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A relative to Seaman Armstrong Kudans, steward to Rear Admiral Samson Bura, former commanding officer, Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has alleged that the latter locked up Kudans for refusing to engage in financial fraud. 

The relative who spoke with SaharaReporters said Kudans has been picked up since 2019 and taken to Bonny Island on the orders of Bura and was only recently taken to a cell in Pathfinder. 

File photo used to illustrate story.

However, he noted that the Rear Admiral had ordered that Kudans be sentenced to three years imprisonment in Port Harcourt prison. 

According to him, Kudans had served as a steward to Bura and between 2017 and 2019, Kudans went to the Government House to receive N20, 000, 000 monthly for Bura. 

Meanwhile, the funds meant for the welfare of all naval staff under him are usually diverted for Bura's personal use.

He said Bura was also using Kudans' account to receive another N3 million per month and later alleged that the steward had stolen from him when there was no such incident. 

The relation alleged that trouble started when Kudans told his boss he was no longer interested in being used to perpetrate fraud. 

"He said he didn't want to be engaged in any of the things the man was doing including collecting the N20 million and N3 million," the source said. 
"He wanted to stop but the man lied against him that he stole his N48 million."

The relation said, "Since 2019, Bura had got Kudans arrested though Bura himself has been redeployed to Abuja as Director Air, Naval Headquarters he has maintained a hold on this place because the person who took over is his junior. 

“Bura gave orders to the new commanding officer, Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder, Port Harcourt, especially concerning those he locked up before he left. That man rendered many family members useless because of the little power God gave him.

“Bura dismissed 152 navy personnel from the navy and jailed over 60 out of the 152. Sometimes, he sends them to the front in war-torn states so they can get killed.”

Narrating what happened between Kudans and Bura, he said, “My cousin, Seaman Armstrong Kudans SVC7623 of the Nigeria Navy served with Rear Admiral Samson Bura as his steward from May 2017 to November 2019 as of the time Bura was the commander, Nigeria naval ship, Pathfinder in Rivers state.

“During the period, the Rear Admiral was sending Armstrong to Rivers State Government House to collect money for him amounting to twenty million naira (N20,000,000) every month from July 2017 to October 2019. Ideally, Bura ought to be sending the Financial Officer of the command because Kudans is just a steward but because he wants to inappropriate the funds, he'd send a steward and he has to obey.

“He, the Rear Admiral Samson Bura has also been using Armstrong's account number to collect the sum of three million naira (N3,000,000) every month from Marbesel marine company owned by one Sir Joseph in Rivers state.

“All the money he receives on behalf of the Rear Admiral, he hands them over sincerely to him. 

“The Rear Admiral Samson Bura keeps the money in his house at Adageorge Close, Elelewon Street, New GRA, Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

“It was in November 2019 that the Rear Admiral Samson Bura accused him of stealing the sum of forty-eight million naira (N48,000,000) from his house but he didn't steal the money. He showed him copies of some of the transactions made and bank tellers but Bura refused to believe.

“Kudans also showed me the names and phone numbers of people that have been going to River State Government House with him and doing bank transactions.

“Samson Bura always asks his girlfriends to come around to stay in the house for weeks or more and they stay for days but he never asked them if they have ever stolen his money. Any of these ladies may have taken the money.

“Kudans was in Nigeria Navy Town, Lagos when Rear Admiral Samson Bura sent Nigeria Police (Special Anti-Robbery Squad) to arrest him with one Bello who was serving in Nigeria naval air station and since then he has remained in detention. I learnt that today, Monday, they have sentenced Kudans to three years imprisonment.”

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A relative to Seaman Armstrong Kudans, steward to Rear Admiral Samson Bura, former commanding officer, Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has alleged that the latter locked up Kudans for refusing to engage in financial fraud. 

The relative who spoke with SaharaReporters said Kudans has been picked up since 2019 and taken to Bonny Island on the orders of Bura and was only recently taken to a cell in Pathfinder. 

File photo used to illustrate story.

However, he noted that the Rear Admiral had ordered that Kudans be sentenced to three years imprisonment in Port Harcourt prison. 

According to him, Kudans had served as a steward to Bura and between 2017 and 2019, Kudans went to the Government House to receive N20, 000, 000 monthly for Bura. 

Meanwhile, the funds meant for the welfare of all naval staff under him are usually diverted for Bura's personal use.

He said Bura was also using Kudans' account to receive another N3 million per month and later alleged that the steward had stolen from him when there was no such incident. 

The relation alleged that trouble started when Kudans told his boss he was no longer interested in being used to perpetrate fraud. 

"He said he didn't want to be engaged in any of the things the man was doing including collecting the N20 million and N3 million," the source said. 
"He wanted to stop but the man lied against him that he stole his N48 million."

The relation said, "Since 2019, Bura had got Kudans arrested though Bura himself has been redeployed to Abuja as Director Air, Naval Headquarters he has maintained a hold on this place because the person who took over is his junior. 

“Bura gave orders to the new commanding officer, Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder, Port Harcourt, especially concerning those he locked up before he left. That man rendered many family members useless because of the little power God gave him.

“Bura dismissed 152 navy personnel from the navy and jailed over 60 out of the 152. Sometimes, he sends them to the front in war-torn states so they can get killed.”

Narrating what happened between Kudans and Bura, he said, “My cousin, Seaman Armstrong Kudans SVC7623 of the Nigeria Navy served with Rear Admiral Samson Bura as his steward from May 2017 to November 2019 as of the time Bura was the commander, Nigeria naval ship, Pathfinder in Rivers state.

“During the period, the Rear Admiral was sending Armstrong to Rivers State Government House to collect money for him amounting to twenty million naira (N20,000,000) every month from July 2017 to October 2019. Ideally, Bura ought to be sending the Financial Officer of the command because Kudans is just a steward but because he wants to inappropriate the funds, he'd send a steward and he has to obey.

“He, the Rear Admiral Samson Bura has also been using Armstrong's account number to collect the sum of three million naira (N3,000,000) every month from Marbesel marine company owned by one Sir Joseph in Rivers state.

“All the money he receives on behalf of the Rear Admiral, he hands them over sincerely to him. 

“The Rear Admiral Samson Bura keeps the money in his house at Adageorge Close, Elelewon Street, New GRA, Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

“It was in November 2019 that the Rear Admiral Samson Bura accused him of stealing the sum of forty-eight million naira (N48,000,000) from his house but he didn't steal the money. He showed him copies of some of the transactions made and bank tellers but Bura refused to believe.

