Boko Haram factions ready for talks with FG, says Ex-Commander

 

Two factions of the Boko Haram insurgency group may be ready for talks with the Federal Government, Abdulkadir Abubakar, a former commander of the group has claimed.

Abubakar, also known as Abu Muhammad, was the chief intelligence officer of the Boko Haram group and one of its top commanders, until his arrest in June by the military in Buni Yadi in Gujba local government area of Yobe State.

Abubakar told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at his cell in Maiduguri that Albarnawi and Mamman Nur factions of Boko Haram were willing to dialogue and cooperate with the government to defeat the most visible leader of the group, Abubakar Shekau.

According to him, Shekau, whose capture, dead or alive, the military high command has ordered, has been the major obstacle to peace, since the insurgency began in 2009.

“Shekau is not willing to surrender due to his high handedness. Unfortunately, the government and military authorities accorded priority on dealing with Shekau, who is blood thirsty.

“Albarnawi has indicated interest to dialogue with the government to end insurgency and provide a lasting solution to the crisis. Albarnawi discusses this with members of his circle. And I can assure the government that he would cooperate to achieve peace.

“The two factions are willing to cooperate with Nigerian Government to defeat Shekau,” he said.

Abubakar’s claim about the readiness of the factions to dialogue with the Nigerian authorities could not be verified as he had been incarcerated since June. But he insisted that the groups are predisposed to a peaceful resolution of the eight year-old crisis.

Abubakar claimed to have undertaken various espionage missions and provided intelligence to the insurgents, which enabled them to
hit a long list of targets, among which were the abduction of 275 students at Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok and the massacre of students at Federal Government College, Buni Yadi. Over 20 students were murdered at Buni Yadi.

He also claimed to have been involved in other attacks on schools in Maiduguri,  Damaturu, Postikum and Mamudo.

The detained Boko Haram commander expressed his willingness to give the military useful information to crush the insurgents and arrest Shekau.

“I am cooperating with the military and I am ready to provide information on the whereabouts of Shekau. Shekau has left his enclave in Sambisa and moved deep into Mandara Mountain. I know the area where he is hiding and willing to provide a guide to the military.

“The intensified military offensive has weakened Shekau’s position and that of the other groups,” he added.

Abubakar revealed deep divisions and power struggle among the insurgents, claiming the Albarnawi and Mamman Nur factions were opposed to Shekau’s leadership style and his bloodthirstiness.

He also blamed Shekau for many attacks on civilians by the Boko Haram insurgents.

“During the early days of the insurgency we fought for what we thought was a just cause, to establish a caliphate where human beings are valued, cherished and respected.

“After annexing vast territories, Shekau began to demonstrate his cruelty and atrocities against humanity.

“In view of the high level atrocities committed by the group,some of the top commanders including myself, Albarnawi and Mamman Nur challenged Shekau, demanding an immediate end to the ugly saga.

“Thereafter, Albarnawi and Mamman Nur parted ways, and formed their groups. Shekau is responsible for suicide bombings and attack on soft targets in the North-East.

“The Albarnawi and Mamman Nur groups never attacked schools, religious places of worship, markets, women and children. Our fight was strictly with security forces. Even the kidnapped oil workers would not be killed by the group,” he said.

According to him, both Mamman Nur and AlBarnawi opposed the abduction of the Chibok school girls, women and children.

“Shekau is fond of using the girls and other abducted women as sex toys, and suicide bombers. He kills on the pretence of punishing for lies, theft, and rebellion. Shekau kills without justification.

“Shekau arrogated to himself the powers to accuse, prosecute, convict and punish in total contradiction to Islamic teachings.Children and women also starved to death in Sambisa due to  Shekau’s cruelty”, he said.

(Source: NAN)

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‘Attack planned against Boroh, Amnesty office boss’

The Coalition for Peaceful Niger Delta (CPND), said it has very credible information about an orchestrated plot to discredit President Muhammadu Buhari’s Special Adviser on Niger Delta, Brig-Gen. Paul Boroh (Rtd).

It warned that the plot might cause fresh tension and security challenges in the Niger Delta.

The CPND in a press release signed by its president, Comrade Keme Ebimie, stated that some unpatriotic citizens of the region have commenced a media assault on Boroh, who is also the Presidential Amnesty Programme coordinator, and some of its principal officers to derail the programme and cause disaffection among its beneficiaries.

The group alleged that some politicians and persons with vested interests along with some former staff of the Amnesty Office have teamed up to discredit Boroh using fictitious and non-existent groups, which spread falsehood and hate campaigns through the social media.

One of such specious groups, Niger Deltans for Accountability and Good Governance (NDAGG), recently petitioned President Buhari and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo while he was Acting President, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the Minister of Defence, Chief of Army Staff as well as the Inspector General of Police alleging fraud, corruption and money laundering by Boroh, the Chief Security Officer, Col. Olusegun Ogungbure and two others.

Copies of the petition were also sent to leaders of the United States of America, Britain, Germany, France and Canada through their embassies and high commissions in Nigeria calling for revocation of their visas.

The group fingered a prominent chief, who is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Warri, Delta State, two former militant leaders from Rivers and Bayelsa states, and some of their foot soldiers as being behind the fresh push to unseat Boroh.

“The reason for the petitions and media attack is simply to discredit Boroh so that they can place one of their own in that office if he is removed.

“Having failed with the petition to the Presidency, other arms of government and the embassies, they have commenced a self-serving, negative media campaign against the man,” Ebimie said.

He wondered how an office that is grappling with serious underfunding challenges could be accused of misappropriation when there is little or no funds to run its operations.

“We are aware that the Amnesty Office is being deliberately underfunded by the government. All the bogus budgetary figures are only bandied in the media and by Boroh’s traducers.

“The reality is that not more than N7.5billion has been released to the Amnesty Office since the beginning of 2017. So how did it misappropriate N70billion that the petitioners claim? Such humongous figures can only be found in the wicked imagination of the false accusers.”

The group further said despite the fact of its poor funding, the Amnesty Office has paid the tuition of its offshore scholarship delegates up to July 2017 and is currently paying two months arrears of stipends to all former agitators and beneficiaries in the programme.

It said what Boroh requires is support and commendation for successfully sustaining the programme and for the agricultural revolution training it has engendered in the Niger Delta.

“

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PDP commends Bayelsa on WAEC performance

From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa

The Peoples Democratic Party( PDP) and a group, Bayelsa Transparency Monitors (BTM) have commended the Bayelsa State government over the feat recorded by state in its latest ranking as 5^th in the country by the West African Examination Council ( WAEC).

PDP says it observed from available records and statistics that Bayelsa has remained among the five best states in the country since 2014.

 In a statement signed by its Chairman, Hon Cleopas Moses, he said the PDP State Executive are proud of the governor and the party is happy to be the platform for which he was elected into office by the people, noting that the success of the state in external examinations is due to the massive investments the government has made in education.

 “We as a party are very pleased with the achievement the government has made so far in education, it is a clear indication that the Governor is education friendly and wants to see Bayelsa move from the backwardness that we were. There is no local government that you will not find model primary and secondary school built from scratch by this government. It has also renovated and equipped old ones to bring it up to standard, thus improving the learning ability of our students. The compulsory boarding system introduced by the governor is also another welcome development. For instance, at St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School, Amarata and Ijaw National Academy, the students are living their dream under a very conducive atmosphere with everything including books, uniforms and food provided for them” he said

While urging the government to sustain the massive gains already made in the education sector, the PDP also called on Bayelsans to reciprocate the government efforts by playing a prominent role which includes paying the stipulated levy according to their monthly earnings to support the education trust fund.

BTM in statement by its Director-General of the group, Mr Ephraim Dorgu said the success of the state in WAEC is one of the many testimonies of the restoration government’s efforts in the education ‎sub-sector.

The statement read in part “We are excited by this development. Our state use to be educationally backward ‎until this government came in 2012 and began a revolution in the education sector. As a group we are very happy and we want to see more of this. That is why we are commending ‎His Excellency and other members of his restoration administration for the efforts to bring about the needed manpower development in the state.”

 

 

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We’ll resist Kanu’s re-arrest, MASSOB vows

 

From Obinna Odogwu, Abakaliki

The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign state of Biafra (MASSOB), Sunday vowed to resist any attempt by the federal government to re-arrest the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and other principal leaders of Biafra agitation. 

In a release issued by its leader, Uchenna Madu, and National Secretary, Ugwuoke Ibem Ugwuoke, which was made available to newsmen in Abakaliki, the group said that it that the plan cannot work as the entire people of Biafra will fight against such move.

