Politics

Nnamdi Kanu: We cannot get you out of prison – British authorities

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The British authorities have dashed the hope of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), regaining freedom through its intervention.

Kanu, a holder of Nigerian and British passports, is currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja after being rearraigned in court.

Attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, said on Tuesday that the IPOB leader was “intercepted through the collaborative efforts of Nigerian intelligence and Security Services.”

His brother, Kingsley Kanu had said the IPOB leader was arrested in Kenya and extradited to Nigeria.

Kanu, who was standing treason trial, was granted bail on health grounds in 2017 but he fled the country after soldiers stormed his hometown.

Following his arrest and extradition, he was taken to court on Tuesday and Justice Binta Nyako ordered that he should be remanded in DSS custody until July 26.

His family had appealed asked UK authorities to secure his release so that he can reunite with his family.

“The British High Commission in Nigeria must insist upon my brother’s immediate release. They must guarantee his safety and security. Nnamdi Kanu must be returned home to the UK to his wife and his sons who live here. The Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, must make clear to the Nigerian authorities that they will not tolerate the unlawful detention of British citizens and that the UK Government condemns the Nigerians and Kenyans for undermining the rule of law,” Kingsley Kanu had said in a statement.

But in a manual on ‘Support for British nationals abroad: A guide’, published on the website of the UK government, the British authorities made it clear that it has a limited role to paly regarding the detention of its citizens in prison.

The 19th page of the document read; “We can offer you information about the local prison or remand system, including visiting arrangements, mail and censorship, privileges, work possibilities, and social and welfare services. We can also explain where there are different regulations for remand prisoners and sentenced prisoners. For example, in some countries, prisoners are allowed to send more mail when they are on remand.

“We cannot get you out of prison or detention, nor can we get special treatment for you because you are British. If however you are not treated in line with internationally accepted standards we will consider approaching local authorities. This may include if your trial does not follow internationally recognised standards for a fair trial or is unreasonably delayed compared to local cases.

With your permission, we can consider taking up a complaint about ill-treatment, personal safety, or discrimination with the police or prison authorities.

Consular staff will keep in regular contact with you, either by visiting personally or by telephone/ letter. The frequency of visits will depend on local prison conditions and your personal circumstances.

“If you are a dual British national in the country of your other nationality, we would not normally offer you support or get involved in dealings between you and the authorities of that state. We may make an exception to this rule if, having looked at the circumstances of the case, we consider that you are vulnerable and we have humanitarian concerns.”

Politics

Igboho suspends Lagos Yoruba nation rally after attack, wife’s kidnap

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Yoruba rights activist, Sunday Adeyemo also known as Igboho, has suspended the Yoruba Nation rally which was scheduled to hold in Lagos on July 3.

Over the past few months, rallies had been held in parts of South-West with that of Lagos scheduled for Saturday.

However, Igboho in an interview with BBC News Pidgin on Thursday, disclosed the rally in Lagos has been suspended.

Igboho made this known hours after his house in Ibadan, Oyo State, was attacked by gunmen who reportedly killed two persons and abducted his wife.

He explained that he took the decision to cancel the Lagos rally because of safety and security issues.

Politics

Nigerian govt claims Nnamdi Kanu was complicit in murder of 60 persons

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More disclosures have been publicised in the wake of the arrest of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Mr Nnamdi Kanu, by the Federal Government.

This was contained in a letter addressed to Western diplomats by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed by Minister Geoffrey Onyeama.

Kanu reportedly orchestrated the killing of 60 persons and the destruction of property in 55 violent attacks across the South East and South South Zones within four months, the memo disclosed.

Ripples Nigeria gathered that the letter dated April 26, 2021 detailed atrocities committed by members of IPOB on the alleged instruction of Kanu who was then in exile.

With several Kanu’s broadcasts from Europe, there were concerns in official quarters that some western countries were justifying IPOB’s violent acts under the guise of the group’s pursuit of self-determination.