“Kudans also showed me the names and phone numbers of people that have been going to River State Government House with him and doing bank transactions.

“Samson Bura always asks his girlfriends to come around to stay in the house for weeks or more and they stay for days but he never asked them if they have ever stolen his money. Any of these ladies may have taken the money.

“Kudans was in Nigeria Navy Town, Lagos when Rear Admiral Samson Bura sent Nigeria Police (Special Anti-Robbery Squad) to arrest him with one Bello who was serving in Nigeria naval air station and since then he has remained in detention. I learnt that today, Monday, they have sentenced Kudans to three years imprisonment.”

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Eight of the 12 detained aides of Yoruba activist, Sunday Adeyemo, aka Sunday Igboho have been released. 

This was confirmed by their lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi on Monday. He, however, said the remaining four aides must be released as they have all met their bail conditions. 

The aides were released to Olajengbesi after the Department of State Services (DSS) failed to comply with a court ruling on the matter.

It would be recalled that the lawyer had issued an ultimatum to the DSS to release the detained aides, who were arrested at Igboho's house. 

Judge Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja had on July 23 ordered the DSS to produce the detainees in court on July 29. But the DSS only produced 8 of the detained 12 aides.

It was gathered that they were released to their lawyer following the threat of filling a case of contempt against the security outfit.

Olajengbesi had given the DSS 48 hours to release them in line with the court order that granted them bail.

The DSS had continued to hold the activists in an underground cell despite perfecting their bail conditions.

 

Olajengbesi, while addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, gave the Director-General of the service 48 hours to fully obey and comply with the release order of the court in favour of all 12 detained associates of Igboho or face contempt proceedings before a court.

The human rights lawyer said the refusal of the DSS to honour a clear order of court, though habitual, was not only worrisome but an affront on the authority of the court and the country’s judicial system.

He said, “It has become imperative and urgent to make this brief address in light of the vindictive and oppressive conduct of the State Security Service (SSS) (also known as DSS) in the matter involving 12 detained associates of Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, aka Igboho.

“In the wee hours of the 1st of July, 2021, a joint team of men from the State Security Service (SSS) and the Nigerian military, with neither lawful cause nor a warrant of arrest, broke into the Ibadan home of the Yoruba Nation activist popularly known as Sunday Igboho and extra-judicially murdered two of his associates while rounding up, bounding and abducting 12 others to be incarcerated without cause in the dungeons of the SSS where they continue to languish without reprieve to this day.

“All 12 detainees who were immediately subjected to degrading conditions of detention and torture were denied access to their lawyers by the SSS up until the intervention of the court through an order recognising and re-emphasizing the detainees’ right to legal representation against whatever allegations against them.

“Regrettably and indeed unacceptably, while no charges, in full or tentatively, have been preferred against all 12 detainees, the SSS have failed and refused to honour an order of court which granted bail to and ordered the release of all twelve detainees upon the perfection of the terms of their bail which have now been fully satisfied and duly communicated to the SSS.

“The refusal of the SSS to honour a clear order of court, though habitual, is not only worrisome and unacceptable but is an affront on the authority of the court and our entire judicial system. Such blatant disregard for, and contemptuous, spiteful and insolent disrespect of an order of court if allowed to fester would undermine the very integrity of the court and breed even newer levels of rascality by state agents. It would also amount to surrendering the freedom and rights of all twelve detainees to the whims and caprices of an agency that has gone rogue and thrives in wilful disobedience of court orders.

“In light of this, we are giving the SSS, particularly its Director-General, forty-eight (48) hours and not an hour more, within which to fully obey and comply with the release order of the court in favour of all 12 detained associates of Mr. Sunday Igboho or face contempt proceedings before a court of competent jurisdiction with the full weight and recompense of the court brought to bear against his insolence and disregard of court order.

“Take notice that we will not fail to exhaust all legal and social remedy available to the detainees in enforcing their rights in this matter and setting the tone against the SSS’ notorious disregard of due process and the rule of law.”

Following the release of the 8 associates of Igboho, human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore also called for the release of the remaining four still in DSS custody. 

"8 of #OduduwaRepublic 12 now released by lawless DSS. They must release everybody including 'Lady K' #nogoingbacknow #Revolutionnow," he said on Monday. 

Politics Breaking News News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/3gNYsaz

Eight of the 12 detained aides of Yoruba activist, Sunday Adeyemo, aka Sunday Igboho have been released. 

This was confirmed by their lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi on Monday. He, however, said the remaining four aides must be released as they have all met their bail conditions. 

The aides were released to Olajengbesi after the Department of State Services (DSS) failed to comply with a court ruling on the matter.

It would be recalled that the lawyer had issued an ultimatum to the DSS to release the detained aides, who were arrested at Igboho's house. 

Judge Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja had on July 23 ordered the DSS to produce the detainees in court on July 29. But the DSS only produced 8 of the detained 12 aides.

It was gathered that they were released to their lawyer following the threat of filling a case of contempt against the security outfit.

Olajengbesi had given the DSS 48 hours to release them in line with the court order that granted them bail.

The DSS had continued to hold the activists in an underground cell despite perfecting their bail conditions.

 

Olajengbesi, while addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, gave the Director-General of the service 48 hours to fully obey and comply with the release order of the court in favour of all 12 detained associates of Igboho or face contempt proceedings before a court.

The human rights lawyer said the refusal of the DSS to honour a clear order of court, though habitual, was not only worrisome but an affront on the authority of the court and the country’s judicial system.

He said, “It has become imperative and urgent to make this brief address in light of the vindictive and oppressive conduct of the State Security Service (SSS) (also known as DSS) in the matter involving 12 detained associates of Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, aka Igboho.

“In the wee hours of the 1st of July, 2021, a joint team of men from the State Security Service (SSS) and the Nigerian military, with neither lawful cause nor a warrant of arrest, broke into the Ibadan home of the Yoruba Nation activist popularly known as Sunday Igboho and extra-judicially murdered two of his associates while rounding up, bounding and abducting 12 others to be incarcerated without cause in the dungeons of the SSS where they continue to languish without reprieve to this day.

“All 12 detainees who were immediately subjected to degrading conditions of detention and torture were denied access to their lawyers by the SSS up until the intervention of the court through an order recognising and re-emphasizing the detainees’ right to legal representation against whatever allegations against them.