The statement partly read: “This subtle and smart plan of Buhari led Nigeria is a sign of frustration and jittery. These plans will never work as MASSOB and the entire people of Biafra will squarely resist it.

“We warned that no harm should befall Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as he represents the genuine interest of Ndigbo. He is the most celebrated Igbo man today. The introduction of Biafra Security Service is not for any confrontation or violence with security agents. There is no intention or plan to involve violence or arms struggle into Biafra actualization and restoration struggle.

“Even in the face of persecution, blackmails, verbal deceit and political delusions of Hausa/Fulani people, we shall continue to maintain our non violence posture. Biafra spirit can never be intimidated or subjected to mere propaganda or blackmails. Biafra agitators can never be intimidated by threats of arrest and imprisonment” the statement concluded.

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Poly teachers reject JAMB cut-off mark

From MAGNUS EZE, Abuja

The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has continued to receive knocks over its decision to peg admission cut off marks at 120 and 100 for universities and polytechnics respectively.

Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) today faulted the recent cut off point announced by JAMB, describing it as an embarrassment to the nation’s educational system.

National President of ASUP, Comrade Usman Dutse who made the position of the union known in Abuja, said they totally reject the benchmark.

The cut-off point, as announced by the regulator represents 25 per cent of the examination marks of 400, according to him, and represents failure anywhere in the world.

Dutse enjoined stakeholders not to encourage such a retrogressive decision; wondering why JAMB did not consult other stakeholders for inputs if it wanted to review the cut-off points, rather than unilaterally fixing such a ridiculous figure for an exam that should test students’ capabilities.

“We don’t actually know what JAMB wants to achieve with that decision but as a major stakeholder, all we know is that 100 and120 as a cut-off points are too low. I believe in any global standard examination rating, 25 per cent is failure because 100 and 120 are more of 25 per cent of the exam which as I said earlier that is failure.  So using that as a benchmark standard is degrading and the effect would be that quality would be eroded,” ASUP said.

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Boko Haram commander surrenders, confesses act in Chibok girls abduction

 

Ahead of the Islamic Festival of Eid-Kabir coming up by the weekend, a top Boko Haram Commander who played a major role in the abduction of Chibok Girls and killing of youths in Madagali has surrendered and confessed to several acts of bloodletting on innocent people and destruction of properties across the length and breadth of the North-eastern part of the country.

In an interview with PRNigeria at a military facility for the repentant and surrendered Boko Haram members in the North-East, the ex-terrorist leader said he regretted the atrocities he was forced to commit against humanity.

The Commander, Auwal Ismaeela is currently cooperating with the Nigerian Military with useful information on locations and hideouts of other top Commanders of the deadly sect. He regretted his actions as according to him, run counter to several Islamic injunctions.

Ismaeela encouraged other top commanders of the sect to give up and surrender to the military.

The Commander said: “My self and Abu Hafsat a Boko Haram commander led other squads to abduct the Chibok girls.

“We led the operations to invade Gwoza, Bama, Limankara mobile barrack, Bita, Bosso, Madagali, Chibok, Pulka, Firgi, and Mubi.

“In Madagali which was my home town, myself, Adam Vitiri, Abu Adam and Habu Kudama, some high ranking Boko Haram Commander led an operation in 2014 where we killed some students and youths at the Central Secondary School in Sabon Garin Madagali.

“In one of the operations, I abducted my wife named Maryam who had two kids for me in Sambisa Forest.

“It is unfortunate that I was brainwashed and misled not only on some abductions but in the killings of my own people that were innocent. I wholeheartedly regret my actions.

“During a battle in Konduga where myself and other Boko Haram commanders led the operations, I lost my right leg and was almost got burnt. Even at that, I did not stop fighting for the course. Sheikh Shekau ordered that I should be given a tricycle which I continued to use for various operations before I eventually surrendered.”

He gave several reasons for his decision to voluntarily surrender to the Nigerian troops after realising the misleading sermons, barbaric indoctrination of the sect leaders and atrocities being committed in some of the Boko Haram camps.

He said: “I willingly surrendered to the military because I was tired of the senseless killing and fight. I realised that our people have resort to stealing and all sort of atrocity contrary to the teaching and practice of Islam.

“Women were being raped, sometimes publicly. Children died from malnutrition and disease as the living condition became harsher. As there was no food in the camp, people died every day because of hunger.

“I will continue to cooperate with the security agencies in providing useful information on our mode of operations and to disclose top-secret hideouts of our commanders.”

Meanwhile, more than One hundred (100) Boko Haram members and some commanders had in the recent past surrendered to the military knowing full well that their actions had become inimical to the overall interest and well-being of the nation and the surrounding countries of Cameroun, Niger, and Chad.

By PRNigeria, a news releases platform for critical institutions in Nigeria

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Mayweather beats McGregor to win fight

Floyd Mayweather has beaten Conor McGregor in Las Vegas, claiming his 50th victory and maintaining his unbeaten record.

McGregor had been written off before the fight, but the Irishman surprised many of his critics with a largely professional display, taking the fight to 10 rounds.

He got off to a flying start, throwing a series of punches at the 40-year-old and scoring a few early points. Displaying some theatrics, the Irishman even put his hands behind his back t one stage.

As the first round wore on, Mayweather went on the offensive but failed to connect and it was the Irishman who was ahead as the bell rung.

In the second round, McGregor continued the assault and easily held his own against the undefeated Mayweather.

McGregor received a warning in the third round as he illegally connected with Mayweather on the top of the head. Despite the breaches, it was a largely controlled, professional display from the MMA fighter.

Mayweather, meanwhile, struggled to stamp his authority on the contest, receiving blows to the head and failing to make an impact on the 29-year-old opponent.

The American found himself against the ropes early in the fourth round as McGregor went on the attack. Despite apparently trailing the Irishman, Mayweather had time for a wink to the cameras in a show of confidence.

But Mayweather is known to be patient and started to find his groove in the fifth round. Pushing the Irishman back, Mayweather landed a number of blows to the body and his pressure started to pay off in the sixth as the Irishman seemed to tire.

In the seventh, he finally started exerting serious pressure on McGregor, getting him on the ropes and landing a hard left hook.

In the eighth, Mayweather maintained the pressure but McGregor remained defiant, landing some shots of his own.

McGregor got Mayweather on the ropes early in the ninth, but Mayweather battered McGregor with a hard right. With the Irishman clearly tiring and with his legs wobbling, Mayweather moved in for the kill but the Irishman survived the round.

The American finished McGregor off in the 10th round, with the referee stepping in to stop the fight.

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Fayose vows to complete ongoing projects

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayo Fayose, yesterday promised that all ongoing projects embarked upon by his administration would be completed and handed over to his successor in good condition next year.

Fayose, who spoke at the Grand Finale of the 2017 edition of the Udiroko Cultural Festival in Ado Ekiti, said no single development project embarked upon by his administration would be abandoned; the biting economic recession notwithstanding.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor was the chief host at the cultural event in his capacity as the newly installed Apesin chieftaincy titleholder in Ado Ekiti. He listed his administration’s projects to include the N5.7 billion overhead bridge  (flyover) in Ado Ekiti as well as the N3.8billion ulltra-modern Kings Market in Ado iEkiti.

Fayose also cited the new High Court headquarters project in Ado Ekiti and the local government headquarters dual road projects across the state, among others.

He said that he would still do many other things that would distinguish the state capital from other towns before the expiration of his second term as governor in October 2018.

The governor asked for the continued support and cooperation of all residents, including traditional rulers, toward taking the state to higher pedestal.

The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, in an opening address, thanked the governor and his administration for always supporting and committing funds to the Udiroko festival since coming into office.

He commended the governor for his ability to maintain peace and tranquility among the different segments in the state since coming to office.

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Olubadan distances self from coronation of new obas

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, has said he has no hand whatsoever in the proposed coronation of High Chiefs slated for Sunday at Mapo Hall by Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State.

 The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a report said that Ajimobi, last Friday, presented letters of conferment of obaship titles to 30 out of the 32 obas recommended by the Justice Akintunde Boade (rtd) led Judicial Panel of Enquiry on the review of 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration.

The Boade-led panel had on August 18 submitted its report recommending 11 Olubadan High Chiefs and 21 Baales to wear beaded crown in Ibadan.
Olubadan had kicked against the review, saying he was not in support of it.

In a statement issued yesterday by Mr Adeola Oloko, Director, Media and Public Affairs to Olubadan, Oba Adetunji said the assertion in some quarters that he would be the father of the day at the occasion, did not enjoy his blessing.

“I have said it for the umpteenth time that I am opposed to the chieftaincy review and its recommendations as the process for such exercise has not been followed. Therefore, as being advertised in some media houses, l cannot see how, I could possibly play a fatherly role in an exercise that I have not endorsed.

