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has been drawn to the claims by Nigerian government and its military that they killed four IPOB and ESN operatives in Nnobi Idemili South LGA, Anambra State.

“We want to categorically state that IPOB and ESN members were not the ones killed in the said operation.

“Neither IPOB members nor ESN operatives were among those purportedly killed by the Army in Nnobi two days ago.

What happened was that they mistakenly killed some criminals and terrorists recruited by Supreme Court Administrator in Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, and the All Progressives Congress to wreck havoc in South-East.

“These hooligans are the ones unleashing mayhem on our people in the name of ESN, just to implicate and demonise IPOB. But nemesis caught up with them.”

The group also alleged that the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodima, had been “employing all manner of strategies to deliver Anambra State to APC,” urging the residents to resist him.

“We want the media to summon courage and ask the Nigerian military to tell them whom they killed at Nnobi, Anambra State, and they should stop linking IPOB to what happened at Ekwulobia in Aguata, two days ago.

“Similarly, the Nigerian Army is committing secret genocide in Biafraland. The whole world must take note of this atrocities and extrajudicial killings going on in Biafraland in the name of Operation Golden Dawn.

“Particularly, everybody must endeavour to watch the viral videos and pictures where Nigeria soldiers and its sister security agencies shooting innocent villagers in Awgu, Enugu State.

Nigerian security agents were sent into our territory to commit another round of genocide against innocent citizens of Biafra.

“We wonder why Amnesty International, Civil Liberty Organisations and other global rights bodies will keep quiet and allow the Nigerian military to be killing innocent citizens, because they accept to belong to the upcoming Biafra Nation,” the statement said.
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Nigeria moving in wrong direction under APC – Gov Okowa

The Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okwa, said on Monday Nigeria is headed in the wrong direction under the All Progressives Congress (APC) watch.

Okowa, who stated this in an interview on Channels Television, said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), would do better than APC if returned to power in 2023.

The governor said: “In the first instance, we are not competing with them anymore. Looking through the years of PDP and looking through these past six years plus, the difference is clear.

“I believe that Nigerians are able to see for themselves that the PDP came in at a time when things were really very difficult and we were able to build a foundation.

“We started building on that foundation that was laid by the Obasanjo administration and we went on.

“Apparently, it appears that everything is tumbling down. Everything is just going in the reverse in such a manner that is not good for our nation.

Look at the time the PDP was in power and when we were leaving — the naira to dollar level and what it is today. There are too many issues. We are getting to a stage now where we are not even sure of food even for the middle class not to talk of the very low class.

“Most of the things that we see today that had brought Nigeria on good strides were actually foundations laid by the PDP. And looking through the economic projections, you will find out that we have gotten it all wrong in this current administration.

“I believe that Nigerians know the truth and Nigerians do know that PDP will do better than APC. There is no competition. There is no comparison at this level because the truth is quite clear that we are actually not moving in the right direction under the APC governance.”

Youths are Nigeria’s greatest asset, require investment – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari declared on Monday that youths are the country’s most strategic asset.

The President stated this at the opening of a three-day national youth conference held in Abuja.

Buhari, who was represented at the forum by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, noted that the country’s most potent ambassadors were young people who are breaking new grounds, records and winning laurels in different areas of endeavour.

He said: “We recognise that our young people are this country’s most strategic asset. Investing in them is investing in the economic strength and development of our nation.

“This is why I recently approved the investing in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme, an over $600 million programme supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB) which will support young tech and creative sector entrepreneurs through the provision of finance, skills development and infrastructure.

While differences of opinion in respect of official policies are normal in liberal democracies such as ours, but out of respect for the rights and sensitivities of others, disagreement must be tempered and channelled through legally and socially acceptable means.

Most importantly, we must keep our faith in our country and remain optimistic that it will serve as the locus for fulfilling our aspirations.

“Building a nation is an intergenerational endeavour; I think this is a particularly important point; governments can be changed in electoral cycles, but the destiny of a nation is shaped across generations.

“This country is ours — above and beyond partisan squabbles, disagreements and everything else — the future will be what we make of it.

“By signing into law of the ‘Not too Young to Run’ bill almost three years ago opened the door for youth inclusion in our political process and by extension, in governance.”