“Regrettably and indeed unacceptably, while no charges, in full or tentatively, have been preferred against all 12 detainees, the SSS have failed and refused to honour an order of court which granted bail to and ordered the release of all twelve detainees upon the perfection of the terms of their bail which have now been fully satisfied and duly communicated to the SSS.

“The refusal of the SSS to honour a clear order of court, though habitual, is not only worrisome and unacceptable but is an affront on the authority of the court and our entire judicial system. Such blatant disregard for, and contemptuous, spiteful and insolent disrespect of an order of court if allowed to fester would undermine the very integrity of the court and breed even newer levels of rascality by state agents. It would also amount to surrendering the freedom and rights of all twelve detainees to the whims and caprices of an agency that has gone rogue and thrives in wilful disobedience of court orders.

“In light of this, we are giving the SSS, particularly its Director-General, forty-eight (48) hours and not an hour more, within which to fully obey and comply with the release order of the court in favour of all 12 detained associates of Mr. Sunday Igboho or face contempt proceedings before a court of competent jurisdiction with the full weight and recompense of the court brought to bear against his insolence and disregard of court order.

“Take notice that we will not fail to exhaust all legal and social remedy available to the detainees in enforcing their rights in this matter and setting the tone against the SSS’ notorious disregard of due process and the rule of law.”

Following the release of the 8 associates of Igboho, human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore also called for the release of the remaining four still in DSS custody. 

"8 of #OduduwaRepublic 12 now released by lawless DSS. They must release everybody including 'Lady K' #nogoingbacknow #Revolutionnow," he said on Monday. 

Politics Breaking News News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/3gNYsaz

Eight of the 12 detained aides of Yoruba activist, Sunday Adeyemo, aka Sunday Igboho have been released. 

This was confirmed by their lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi on Monday. He, however, said the remaining four aides must be released as they have all met their bail conditions. 

The aides were released to Olajengbesi after the Department of State Services (DSS) failed to comply with a court ruling on the matter.

It would be recalled that the lawyer had issued an ultimatum to the DSS to release the detained aides, who were arrested at Igboho's house. 

Judge Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja had on July 23 ordered the DSS to produce the detainees in court on July 29. But the DSS only produced 8 of the detained 12 aides.

It was gathered that they were released to their lawyer following the threat of filling a case of contempt against the security outfit.

Olajengbesi had given the DSS 48 hours to release them in line with the court order that granted them bail.

The DSS had continued to hold the activists in an underground cell despite perfecting their bail conditions.

 

Olajengbesi, while addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, gave the Director-General of the service 48 hours to fully obey and comply with the release order of the court in favour of all 12 detained associates of Igboho or face contempt proceedings before a court.

The human rights lawyer said the refusal of the DSS to honour a clear order of court, though habitual, was not only worrisome but an affront on the authority of the court and the country’s judicial system.

He said, “It has become imperative and urgent to make this brief address in light of the vindictive and oppressive conduct of the State Security Service (SSS) (also known as DSS) in the matter involving 12 detained associates of Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, aka Igboho.

“In the wee hours of the 1st of July, 2021, a joint team of men from the State Security Service (SSS) and the Nigerian military, with neither lawful cause nor a warrant of arrest, broke into the Ibadan home of the Yoruba Nation activist popularly known as Sunday Igboho and extra-judicially murdered two of his associates while rounding up, bounding and abducting 12 others to be incarcerated without cause in the dungeons of the SSS where they continue to languish without reprieve to this day.

“All 12 detainees who were immediately subjected to degrading conditions of detention and torture were denied access to their lawyers by the SSS up until the intervention of the court through an order recognising and re-emphasizing the detainees’ right to legal representation against whatever allegations against them.

“Regrettably and indeed unacceptably, while no charges, in full or tentatively, have been preferred against all 12 detainees, the SSS have failed and refused to honour an order of court which granted bail to and ordered the release of all twelve detainees upon the perfection of the terms of their bail which have now been fully satisfied and duly communicated to the SSS.

“The refusal of the SSS to honour a clear order of court, though habitual, is not only worrisome and unacceptable but is an affront on the authority of the court and our entire judicial system. Such blatant disregard for, and contemptuous, spiteful and insolent disrespect of an order of court if allowed to fester would undermine the very integrity of the court and breed even newer levels of rascality by state agents. It would also amount to surrendering the freedom and rights of all twelve detainees to the whims and caprices of an agency that has gone rogue and thrives in wilful disobedience of court orders.

“In light of this, we are giving the SSS, particularly its Director-General, forty-eight (48) hours and not an hour more, within which to fully obey and comply with the release order of the court in favour of all 12 detained associates of Mr. Sunday Igboho or face contempt proceedings before a court of competent jurisdiction with the full weight and recompense of the court brought to bear against his insolence and disregard of court order.

“Take notice that we will not fail to exhaust all legal and social remedy available to the detainees in enforcing their rights in this matter and setting the tone against the SSS’ notorious disregard of due process and the rule of law.”

Following the release of the 8 associates of Igboho, human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore also called for the release of the remaining four still in DSS custody. 

"8 of #OduduwaRepublic 12 now released by lawless DSS. They must release everybody including 'Lady K' #nogoingbacknow #Revolutionnow," he said on Monday. 

Politics Breaking News News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/3gNYsaz

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been urged to go after Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State by the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Senator George Akume.

Akume made the call on Monday at a press conference in Abuja, where he asked Ortom to stop attacking President Muhammadu Buhari.

George Akume
“We call on Governor Samuel Ortom to tender an unreserved apology to President Muhammadu Buhari, for using foul language and for operating outside the set rules of engagement between the state and the federal governments.

“We call on the EFCC and ICPC Commission (Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission) to thoroughly investigate the application of the total federal allocations to Benue State from May 29, 2015 to date.

“The Federal Government should as a matter of urgency direct the disbandment of the Livestock Guards in Benue State for their involvements in nefarious and criminal activities leading to the breach of peace and massacre of innocent citizens of Benue State,” Akume said.

The briefing was attended by the elders/stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue.

SaharaReporters had reported that Governor Ortom likened President Buhari’s method of tackling insecurity in Nigeria to that of the Taliban, the terrorist group which recently took over Afghanistan.