“Besides, as the father of Ibadan indigenes irrespective of political and ideological persuasion, I cannot attend an occasion where local government executives of one political party have been sending text messages to the party members in Ibadan land to mobilise for the event as if it is a political rally,” Adetunji said.

The monarch said he considered any conferment of crowns on anybody as an exercise in futility until otherwise reversed.

Adetunji said that it was going to be contemptuous for anybody to attend that programme as there are two suits that are yet to be determined before the court.

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APC hopes for victory in 2018 guber election

From Clement Adeyi,  Osogbo

Osun State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has vowed to go the whole hog in defeating the opposition Peoples Democratic Party in the 2018 governorship election in the state. 

The party chairman, Prince Gboyega Famoodun, stated this yesterday in Osogbo, the state capital, in his address to mark the 26th anniversary of the creation of the state. He gave assurance that the party would sweep the polls and install another governor to maintain the incumbency. 

According to him, Osun has never witnessed the unprecedented infrastructural turn around recorded in the last seven years of the APC administration.

“We want continuity and more changes and progress.  That is why APC has to maintain power.  We don’t want any distraction by the opposition party, “he stressed. 

The party accused the PDP of conspiracy to destroy everything that it had achieved since it came on board. 

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Re-arrest bid: Kanu’s family dares FG

…Says ‘move will fast-track Biafra’

From: Okey Sampson, Aba

The family of leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the group itself, have dared the Federal Government over the latter’s move to get the director of Radio Biafra, who is on bail, re-arrested.

Federal Government had last Friday filed an application through Loveme Odubo of the Department of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Federal Ministry of Justice, averring that the IPOB leader had flouted all his bail conditions, including setting up a security outfit, Biafra Security Service (BSS), which was viewed as a grave threat to national security and unity of the country.

Speaking in Umuahia on behalf of the family, Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu said his elder brother was not afraid of being re-arrested as that would help Biafra to come quicker than imagined.

“In fact that will facilitate and fast track the coming of Biafra. On a more serious note, any attempt to re-arrest Nnamdi Kanu will spell doom for Nigeria, the nation will never be the same again. Re-arresting the IPOB leader means re-arresting over 70 million Biafrans. Nnamdi Kanu is not the target, he is the symbol of Biafra today, arresting him is like arresting the whole Biafrans.”

Prince Kanu said it was laughable that one of the reasons the Nigerian government had given for seeking Nnamdi Kanu’s re-arrest was that he formed what they called Biafra Secret Service (BSS).

He said it was not true, explaining that what was put in place is a vigilance group, adding that they are harmless people because IPOB is non violent, but only uses civil disobedience as its weapon. “This group is just to police our land against Fulani herdsmen, armed robberies and all that.”

The younger Kanu said it was wrong for the Federal Government to say that the IPOB leader had flouted the bail conditions given by the court, stating: “I don’t think it sounds okay before anybody. Freedom of movement is allowed anywhere,, any day worldwide. Is Nnamdi Kanu a terrorist? So, we disagree with the Federal Government on that.”

On whether the present threat from the Federal Government would make Nnamdi Kanu to abandon the agitation, Prince Emmanuel said, “In fact, Nnamdi Kanu remains resolute and very committed to the struggle. Whatever you do in terms of intimidation spurs him on the more.These are the type of things he likes so much. So, re-arresting him will make him stronger and quicken the realization of Biafra and will also spell doom for the nation.”

Prince Kanu said his brother was granted bail on health grounds and that he was still taking treatment and had an appointment with his doctor on Monday. He added that his treatment had taken long because his brother was allegedly almost poisoned while he was in detention.

The family further stated: “The Federal Government’s current threat will never make Nnamdi Kanu to be afraid to stand trial for whatever reason. Anyday, anytime, he is ready to stand trial because he is a man who has committed no crime. He is more than happy to stand trial and challenge whosoever that comes up. He is not afraid of going to court, he is not also afraid of going to prison. He was in prison and issued the sit-at-home order and people obeyed, so, his going back to prison will make things worse for the Federal Government.

“Nnamdi Kanu and Arewa youths that gave the Igbo in the North quit notice, who between the two committed treasonable felony? It was the Arewa youths and since then, nothing has happened to them.”   

Speaking for IPOB, Apostle Kanada, an inner caucus member of the Biafra agitation group and founder of Afra Descendants Movement of Opobo in Rivers State, advised the Federal Government not to contemplate re-arresting Nnamdi Kanu because the action would be self defeating.

Kanada said the IPOB leader never flouted any bail condition, as curtailing his movement was on its own against his fundamental human rights since according to him Nnamdi Kanu was not a statue.   

“Whether he accepted the bail condition or not is immaterial at this point in time, what we are saying is that the young man is positively affecting the lives of some people and the Federal Government is supposed to be happy about that.

“If Nnamdi Kanu is re-arrested as the Federal Government is requesting, things will be worse for this country, because IPOB members and other Biafra groups both within and outside Igbo land will not fold their arms and allow their leader to suffer,” he cautioned.

 

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Kanu’s re-arrest: Ohanaeze warns govt

By Iheanacho Nwosu, Abuja 

The apex Igbo organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has cautioned the Federal Government not to exacerbate the already tense nation, stating that the move to seek a revocation of the bail granted to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, was a step in the wrong direction.

President General of Ohanaeze, Chief John Nnia Nwodo in a statement titled, “Attorney-General of the Federation, Please Respect Your Oath of Office” described as shocking the move by Mallam Abubakar Malami, to re-arrest Kanu and at the same time not making any attempt to arrest members of Arewa youths who gave Igbo residing in the North order to leave the region.

The body insisted that basing the current move by Malami to re-arrest Kanu on alleged violation of bail conditions was not only laughable but would amount to violation of the rights of the IPOB leader.

Nwodo said: “It has just been brought to my notice that the Attorney-General of the Federation has approached the courts to incarcerate Nnamdi Kalu for flouting his bail conditions.

“I am equally miffed by the audacity with which the Attorney-General displays his bias without regard to his oath of office.”

The Ohanaeze boss observed that just within the week, the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and in total defiance of the Head of State’s proclamation of the rights of a citizen of Nigeria to live anywhere in Nigeria and to do business anywhere in Nigeria, the Arewa Youths, pretending to withdraw their quit notice gave qualifications to the Head of State’s proclamation, issuing conditions for enjoyment of citizenship status.

And these same Arewa youths are supposed to have been arrested on the orders of the Governor of Kaduna State and the Inspector General of Police for acts of treason, conversion and sedition.

He said: “Nnamdi, as a citizen of Nigeria, is free to hold any point of view no matter how displeasing to anyone so long as they are not inciting or provoking any criminal activities,” Ohanaeze insisted.

Nwodo noted that even though he and “some Igbo leaders have differences of opinion with Nnamdi on a number of issues and have even been insulted and abused by Radio Biafra but we concede to them their rights to differ from us. We concede to them their nature to be exuberant as youths but we cannot be judgmental about their rights.”

Nwodo urged the Attorney General to note that, “in democracies, leaders are abused, pelted with rotten eggs and booed at, as the former Edo State Governor was booed in Abuja a few days ago. These acts are not necessarily criminal.”

Nwodo finally advised the “Attorney-General not to exacerbate our already tense nation by commencing a legal action which portrays him as biased, insensitive and mis-directed.”

 

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IPOB to FG: We’ll resist illegal action

From Jeff Amechi Agbodo, Onitsha

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) yesterday described the move by the Federal Government to re-arrest its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, as dangerous path of intimidation, which smacks of state sponsored terrorism designed to silence free speech and infringe on rights to peaceful assembly.

IPOB noted that before the Federal Government makes, a move to re-arrest its leader, it must first go to court to obtain a court order or else it would be resisted by millions of IPOB members.  The IPOB Media and Publicity Secretary,  Mr. Emma Powerful, while reacting to calls to re-arrest Kanu for allegedly violating bail conditions, said they must also approach the courts to grant their prayers and not try to subvert the legal process by instituting arrest without the permission of the court.

“We wish to place the whole world on notice regarding the illegal and wholesome undemocratic moves by government to re-arrest our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who committed no crime known to the laws of the Nigerian state. This dangerous path of intimidation smacks of state sponsored terrorism designed to silence free speech and infringe on our rights to peaceful assembly.

“Merely asserting that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a threat to the Nigerian government is not a crime unless accompanied by legally definable crime or offence. The Buhari-led administration must know that threats and more threats heaped upon intimidation after intimidation do not wash with IPOB. Before Buhari decides to make a move to arrest our leader, he must first go to court to obtain a court order or else it will be resisted by millions of IPOB members”.