Worst military regime better than Buhari’s govt – Ortom

The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, said on Monday the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is worse than a military government.

The governor, who stated this in a chat with journalists in Makurdi, said the worst military government is better than the Buhari administration.

He declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is ready to reclaim power in 2023 following the successful conduct of its national convention at the weekend.

The Benue governor has been unrelenting in its criticism of the Federal Government’s handling of the nation’s security challenges, particularly the activities of herdsmen in the state and other parts of the country.

He said: “We (PDP) are determined to take over leadership of this country, come 2023 because of the failure of APC-led government. They are being deceitful and not being able to secure our land. They have rather succeeded in destroying our economy, our security, our social life, and everything you can think of in this country.

“I have been privileged to read the history of Nigeria and that of those who have been destroying us including the military. Usually, we say that the worst democratic government is better than the military government.

“That is what we used to say, but for the purpose of APC-led government, I want to say that the worst military government we have had in Nigeria is better than this particular government led by APC.

“I have never seen anything like this; people who don’t want you to tell them the truth or advise them, try to twist things and tell the world that you are against them.”

If you can’t declare bandits terrorists, declare them federal civil servants – Shehu Sani tells FG

Former Nigerian senator, Shehu Sani has condemned the federal government’s refusal to swiftly declare bandits as terrorists.

According to him, if government cannot declare them terrorists, they might as well declare them as federal civil servants.

This comes a week after 36 state Houses of Assembly Speakers called on President Muhammadu Buhari to declare bandits as terrorists and enemies of the nation.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has said the need to follow due process is responsible for the delay in declaring bandits as terrorists.

Taking to his verified Twitter handle on Monday to express his displeasure with the delay, Sani lamented that the bandits are killing people regardless of religion and place of worship.

“They killed Muslim worshipers in their mosques in Niger and Katsina states; they killed Christians in their Churches in Kaduna state; if the Government doesn’t want to declare them terrorists, it should declare them federal civil servants,” he wrote.

Buhari to attend Climate Change Summit in Scotland

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday left Abuja for Glasgow, Scotland, where he will attend the 26th Conference of Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Garba Shehu, who disclosed this in a statement, said the President would deliver his national statement at the High-Level segment for Heads of State and Government at the conference on Tuesday.

Buhari will later leave Scotland for France to attend the Paris Peace Forum to be hosted by the French President, Emmanuel Macron.

He will be accompanied on the trips to the European nations by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of State for Environment, Sharon Ikeazor, National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd) and Director-General of National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.

The statement read: “President Buhari’s address is expected to highlight Nigeria’s key priorities and action to tackle climate change as well as progress on the country’s transition to low carbon economy, consistent with achieving the Paris Climate Agreement.

“The conference, hosted by the United Kingdom in partnership with Italy, will bring parties together to help accelerate action towards the Paris Agreement as well as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

“Given Nigeria’s leading role in taking climate action and as a signatory to the Paris Agreement, COP 26 will afford a unique opportunity for the Nigerian delegation to work with other parties to make progress on the main goals of the conference including securing global net zero by mid-century and keeping 1.5C within reach; adapting to protect communities and natural habitats as well as mobilising the much-needed finances to meet the set targets.

In Glasgow, President Buhari will participate in some side-line events hosted by the United States President, Joe Biden and French President, Emmanuel Macron.

President Buhari will thereafter travel to Paris, France on an official visit to reciprocate an earlier one to Nigeria by the French President, Emmanuel Macron, and also attend the Paris Peace forum 2021, the fourth edition to be hosted by the French President.

“The forum will be attended by Heads of State and Government and CEOs of major multinationals as well as several civil society actors, gathering to advance concrete solutions to the enormous challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and to improve global governance in times of COVID-19.

“The Summit will focus on spurring a more solid and inclusive recovery by addressing the various gaps in global governance and offering initiatives to better tend to the global commons, and putting forward new principles of action for the post-COVID world.

While the President is in Paris, the Nigerian government will organize the Nigeria-Paris Forum. The event is expected to pull a crowd of Nigerian and French investors, government and business leaders, diplomats, and the media to showcase opportunities on the two sides as well as bring enlightenment to bear on the prevailing security, economic, and investment climate in Nigeria.”