See Also Politics Fulani People Coming To Kill Us, Finish Usman Dan Fodio Jihad And Buhari Presidency Is Involved In The Agenda—Governor Ortom 0 Comments 3 Hours Ago

Governor Ortom remarked on Friday in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase.

The statement was titled, “Presidency turning Nigeria to a cow republic”, in reaction to Buhari’s approval of the recommendations of a committee to review “with dispatch,” 368 grazing sites across 25 states in the country.

The governor said it was clear that the Presidency wanted to plunge the country into an avoidable crisis.

He said, “In a country where insecurity has reached an all-time high with hundreds being killed by armed herdsmen, bandits, and other terrorists, the Presidency is only bordered about animals and their safety and is deploying all machinery and arsenals of government to impose grazing reserves and cattle routes on Nigerians. This is unacceptable.

“The Buhari administration has turned a blind eye to the unimaginable levels of encroachment on lands belonging to Nigerians by cattle. Mr President has never come out even once to condemn the activities of herdsmen and the attacks they visit on innocent people. The only time the President is heard speaking about atrocities of the herders is when he defends them.

“It is now clear that the Presidency wants to plunge the country into avoidable crisis. Otherwise, what is the justification for President Buhari’s insistence that grazing reserves be established across the country when Nigerians have openly kicked against the policy and have embraced ranching in place of open grazing?

“What is the difference between the Buhari administration’s approach to insecurity and the Taliban agenda in Afghanistan?

“It is now evident that the government at the centre prioritises the welfare of cattle over human beings and is bent on taking Nigeria back to the pre-colonial era with some snippets of a society wherein the words of Thomas Hobbes, life has become ‘solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short’.

“The country has been turned to a cow republic by the present administration and the basic principles of equality, justice, fairness, and equity which engender peace and suppress anarchy are non-existent.”

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/3t2Xb4y

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been urged to go after Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State by the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Senator George Akume.

Akume made the call on Monday at a press conference in Abuja, where he asked Ortom to stop attacking President Muhammadu Buhari.

George Akume
“We call on Governor Samuel Ortom to tender an unreserved apology to President Muhammadu Buhari, for using foul language and for operating outside the set rules of engagement between the state and the federal governments.

“We call on the EFCC and ICPC Commission (Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission) to thoroughly investigate the application of the total federal allocations to Benue State from May 29, 2015 to date.

“The Federal Government should as a matter of urgency direct the disbandment of the Livestock Guards in Benue State for their involvements in nefarious and criminal activities leading to the breach of peace and massacre of innocent citizens of Benue State,” Akume said.

The briefing was attended by the elders/stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue.

SaharaReporters had reported that Governor Ortom likened President Buhari’s method of tackling insecurity in Nigeria to that of the Taliban, the terrorist group which recently took over Afghanistan.

See Also Politics Fulani People Coming To Kill Us, Finish Usman Dan Fodio Jihad And Buhari Presidency Is Involved In The Agenda—Governor Ortom 0 Comments 3 Hours Ago

Governor Ortom remarked on Friday in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase.

The statement was titled, “Presidency turning Nigeria to a cow republic”, in reaction to Buhari’s approval of the recommendations of a committee to review “with dispatch,” 368 grazing sites across 25 states in the country.

The governor said it was clear that the Presidency wanted to plunge the country into an avoidable crisis.

He said, “In a country where insecurity has reached an all-time high with hundreds being killed by armed herdsmen, bandits, and other terrorists, the Presidency is only bordered about animals and their safety and is deploying all machinery and arsenals of government to impose grazing reserves and cattle routes on Nigerians. This is unacceptable.

“The Buhari administration has turned a blind eye to the unimaginable levels of encroachment on lands belonging to Nigerians by cattle. Mr President has never come out even once to condemn the activities of herdsmen and the attacks they visit on innocent people. The only time the President is heard speaking about atrocities of the herders is when he defends them.

“It is now clear that the Presidency wants to plunge the country into avoidable crisis. Otherwise, what is the justification for President Buhari’s insistence that grazing reserves be established across the country when Nigerians have openly kicked against the policy and have embraced ranching in place of open grazing?

“What is the difference between the Buhari administration’s approach to insecurity and the Taliban agenda in Afghanistan?

“It is now evident that the government at the centre prioritises the welfare of cattle over human beings and is bent on taking Nigeria back to the pre-colonial era with some snippets of a society wherein the words of Thomas Hobbes, life has become ‘solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short’.

“The country has been turned to a cow republic by the present administration and the basic principles of equality, justice, fairness, and equity which engender peace and suppress anarchy are non-existent.”

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/3t2Xb4y

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been urged to go after Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State by the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Senator George Akume.

Akume made the call on Monday at a press conference in Abuja, where he asked Ortom to stop attacking President Muhammadu Buhari.

George Akume
“We call on Governor Samuel Ortom to tender an unreserved apology to President Muhammadu Buhari, for using foul language and for operating outside the set rules of engagement between the state and the federal governments.

“We call on the EFCC and ICPC Commission (Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission) to thoroughly investigate the application of the total federal allocations to Benue State from May 29, 2015 to date.

“The Federal Government should as a matter of urgency direct the disbandment of the Livestock Guards in Benue State for their involvements in nefarious and criminal activities leading to the breach of peace and massacre of innocent citizens of Benue State,” Akume said.

The briefing was attended by the elders/stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue.

SaharaReporters had reported that Governor Ortom likened President Buhari’s method of tackling insecurity in Nigeria to that of the Taliban, the terrorist group which recently took over Afghanistan.

See Also Politics Fulani People Coming To Kill Us, Finish Usman Dan Fodio Jihad And Buhari Presidency Is Involved In The Agenda—Governor Ortom 0 Comments 3 Hours Ago

Governor Ortom remarked on Friday in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase.

The statement was titled, “Presidency turning Nigeria to a cow republic”, in reaction to Buhari’s approval of the recommendations of a committee to review “with dispatch,” 368 grazing sites across 25 states in the country.

The governor said it was clear that the Presidency wanted to plunge the country into an avoidable crisis.

He said, “In a country where insecurity has reached an all-time high with hundreds being killed by armed herdsmen, bandits, and other terrorists, the Presidency is only bordered about animals and their safety and is deploying all machinery and arsenals of government to impose grazing reserves and cattle routes on Nigerians. This is unacceptable.

