Biafra leader Nnamdi kanu in fresh trouble

Activities of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have pitted the group’s leader, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, against the South East Peoples Assembly (SEPA).

For organising a sit-at -home after he obtained a court bail, SEPA has asked the Federal High Court, Abuja, to revoke the bail granted Kanu, a pro-secession leader.

IPOB in collaboration with other groups, on Tuesday organised a successful sit-at-home in South East, an action SEPA regards as a breach of the bail conditions granted Kanu.

Kanu, leader of IPOB, has been facing trial for treason and terrorism, being a major sponsor for the secession of South East from Nigeria on the platform of IPOB.

He was arrested on October 15, 2015 in Lagos and eventually granted bail in May this year with some conditions.

The Federal High Court, Abuja, admitted him to bail on health grounds.

Justice Binta Nyako said that she was convinced that Kanu was ill and needed more medical attention than the Nigerian Prisons was giving him.

She, however, ordered that while on bail, Kanu must not hold any rallies, grant any interviews or be in a crowd of more than 10 people.

Nyako gave other bail conditions to include three sureties in the sum of N100 million each.

The judge further ordered that Kanu must deposit both his Nigerian and British passports with the court and that a report on the progress of his health must be made available to her on a monthly basis.

She adjourned the matter till July 11 and 12, for definite commencement of trial.

However, SEPA has accused Kanu of infringing on the bail conditions.

In a letter to the Chief Judge of the High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, the President of SEPA, Prince Chukwuemeka Okoriein, as the court, as a matter of urgency, to revoke Kanu’s bail.

He said that Kanu has continued to conduct himself in a manner that was totally at variance with terms and conditions of his bail.

He listed the infractions to include holding rallies, grant of interviews or be in a crowd of more than 10 people.

“Obviously, the recklessness with which he made media statements and even organised the ‘Sit at Home and Stay Indoor’ protest to mark the so called BIAFRA HEROS DAY on Tuesday, 30th May, 2017 is a threat to the unity, security and peace of Nigeria as a sovereign nation.

“We have no iota of doubt that he is trying to push our dear country Nigeria into an unnecessary precarious situation for his personal agenda and those of his paymasters.

“Sir, our decision to write this demand letter to your good office at this time is to forestall another civil unrest in Nigeria, particularly around the Igbo speaking region.

“As you well know, the struggle by Kanu to be relevant under the guise of actualisation of Biafra does not enjoy the support of right thinking Igbo people both at home and in diaspora.

“That he suddenly addresses himself as the Supreme Leader of Biafra points to how arrogant and disrespectful he is to legitimately constituted authority in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The pertinent question on our minds as stakeholders is: Has Kanu been consistent in providing the court with reports on the progress of his health and treatment on a monthly basis since he was granted bail?

“We fear that if Kanu is not tamed by Your Lordship as a matter of urgency, the IPOB may create a situation where it becomes difficult if not impossible for genuine development to take place in the South East under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.”

“History has taught us that the Civil War of 1967-1970 started gradually and later turned out to be something that caused our people unimaginable losses.

“We cannot afford to fold our arms this time and allow a stooge imported from the United Kingdom by stark enemies of Nigeria to maintain a state of belligerence against the nation and keep the name of Igbo people in the news for the wrong reasons.”

Source: Vanguard

Sex workers arrested for stabbing a customer to death in Ogun

Two commercial sex workers in Ogun state have been arrested by the state police command for allegedly killing one of their customers, Adeyinka Olayinka, at the KS Hotel, Ifo yesterday May 30th.

According to a statement by the state police public relations officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, the commercial sex workers, Kudirat Raji alias Angela and Esther Basiru, stabbed the deceased with a broken bottle during an argument.