Buhari, Tinubu meet in Aso Rock as talks on 2023 elections heat up

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday held a closed-door meeting with the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Although issues discussed at the meeting were not made public they may not be unconnected with the APC preparation for its national convention and other programmes ahead of the 2023 general elections.

But in a chat with State House correspondents after the meeting, Tinubu said he visited the President to thank him for visiting him in London more than two months ago.

He said: “I’m here to thank President Muhammadu Buhari for visiting me in London when I had knee surgery. He demonstrated empathy. He is an exceptional leader.”

The President, who was in London for a routine medical check-up, visited the APC chieftain at his home in the British capital on August 13.

Buhari returned to Nigeria a few days later.

Tinubu, who returned to the country after a three-month stay abroad on October 9, is one of the few politicians eyeing the APC presidential ticket in 2023.

APC providing platform for youths to unlock potential – Aondoakaa

A former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, said on Sunday the All Progressives Congress (APC) has provided a political space for youths to unlock their potential.

Aondoakaa, who stated this at the Benue APC Youth Council maiden Youth Summit in Makurdi, added that the party placed a great premium on youth development.

He was represented at the forum by an APC chieftain in the state, Mr. Terwase Akume-Iusa.

He said: “APC is opening the political space and helping all young people to unlock our potential, to help you to fully appreciate who you are and what the future offers you.

“We attach great importance to your role of meeting the challenge of, and progress towards, building diverse, inclusive and peaceful political climate in Nigeria and Benue state in particular.

“May I appeal to all Benue APC youth that in spite of the adverse economic challenges confronting everyone today, do not play into the hands of desperate politicians.”

The ex-AGF, who is eyeing the APC ticket in the 2023 governorship election in Benue, promised to fast-track the development of the state if elected.

Wike alleges plot to assassinate Justice Odili, gives Nigerian govt 48-hour to unmask invaders

The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, on Sunday, alleged that the security agents’ invasion of the residence of the Supreme Court judge, Justice Mary Odili, was an assassination attempt.

Some security agents had on Friday evening invaded the judge’s residence in the Maitama area of Abuja with a search warrant over alleged illegal activities in the building.

Reports had earlier said operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) searched Justice Odili’s house as part of an ongoing investigation of her husband, Peter, who is on the commission’s watchlist for alleged corruption.

The anti-graft agency later dismissed the reports.

Wike, who addressed journalists at a media briefing at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, said a series of events had shown that the Odili family is being targeted.

The briefing was attended by the Leaders of Though in Rivers State.

He said it was not enough for the Federal Government agencies to claim ignorance of the invasion and gave the government a 48-hour ultimatum to produce those behind the act.

The governor warned that the people of Rivers State would hold the federal government responsible if anything happens to any member of the Odili family.

He said: “We want to let the world know that we have watched with keen interest what has happened to the family of Dr. Peter Odili, in particular, the wife who is a Justice.

“You will recall sometime over a year now, she was in the panel that gave judgment in Bayelsa State. After that judgment that threw out the APC candidate, Lyon, those who were not happy went and barricaded her residence.

The Federal Government never issued any statement against that. That of course, showed intimidation of the Federal Government against the judiciary.

“So, it is good to let you know the pattern the Federal Government has taken.

Four months ago, you will recall that her husband, Dr. Peter Odili, travelled out of the country and when he came back, the Federal Government seized his passport and of course, after series of letters were written, they denied that they knew about the seizure of his passport until when he went to court to enforce his human fundamental rights.

“That was when the Immigration came out to yes, we took his passport because his name was there on the watchlist.

“No reason was given by the federal government for the seizure of the passport while denials were made until the court gave judgment that they cannot do that.

“It is curious if you look at the application made by the police to obtain the search warrant from a Magistrate Court to search the residence of Number 9 Imo Street. There is nothing like Imo Street. What we have is Imo River.

Justice Mary Odili’s residence is not Number 9 but Number 7. Can security operatives apply to a magistrate court as they said, over illegal activities taking place in Number 9 Imo, to them, Street?

“That means that you know where the illegal activity is taking place because you couldn’t have applied for a search warrant when you don’t know where illegal activities are taking place.”