He explained that the group was well aware that government would make this sort of move, hence it made adequate preparations.

“As soon as the illegal, unconstitutionally draconian conditions of the bail were spelt out by Justice Binta Nyako we knew such a day would come when they will use the cover of broken bail condition to launch an attack. “Federal Government must do exactly what IPOB did, after all, the matter is before a court of competent jurisdiction. When IPOB complained about the inhumane bail conditions, we were advised to approach the court for variation. Now that the almighty Arewa North is uncomfortable with the conduct of our leader in respect of the same bail conditions, they must also approach the courts to grant their prayers and not try to subvert the legal process by instituting arrest without the permission of the court.

Whatever issue the government has with our leader must first be presented before Justice Binta Nyako’s court for determination.

“Nnamdi Kanu is spiritually and mentally prepared for this epic battle. He is not afraid of being locked up without trial as long as his personal physician will be allowed to visit and attend to his medical needs. In dictatorial and totalitarian regimes such as we have under this APC government, outspoken critics are often imprisoned without trial, so this undemocratic and illegal approach to resolving the thorny issue of Biafra self-determination championed by IPOB is to be expected,” he said.

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Save us from land grabbers, family cries to Ogun Assembly

By Remi Adefulu

The Afariogun Descendants family of Itapara village in Sagamu Local Government Area (LGA) of Ogun State has sent a Save Our Soul (SOS) petition to the Ogun State House of Assembly over the activities of land grabbers in the village, which led to an assault on the traditional head of the village, Chief Nofiu Ogbara Afariogun recently.

  Solicitor to the family, Mr Tunji Busari, told newsmen that he had on May 22, 2017, petitioned the Chairman, House Committee on Lands and Housing and the Ogun State Commissioner of Police.

  He stated that the land grabbers, mainly those the family took to court, sent thugs after the family members immediately the High Court pronounced them owners of the land.

  Busari averred that the disruption of public peace started when the Afariogun family was about reaping the fruit of the court judgment delivered by Justice E. O. Osinuga of the Ogun State High Court sitting in Sagamu on March 5, 2014, in suit no 1TCS/136/2005 which went in favour of the family.

“On several occasions, Chief Nofiu Ogbara Afariogun, the Baale of the community where upon the said judgment was delivered against the principals of the land grabbers had been waylaid, beaten to a pulp and stripped naked with impunity. This incident had always been reported at Ogijo Police Division but the culprits had always influenced police investigations into the matter because of their financial muscle,” Busari said.

He appealed to Ogun State House of Assembly and the Police “to use your honourable offices to wade into this matter in earnest to bring the culprits to book.”

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5-year-old, cleric, 8 others killed in renewed C’River communal clash

From Judex Okoro, Calabar

The age-long communal clash between the two neighbouring communities of Ediba and Usumutong both in Abi Local Government Area (LGA) of Cross River State seems to have reared its ugly head again as 10 persons have been reportedly killed in fresh hostilities.

  The victims included one Pastor John from Ediba, a 5-year-old unidentified baby and eight others from Usumutong. The residence of a police officer in Ediba was also reportedly bombed.

  Last November, the communities went into full-scale war killing about seven persons and destroying property worth millions of naira.

  The recent outbreak of hostilities was said to have started penultimate week when both communities unleashed series of guerilla-war-like attacks on each other.

  Sources close to both communities disclosed that most families in the areas have moved to neighbouring communities to seek refuge.

A witness, John Bassey, said: “This recent clash started last week Saturday when reports made rounds that one Pastor John from Ediba and a police officer’s house were bombed in Ediba by Usumutong youths. This didn’t go down well with the Ediba people. But the Usumutong people claimed it was a retaliation of series of attacks on them by the Ediba community who had consistently dealt a deadly blow on them at any slightest provocation.

  “The attack on Ediba however created tension and further mobilsation of both communities in readiness for any eventuality. But yesterday morning, the Ediba speople tormed the Usumutong community killing about nine persons and destroying houses and crops.”

  An Usumutong person, who simply gave his name as Agbarei, said: “We were ruthlessly attacked this morning, (yesterday), by the Ediba warriors. In the process, a few houses were burnt while about 8 persons and a little baby were killed. But before we could re-group they had fled. I think there was a conspiracy somewhere because we knew they were coming and we prepared. Somehow, they beat us this time and we shall re-strategise. For now I can tell you that elderly people, women and children have all fled to nearby communities for safety. And we appeal that government tshould ake action on this intractable crisis once and for all.” 

The Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Irene Ugbo, when contacted confirmed the incident, saying, “the command had deployed security personnel, but no official death had been reported to us.”

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Ajimobi celebrates Olubadan at 89

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has congratulated the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, as he turned 89, praying God to renew his strength and continue to grant him peaceful reign.

  Ajimobi, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy, Mr Yomi Layinka, yesterday, also congratulated the entire people of Ibadanland on the momentous occasion.

  “It is by divine arrangement and not sheer coincidence that Olubadan’s birthday is coming at a period Ibadanland is witnessing a major transformation and boost in royalty, which is aimed at enhancing the status of the ancient city,” he said.

  He prayed that the Almighty imbue the monarch with greater wisdom and knowledge for the benefit of
the people of Ibadanland, as he nears the nonagenarian status.

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FG bans fetish display at cultural festivals

From Magnus Eze, Abuja

The Federal Government has said there is no room for any fetish cultural activities at the 2017 African Arts and Craft (AFAC) Expo holding in Abuja from Monday.

 It also said this would apply to every other cultural festival that it is involved in.

As part of arrangements for the event, the Federal Government disclosed that 42 mobile toilets; including two with executive fittings have been provided for participants and visitors, adding that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was also on ground in case of any form of emergency.

  Director General of National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, who made the disclosure in Abuja, while conducting newsmen on inspection of facilities at the Arts and Craft village, venue of the event, said government was committed to harnessing the potentials of the sector.  “You don’t call me for a programme and you say we must do libation before we start. I will walk out. Our culture is our pride; we should not turn it to something else,” he stated.

He described the nation’s culture as decent, friendly, peaceful, hospitable, and accommodating, while maintaining that people were however, entitled to their beliefs; including the traditional religion. The 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory in addition to 25 African countries are expected to feature at the three- week event.

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2019: Sekibo’s sack has opened our eyes — Wike

…Says APC only applauds judiciary when it wins cases

From Tony John, Port Harcourt

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has stated that the outcome of the litigation on the Rivers East Senatorial District seat “has opened our eyes ahead of 2019.”

Wike also lampooned the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying they applaud the judiciary only when they win cases but launch campaigns of calumny against them if judgment goes to other candidates.

  He noted that the outcome of the case has confirmed the alarm he raised ahead of the rerun election that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Police were in partnership to rig elections in the state.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja had last Thursday upheld the judgment of the Rivers State National and State Elections Petitions Tribunal, which sacked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator representing Rivers East in the Senate, George Sekibo.

  The tribunal had in its judgment delivered on June 29, ordered INEC to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Sekibo and directed that a fresh one be issued to Mr. Andrew Uchendu of the APC as the duly elected senator for Rivers East.

  Delivering the lead judgment in the appeal by Sekibo challenging the tribunal’s judgment, Justice Adamu Jauro, held that the petition filed by the sacked senator lacked merit.

Wike, while speaking yesterday during a stakeholders’ meeting with leaders of Okirika and Ogu-Bolo local government areas at the Government House, Port Harcourt, noted that APC did not accuse the judiciary of corruption because they won the case.

  He said: “Now that we have lost, nobody is saying that the judiciary is corrupt. They are not saying that the judiciary is corrupt because they have won. Tomorrow, if we win, they will say judiciary is corrupt. Then, they will send security operatives to arrest the judges. Nobody will bother to go now and arrest the judges to find out what happened.” 

  The Governor stated that when the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) visited the state to flag off the construction of the State Judges’ Quarters, the APC went to town claiming that the PDP would procure all judgments at the courts.

  He noted: “But now, you will not see them claiming that the judgment was procured. I urge you to continue to have confidence in the judiciary.”

  Wike alleged that the Police colluded with APC to tender concocted results at the tribunal, which was relied upon to sack Sekibo. 

  He added: “Remember that last year, I raised an alarm that INEC and Police were planning to rig the rerun elections. We caught people printing INEC result sheets and reported the matter.  Somebody was arrested. They sent the person to Zone 6, Calabar, and granted him bail. Till now, they are yet to complete investigations into that critical matter.