The deceased had on the night of the incident, contracted Kudirat to pass the night with him and had agreed on a price to pay her. He however reneged on their agreement and this led to an argument.
“The victim was supervising an ongoing construction work on his property and so he spent the night at the hotel. He contracted Kudirat Raji to pass the night with him on an agreed amount but reneged on their agreement. His refusal to pay the agreed amount led to a hot argument between them. While the argument was going on, Esther Basiru, a friend to Angela broke a bottle and injured the deceased’s friend who was at the scene. Angela used the broken part of the bottle to stab the deceased on the armpit thereby cutting one of his nerves, consequent upon which he bled to death. The manager of the hotel alerted the police at Ifo and the DPO, CSP Anthony Haruna led his men to the scene and arrested the two suspects. The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu has ordered the transfer of the case to Homicide section of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) for discrete investigation and possible prosecution of the suspects.”

Breaking: President Buhari is in competent hands in the UK – Lai Mohammed

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has asked Nigerians not to worry about Pres. Buhari’s health as he is in competent hands in the UK. Speaking to state house correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting, Lai Mohammed said there is no cause for alarm.
“On the issue of Mr President’s health. Mr President is in very competent hands and there is no cause for alarm” he said

TODAY: Pope Francis appoints Dechelem as Bishop of Bauchi Diocese

Pope Francis has appointed Rev. Fr Hilary Dechelem, parish priest of Church of Immaculate Conception Upper hill, Makurdi as Bishop of Bauchi Diocese.

Rev. Fr Ralph Madu, General Secretary, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja announced this in a statement made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The ordination date for the Bishop-elect is yet to be announced.
Dechelem was born on June 3, 1966 in the former Benue Plateau State.

Madu informed that Dechelem is a native of Moeda–Kwalla from Kwampan Plateau and attended L.E.A Primary School, Kabala, St Catherine’s Makurdi and Central Primary School, Awe, Nassarawa State respectively.

Dechelem had his Secondary Education at St Peters College Toto, St John Bosco, Doma and Government Secondary School Obi all in Nassarawa State.

The Claretian Missionaries admitted him in 1986 at Nekede Owerri for Petulancy, had his first Religious Profession in 1988 at Utonkon, Benue and Final Religious Profession in 1993 at Maryland, Nekede, Owerri.

The Bishop-elect was ordained priest in 1995 at Kwa Parish, Jos Archdiocese, had Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Claretian Institute of Philosophy in 1990, an affiliate of the Pontifical Urban University, Rome.

He had a Master’s Degree in theology from Spiritan International School of Theology, Attakwu, Enugu in 1995 an affiliate of Duquesne University Pittsburg Pennsylvania, U.S.

He also had a Master’s Degree in Christian Spirituality from Creighton University Omaha, Nebraska, U.S, and a Certificate Course in Spiritual Direction from Creighton University in 2014.

He Studied Masters in Business Administration and Project Management Technology at Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo.

He is presently doing his doctorate degree in Policy Analysis and Public Administration at the University of Abuja.

He worked as Bursar and part time lecturer 1995 at the Claratian Institute of Philosophy, Nekede and was elected in the Provincial Council as Consulter of Economy 1999 and Consulter of Spirituality, 2005.

The Bishop-elect was a member of the General Economic Council (GEC) of the Claretian Congregation in Rome 2003 to 2006.

He was the Parish Priest Maria Goretti, Parish Ikenegbu, Owerri Archdiocese 2005 to 2010 and also Parish Priest St John Mary Vianney Parish Kwande, Shendam Diocese and Vicar for Religious 2010.

He is a lecturer and a core team, Institute for Formators, Du, Jos, from 2015 till date.

BIAFRA UPDATE: Reason I’m fighting for secession of Igbos from Nigeria – Nnamdi Kanu

Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, says the demand for the secession of Igbos and the entire South-East from Nigeria is because Nigeria is not functioning well and can never function.

Kanu said this in an interview with Al-Jazeera, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Biafran war on Tuesday May 30.

In a chat at his Father’s house in Umuahia, Abia state, Kanu said “Nothing seems to be working in Nigeria. There is pain and hardship everywhere. What we’re fighting [for] is not self-determination for the sake of it. It’s because Nigeria is not functioning and can never function.”

Kanu who was granted bail last month, says he doesn’t care if he is flouting one of the terms for his bail which prohibits him from granting media interviews.

“I don’t care. I can’t go outside to call for a press conference. I can’t go on Biafra Radio to broadcast. I can’t allow large [groups of] people to basically congregate outside to see me…it’s like asking me not to breathe,” he said.