“So, it’s not a question of we are not sure. While now go in the evening to invade Justice Mary Odili’s residence? The husband was not in town.

“So, if the Federal Government is saying that they are not involved, then the onus is on the Federal Government to come out not just merely denying but we must see the steps you are taking to prove that you are not involved.

And having known that a magistrate was the one who gave that order and having known it was the police that applied for such search warrant, you cannot now say that they are people you don’t know. The names of the policemen are there.

“So, mere denial is not going to satisfy Rivers state people because of the pattern.”

Reps demand probe of Justice Odili’s house invasion

The House of Representatives Committee on Judiciary on Sunday demanded a thorough investigation into the invasion of the residence of Supreme Court judge, Justice Mary Odili, by security agents.

Some security agents had on Friday evening invaded the judge’s residence in the Maitama area of Abuja with a search warrant over alleged illegal activities in the building.

In a statement issued by its chairman, Onofiok Luke, the committee said the action of the security agents was capable of setting the executive and judicial arms of government on a warpath.

The investigation, according to the committee, will help to unmask the invaders of the judge’s residence.

It described the siege on Justice Odili’s home as a repudiation of judicial independence and an assault on the sanctity on the nation’s judiciary.

The statement read: “It is mind-boggling that in the dusk of 29 October 2021, the judiciary was once again exposed to public opprobrium, due to the uncanny manner in which the residence of the Honourable Justice Mary Peter-Odili of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, was invaded by law enforcement officials purportedly on an assignment to execute a search warrant, issued by a Magistrate.

“Also disturbing is the fact that the said warrant was revoked by the issuing Magistrate who had discovered that it was procured by the Applicant on the premises of misrepresented facts.

“As a Committee currently interfacing with the Judiciary for an improved judicial reform and justice system, we wish to lend our voice once again, to the repeated call by His Lordship; the Honourable Justice Tanko Muhammed CJN, on all Judicial Officers on the need to exercise more caution in issuing ex-parte, conflicting and questionable orders that are capable of bringing disrepute to our Justice system.

“This unfortunate development is also a wake-up call to tighten administrative and supervisory control over the operations of law enforcement agencies in the country. To this end, we empathize with the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation who is constitutionally accountable for the actions and inactions of the law enforcement agents that purportedly executed the said warrant, placing on the AGF, the unavoidable burden of defending his office before the populace.

“On this note, the House of Representative Committee on the Judiciary calls for a discreet investigation to unravel the persons behind this ignoble act, which is capable of straining the existing relationship between the Judiciary and the Executive arms of our democratic government.

“The siege is reminiscent of the 2016 incident, where in the beat of the night, security agencies invaded private residences of judicial officers, which subsequently turned out as an underserved phenomenon, and a dent on our professed independence of the judiciary, and demanding protection for our judges.

As we already know, the judiciary harps on due process in the dispensation of justice and the House Committee on the Judiciary avows to collaborate with the judiciary and relevant stakeholders to secure the nation’s democracy, since the confidence and respect of citizens in the judiciary may likely wane if the incidence of this nature continues unchecked.

“We, therefore, condemn in totality such ignoble action, and pledge to every effort at ensuring the sanctity of the nation’s judiciary while giving our continuous support to the independence of the judiciary.”

Ex-commissioner emerges APC chairman in Oyo

A former Commissioner for Lands and Housing in Oyo State, Isaac Omodewu, on Saturday, emerged as the All Progressive Congress (APC) chairman in the state.

Omodewu was elected chairman after delegates reached a consensus and affirmed his candidacy at the congress held at the party’s state secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan.

A strong contingent of security operatives was seen at the APC secretariat on Saturday morning with two mobile police vans and armed officers strategically positioned within the premises.

There were fears that the exercise may be postponed again due to disagreements over the delegates’ list.

The pre-congress meeting slated to hold early in the morning did not start until 11:30 a.m., prompting fears that the process had been put forward again.

The congress was postponed twice over allegations that some groups in the party had doctored the delegates’ lists.

In his address after the confirmation of his election as APC chairman in Oyo State, the ex-commissioner appealed to party members to put their grievances aside and work for its success in future elections.

Nigeria’s future bright despite challenges – Osinbajo

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Saturday expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its numerous challenges.