 “INEC declared results. All of us know that if elections are held 20 times, Sekibo will win. INEC printed their own result sheets, same serial numbers; these people printed their own result sheets with same INEC serial numbers. You ask yourself, how did they get to know INEC serial numbers? Because they could not smuggle in their own result sheets, INEC declared the authentic results.  Unknown to us, they had gone to connive with the Police. That tells you what they want to do in 2019. Thank God they have alerted us. Instead of them to write INEC to give them the certified true copies of the result sheets, they went to the Police. Police are now in custody of INEC results. Police certified their own and gave them.”

  Wike alleged that while INEC authentic results were rejected, the ones manufactured by the Police High Command was admitted by the tribunal.

He said: “I have no trouble with that, but I thought that the reverse should have been the case. It has opened our eyes ahead of 2019.”

  In his remarks, Sekibo stated that Wike stood with him throughout the struggle. He assured the Governor of the support of Okrika people at all times. He said that contrary to insinuations, his loss at the Appeal Court had nothing to do with the so-called Ikwerre agenda.

He said: “I have been sacrificed and buried, but PDP will come back stronger and better. We shall stand with Wike.”

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Quit notice: Why northern Govs attended withdrawal press conference -Shettima

Efemena Edherigho

Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, has explained why some Northern governors attended last Thursday’s press conference where the coalition of Arewa youth groups announced the withdrawal of the quit notice it issued to Igbos living in northern Nigeria, stating that their presence was meant to ensure that the agreement the group reached with the Northern Governors’ Forum was implemented to the letter. The Governor said he attended the press conference to monitor and ensure that the coalition withdrew the quit notice as agreed in his series of meetings with them because of their belief in the unity of Nigeria. The withdrawal of the quit notice had come as a result of series of consultations and pressure from different groups particularly from the Northern Governors’ Forum, which Shettima is the chairman.

The Borno Governor explained that the series of dialogue he had with the group was based on the mandate given to him by majority of Northern governors who wanted a peaceful resolution of the issue.

Shettima, who has demonstrated his faith in the unity of the country through the appointment of some of his key aides from the South, said: “Some people might ask, why should we be interested in these Arewa coalition withdrawing the quit notice. We simply want to prevent a situation where some hoodlums would take advantage of the quit notice to go after the lives or property of any Nigerian living in any of the 19 northern states. We also don’t want to create room for reactions in any of the 17 states in southern part of the country. The entire country could explode. The fact is that the coalition only has control over their own ultimatum before it expires,” Shettima said.

He added: “In this country, issues of religion and ethnicity are usually catalysts of violent crisis. As governors, we are close to the grassroots through local government and ward systems. We know the extent of sentiments and followership generated by both the ultimatum issued by the Arewa youths and the agitation in South-east; we know this country could boil when the ultimatum expires and this is why we insisted on political solution.

“The Northern governors were initially of the view that they should be arrested soon after they issued that ultimatum but after very careful analysis, after putting our ears to the ground and monitoring the sentiments built especially from the social media, we changed tactics to deploying a political solution because even if we had resorted to coercion, we probably would have still ended up on the negotiating table.”

Shettima advised that the country should always explore peaceful ways of settling disputes before adopting force.

He noted: “The bloody crisis of the Niger Delta which recorded high toll of deaths and destructions of national assets for years ended on the negotiating table. Even the Biafran civil war ended on the negotiating table. If we could negotiate before blood is shed, before property is destroyed, before millions of people are displaced, why must we wait till after the situation gets out of hand? 

“As we speak, the military has what they call operation safe corridor which gives room for a sort of amnesty of moderate elements of the Boko Haram who took up arms against the people of Borno State and the country. It is a strategy of reducing fighters of the insurgents. So, in leadership, every situation is handled with the appropriate measure. Unless attempts for peaceful resolution fails, there will be no option than to use force.” 

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PDP: Umahi committee meets with aspirants, elders, others

From Geoffrey Anyanwu, Awka

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday said it was ready for its primary election tomorrow, Monday for the November 18 Anambra state governorship election.

Chairman of the State Caretaker Committee, Prof. ABC Nwosu who disclosed this to newsmen during a press briefing in Awka said the party had made detailed preparations for the exercise just as he denied allegations of compromise by his committee.

Also yesterday, the chairman of the Primary Election Committee and Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Dave Umahi and three of his members arrived the state and went into a meeting with the aspirants, Elders Committee of the party and the State Caretaker Committee members.

Prof. Nwosu told newsmen that his committee had made adequate arrangements to ensure peace in the process and urged party faithful to come to the election as a family event.

He said, “We are in detailed preparation to hold very good primary on Monday for the emergence of our governorship candidate. We have arranged two venues, one for accreditation and one for voting.

“We have made adequate security arrangement to ensure there is no breach of peace even though we don’t anticipate there will be breach of peace.” 

“All the arrangements for identification, accreditation and voting are undertaken under security cover to make sure there is no leakage and we expect that the PDP Anambra state shall pick a gubernatorial candidate that will be pleasing to the people of the state and be able to defeat the incumbent governor.”

On the allegation of compromise he said, “PDP has three procedures, first, it chooses three-man delegates, which was done last Monday by the Gov. Wike’s Committee. The panel was set up by the national. We were not active in that. After that ,there was an appeal panel led by Prof. Chigozie Ogbu, who sat at the secretariat and listened to complaints that rose from the ward congress. The third is the Governor Dave Umahi panel which will conduct the Monday party primary.”

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Anambra guber: Anxiety over apc primary

Nwibe, Nwoye, Uba, Muoghalu in keen contest

• 25 arrested by police

From Geoffrey Anyanwu, Awka and Jeff Amechi

Agbodo, Onitsha

There was tension and anxiety over the All Progressives Congress (APC) Anambra State primary election which stretched into the night yesterday as it became difficult to predict a possible winner in the contest at press time.

However, there were indications that it would be a four-horse race among Bart Nwibe, Tony Nwoye, Senator Andy Uba and George Muoghalu.

Other aspirants include, Dr. Obinna Uzor, Paul Chukwuma, JohnBosco Onukwo and Donatus Okonkwo.

It was believed that 5430 delegates might vote in this pattern because of alleged allegiance to the party in the state and love for the aspirants.

Sunday Sun gathered from delegates at the venue that Nwibe commands so much love among the members and had been a consistent member with character. The same was said of Nwoye. Though, not a foundation member of the APC, he, however, had been a great mobilizer carrying members along, while Uba was said to have committed so much funds  to the party to give it a facelift in the state.

There was also the opinion that money from the aspirants in the race might change the calculations, but the eventual winner would emerge from the three aforementioned contestants.    

Meanwhile, no fewer than 25 persons were arrested during the primary election even as voting in the exercise commenced very late about 6.20pm at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre. There, police first arrested 19 young men about 9am at the entrance of the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, where accreditation of delegates took place.

The young men who were arrested by security operatives on ground, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, Mr. Mike Okoli, could not show any evidence of being delegates to the election. About 20 minutes after they were taken away at the police station, six bouncers were arrested by securityman at the same venue bringing the number of those arrested to 25.

The Joint Security Team (JST) led by the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, Mr.  Garba Umar, had on Friday warned that those who had nothing to do with the election should stay away from the venue and it’s environs.

The six bouncers were arrested very close to Aroma junction following a tip-off. The well kitted bouncers were alleged to have been imported into the state by a yet to be identified aspirant. As at noon when accreditation was yet to commence, some delegates became worried fearing an alleged plot to manipulate the exercise.

Even security operatives at a stage got worried at the lateness in starting the exercise as the Gov. Ibrahim Shettima Primary Election Panel was not at the venue at the time..

The DCP Operations severally asked the officials of the party in the state, who were around to contact the party officials, and tell them to come and commence the exercise so that it wouldn’t go into the night.

One of the aspirants, Obinna Uzor, was the only one that showed up at the venue before the accreditation commenced at 12.25pm.

The two venues were firmly under the control of the JST, with the police commissioner leading operations at the voting venue.

Sunday Sun gathered that the delegates had a great harvest as the aspirants doled out money ranging from between N10,000 to N60,000 to win their votes.  Among prominent members of the party who were at the venue to witness the primary election were the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige and the Director General of the Voice of Nigeria, Chief Osita Okechukwu.

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Bishop, pastor wife in 419 mess

• Accused of defrauding over 200 people 
• He promises to refund N186 million

By Ngozi Uwujare

Forty-one-year-old Ginika Obi, bishop and general overseer of City of Liberation and Comfort International Ministry, located at Kilometer 3, Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Enugu, who is alleged to have defrauded more than 200 people in different states, is now cooling his heels in the custody of the police.

Even his 37-year-old wife, Ezinne Ruth Obi, a pastor, has already been remanded in Enugu prison by a magistrate court after she was arraigned for issuing dud cheques to victims.