Kanu decried the perceived marginalization of the Igbos in Nigeria, saying that they have been prevented from aspiring to assume important positions in the country such as President, Inspector General of Police, Chief of Army Staff amongst others

“I’m not allowed to contest for the presidency of Nigeria because I’m Igbo. I’m not allowed to aspire to become the inspector general of police because I’m Igbo.

“I’m not allowed to become chief of army staff because I’m Igbo. What sort of stupid country is that? Why would any idiot want me to be in that sort of country?” he quipped.

Nigeria Acting President appoints Dangote, others to head a committee

NIGERIAN NEWS UPDATE

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has inaugurated the board of the Nigerian Industrial Policy and Competitiveness Advisory Council. The 36-member Council, comprises representatives of the public and private sectors as well as a seven-member Technical Committee.

The Council, which is to device and supervise policies that will speed up Nigeria’s industrialisation bid, was inaugurated at the presidential villa in Abuja today. Check out the full list of members below…

THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE NIGERIAN INDUSTRIAL POLICY AND COMPETITIVENESS ADVISORY COUNCIL INAUGURATED EARLIER TODAY
LEADERSHIP
1. His Excellency, the Acting President and Chairman of the EMT, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (Chairman)
2. Hon. Minister, Industry Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah (Vice-Chairman, Public Sector)

3. Hon. Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Aisha Abubakar (Alternate Vice-Chairman, Public Sector)
4. President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote (Vice-Chairman, Private Sector)
Chairman, ANAP Business Jets Ltd, Mr. Atedo Peterside (Alternate Vice-Chairman, Private Sector)
OTHER PRIVATE SECTOR MEMBERS:
1. Chairman, Nigerian Breweries and PZ Cussons Chief Kola Jamodu
2. Chairman, BUA Group Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu
3. Chairman, IVM Innoson Group of Companies Limited Dr. Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma
4. GMD, Chi Foods Nigeria Mr. Rahul Savara
5. Chairman, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc Mr. John Coumantarous
6. CEO, Emzor Pharmaceuticals Mrs. Stella Okoli
7. Country Head, Olam Mr. Mukul Mathur

8. President/CEO Beloxxi Industries Limited Mr. Obi Ezeude
9. MD/CEO Fidson Healthcare Plc Dr. Fidelis Ayebea
10. Founder, Flutterwave Mr. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji
11. President & CEO, GE Business Operations Nigeria Mr. Lazarus Angbazo
12. CEO, Jumia Mrs. Juliet Anamah
13. CEO, SecureID Nigeria Ltd Mrs. Kofo Akinkugbe
14. Chairman/C.E.O, AMMASCO International Limited Alhaji Ado Mustapha
15. Chairman, KAM Industries Alhaji Kamaldeen Yusuf
16. Chairman, United Textiles Plc Alhaji Adamu Atta
17. Chairman Candel Corporation; CEO Swift Networks Mr. Charles Anudu
18. Chairman, Rumbu Sacks Nigeria Limited Alhaji Ibrahim Salisu Buhari
19. Chairman, Tofa Group Mr. Isiaku Tofa
20. MD/CEO Proforce Limited Mr. Ade Ogundeyin

21. President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Dr. Frank Udemba Jacobs
OTHER PUBLIC SECTOR MEMBERS:
1. Hon. Minister for Budget & National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma
2. Hon. Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun
3. Hon. Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh
4. Hon. Minister for Power, Works & Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola
5. Hon. Minister for Transportation, Chief Rotimi Amaechi
6. Hon. Minister of State, Petroleum Resources Dr. Ibe Kachikwu
7. Hon. Minister for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi
8. Hon. Minister for Science & Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu
9. Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele

TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
1. Economic Adviser to the President Dr. Yemi Dipeolu
2. Trade Adviser/Chief Negotiator Amb. Chiedu Osakwe
3. MD, Bank of Industry Mr. Waheed Olagunju
4. Exec. Director/CEO, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo
5. Executive Secretary, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission Ms. Yewande Sadiku
6. Statistician-General, National Bureau of Statistics Dr. Yemi Kale
7. CEO, Economic Associates Dr. Ayo Teriba

Breaking: EFCC seizes Barrister George Turnah’s second property in Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has seized another property from George Turnah, a godson to former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The property, which is located at Citec Estate, Gwarinpa, Abuja, is a duplex. Although the EFCC has yet to evaluate the value of the property, sources told our correspondent that such property would go for between N70m and N100m.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the inscription, ‘EFCC, Keep off’ was seen across the fence and the gate of the building.