According to the details contained in the letter, the Federal Government objected to a statement by an agency of a western nation whose government had noted and admitted that the creation of Eastern Security Network (ESN), based on its own understanding, was to combat insecurity.

The Federal Government, in its letter, however considered the statement (by the western nation) as ” justifying the establishment of a militia by a non-state actor and glossing over the destructive and violent acts of IPOB and the ESN.”

”In under four months this year, IPOB has carried out over fifty-five (55) violent acts in various parts of Southeast Nigeria killing scores of people and destroying many properties.”

“Indeed it would seem that the position of the (western nation) seems to have further emboldened Nnamdi Kanu the self-confessed leader of IPOB.

As recently as 22nd April, 2021, broadcasting online from his base in London, Mr Kanu has issued series of instructions to his militia and other members of the outlawed organisation, on acts of violence to be carried out within the territory of Nigeria,” the Federal Government stated in the letter.

Kanu, who jumped bail in 2017 and fled the country, was arrested and re-arraigned before Justice Binta Nyako of a Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday.

Politics

Incoming passengers to take covid-19 test three days before boarding

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The Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) has disclosed that incoming passengers must now perform a COVID-19, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), test three days before boarding.

The test detects the presence of a virus if a person is infected at the time of the test. The test could also detect fragments of virus even after they are no longer infected.

The PSC chairman and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja

According to him, this is part of the new reviewed travel restrictions in the country.

Test validity commences from the time of sample collection. For passengers with multiple connections before arrival in Nigeria,” he said.

He said that the PCR test must be valid within 72 hours of boarding from the first point of departure.

According to him, passengers must bring along an electronic or hard copy of their COVID-19 PCR test for presentation at the departure airport and upon arrival in Nigeria.

The PSC chairman also said that foreigners without PCR test would be deported.

He insisted that all intending passengers (including diplomats and children less than 10 years old) must register via an online national travel portal.

”Foreign passport and non-resident in Nigeria, arriving in Nigeria without a valid PCR result (either no PCR result or a forged COVID-19 PCR result or a non-PCR COVID-19 test will be denied entry into the country and arrangements made for immediate deportation at cost to the carrier airline.

“Passengers who are Nigerians or holders of permanent resident permit will be allowed entry.

“Airlines shall be fined USD 3,500 per passenger for failure to comply with any of the pre- boarding requirements; airlines who consistently fail to comply with the above requirements may be banned from coming to Nigeria,” he said

According to him, passengers, who visited Turkey, Brazil, India, South Africa within 14 days, they will be denied entry into Nigeria.

“Non-Nigerian passport holders and non-residents whose days preceding travel to Nigeria, shall be denied entry into Nigeria,” the SGF stated.

Politics, World News

Nigerians on social media have attacked Bashir El-Rufai, son of Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over his tweets wherein he mocked Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.

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Nigerians on social media have attacked Bashir El-Rufai, son of Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over his tweets wherein he mocked Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.

Bashir had in a tweet on Tuesday suggested that Kanu be locked up in a cell with a cow after news of the IPOB leader’s arrest broke.

His tweet, in which he tagged Nigeria’s president, Muhammadu Buhari, read, ”He should be locked in a cell with a cow, please @MBuhari.”

He should be locked in a cell with a cow, please @MBuhari.

— Bashir El-Rufai (@BashirElRufai) June 29, 2021
In another Tweet, Bashir described Kanu as a hooligan, noting that there are people who are displeased with the latest development but are scared to talk.

He said, “There are those that will be upset this hooligan was arrested, but will be too cowardly to express it. Victory for the country. May we all continue to progress in unison.”

There are those that will be upset this hooligan was arrested, but will be too cowardly to express it. Victory for the country. May we all continue to progress in unison.

— Bashir El-Rufai (@BashirElRufai) June 29, 2021
His comments, however, have continued to spark outrage, as many Nigerians tackled him for not being constructive in his criticisms.