The couple’s cookie began to crumble when petitions were written to the police command about their alleged fraudulent activities. The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Danmallam told Sunday Sun that the command received over 50 petitions from people in different states, whom Ginika Obi and his wife had allegedly defrauded. The couple were said to have registered a non-governmental organization (NGO) called, “Build Your Generation Organization,” and asked members of the church and the public to invest N7,000  in a scheme, with the promise of receiving a double amount in return.

Sunday Sun gathered that the bubble burst when Chinonso Nweke, a barrister and banker, who is a member of the church in Port Harcourt where it was originally located, brought a petition that Ginika had collected millions of naira from him and other people. He said that the suspect thereafter absconded and relocated with his family.

Following this development, the bank sacked Nweke and he was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and transferred to the custody of the Akwa Ibom Police Command for investigation and prosecution. He was subsequently charged to court for obtaining money under false pretence and remanded in prison custody for three weeks before he was granted bail. The case is still in court.

In the course of investigating the matter, in response to the petitions sent to it, the police in Enugu learnt about the role played by Ginika’s wife, Ruth, and eventually tracked her down to Asaba, where she had allegedly hidden to evade the law.

Giving further insight, Danmallam explained that the Commander, Monitoring Unit of Enugu Police Command, Supol Alkali Uba, moved with his men to Asaba and arrested her on June 26, 2017 and took her back to Enugu.

Ruth was then arraigned in a magistrate court in Enugu on a four count charge for issuing dud cheques, an offence punishable under section 1(1) (b) (i) of the Dishonoured Cheques Act Cap D II Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2006, and subsequently remanded in prison.

Sunday Sun further learnt from Danmallam that police detectives arrested Ginika on August 5, 2017 in a hotel along Agbani Road, Enugu, and he has been in custody for alleged advance fee fraud, a crime known in the country as ‘419’ and punishable under section 419 of the Criminal Code.

He disclosed that over 200 people from different states, namely, Enugu, Anambra, Akwa Ibom and Ebonyi had since Ginika’s detention at the police headquarters come to lodge more complaints about how he allegedly defrauded them. He said that Ginika never denied the allegations, claiming that he had records of his transactions and promised to pay back the money taken from them.

Meanwhile, the Enugu State Government has demolished the church building in the state. In an interview with Sunday Sun, Ginika, who attended Aku Primary School and Boys Secondary School, both in Uli, Anambra State, also had ministerial training at Teamwork Missionary School,  Port Harcourt, Rivers State.  He worked at Pillar of Life Church and Foundation Faith, both in Port Harcourt in 2002, before establishing his own church.

He said further: “In 2016, I started a non-governmental organization, called Build Your Generation Organization, which was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission. I have built houses for many people and sent some people to school and paid their school fees since I started the NGO and involved my church members.”

Ginika who has six children and hails from Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State said that the NGO collapsed in February 2017, resulting in his inability to pay the people who gave him money. He relocated with his family in April 2017. He said that he was having a meeting with members of the board of the NGO at the hotel in Agbani, Enugu, when he was arrested by the police.

“I am now working together with the police to pay back money to the victims. I have a house in Port Harcourt worth N50million and the police know about this. I have another house at Emene in Enugu, valued at N80 million. I promised to pay back soon. I am going to pay back one hundred and eighty-six million naira. I have identified the people who gave me money. I never denied their claims and I promised to pay back their money,” he stated

One of the victims and member of the church, Mrs. Mogbo Chidinma told Sunday Sun that she paid money to the NGO through the branch of a leading new generation bank located along Kenyatta Road, Enugu.

“I encouraged my friends to also invest in the NGO. Sometimes, I deposited N200,000 into the account; later Bishop Obi said we should be paying the money directly to him or his wife or the cashier in the church. In January and February 2017, I paid N1million to the bishop. I have been beaten in my office and in my house by those I collected their money and I didn’t see Bishop Obi. It was when I heard the news that the Enugu State Police Command had arrested him, I immediately I came here. He has promised to pay back.” she said.

Meanwhile, the police boss said that investigation into the case would continue.

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Man kills friend to avoid paying back N50,000 loan

By NGOZI UWUJARE

A 40-year-old man in Kano, Hassan Lawan, who goes by the nickname, Mutuna, allegedly murdered his close friend, Zilani Yusuf, 35, who lent him N50,000.

When Yusuf asked Lawan to repay the loan, the suspect chose the devilish option of killing him rather than paying back the loan.

The evil deed happened in Bari village, Rogo Local Government Area, Kano State. To actualise his alleged evil act, Lawan invited Yusuf to his house on two occasions, ostensibly to discuss the issue of the loan.

The first time, he took Yusuf on his motorcycle to his house at Tarenge Village in Rogo Local Government Area, Kano State. After the visit he gave Yusuf a ride back to his own house in Sabongari, Nasarawa village in Kafur Local Government Area, Kastina State, about 8.00pm.

Then on July 16, 2017, he invited him to visit his house the second time, on the pretext that he would pay the money. He also asked the victim not to tell anybody about his visit to his house. Again, it was with his motorcycle that he took the victim to his house

Sunday Sun learnt from the Commissioner of Police, Kano Police Command, Mr. Rabiu Yusuf, that the suspect allegedly killed his friend during that second visit and then harvested his organs.

But the bubble burst when Yusuf did not return home and the friend he had confided in before leaving to visit Lawan, raised the alarm and informed the victim’s family.

His relatives reported his disappearance at Rogo Police Station, which launched a search for him.

Meanwhile, Yusuf’s friend told police what he had confided in him, that Lawan always said that he should not inform anybody about his visits to his house. Homicide detectives pulled the suspect in and questioned him. He owned up to the crime. The police later found the dead body of the victim in Bari village, Rogo Local Government Area with his private parts cut off,

The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Mr. Ahmed Azare, commended Yusuf’s friend for providing useful information to the police, which enabled detectives to crack the case.

In a brief chat with Sunday Sun, Lawan admitted that his close friendship with the deceased, who he said lent him N50,000 but he could not immediately repay. “When he continued to demand for the money, I decided to kill him to stop him from disturbing me. I invited him to my house the first time and tried to settle with him. I told him not to tell anybody about his visit to my house. The second time I went to his house with my motorcycle to pick him. Then I killed him and removed his private parts, so that he would stop disturbing me to pay him.

“After I killed him, I thought the matter had ended, but I didn’t know that he had been telling his friend about the money he lent to me and his visits to my house.”

Armed with the information given by Yusuf’s friend, the police arrested Lawan, who took detectives to recover the mutilated body of the victim.

He is now gnashing his teeth in police custody waiting to be arraigned in court for murder.

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Aso Rock, one week after Buhari’s return

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari left the country for London, United Kingdom in the evening of May 7 to keep a date with his doctors because of his failing health.

Expectedly, activities at his side of the Presidential Villa, Abuja became lull. There were no meetings neither were there visitors to that side of the expansive compound.

Reporters accredited to cover activities at the seat of power had no other choice than to relocate to the side occupied by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, who had then taken over as Acting President based on a letter written to the National Assembly by the President before he proceeded on the trip.

That scenario played out for the 104 days that the President was away with journalists reporting at the Vice-President’s side daily despite that that wing of the Presidential Villa has no press gallery.

They endured the inconvenience until Saturday, August 19, when news broke that the President was on his way back to the country. The reporters quickly mobilised to give the welcome ceremony the publicity that it deserved.

After taking his deserved rest on Sunday, then came Monday when the President was expected in his office for the first time in over three months. The journalists turned up early with a view to capture all the important moments of the President’s resumption in his office.

But alas, Buhari’s first day at work at Aso Rock was not really eventful as expected especially for journalists who had turned up early anticipating to see a beehive of activities including visitors on solidarity visit. The journalists were initially excited when they saw an ambulance, which is one of the vehicles in the President’s convoy back at its usual spot. This is usually the first sign that the President is in his office.

They were however shocked to hear from an official in the presidency official that the president would be working from home for the meantime as his office is undergoing renovation. The claim that rodents had destroyed some items in the President’s office to necessitate the renovation was initially not part of the explanation to the journalists.

At noon, the President met and received a briefing from Osinbajo in an office located in his residence where his handlers said he would be working from for the next few days. The President also received the Governor of Nasarawa State, Tanko Al-Makura, who obviously went to welcome him.

Then came Wednesday, when the Federal Executive Council meeting that was held consistently every Wednesday while he was away failed to hold. Rather, about 2pm, Buhari received the report of the three-man committee that probed the suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir  Lawal and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ayo Oke.

Oke was investigated for $43.4 million cash found by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at apartment 7B in Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos, which was said to be set aside for operations of the agency.