“The Buhari administration has turned a blind eye to the unimaginable levels of encroachment on lands belonging to Nigerians by cattle. Mr President has never come out even once to condemn the activities of herdsmen and the attacks they visit on innocent people. The only time the President is heard speaking about atrocities of the herders is when he defends them.

“It is now clear that the Presidency wants to plunge the country into avoidable crisis. Otherwise, what is the justification for President Buhari’s insistence that grazing reserves be established across the country when Nigerians have openly kicked against the policy and have embraced ranching in place of open grazing?

“What is the difference between the Buhari administration’s approach to insecurity and the Taliban agenda in Afghanistan?

“It is now evident that the government at the centre prioritises the welfare of cattle over human beings and is bent on taking Nigeria back to the pre-colonial era with some snippets of a society wherein the words of Thomas Hobbes, life has become ‘solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short’.

“The country has been turned to a cow republic by the present administration and the basic principles of equality, justice, fairness, and equity which engender peace and suppress anarchy are non-existent.”

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/3t2Xb4y

The Chief Imam of Apo Legislative Quarters Mosque, Sheikh Nuru Khalid, has lambasted President Muhammadu Buhari for his failure to tackle banditry in the country.

President Buhari has been under fire from prominent Nigerians because of how he has handled the problem of insecurity in the country.

Sheikh Nuru Khalid

In a viral video, the Imam swore that Allah (God) will deal with the President if he doesn’t return Nigeria “united and without bandits”.

The cleric while addressing worshippers during his Friday sermon, said Buhari must ensure that he ended the menace before leaving power.

The Imam, who spoke in Hausa, said, “Go and tell the President that under his government some groups of people are issuing threats to local communities, demanding that they should be paid some amounts of money or face attack.

“And they would gather the money and announce publicly on the BBC that they (bandits) would be paid this Friday [to avoid attack].

“Tell the president that there is a country we pay allegiance to, and there is a part of the country we do not know, which is governed by bandits.

“The president should either return the country as one nation where bandits are not killing people anyhow — just the way he took over, or Allah (God) will deal with him.

“This is the message. I’m saying this in an open forum, and it is live-streamed for the world to see. I take responsibility for my words, and I’m ready to face whatever consequences for preaching peace and unity of Nigeria.

“Mr President, we don’t want to hear the reports of killing of people under your watch. We don’t want to hear reports of cowardice among our soldiers, such that they are attacked at their base.

“We have a video in which you said Nigerian soldiers had the patriotism, training, and discipline to tackle all manner of criminality in the country. You said if you were elected, you would give them the required support to tackle insurgency in a short time.

“Your Excellency, a promise made is a promise kept. If you lack the advisers to remind you of this, we are ready to tell you. We are praying to God to help you fulfil this promise if really you are willing.”

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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The Chief Imam of Apo Legislative Quarters Mosque, Sheikh Nuru Khalid, has lambasted President Muhammadu Buhari for his failure to tackle banditry in the country.

President Buhari has been under fire from prominent Nigerians because of how he has handled the problem of insecurity in the country.

Sheikh Nuru Khalid

In a viral video, the Imam swore that Allah (God) will deal with the President if he doesn’t return Nigeria “united and without bandits”.

The cleric while addressing worshippers during his Friday sermon, said Buhari must ensure that he ended the menace before leaving power.

The Imam, who spoke in Hausa, said, “Go and tell the President that under his government some groups of people are issuing threats to local communities, demanding that they should be paid some amounts of money or face attack.

“And they would gather the money and announce publicly on the BBC that they (bandits) would be paid this Friday [to avoid attack].

“Tell the president that there is a country we pay allegiance to, and there is a part of the country we do not know, which is governed by bandits.

“The president should either return the country as one nation where bandits are not killing people anyhow — just the way he took over, or Allah (God) will deal with him.

“This is the message. I’m saying this in an open forum, and it is live-streamed for the world to see. I take responsibility for my words, and I’m ready to face whatever consequences for preaching peace and unity of Nigeria.

“Mr President, we don’t want to hear the reports of killing of people under your watch. We don’t want to hear reports of cowardice among our soldiers, such that they are attacked at their base.

“We have a video in which you said Nigerian soldiers had the patriotism, training, and discipline to tackle all manner of criminality in the country. You said if you were elected, you would give them the required support to tackle insurgency in a short time.

“Your Excellency, a promise made is a promise kept. If you lack the advisers to remind you of this, we are ready to tell you. We are praying to God to help you fulfil this promise if really you are willing.”

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/3yu2ESW

The Chief Imam of Apo Legislative Quarters Mosque, Sheikh Nuru Khalid, has lambasted President Muhammadu Buhari for his failure to tackle banditry in the country.

President Buhari has been under fire from prominent Nigerians because of how he has handled the problem of insecurity in the country.

Sheikh Nuru Khalid

In a viral video, the Imam swore that Allah (God) will deal with the President if he doesn’t return Nigeria “united and without bandits”.

The cleric while addressing worshippers during his Friday sermon, said Buhari must ensure that he ended the menace before leaving power.

The Imam, who spoke in Hausa, said, “Go and tell the President that under his government some groups of people are issuing threats to local communities, demanding that they should be paid some amounts of money or face attack.

“And they would gather the money and announce publicly on the BBC that they (bandits) would be paid this Friday [to avoid attack].

“Tell the president that there is a country we pay allegiance to, and there is a part of the country we do not know, which is governed by bandits.

“The president should either return the country as one nation where bandits are not killing people anyhow — just the way he took over, or Allah (God) will deal with him.

“This is the message. I’m saying this in an open forum, and it is live-streamed for the world to see. I take responsibility for my words, and I’m ready to face whatever consequences for preaching peace and unity of Nigeria.

“Mr President, we don’t want to hear the reports of killing of people under your watch. We don’t want to hear reports of cowardice among our soldiers, such that they are attacked at their base.

“We have a video in which you said Nigerian soldiers had the patriotism, training, and discipline to tackle all manner of criminality in the country. You said if you were elected, you would give them the required support to tackle insurgency in a short time.

“Your Excellency, a promise made is a promise kept. If you lack the advisers to remind you of this, we are ready to tell you. We are praying to God to help you fulfil this promise if really you are willing.”

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State, on Monday, denied claims there was an attack on its personnel. 

This was made known in a statement issued by the corps spokesman, Okadigbo Edwin.

A video that had now gone viral on social media showed some men claiming to be Biafra motherland warriors shooting at some people purported to be NSCDC officials stationed at Nenyi Umueri in the Anambra East Local Government Area. 