The commission is still tracing Turnah’s remaining properties.

Last week, the anti-graft agency seized a mansion and some other properties allegedly traced to Turnah who is standing trial for an alleged N3bn fraud.

The commission also froze about seven bank accounts through which Turnah allegedly received billions of naira.

Justice Ibrahim Watilat had granted the interim forfeiture order based on an application filed before the court by the EFCC’s counsel, Adebola Olatunji.

Turnah, together with seven companies, were arraigned on 12 charges bordering on obtaining money by false pretences, money laundering and abuse of office to the tune of N3, 094, 268, 235.69.

Meanwhile, some aggrieved youths in Bayelsa State on Tuesday staged a peaceful demonstration in Yenagoa, the state capital, in support of the EFCC.

The youths, particularly commended the anti-graft agency for the arrest and detention of  Turner.

On Tuesday, the angry youths, under the aegis of the Concerned Citizens of Bayelsa State, led by their coordinators, Chief Harrow Zuokomor and Mr. Abule Bethel, said Bayelsa was still in shock at the magnitude of funds seized from Turner by the EFCC.

The youths were armed with placards bearing inscriptions such as, ‘We thank the EFCC for exposing corrupt persons,’ ‘Enemies of Niger Delta exposed,’ ‘Well done EFCC’ and ‘George Turner impoverished Bayelsa State.’

The protesters, who started the solidarity march from the popular Ekeki Park to the state House of Assembly Complex and the Headquarters of the State Police Command, noted that they had read and seen reports of the funds allegedly diverted by Turner.

They pleaded with the EFCC to consider returning the money to the state.

Zuokomor, while submitting the group’s petition to the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Asuquo Amba, for onward submission to the EFCC, expressed concern over the level of corruption among political appointees.

Addressing the demonstrators, Asuquo promised to deliver their message to the appropriate authorities.

Barrister George Turnah in more trouble as Bayelsan protest against for further prosecution

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Written by Bodmas Kemepadei
More trouble seems to have inflicted the Godson to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Barrister Alabh George Turnah, as his kinsmen, Youths and women from his home state staged a massive protest against him on Tuesday 30th may at the YENAGOA capital, calling on further Prosecution by the EFCC and also asking for returns of all funds amounting to billions, alleged to have been looted from the Niger Delta Development commission  (NDDC), during his time as S.A to the commission.

The protesters alleged that the funds found in his possession as revealed by the EFCC, was meant for the development of the Niger Delta region, which was diverted during the past administration.

It could be recalled that Barr. Alabh George Turnah, was arrested by the EFCC, taken to court and was remanded in Kirikiri prison on corruption charges, as delivered by Justice Ibrahim Watilat of the Federal High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday. Though his lawyer has been told to apply for bail
He is facing a 12-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretense, money laundering and abuse of office to the tune of N3, 094, 268, 235.69.

The angry protesters staged a demonstration in support of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the arrest and detention of Mr. George Turnah, the godson to former President Goodluck Jonathan and former special adviser to an erstwhile Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The youths, under the aegis of the Concerned Citizens of Bayelsa state and led by their coordinators, Chief Harrow Zuokomor and Comrade Abule Bethel, said though the state was still in shock at the magnitude of seized funds and projects it was meant for in some parts of the state, the protest was to commend the EFCC and ask the anti-graft agency to return the seized fund to the state for development purposes.