On the same day, Buhari assured the South East geo-political zone of the country that his administration would keep to its campaign promises to the region, adding that the region would get its fair share in his administration.

On Friday, as part of efforts to douse the tension in the polity, Buhari met with the leadership of the two leading parties in the country, the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, at Aso Rock, Abuja.

The meeting was the first of its kind since the inception of his administration, coming on the heels of insinuations by some members of the opposition that Buhari was in a vegetative state leading to exchange of vindictive comments between the two leading parties.

The President said the meeting was meant to symbolise national unity and not politically motivated. He, however, reminded the opposition party that opposition was not hostility, enmity or antagonism as democracy needed a vibrant opposition.

The National Chairman, Caretaker Committee of the PDP, Ahmed Makarfi, however assured Buhari that though the party is in opposition, it is poised to play that role energetically, vibrantly, but very decently and with all sense of responsibility. He added that the party would give Buhari’s administration a good run for its money and constantly keep it on its toes all in a bid to have a better country.

Buhari also met with governors from the 36 states of the federation under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), telling them he was morally geared up to carry out his primary assignment for the country.

President  Buhari also joined other Muslim faithful in observing jumaat at the State House mosque.

Among the congregation were state governors and federal government officials.

In the coming days, Nigerians are expecting  to see if the President will make bold to reshuffle his cabinet as unconfirmed sources had said the President will do so upon return from London in order to boot out non-performing ministers.

As the President’s return enters its second week, it is expected that more activities will be witnessed from his side just as he is getting stronger by the day.

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Gang leader kidnaps 10 victims to raise money for his father’s funeral

By NGOZI UWUJARE

The menace of kidnapping for ransom in the country took a more frightening twist when 31-year-old Chibuike Okoroafor, brought a new dimension to the crime.

Okoroafor resorted to raise money for the burial of his late father and uncle, by going out with his gang to kidnap 10 victims in Imo  and Anambra states.

The first abductees were 30-year-old Chigozie Ekwegbara and his two sisters, who were kidnapped about 8.00pm at Ornage Fastfood, opposite Asutel, Uli, Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State. They were whisked away in a Toyota Highlander SUV of Chigozie and held for five days in Azara Obiato in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, Imo State, until their family paid N2 million to secure their freedom.

As Sunday Sun learnt from the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Garba Baba Umar, Chigozie reported the incident after regaining freedom. Acting on the report, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad led by Supol Sunday Ikpe, launched a manhunt of the kidnappers and eventually tracked down Okoroafor  and two other members of the gang, namely, Azubuike Nwachukwu, 41, from Okpa Umuobo in Osisioma LGA, Abia State and Ikechukwu Emeka Chima, 30, from Amachara village in Umuahia, Abia State and arrested them on August 10 at Orogwe along the Owerri-Onitsha road, Imo state.

During interrogation, Umar said that Okoroafor disclosed that he had twice postponed the burial of his  father and uncle after learning that the police were on his trail. Ultimately he never attended the  uncles’ burial held in July 2017. He only sent money to his relations for the burial.

Recalling the traumatic experience, Chigozie said: “I was with my two sisters at Orange Fast Food Opposite Asutel Uli, when they kidnapped us. They took us to their hideout and demanded over N10 million but my relatives paid N2 Million after five days; we were released at Azara Obiata in Mbaitola L.G.A of Imo State.

“On May 5, 2017, I reported to the SARS and within two months, on August 10, 2017, two members of the of gang were arrested. I was able to identify them. I want them to return my Highlander SUV and my gold chain. I am grateful to God and want to thank the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Garba Umar and the SARS operatives for the brilliant work they did.”

The SARS Commander, Supol Sunday Ikpe , added that his team is still trying to recover the SUV, which the gang sold in Aba to a car snatching syndicate.

When he spoke with Sunday Sun, Okoroafor said: “I have kidnapped over 10 victims and used the money I collected from their relatives to bury my late father. We demanded N10 million because I needed the money to also bury my uncle in Abia state. I was involved in bank robberies in Imo State. I was declared wanted by the state police command, so I relocated to Anambra State.

Okoroafor who hails from Azara Obiato further revealed that he was wearing Chigozie’s gold chain when he was arrested.

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Constitution Amendment Bill: How state assemblies will vote

By DESMOND MGBOH (Kano), TONY OSAUZO (Benin), TUNDE OMOLEHIN (Sokoto), BAMIGBOLA GBOLAGUNTE (Akure), OLANREWAJU LAWAL (Birnin Kebbi), NOAH EBIJE (Kaduna), LAIDE RAHEEM (Abeokuta), GEORGE ONYEJIUWA (Owerri), PAUL OSUYI (Asaba), TIMOTHY OLANREWAJU (Maiduguri/Damaturu)

The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, penultimate week proposed a total of 32 amendments to the constitution. The amendment bill is expected to be transmitted to the 36 state Houses of Assembly for deliberation and passage. In this report, from across the country, Sunday Sun presents a snapshot of how the various assemblies are likely to vote on the bill when sent to them by the National Assembly. 

KANO

Indications emerging from the Kano State House of Assembly showed that a few of the proposed amendments would be rejected by the House members. Sunday Sun gathered from assembly sources that first on the list of the proposals that would be turned down in Kano is Bill No 3, 2017 (Devolution), which seeks to  give more legislative  powers to states and plans to alter the Second schedule (Part 1) of the 1999 Constitution. Expectedly, the bill is suspected, as many see it, as a quiet form of restructuring the Nigeria state through the back door.

Another bill which may not fly on the floor of the Kano State House of Assembly is Bill No 5, 2017, which seeks to abrogate the States and Local Government Joint Account and empower each local government to run its accounts independent of the state.

Assembly sources expressed doubt about this, saying that although the individual legislatures may have nothing against the bill, chances were that “external pressure” may seek to kill the bill.

According to the source, in the light of the fact that Kano has 44 local government areas, removing this fund from the influence of the state would amount to a great setback to the executive.

It is also doubtful if Bill No 14, 2017 (bill on Independent candidate) would scale through bearing in mind the current politics of the state which is structured on two equal political blocks. If independent candidates were allowed to contest, it would enable popular aspirants, not endorsed by their parties, to come from behind to clinch the victory.

Sunday Sun gathered that such bills that seek to provide immunity for the legislature in respect of the statements/comments on the floor of the house and the bill which seeks to grant financial autonomy to state legislative houses by allowing them to draw from the consolidated account are likely to pass. The source said that any bill that gives the legislatures more powers would not be defeated.

The source hinted however, that the response of the House would depend on a thorough study of the bills, interactions and consultation with their constituencies and the position of the leaders of thought. He ruled out a situation whereby members would vote arbitrarily on the amendments.

The Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly , Hon Abdullahi Atta, could not be reached for his comments as at the time of filing this report.

EDO

It is not certain yet how the Edo State House of Assembly will vote on the contentious issues of devolution of power, autonomy for local government councils and Land Use Act.

The National Assembly has already voted against devolution of more power to the states and amendment of the Land Use Act which vests all lands in the states. It also voted for autonomy to local government councils.

When Sunday Sun sought to know how the Edo State Assembly is likely to vote on those issues, particularly devolution of power for which Nigerians have since been berating the stand of the National Assembly, a top official of the legislature who did not want to be mentioned, said: “It is difficult to grant an interview on the constitution amendment. We are yet to see what we will vote on. But when the issues are tabled, we will vote in the interest of our people.”

SOKOTO

In Sokoto State, the cordial relationship existing between the legislature and executive arms of government will determine how the bills passed by the National Assembly will be voted in the State.

Currently, both the leadership and members of the State House of Assembly are enjoying smooth romance with the State Governor; an indication that the House decisions could have undertone influence from the executive.

Also in recent times, the Speaker of the House, Alhaji Salihu Maidagi at various fora had pledged allegiance to the state governor, Alhaji  Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, on behalf of the lawmakers.

Sunday Sun recall that such synergy was evidence in most of the bills presented by the executive before the House, which get duly automatic passage on the floor without any hindrance.

Base on that, some political analysts in the state, have assumed that the voting pattern by the State lawmakers could be based on YES and NO list of the executive.

For instance, the Autonomy for Local Government bill may not see the light of the day based on the recent contradicted view of the state governor.

In other hand, House may support a bill seeking Compulsory, Free Universal Education which was sponsored by the immediate past Governor of the state , and now a Senator, Alhaji Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko.

Speaking with our Correspondent in Sokoto, a constitutional lawyer, Barrister Nuradeen Aliyu reasoned that most of the bills could scale through if it gets executive backing. 