Many opined that Bashir was well-educated enough to avoid being sentimental on such issues while some blasted him, describing him as a privileged one who has refused to make good use of his education.

Social media users highlighted the issues of insecurity in Kaduna State, the governance of which lies on Bashir’s father, stressing that insecurity should be tackled before discussions on Kanu’s arrest can be made.

Below are reactions from Nigerians to Bashir’s posts:

When u drink too much cow milk, romance so many cows ass, u begin to c it as normal. U’re beginning to reason like ur tyrant father. Hope u remember Ghadaffi? https://t.co/f55voZk7jv

— Maazi Prince ⚓🛳 (@Princejadonn) June 30, 2021
What is wrong with this shameless youth

— Mr. D (@AjayiDayoMoses2) June 29, 2021
All these people who think they are better than others simply bcos daddy stole from the poor and denied them their rights will be saying rubbish like the cows they are

— Nnamdi Kanu (@Emjaykhan1) June 29, 2021
Self-determination can never be extinguished. Ask Kosovo, Croatia et al…

— AzuAneke (@yarambamba2010) June 29, 2021
It’s quite unfortunate that people like you would comment on issues of national importance. First, tell your father to dust his table very well before leaving office. Because after then, we will know who are the real hooligans.

— Patrick Daniels (@Patoh1986) June 30, 2021
Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday ordered the detention of Kanu till July 26, 2021, for a continuation of his trial.

Kanu is facing charges bordering on treasonable felony instituted against him at the court in response to years of the campaign for the independent Republic of Biafra through IPOB.

He was granted bail in April 2017 for health reasons but skipped bail after flouting some of the conditions given to him by the court.

In a broadcast via Radio Biafra, Kanu boasted that the Nigerian court lacks the capacity to try him, describing the court as a Kangaroo court.

He said the judge who asked his sureties to produce him should have asked the army why they invaded his residence.

“Nigerian court is a Kangaroo court. I did not jump bail, I left because the court failed to protect me,” he said.

The Nigerian government on Tuesday announced his arrest and extradition to Nigeria to continue facing trial.

He was subsequently arraigned while being blindfolded before Binta Nyako, a Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Politics

Zamfara lawmaker shot dead after welcoming Governor Matawalle to APC

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A member of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Mohammed Ahmad, has been shot dead by bandits along Sheme-Funtua Road in Katsina State.

Announcing his death, the Clerk of the Zamfara House House of Assembly, Saidu Anka, said Ahmed was traveling to his town when he was killed by the bandits.

Channels TV reports that Hon. Ahmad was gunned down Tuesday night on his way to Kano after attending a rally to welcome Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State and members of the State House of Assembly to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

His funeral prayers would be performed at Sheikh Ahmed Umar Kanoma Mosque by 11 o’clock on Wednesday.

Until his death, the deceased was the chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation.

Politics

Bandits attack convoy of Kano state governor, Ganduje

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There was a gun duel between security operatives attached to Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje’s convoy and some heavily armed bandits along Shema in Katsina State.

Although sources say Ganduje was not in the convoy, it came under attack by bandits around Shema on their way back to Kano from Zamfara State on Tuesday.

Governor Ganduje was in Zamfara State to attend the formal defection of Governor Bello Matawale of Zamfara into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

However, after the occasion, he joined Jigawa State Governor, Muhammadu Abubakar Badaru, back to Kano.

Kano State Commissioner for Information Muhammad Garba confirmed the development.

In the ensuing gun duel, three police officers were said to have sustained minor bullet injuries, while the convoy ambulance was riddled with bullets.

Politics

Three PDP senators formally announce move to join APC

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Three senators on Wednesday formally announced that they had dumped the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The senators who had their letter read at plenary on Wednesday were the Minority Whip, Sahabi Ya’u (Zamfara North); Peter Nwaoboshi (Delta North); and Lawal Anka (Zamfara West).