Osinbajo, who stated this at the annual thanksgiving service of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in Jos, Plateau State, challenged Nigerians to speak positively about the country despite the present challenges.

The Vice President noted that the country has a bright future.

Osinbajo said: “Every believer is an anointed priest of God. So, unlike any other gathering, those of us who are here are led not by the flesh but by the spirit of God. We rely on the inherent, infallible, word of God — not speculations or rumours.

“Indeed, for us, the foundation of truth for us is the word of God. This is why I’m completely convinced that the future of our nation is very bright, very bright indeed. Things are going the way God operates. Our God is a God of complex situations. He steps in when things get complicated. He’s not a man whose options are limited. He has no limits, no boundaries.

The church must not fear. We are the called-out ones of God. We are indestructible. The force that will destroy the church does not exist and cannot exist, because the creator of the heavens and the earth is the head of the church and He is the one who has reminded us that He will build His church and indeed, the gates of hell will not prevail against it.

“He will give us the keys of the kingdom and whatever it is we bind on earth will be bound in heaven. We are confident that all is well with us. So, we bind all forces of evil, division, injustice. Everything that has caused us sadness, sorrow, we bind them today, and we declare in the word of God that has been spoken to us that the siege is over in this land. The church of God is coming to a new season of glory and victory.”

Invasion of Justice Odili’s home cruel, undemocratic – Kalu

The former Abia State governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, on Saturday described the invasion of the Abuja residence of a Supreme Court judge, Justice Mary Odili, as a cruel, undemocratic and uncivilized act.

Some security agents had on Friday evening invaded the judge’s residence in the Maitama area of Abuja with a search warrant over alleged illegal activities in the building.

However, in a statement, Kalu called for a full-blown investigation of the raid.

He said the action is capable of causing tension in the country, pointing out that a better approach would have been adopted for the operation.

The Senate Chief Whip noted that the security agents’ invasion of the judge’s residence was at variance with democratic tenets and an infringement on her rights.

He urged the Federal Government to bring the perpetrators to book.

Kalu said: “The invasion of the residence of Justice Mary Odili of the Supreme Court in a Gestapo manner is totally condemnable and unacceptable in a democratic dispensation.

“The country’s democracy is gradually growing and as such, acts that are not in tandem with the constitution of Nigeria and democratic process must not be tolerated.

“The Federal Government should commence a robust investigation into the sad development to save the face of the country in the comity of nations and to bring the perpetrators of the unfortunate incident to book.”

I joined APC because of bad treatment by Obiano, Says Anambra deputy gov, Okeke

The Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke, declared on Friday he would not resign from the position.

Okeke dumped the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) on October 14.

The deputy governor, who addressed journalists at the Government House in Awka, accused Governor Chief Willie Obiano of treating him badly.

Okeke claimed that he has been totally sidelined by the government.

He said: “Within the period I have been very loyal to my boss. But I have been unfairly treated, so I decided to leave the party.

“For four years, I drove one Prado jeep. At a stage, I was the only deputy governor in the country who drove a Prado. I was loyal to him and represented him in a lot of places.

The only time I refused to represent him was when Dr. Chike Akunyili was killed and when he sent me to Enugu, I told him I needed security and also a bulletproof vehicle, and when they didn’t provide that, I decided not to go.

“I have heard people asking me to resign, but I will never resign. The decision I made to join the APC is in my interest, the interest of my family, and also in the best interest of members of my constituency, Njikoka, which I represent.

I have people who have advised me that the position I hold is not for me alone, but for the people of my constituency, so I represent them.

“I was elected on the same ticket with the governor of Anambra State, and I did not beg him to choose me as his running mate for a second time; it was he who came to me and said I will run with him for a second term and we won.

“I was already thinking of joining the APC after my tenure as deputy governor, but when APC people came to me and I told them so, they said it was better for me to join now as I could add to their victory. I gave them three conditions and they accepted.”

The deputy governor expressed optimism that APC governorship candidate, Andy Ubah, would win the November 6 governorship election in the state.

Obasanjo proffers solution to Nigeria’s insecurity problem

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has reiterated the need for the establishment of state policing in order to tackle the insecurity situation bedevilling the country.

According to Obasanjo, nation-building could only be achieved when the government was able to guarantee a safe environment for citizens.