“The state lawmakers will definitely go for all the wishes of the executive. That is what is going to happen in Sokoto State, because of the much influence of the executive over the legislature.

“This is a State where the budget presented by the executive was barely debated on or scrutinized before passing it into law by the House. So, all their votes on these bills are going to be teleguided by the executive.” Aliyu noted.

Efforts to speak with the Speaker of the House, Alhaji Maidaji was abortive, as he was unaccessible while repeated calls on his phone was not returned.

However, a lawmaker who preferred to speak on the condition of anonymity said the House may consult the executive before deliberating to vote on the bills.

“There is nothing wrong if we (House) make duly consultations with other arms of government before the voting exercise. All what we want is to have laws that will enhance and promote good governance.” He explained.

ONDO

The Ondo State House of Assembly has said that though it is yet to have a position on the constitutional amendment bill currently before the National Assembly, it will defend the interest of the people of the state in the bill.

The House noted that the constitution amendment bill is a welcome development and assured that it would use the opportunity to right some wrongs in the 1999 Constitution of the country.

The Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon Iroju Ogundeji, who spoke with Sunday Sun said: “The Ondo State House of Assembly has not decided on how to vote on the constitution amendment bill and we will not decide until we have the amended copy and study it well.”

Ogundeji added: “We cannot cross the bridge until we get to it. The National Assembly has not transmitted the amended copy of the bill to us, so, we have not seen what to decide on. Until we see it, we cannot discuss on it because we have many matters before us in the Ondo State House of Assembly.

“We cannot rely on what we are reading on the pages of newspapers or what we are hearing on the electronic media. We must be armed with a copy of the amended bill before we commence debate on our voting pattern.”

The Deputy Speaker who promised that the House would vote in line with the wish of the people of the State, said “we are still expecting the amended copy to be transmitted to us.”

He therefore urged the leadership of the National Assembly to expedite action on the transmission of the amended copy of the constitution amendment bill to the 36 state assemblies. He said the House may seek the view of some stakeholders in the state while deciding on how to vote when the amended copy of the bill is sent to it.

“We will not rush into it. We will take our time to study every section of the bill and we will make wide consultation before we vote. There is nothing to rush about in the matter. It is an issue that needs patience and we will dedicate time to it,” he stressed.

KEBBI

In his reaction, Speaker, Kebbi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Samaila Abdulmumin Kamba, in a telephone interview with Sunday Sun, said the assembly was still awaiting a copy of the Constitution Amendment Bill, which is to be sent to the Kebbi State House of Assembly by the National Assembly.

Kamba, who commended the National Assembly for their efforts on Constitution amendment, said the Conference of the Speakers had appreciated them for their efforts.

“We commended them on their efforts at the Speakers Forum for a good job and we are waiting for them to send the copies to us,” he said.

While speaking on the pattern of voting the state may follow, the Speaker said he personally supports local government autonomy and the proposed inclusion of independent candidacy for individuals seeking election to the state legislature.

“When they send the Constitution Amendment Bills to us, we shall call the people of the state to vote on various amended issues in the constitution.”

KADUNA

Kaduna State House of Assembly has said that it was yet to receive the constitution amendment bills from the National Assembly.

The Majority Leader, Kaduna State House of Assembly, Honourable Haruna Inuwa who spoke with Sunday Sun said that the house had not received the bills at the time of filling this report.

Honourable Inuwa, however, added that local government autonomy had already been proposed by the State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

He said it will not be new to them if same is seen in the constitution amendment because the house members are in support of the autonomy.

“We will keep you posted as soon as the bill is sent to us from the National Assembly,” he told Sunday Sun reporter on the phone.

OGUN

The Speaker, Ogun State of Assembly, Suraj Adekunbi, has said that the ongoing constitutional amendment is not the first one to be embarked on by the National Assembly, noting that there was one done by the Sixth National Assembly, which was aborted and not eventually accented to by the then President.

Speaking on how the state assembly would vote on the current Constitution Amendment, he said: “I want to say that since the inception of the current constitution amendment by the National Assembly, we, at the Ogun State House of Assembly, have been part and parcel of the process. And whatever is the position of the National Assembly, we will support it, so far as such position addresses the yearnings and aspirations of our people. I know you would want to talk about amendment on our own autonomy, that one is not negotiable. On the local government autonomy, our position will also back this.

“If you could recall, Ogun State House of Assembly voted in support of the two amendments in the last constitution amendment exercise. This is because the governor here is a democrat, who believes in true federalism. So like we were among the states that voted for these two crucial amendments previously, we shall repeat the same.

“On the amendment to scrap the State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) and of allow INEC to conduct local government elections in Nigeria, I want to say that when we get to the bridge, we shall cross it. When the document gets here, we will do our part. And of course, we won’t do anything without a recourse to our constituents who voted us into the Assembly.”

IMO

In Imo State, all efforts to obtain the official position of the Imo House of Assembly from the Speaker, Rt. Honourable Achor Ihim or his deputy, Hon Ugonna Ozuruigbo, on how the state legislature would vote on the Constitution Amendment Bill, were unsuccessful as neither of them took the calls made to their mobile numbers or responded to text messages.

However, the Minority Leader of the Assembly, Hon. Ken Agbim of the Peoples Democratic Party, who spoke on the matter expressed his personal views, stating that the issue of the Constitution Bill had not been brought before the legislature.

Agbim, who represents Ahiazu Mbaise state constituency said that the current amendment would strengthen the democratic culture in the country, stressing his belief that his colleagues would vote overwhelmingly on the proposed amendments by the National Assembly whenever the bill is received by the state assembly. He said he does not expect that any reasonable member of the legislature would vote against financial autonomy for state assemblies and local governments.

His words: “I am speaking in my personal capacity because the bill on the amended sections of the constitution as done by the National Assembly has not yet been received by the House and so it has not been discussed. Besides, the House is currently on a recess, but I don’t think that any member of the assembly will vote against the financial autonomy for the state assemblies which will not only make them independent but to enable the members carry out their constitutionally assigned oversight functions because that is what the House is supposed to be doing, which is not what is happening now, as the House needs finances to carry out its duties effectively.

Again, on the issue of autonomy for the local governments, I don’t think that any member will vote against their financial autonomy because it is the tier of government closest to the people and so the elected chairmen should be independent of the state governments unlike what is happening now where the allocations of the councils are paid into a joint account with the state where the governors do whatever they like to do with it. It is the same for council elections which the National Assembly has voted on, transferring the responsibility for organizing council elections from state electoral bodies to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and I also don’t think that anybody in the House would vote against that amendment going by what we have seen so far, where council elections conducted by state governments have been bastardized.”

Agbim expressed optimism that the state legislature would receive the amendment bills this week, stressing that as soon as the House receives the amendment bills, it might suspend its recess to deliberate on the matter.

DELTA

Members of the Delta State House of Assembly have been on vacation after they adjourned plenary on July 20, 2017, to resume on August 22, 2017. As a result, all the lawmakers including the Speaker, Mr. Sheriff Oborevwore, his deputy, Friday Osanebi, Majority Leader, Tim Owhefere travelled out of the country.

Hence, getting their views on the direction the House will follow in the ongoing constitution amendment by the National Assembly was not possible.

But a source close to the Speaker told Sunday Sun that the assembly will do what the general public expects it to do as far as the amendment is concerned.

Speaking with Sunday Sun on the phone, the source who preferred not to be named in print because he was not authorized to speak, said: “Delta State House of Assembly is one of the most vibrant state legislatures across the country. As such, Nigerians in general, and Deltans in particular will be taken into consideration when the members are voting on the draft amendment from the National Assembly.

“Nigerians are yearning for a people’s constitution that will accommodate the interest of all, irrespective of social, economic and political leaning. So the amendment is a welcome development, and I trust that Delta State House of Assembly will give it the needed attention.”

BORNO/YOBE

In the northeast states of Borno and Yobe, officials at the two assemblies told Sunday Sun that the leaderships of the two legislatures were unwilling to comment on the amendment bill, until it is finally sent to the legislative chambers in the two states.

Director of Information, Borno State House of Assembly, Hajiya Kaltume Bello-Jubrilla said the Speaker, Hon Abdulkarim Lawan was unavailable. “For now, the Speaker wouldn’t want to speak on the bill until it is sent to us. Members are still expecting it and would comment extensively when it is forwarded to the house by the National Assembly,” she said.

Also the spokesman of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Malam Wakil Mohammed, expressed similar position. “We haven’t received the amendment bill from the National Assembly and it will be prejudicial to start making comments on what the house hasn’t seen its content. The Speaker, Rt Hon Adamu Dala Dogo, will comment as soon as the bill gets to the Yobe State House of Assembly,” he told Sunday Sun.

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