This was made public by Senate President Ahmad Lawan who read their letters of defection during plenary on Wednesday.

Amongst the reasons given by the lawmakers for their resignation was an internal crisis, tyranny, and leadership failure within the PDP.

The defection letter by the Deputy Minority Whip, Senator Sahabi Ya’u (Zamfara West) reads: “I hereby inform Your Excellency and my Distinguished Colleagues of my decision to move from the Peoples’ Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress Party.”

The decision is necessitated by the endemic crisis that engulfed the Zamfara State Chapter of the PDP, which led the national body to dissolve the State Exco of the party.

This has negatively impacted effective representation of my constituents. Being a representative of my people, and having consulted widely with them, I decided to defect from the crises-ridden party to a more formidable and peaceful party, the APC.”

Deputy Chairman, Committee on Senate Services, Lawali Hassan Anka (Zamfara West), on his part, said his defection was informed by the crises in the Zamfara state chapter of the PDP.

Chairman of the Committee on Niger Delta, Peter Nwaoboshi (Delta North) said his decision to resign from the PDP was due to the implosion within the party.

The lawmaker accused the leadership of the party of fostering tyranny, arbitrariness, and intolerance.

Politics

Nigerian Govt begs UN to intervene on food security

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The Federal Government has called on the United Nations (UN) to forge a stronger collaboration with Nigeria to improve the country’s food system.

The appeal was made by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, while presenting a paper at consolidatory dialogue for the UN Food Systems Summit held in Abuja on Tuesday.

Osinbajo reiterated that aside from the goal of realizing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and guaranteeing food security, sustainable food systems effort fits into the plan of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to eliminate poverty across Nigeria, which is paramount to the country’s collaboration with the UN.

He added that the collaboration is aimed at addressing hunger, combating malnutrition, reducing poor diet-related diseases among others.

The VP opined that Nigeria’s food system must be resilient enough to “significantly” impact nutrition security and that collective efforts to reduce the malnutrition numbers.

“We must realise that defining bold steps to improve food systems and by extension, food security, ensures that children have improved health, early development, and increased intellectual and emotional readiness to learn,” Osinbajo said.

“This translates to positive school engagement and improves the potential of children growing into healthy adults,” he added.

Politics

That animal ordered his boys to behead me, kill my children, Joe Igbokwe rejoices over arrest of Kanu

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Special Adviser on Drainage and Water Resources to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Joe Igbokwe, has revealed why he is happy with the re-arrest of leader of the proscribed Igbo separatist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, by the Federal Government.

Igbokwe, a leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), took to his Facebook page to rejoice at the arrest of Kanu and said “the animal ordered his boys to behead me and kill my children.”

While thanking God for saving him, Igbokwe narrated how Kanu threatened his life and that of his family and how he endured untold suffering in the hands of the IPOB leader’s supporters.

“That animal, Nnamdi Kanu, asked his boys to behead me anywhere they see me. They did not spare my children as they extended the same Fatwa to them,” he wrote.

He also did not spare the names of every other person who speaks against him dream land, Biafra. While they were looking for me, I sought the face of God hours on end because I know that to kneel is to win. It was a big battle.

“Friends were calling me, family members shouted from the roof top that I should lie low. My children said I was putting them in constant danger.

“My wife complained and shouted but when she discovered that I cannot change, she resorted to seek the face of God also.

“My family lived in fear. When they could not get me, they resorted to calling my phones to pour invectives. They threatened my children at the drop of a hat.

On my Facebook page, the children of hate Nnamdi Kanu trained and nurtured for years in abuse and hate, bigotry, primordial sentiments, ethnic preoccupation, will come in their thousands to rain abuses with all kinds of unprintable words.

“They cannot even read what you wrote to understand the trajectory. I endured it all. When they noticed that I am not bothered, they resorted to propaganda and heckling.