But in the statement, Edwin debunked this claim stating that NSCDC officials and vehicles have not been involved in any of such incidents. 

He stated that the command alongside other sister security agencies are working together to ensure that the security situation in Anambra State is intact.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Anambra State Command has been drawn to a video in circulation in social media insinuating that Civil Defence officers and vehicle were attacked on Monday, 30th of August, 2021 at Nenyi Umueri in Anambra East LGA. 

“We wish to state that there is no iota of truth in the video in circulation. All NSCDC  facilities in Anambra State are safe and calm. In addition, all operational vehicles in the State deployed for an assignment are without any untoward incident today.

“This is purely the handwork of crises merchants and mischief-makers who want to create panic and fear on the minds of Anambrarians and residents alike. The command with other sister security agencies is working in synergy to ensure that the security situation in Anambra State is intact.

“While appreciating the collaboration and support of the masses in beaming the activities of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in the state, we wish to appeal for confirmation of every information before going to social media to avoid misleading the public. 

“The Anambra  State Commandant, Mr Vincent Ogu JP wishes to appreciate the Executive Governor, Dr. Willie Obiano, the good people of the state and other sister security agencies for their support and collaboration towards enhancing the security architecture of the state. He assures that safe custody of officers and men and operational vehicles in the Command will continue to be his priority."

News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State, on Monday, denied claims there was an attack on its personnel. 

This was made known in a statement issued by the corps spokesman, Okadigbo Edwin.

A video that had now gone viral on social media showed some men claiming to be Biafra motherland warriors shooting at some people purported to be NSCDC officials stationed at Nenyi Umueri in the Anambra East Local Government Area. 

But in the statement, Edwin debunked this claim stating that NSCDC officials and vehicles have not been involved in any of such incidents. 

He stated that the command alongside other sister security agencies are working together to ensure that the security situation in Anambra State is intact.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Anambra State Command has been drawn to a video in circulation in social media insinuating that Civil Defence officers and vehicle were attacked on Monday, 30th of August, 2021 at Nenyi Umueri in Anambra East LGA. 

“We wish to state that there is no iota of truth in the video in circulation. All NSCDC  facilities in Anambra State are safe and calm. In addition, all operational vehicles in the State deployed for an assignment are without any untoward incident today.

“This is purely the handwork of crises merchants and mischief-makers who want to create panic and fear on the minds of Anambrarians and residents alike. The command with other sister security agencies is working in synergy to ensure that the security situation in Anambra State is intact.

“While appreciating the collaboration and support of the masses in beaming the activities of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in the state, we wish to appeal for confirmation of every information before going to social media to avoid misleading the public. 

“The Anambra  State Commandant, Mr Vincent Ogu JP wishes to appreciate the Executive Governor, Dr. Willie Obiano, the good people of the state and other sister security agencies for their support and collaboration towards enhancing the security architecture of the state. He assures that safe custody of officers and men and operational vehicles in the Command will continue to be his priority."

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Last weekend a musical Iroko tree fell in Benin City, Edo State! The legendary 'Joromi' melody exponent, Sir Victor Efosa Uwaifo (MON), joined his ancestors in the Edo state capital city at a ripe age of 80. He was a former Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism in Edo State during the Lucky Igbinedion governorship. He made history in 1996 when he was presented with the first Golden Record in Nigeria, West Africa and Africa by Philips for his hit song, 'Joromi'. 

Uwaifo was invited by the United Nations Staff Day International Committee to perform during the UN Golden Jubilee celebration in 1995. He was a lecturer in the Department of Fine and Applied Arts at the University of Benin (UNIBEN). His evergreen hit songs included: Joromi, Akwete, Mammy Water, Do Amen Do.

Prof. Uwaifo was a graduate of UNIBEN. He was about the most intellectually-minded performing musician of his generation. He was talented, witty, industrious and imaginative. A rare gem Uwaifo through his 'Joromi' hit song made name for himself globally like King Sunny Ade, Osita Osadebe, Sonny Okosuns, Christy Essien-Igbokwe, Oliver De Coque etc. Uwaifo loved the academia hence his pursuit of knowledge even in his fifties.

SOC Okenwa

Tributes and eulogies have poured in from far and near, high and mighty following his glorious demise. From President Muhammadu Buhari down to the performing artists and artisans on the streets everyone was convinced that he lived a good life contributing his quota to Nigeria's artistic greatness.

I remember coming very close to the late Uwaifo during a botched live concert at the lawn tennis court of the Ogbe Stadium in Benin City decades ago. Then as a student I bought a ticket for the concert advertised as one featuring the late Ras Kimono and the late Uwaifo. But sadly controversy and violence soon set in with the late rastaman Kimono nowhere to be found.

As the crowd waited and waited for Kimono to mount the stage to entertain us with his reggae music frustration soon became a recipe for violence. Faced with hecklings and restiveness of the young men and women assembled while on stage the Uwaifo team announced to our utter consternation that Kimono could no longer be there for some unavoidable logistical reasons.

Commotion ensued as soon as the announcement was made leading to chaos. We struggled to be on the safe side as bottles and other projectiles were used by the crowd to attack Sir Uwaifo and his band members. Uwaifo was taken out of the stadium through the back door by his bodyguards as disappointed fans yelled for refund of their money!

Of course I felt disappointed myself and we questioned why Uwaifo could have organized a fraud of a concert believing that he deliberately put Kimono on the ticket to attract more people and make more money for himself. Some of his musical instruments and equipments were damaged or destroyed as the bedlam lasted for long minutes.

Of course it is said that a prophet is never respected or recognised at home. Uwaifo's case that chaotic day demonstrated the preference of Kimono by those in attendance. One radical student screamed that he came to see Kimono perform and not Uwaifo!

Another close encounter I had with the late music legend was at the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) New Lagos Road office in Benin City. We were billed to record a programme 'Can You Guess?' that fateful day. As we seated and waited patiently for the time to be ushered into the studio Uwaifo drove in! He came for a live programme. As he entered the building we were excited to see him greeting him warmly as he greeted us in return, shaking our hands.

Yet another encounter I had with the late 'Joromi' exponent was at the Trade Fair Complex off Aerodrome Close in downtown Benin City. With my friends we were having a great time when the proprietor of Holy Mary College, S. Dory Ikpasaja, the MC, announced the presence of Uwaifo. We searched the complex to see where he 'parked' and saw him in company of the high and mighty bantering and laughing happily.