He made this call on Friday in Lagos during a lecture titled, ‘Social responsibility in nation building,’ which he delivered at the 78th anniversary of Island Club.

“I have said it before and I will say it again. Nigeria should have state police in all the states so that they can adequately tackle insecurity. Guaranteeing citizens a safe environment and round security is one thing a government must do.

“No nation can be built where peace, security and stability are not assured or guaranteed and with reasonable predictability of the President and the future not enthroned,” Obasanjo said.

Obasanjo also said a government that failed to listen to its citizens was doomed to collapse.

He added said, “Any government that is deaf, dumb, and blind is a government that will not last. As a government, you need to listen to the people. If you fail to listen to the people, the day of reckoning will come for you and it will come soon. We can see it all around us; it has come.

“You have to realise that there is an element of hazard in life itself. What would make you not talk? Fear? There is a Yoruba proverb that says, ‘You talk, you die; you don’t talk, you’ll still die.’ Death is inevitable. As I am here, I am not afraid of death.

“It is painful what we are seeing. There are currently over four million out-of-school children in Nigeria. That is a fact. They cannot hide that. No Nigerian should bury their faces because they are scared of death. State the fact; if they want to deny it let them deny it.”

IPOB alleges plot to kill Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has warned of alleged plans by the Federal Government to kill the lawyers of Nnamdi Kanu.

This allegation was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, in Awka, Anambra State.

He gave the names of the lawyers as Ifeanyi Ejiofor and Aloy Ejimakor.

The statement reads, “We wish to put the whole world on notice about the wicked plot by the frustrated government of Nigeria to secretly eliminate our resilient lawyers, Ifeanyi Ejiofor and Aloy Ejimakor, over their committed efforts in the defence of our leader.

“The Nigerian government is not happy with the expertise and professional prowess of these veteran lawyers and other members of the legal team to deflate the fabricated charges against our leader, hence, their plot to eliminate them.

Intelligence report at our disposal also indicates that this covert plan extends to the elimination of Mazi Benjamin Madubugwu, Bright Ishinwa, Chidiebere Onwudiwe and David Nwawuisi.

“Several state coordinators are also on their elimination list, handed down by the Nigerian government to its security agencies.

“The Nigerian government intends to carry out this targeted elimination through the security personnel deployed in South-East under the guise of Operation Golden Dawn to do the dirty job.

“The compromised security agents have decided to eliminate Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers once they step into any part of the South-East.

“The world should hold Nigeria Government responsible should anything happen to our lawyers and any of those listed above.”

Kanu’s lawyer accuses DSS of stopping British Consul, U.S lawyer from seeing IPOB leader

Ifeanyi Ejiofor, lead counsel to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu, has accused the Department of State Services (DSS) of denying the duo of Chukwuemeka Ezeife and a British Consul access to Kanu.

Ejiofor, in a statement he personally signed on Thursday night, accused the DSS of also not allowing Kanu’s international and Legal Representative in the United States of America, Attorney Bruce Fein to see his client, insisting that the DSS acted contrary to a subsisting Court order.

According to the lawyer, the judge handling Kanu’s case had clarified that the persons to visit Kanu are no longer restricted to his lawyers and family members but, any other person of his choice.

According to the lawyer, the judge handling Kanu’s case had clarified that the persons to visit Kanu are no longer restricted to his lawyers and family members but, any other person of his choice.

He said: “In line with this Order of Court, we forwarded the list of names scheduled to visit Our Client on Monday, 25th October, 2021, which included Attorney Bruce Fein – our Client’s International Attorney and Legal Representative in the United States of America.

“Attorney Fein arrived Nigeria from the United States of America to witness the Court proceedings of the 21st Day of October, 2021, and also utilize the opportunity of the visit to interface with his Client – Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Unknown to us, a rude shock awaited us as the detaining authority did not stop at keeping us waiting for well over two hours, but thereafter specifically told us that no foreigner, including Bruce Fein would be allowed to visit Our Client, and as such, he would not participate in the visit.

“Attorney Bruce Fein, consequently left the premises of the DSS visibly broken. Apparently, he has gathered enough to feed the International Community upon his return to the United States.