First, they said I was jogging in Lagos and collapsed and died. Secondly, they said I was beaten up in Lagos by IPOB members.

Just last week, they came up with the same story that I was beaten up again. In quick succession, they said my house in Nnewi has been burnt down. All these were triggered to weaken my resolve but they do not know me. When I believe in something, I hardly give up.

“Now what is my offense? I do not want Biafra and I gave 20 reasons why it cannot stand in the 21st Century. I said that Igbo have not spoken and Nnamdi is a baby to dictate the fate of 40 million Igbo in Nigeria.

Nnamdi never liked this. At a time, I asked for a debate and he said I am too small to face him.

“Nnamdi carried on with his suicide mission and today, I cannot tell the number of young Igbo men that have been wasted in the last one year.

“In the last two months, hundreds of youths lost their lives in the most gruesome manner. I warned but nobody paid attention.

“The elders kept quiet for fear of being killed by Nnamdi Kanu’s killer squad. Even the Governors in the South East could not speak for fear of being attacked.

“Governor Hope Uzodimma who spoke suffered unmitigated disaster and assault. I did videos to warn of the impending danger and they got more angry and digged deeper.

On Sunday, June 27, 2021, Nnamdi Kanu was extradited to Nigeria to give an account of his deadly activities. We are assembling all his videos, all his atrocities, all his verbal assaults on Nigeria and Nigerians, the brutal killing of more than 100 policemen in the South-East alone, the burning and destruction of police stations, breaking of prison gates to set the prisoners free, killing of ordinary Igbo who did not believe in their antics, stealing openly of peoples properties, burning trucks and goods, attacking other Nigerians at the drop of a hat, killing of Gulak in Imo State, illegal possession of arms, formation of IPOB army, ESN, etc.

Nnamdi will tell us a lot in the courts in the days ahead when the chips are down. Obviously, he has a lot to say. I am just thanking God. It could have been worse but God saved me from Nnamdi Kanu’s leeches. An endless alleluia.”

Politics

Weekly FEC meeting cancelled

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The weekly Federal Executive Meeting for this week has been called off.

No reason was given for cancellation of the meeting which has been held virtually for many weeks since the advent of the Covid-19 in the country.

President Muhammadu Buhari usually presides over the meeting, except when he is not in the country, in which case, Vice President Ayeni Osinbajo presides over it.

More to come…

Politics

IPOB threatens ‘war’ over arrest, detention of Kanu in Nigeria

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The Lagos State Coordinator of the proscribed Igbo separatist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Sam Igwe, has warned the Nigerian government that nothing must happen to their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who was arrested in London on Sunday, and returned to Nigeria at the instance of the Federal Government.

According to the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN) at an emergency press briefing in Abuja, Kanu was arrested by a “combined team of Nigerian and foreign security agents in a coordinated interception”, after two years of evading arrest.

But while reacting to the arrest of the fugitive in a phone chat with Ripples Nigeria, Igwe said if anything should happen to the “Supreme leader, there will be war” as the South-East will be too hot for Nigeria.

We want to sound this as a warning that nothing should happen to our Supreme leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu or else there will be war.

“The South-East, South-South and indeed every part of Nigeria will be too hot.

“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not a criminal. His only crime is fighting for the liberation of Ndigbos. Is that a crime? Does that make him a criminal?

“We are giving the Nigerian government 24 hours to release Kanu or there will be serious repercussions. We are warning them,” Igwe threatened.

Politics

Court remands IPOB leader, Kanu, in DSS custody, schedules July 26 for trial

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The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, ordered that the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu, be remanded in a Department of State Service (DSS) facility, pending the determination of his trial.

Justice Binta Nyako gave the order after counsel to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Shuaibu Labaran, told the court that the defendant (Kanu) who jumped bail, had been arrested and produced in court.

Labaran urged the court for an order detaining the arrested IPOB leader at the DSS facility pending the hearing and determination of the matter.