Along Dawson Road in the ancient city of Benin Uwaifo had an office where he sold some sculpted artworks. He used to drive around the streets of Benin City with an ancient unique car that was always the cynosure of all eyes. He was a great man from all indications; a great Edo son and a great Nigerian!

Sir Uwaifo was a role model for many new-generation performing artists in Nigeria. In Benin City and Edo state in particular and Nigeria in general he was a household name. Some of his great songs had been remixed.

As he goes to the great beyond he would forever be remembered for his giant musical strides and contribution to arts development in Nigeria. Artists do not die, so goes the saying! As long as music is part of humanity constituting one of the five human natural senses Uwaifo would live forever in our hearts and minds.

Fare thee well, Sir Victor Uwaifo! We shall miss you. We grieve for you!

SOC Okenwa
soco_abj_2006_rci@hotmail.fr

Opinion AddThis :  Original Author :  Ozodinukwe Okenwa Disable advertisements : 
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Residents of the South East have continued with the sit-at-home directive of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) despite the suspension of the exercise every Monday to limit it to days when the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu appears in court. 

On Monday, August 30, 2021, streets, markets and public places were deserted.

Since the first order which turned bloody in some parts of the region was strictly adhered to on August 9, IPOB, following a fresh directive from its detained leader, Kanu said the exercise tagged 'Ghost Town' will no longer hold every Monday.

 

The sit-at-home order was declared to stand in solidarity with the pro-Biafra separatist leader, Kanu who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June.

 

However, despite the review of the Ghost Monday, many residents of the region have been staying indoors on Mondays, paralysing the commercial activities of Igboland every first weekday.

 

According to reports reaching SaharaReporters on Monday, commercial activities were stranded in the main sections of Owerri, the capital of Imo state.

 

Major roads known to be busy were deserted with a few vehicles plying the roads, while pedestrians abandoned the streets.

 

TheCable disclosed that some shops in Okigwe Road, Wetheral Road and Bank Road were locked, while banks in some parts of the state were not open for business on Monday.

 

Chibuike Norom, a shop owner in Owerri revealed that that the order had caused a setback on economic activities.

 

According to the newspaper, Norom urged residents in the state to have a “rethink in order not to jeopardise the economy of the south-east.”

 

In his own reaction a newspaper vendor who called himself Ifeanyi, showed satisfaction in the compliance with the sit-at-home order, adding that it is in solidarity with Kanu.

 

The same story was recorded in Zik Avenue and Eke, Awka, the Anambra capital city as the shops were locked, but a few people gathered in front of their shops discussing.

 

However, Onitsha which is known for its commercial activities, complied with the Ghost Town, as residents stayed indoors.

 

In Aba, Abia State, roads were empty with full compliance of the sit-at-home directive while shops and other business activities halted as well.

 

Emene, in Enugu state was not different from other places in the region as no vehicle was sighted on the roads, while shops were in locks.

 

However, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi had vowed to take over shops whose owners did not open for business in the state and threatened not to pay government workers who boycotted office.

  

He announced this during an All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders meeting, in Abakaliki, the state capital, on Sunday.

 

He said, “Any shop that is not opened tomorrow must be taken over by the government. Our South-East is about to be destroyed, but we have to fight to stop it.

 

 “A lot of federal agencies have placed Ebonyi State on red alert. I give you example, the Aviation Ministry; it took my going to Abuja before they were able to come to give certain approvals for our airport.

 

“The other Monday, not this immediate past one, many civil servants did not go to work. We decided not to pay them, but the spirit of God prevailed and we paid them. But anybody who fails to go to work tomorrow (Monday) will definitely cease to be a civil servant. The security agencies must take note of this.”

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2G6A44U

Residents of the South East have continued with the sit-at-home directive of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) despite the suspension of the exercise every Monday to limit it to days when the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu appears in court. 

On Monday, August 30, 2021, streets, markets and public places were deserted.

Since the first order which turned bloody in some parts of the region was strictly adhered to on August 9, IPOB, following a fresh directive from its detained leader, Kanu said the exercise tagged 'Ghost Town' will no longer hold every Monday.

 

The sit-at-home order was declared to stand in solidarity with the pro-Biafra separatist leader, Kanu who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June.

 

However, despite the review of the Ghost Monday, many residents of the region have been staying indoors on Mondays, paralysing the commercial activities of Igboland every first weekday.

 

According to reports reaching SaharaReporters on Monday, commercial activities were stranded in the main sections of Owerri, the capital of Imo state.

 

Major roads known to be busy were deserted with a few vehicles plying the roads, while pedestrians abandoned the streets.

 

TheCable disclosed that some shops in Okigwe Road, Wetheral Road and Bank Road were locked, while banks in some parts of the state were not open for business on Monday.

 

Chibuike Norom, a shop owner in Owerri revealed that that the order had caused a setback on economic activities.

 

According to the newspaper, Norom urged residents in the state to have a “rethink in order not to jeopardise the economy of the south-east.”

 

In his own reaction a newspaper vendor who called himself Ifeanyi, showed satisfaction in the compliance with the sit-at-home order, adding that it is in solidarity with Kanu.

 

The same story was recorded in Zik Avenue and Eke, Awka, the Anambra capital city as the shops were locked, but a few people gathered in front of their shops discussing.

 

However, Onitsha which is known for its commercial activities, complied with the Ghost Town, as residents stayed indoors.

 

In Aba, Abia State, roads were empty with full compliance of the sit-at-home directive while shops and other business activities halted as well.

 

Emene, in Enugu state was not different from other places in the region as no vehicle was sighted on the roads, while shops were in locks.

 

However, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi had vowed to take over shops whose owners did not open for business in the state and threatened not to pay government workers who boycotted office.

  

He announced this during an All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders meeting, in Abakaliki, the state capital, on Sunday.

 

He said, “Any shop that is not opened tomorrow must be taken over by the government. Our South-East is about to be destroyed, but we have to fight to stop it.

 

 “A lot of federal agencies have placed Ebonyi State on red alert. I give you example, the Aviation Ministry; it took my going to Abuja before they were able to come to give certain approvals for our airport.

 

“The other Monday, not this immediate past one, many civil servants did not go to work. We decided not to pay them, but the spirit of God prevailed and we paid them. But anybody who fails to go to work tomorrow (Monday) will definitely cease to be a civil servant. The security agencies must take note of this.”