“Today was the turn of the British Consul to experience what the civilized society may refer to as the height of abnormality in the System.

“The innocent woman who flew all the way from Lagos on this special diplomatic engagement, was denied access to Our Client, and told that she is not welcomed for the visit because she’s a foreigner.”

Ejiofor also revealed that the legal team has filed another application for the transfer of Kanu to the correctional center, adding that if the DSS is allowed to remain the custodian of Kanu there would be gross denial of fair hearing and fair trial in these proceedings.

“We shall leave no stone unturned in ensuring that this weighty infraction of the positive Order of Court and by extension, gross violation of our Client’s right is addressed without further ado.

“We still appeal to our Client’s millions of followers to remain calm as we explore all legal remedies available to our Client in the circumstance of this breach.”

Osinbajo laments high cost of governance in Nigeria

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday reiterated the need to prune the cost of governance in order to entrench accountability at all levels.

Osinbajo made this call on Thursday, during the inauguration of the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement in Abuja.

The Vice President was represented by the Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba at the event.

The World Bank-sponsored SPESSE project aims to develop human capacity in procurement management in the public and private sectors and produce competent and intellectually sound procurement professionals.

Speaking on the ways to achieve the programme’s mandates, Osinbajo said, “Nigeria must make progress in reducing the high cost of governance in the public sector as well as be strengthened by entrenching transparency and accountability at all levels of government, while issues relating to construction, rehabilitation and extension of existing buildings, acquisition of lands, purchase of laboratory equipment, disposal of reagents and samples amongst others must conform with world standards.”

Speaking on the Procurement Act of 2017, the Vice President expressed the satisfaction of the government in the existing law, saying if there is the need for amendment, a proposal would be made to the National Assembly on it.

‘I was once blind but now I can see,’ Melaye swears never to return to APC

A former federal lawmaker representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Dino Melaye, vowed on Thursday he would never return to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Melaye, who stated this when he featured in a Channels Television programme, Politics Today, said “no reasonable man should ever return to his vomit.”

The politician dumped the APC for PDP shortly before the 2019 general elections.

He said: “No reasonable human being will go back to his vomit. The APC is a disaster. For every human being, there is a journey of life. You will definitely pass through your Egypt to the land of Canaan. So I pass through Egypt, and that is APC. But I am in Canaan and I am comfortable and enjoying my stay.”

The ex-lawmaker also claimed the ruling party was behind the PDP’s recent travails.

The PDP is expected to hold its national convention on Sunday.

However, the Appeal Court will on Friday rule on an application filed by the party’s suspended National Chairman, Uche Secondus, seeking to stop the convention.

Melaye added: “PDP is not in a dilemma. My party is solid. There is no fear, no agitation. The agitation is rather from the APC, who are part of those orchestrating what we are saying.”

Nigeria to address crisis in Lake Chad region

The Federal Government on Thursday declared its readiness to collaborate with countries in the Lake Chad Basin to address the crisis in the region.

The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, stated this when he received a delegation of the United Nations and Lake Chad Basin Commission that visited Nigeria.

Those in the delegation were the Special Representatives of the United Nations Secretary-General to West Africa/Sahel, Mahamat Saleh Annadif, his Central Africa counterpart, Francois Lounceny Fall, and Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, Amb. Mamman Nuhu.

The AGF, according to a statement issued by his media aide, Umar Gwandu, lamented that many lives and property worth millions of dollars have been destroyed due to the insecurity in Nigeria and other countries in the Lake Chad Basin.

He noted that Nigeria has deployed different measures to end the insecurity.

The statement read: “Malami lamented that monies that could have been spent on developmental programs have been spent on efforts to checkmate the activities of the Boko Haram insurgents, bandits and secessionists threats.

“Nigeria has adopted several strategies geared towards ending the security challenges including to cushion the effects of the war on victims, such as the internally displaced persons as well as modalities to boost the infrastructural and economic development of the regions.”

He said some of the strategies adopted by the Federal Government include the establishment of the North-East Development Commission for the development of the damaged infrastructure and provision of needed infrastructure and repatriation of Nigerian Refugees in Chad, Cameroon, and Niger Republics among others.

On his part, Saleh reaffirmed the UN commitment to support countries around Lake Chad Basin.