Justice Nyako, who granted the plea, adjourned the matter until July 26 for trial continuation.

Politics

Nnamdi Kanu arraigned in court

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The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu who was recently bundled back to Nigeria has been arraigned in court.

He was reportedly arrested on Sunday, and appeared before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, under very tight security.

Politics

Former South African President, Jacob Zuma sentenced to jail

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Former President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, has been sentenced to prison for 15 months after he was found guilty of contempt of court by the Constitutional Court.

The Acting Deputy Chief Justice Sisi Khampepe, in delivering the verdict, emphasised the extraordinary attacks by Zuma on the legitimacy of the Constitutional Court.

The Constitutional Court of South Africa ordered that Zuma present himself at a police station in his home town of Nkandla or Johannesburg within five days.

Khampepe ruled: “There can be no doubt that Mr Zuma is in contempt of court.”

The order stems from Zuma’s refusal to appear at an anti-corruption commission to answer questions about his alleged involvement in corruption during his time as president. Zuma has repeatedly denied the allegations.

“Never before has the authority and legitimacy of the Constitutional Court been subjected against these kinds of attacks,” the judge said.

“If his conduct is met with impunity, he will do significant damage to the rule of law,” the judge ruled.

Zuma served as South Africa’s President from 2009 to 2018.

Politics

Nigeria is the best country on earth – UN Deputy Secretary-General

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United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, has said that despite the numerous challenges facing Nigeria, it is still the best country in the world.

The UN chief admitted that successive governments in the most populous African nation have failed at one time or the other, but insisted that all hope was not lost to restore the country.

Ms Mohammed said this at an event organised by the Baze University, Abuja over the weekend, according to a statement signed by the UN National Information Officer in Nigeria, Oluseyi Soremekun.

She said; “You have got education, you have the tools, and you have a huge future ahead of you, and you are condemning yourself before you start on that journey. Do not do that! Be proud of Nigeria, your country; do not condemn her and do not lose hope.

If you will your country that way, that’s the direction it will go. Even if it is not so good, you need to will it to succeed, because the success of this country is yours. If you fail, we will have conflict after conflict.

“If you think Nigeria is worse than better, then how are you going to turn it around? If you do not want to build this nation, I do not know where you want to go. I can assure you the world is not ready to take 240 million Nigerians. Therefore, let’s think about how to salvage it together”.

Ms Mohammed went on to advise youths to participate in building the country, and stop blaming the Nigerian governments and its agencies. She appealed to them to embark on a sacrifice that will channel the country on the right path.

Whilst I agree that the potential of this country has not been fully met by successive governments, but I disagree with the view that there is no hope; I disagree with total condemnation of Nigeria. Nigeria is a great country and the best on earth.

Young people must get involved. There is no reason to throw stones at any institution of government unless you are willing to get into that government and do something about it. It might take you a lifetime, but it does require people to make the sacrifice. If enough of us are pushing in the right direction, there will be a big difference”, she added.

Politics

Benue govt demolishes suspected kidnapper’s houses in Makurdi

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The Benue State government on Monday demolished two houses belonging to a suspected kidnap kingpin, Aondofa Cephas Chekele aka Azonto, in the state.

The house which was located at North Bank in Makurdi, the state capital, was demolished in compliance with the Benue State anti-kidnapping law.

Azonto is the second-in-command to the slain Benue top militia, Terwase Akwaza aka Gana, who was killed by the military on September 8, 2020.

Operatives of the Operation Zenda had earlier arrested the kidnapper’s first wife, Mwuese and his main man, Torlumun Steven.

The duo were reportedly caught with millions of naira supposedly meant for buying of arms and properties for Azonto.

They later led the commander of Operation Zenda JTF, CSP Justine Gberindyer, and other police officers to the two houses that were demolished on Monday.

They told security agents that the houses were used as hideouts by the criminals.

The first house, which is located near the Federal Housing Estate, Phase 1 Nort Bank, is a four-bedroom apartment while the second is a two-bedroom flat.