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2G6A44U

Residents of the South East have continued with the sit-at-home directive of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) despite the suspension of the exercise every Monday to limit it to days when the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu appears in court. 

On Monday, August 30, 2021, streets, markets and public places were deserted.

Since the first order which turned bloody in some parts of the region was strictly adhered to on August 9, IPOB, following a fresh directive from its detained leader, Kanu said the exercise tagged 'Ghost Town' will no longer hold every Monday.

 

The sit-at-home order was declared to stand in solidarity with the pro-Biafra separatist leader, Kanu who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June.

 

However, despite the review of the Ghost Monday, many residents of the region have been staying indoors on Mondays, paralysing the commercial activities of Igboland every first weekday.

 

According to reports reaching SaharaReporters on Monday, commercial activities were stranded in the main sections of Owerri, the capital of Imo state.

 

Major roads known to be busy were deserted with a few vehicles plying the roads, while pedestrians abandoned the streets.

 

TheCable disclosed that some shops in Okigwe Road, Wetheral Road and Bank Road were locked, while banks in some parts of the state were not open for business on Monday.

 

Chibuike Norom, a shop owner in Owerri revealed that that the order had caused a setback on economic activities.

 

According to the newspaper, Norom urged residents in the state to have a “rethink in order not to jeopardise the economy of the south-east.”

 

In his own reaction a newspaper vendor who called himself Ifeanyi, showed satisfaction in the compliance with the sit-at-home order, adding that it is in solidarity with Kanu.

 

The same story was recorded in Zik Avenue and Eke, Awka, the Anambra capital city as the shops were locked, but a few people gathered in front of their shops discussing.

 

However, Onitsha which is known for its commercial activities, complied with the Ghost Town, as residents stayed indoors.

 

In Aba, Abia State, roads were empty with full compliance of the sit-at-home directive while shops and other business activities halted as well.

 

Emene, in Enugu state was not different from other places in the region as no vehicle was sighted on the roads, while shops were in locks.

 

However, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi had vowed to take over shops whose owners did not open for business in the state and threatened not to pay government workers who boycotted office.

  

He announced this during an All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders meeting, in Abakaliki, the state capital, on Sunday.

 

He said, “Any shop that is not opened tomorrow must be taken over by the government. Our South-East is about to be destroyed, but we have to fight to stop it.

 

 “A lot of federal agencies have placed Ebonyi State on red alert. I give you example, the Aviation Ministry; it took my going to Abuja before they were able to come to give certain approvals for our airport.

 

“The other Monday, not this immediate past one, many civil servants did not go to work. We decided not to pay them, but the spirit of God prevailed and we paid them. But anybody who fails to go to work tomorrow (Monday) will definitely cease to be a civil servant. The security agencies must take note of this.”

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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Many people have been feared dead in the ancient town of Rann in Borno State after militants from the Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), formerly known as Jamā'at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da'wah wa'l-Jihād, dislodged Nigerian troops in the community.

Rann is the headquarters of Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno state and has experienced several attacks from the insurgents.

File photo used to illustrate story.

Military sources told SaharaReporters that the insurgents overran Rann on Sunday night and while most of the villagers ran away for safety, some were held by the insurgents.

SaharaReporters gathered that the gunmen came with heavy machine guns and trucks and dislodged Nigerian troops of Operation Hadin Kai stationed in the community.

“They stormed the town around 10 pm last night and was in charge till 6 am this morning; many people including military operatives were killed by the terrorists, we can’t ascertain the number of casualties now,” a source said.

The latest attack comes a few hours after Borno State leaders agreed to the return of 'repentant' Boko Haram terrorists into their communities.

The decision was taken at a stakeholders meeting on Sunday to discuss the prevailing security situation in the state. The meeting was organised by the government of Borno State.

The Borno government confirmed that at least 3,000 persons who were members of the armed opposition group have laid down their arms and surrendered to the Nigerian military.

Governor Babagana Zulum, who presided over the meeting, disclosed that apart from the 3,000 'ex-terrorists' currently in the custody of the government, another 900 confirmed members of Boko Haram have surrendered to the Cameroonian forces.

Zulum said the stakeholders' meeting became necessary following the mixed reactions that recently trailed the mass surrender of 'former' Boko Haram fighters.

The governor said the government needed to involve all stakeholders in Borno in the decision-making process on how to deal with the 'repentant' insurgents.

Various stakeholders at the meeting which lasted five hours presented their views on how the 'former' terrorists should be accepted and treated in society.

Boko Haram Insecurity Insurgency Terrorism News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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Many people have been feared dead in the ancient town of Rann in Borno State after militants from the Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), formerly known as Jamā'at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da'wah wa'l-Jihād, dislodged Nigerian troops in the community.

Rann is the headquarters of Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno state and has experienced several attacks from the insurgents.

File photo used to illustrate story.

Military sources told SaharaReporters that the insurgents overran Rann on Sunday night and while most of the villagers ran away for safety, some were held by the insurgents.

SaharaReporters gathered that the gunmen came with heavy machine guns and trucks and dislodged Nigerian troops of Operation Hadin Kai stationed in the community.

“They stormed the town around 10 pm last night and was in charge till 6 am this morning; many people including military operatives were killed by the terrorists, we can’t ascertain the number of casualties now,” a source said.

The latest attack comes a few hours after Borno State leaders agreed to the return of 'repentant' Boko Haram terrorists into their communities.

The decision was taken at a stakeholders meeting on Sunday to discuss the prevailing security situation in the state. The meeting was organised by the government of Borno State.

The Borno government confirmed that at least 3,000 persons who were members of the armed opposition group have laid down their arms and surrendered to the Nigerian military.

Governor Babagana Zulum, who presided over the meeting, disclosed that apart from the 3,000 'ex-terrorists' currently in the custody of the government, another 900 confirmed members of Boko Haram have surrendered to the Cameroonian forces.

Zulum said the stakeholders' meeting became necessary following the mixed reactions that recently trailed the mass surrender of 'former' Boko Haram fighters.

The governor said the government needed to involve all stakeholders in Borno in the decision-making process on how to deal with the 'repentant' insurgents.

Various stakeholders at the meeting which lasted five hours presented their views on how the 'former' terrorists should be accepted and treated in society.

Boko Haram Insecurity Insurgency Terrorism News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/3sYezqZ