Gberindyer, who spoke to journalists after the demolition exercise, said the Benue State government would rid the state of kidnappers and other criminals terrorizing the citizens.

Politics

Poorly negotiated contracts milking Nigeria’s economy —Osinbajo

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Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on Monday, lashed out at officials negotiating contracts on behalf of Nigeria, saying that they are bereft of the required knowledge to represent the country.

Speaking at the opening of a two-day physical and virtual capacity building training for Nigerian negotiators organised by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Osinbajo noted that the quality of the officials who represented the country at negotiations reflects in the nation’s economy.

He stressed that the poorly negotiated agreements and poor monitoring were the prominent causes of financial losses by nations.

He said: “People must be held responsible for poorly negotiated contracts while transparency and due process must be encouraged.”

In his speech, the Chairman of ICPC, Prof Bolaji Owasanoye, while speaking on ‘Guidelines for Negotiating International Agreements for Economic Development,’ said that development is the essence of governance.

Tbe Special Assistant to the President on Economic Matters, Dr Yemi Dipeolu, who also spoke at the event said the nation must develop “a corps of negotiators who could tackle the menace of illicit financial flows.”

The training was organised in collaboration with the Inter-Agency Committee on Stopping Illicit Financial Flows from Nigeria.

Politics

Nigeria, with borrowed laws, has no structure to restructure —Northern Coalition

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Spokesman of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), Abdul-Aziz Sulaiman, has called on advocates of restructuring to have a rethink as there is nothing on ground in Nigeria that warrants a restructuring.

Sulaiman who was a guest at a retreat organised by the Northern Caucus of the House of Representatives on Monday in Abuja, warned that those who are “hell-bent on putting the country in a dilemma before and after their exit through agitations should be tackled” to desist from such actions.

The CNG spokesman argued that “someone could not be an advocate of restructuring and at the same time insisting he must exit the country, adding that Nigeria as a nation had no existing structures which could be restructured.”

We have always insisted that you can’t restructure where there is no structure. We need to have a nation first before we build a structure for it and then we can restructure consequently.

“Honestly, we need to tell ourselves the truth; there is no Nigeria because a section of the country has insisted and persisted that they are not Nigerians for 60 years now.

“Why must we insist that they are part of Nigeria? Why must we insist on restructuring in keeping the people who said they are not part of us?

“These people just want to go and leave us in problems. We are not concerned about restructuring. What we are saying is a referendum to define the name ‘Nigeria’. We are living on a borrowed name, borrowed boundaries and borrowed laws.

The National Assembly must stop the ongoing constitutional review across the country and look for a way to put up a referendum that will pave the way for the agitators to leave,” Sulaiman added.

Politics, World News

Benue Ready To Give Land To Fulani Herdsmen, They Are Our Friends —Ortom.

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The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has said that land will be given to Fulani herdsmen who want to engage in ranching in the state.

He said this in Abuja at the 72nd birthday of former Nigerian ambassador to Mexico, Iyorwuese Hagher, Daily Trust reports.

Ortom who was represented at the event by the state Commissioner of Education, Dennis Ityavyar, used the opportunity to state that Benue people are not against the Fulani.

“The Tiv people are historically the friends of the Fulanis and I like to submit that friendship still exists,” he was quoted by the newspaper.

“And so, I warn those people, who are either using politics or those who are criminals and trying to sell what’s wrong to people.”

“His Excellency, Governor Samuel Ortom has explained again and again that we, the Benue people, are not against the Fulani. We are still friends.

“Those who have a lot of cattle are still using ranching, and any Fulani person who wants to establish ranching in Benue will have the land. Even if our ‘Chairman’ wants to start a ranch, he will get the land today.

”We will give you land and start the ranching today so that people will see it as a model and wherever we go, we want to correct the impression because if you read history, you will see that we have always been friends with Fulani.”

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