BAYELSANS PROTEST AGAINST GEORGE TURNAH, DEMANDS FURTHER PROTECTION, ASKS EFCC TO RETURN LOOTED FUNDS TO BAYELSA STATE

The youths, armed with placards bearing inscriptions such as ‘We thank the EFCC for exposing corrupt persons,’ ‘Enemies of Niger Delta exposed,’ ‘welldone EFCC’ and ‘George Turnah impoverished Bayelsa state’, stated that the state is hungry for development and the return of the fund to the state government will ensure proper and even development.

The protesters, who started the solidarity march from the popular Ekeki park to the state house of assembly and the headquarters of the state police command, noted that they have read and seen on the pages of national dailies the monies allegedly diverted by George Turnah and pleaded with the EFCC to consider returning the money to the state.

Chief Harrow Zuokomor, while submitting the group’s petition to the state commissioner of police, Mr. Asuquo Amba, for onward submission to the EFCC, noted with concern that the issue of corruption among political appointees from the state to national level has eaten deep into the fabrics of the state and has continued to impoverish the ordinary people of Bayelsa state.

Addressing the demonstrators, the commissioner of police in the state, Mr. Asuquo Amba, promised to deliver their message to the appropriate authorities.

Turnah, a special adviser on youths to the erstwhile Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Mr. Bassey Dan Abia, was arrested in Port Harcourt in March this year in connection with alleged possession of N2billion suspected to be funds siphoned from the NDDC while serving there between 2012 and 2015.

Published by Bodmas P. Kemepadei’s blog.

One person killed in Navy, police clash in Cross River state

Nigerian Navy and Police officers on Tuesday clashed in Calabar, the Cross River State capital. The clash, which occurred at the Akim Police Station axis of the IBB Way in Calabar, it was gathered, led to the death of one person while several others were injured.

The whole area was thrown into confusion as residents and passersby were seen fleeing the scene to escape being caught up in the crossfire.

It was learnt that the naval operatives allegedly attacked the policemen after one of their colleagues was allegedly arrested by the police for an infraction.

The naval operatives mobilised their colleagues and attacked the policemen in a reprisal.

In the process, weapons were freely used while a police station was allegedly torched.

Unconfirmed report said that some people were killed in the process.

But while confirming the incident, which started around 7pm, the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Irene Ugbo, said, “We have not been able to ascertain what is happening yet. But the little I can gather is that two Navy officers beat up a police officer. So, the two of them were arrested and taken to the police station at Akim along IBB Way.

“So, the Navy people were informed and they stormed the police station. We are still trying to calm the situation down. I have not heard of any casualty for now. We are still trying to calm the place down.  It is still not calm.”

When contacted, a top official of the Eastern Naval Command, who pleaded anonymity, said he heard about the incident.

 He  said that he would get back to our correspondent as soon as he got more information on the incident.

He did not do so as of the time of filing this report.

NEWS UPDATE: 82 Chibok girls to with Nigeria government till September

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development for Rehabilitation, Aisha Alhassan, has said the released Chibok girls would remain under government’s care until September when they would be reintegrated into school at the commencement of the new academic session

She said this on Tuesday (today) when the Department of State Services handed over the recently rescued 82 Chibok girls to the ministry.

The Minister said, “The girls will remain under government’s care until September when they would be reintegrated into school at the commencement of the new academic session.

“Government is only trying to ensure that they are well catered for. Nobody is holding the girls against their wish; these girls have gone through a lot and we need to help them to fit back into the society.

“They have missed a lot and we have brought teachers to help them to catch up with what they have lost while away under captivity; but anyone who wishes to go back is free to do so,” she said.

Earlier, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, represented by his Chief Personal Physician, Dr. Nicholas Audifferen, gave assurance that the Federal Government remained committed to the well-being of the girls.

Osinbajo said the Buhari administration would do everything possible to ensure that the girls were rehabilitated and reintegrated into society.

“It is the role of government to ensure that you are safe and properly cared for,” he said.

The Director Medical Services, DSS, Dr. Anne Okorafor, who handed over the girls to the ministry, said they were medically, psychologically and physically fit.

She said: “All the investigation required has been done and we have treated the girls except for a few of them who require additional follow-up treatment.”

The Child Protection Specialist at UNICEF, Mr. Samuel Manyok, said the organisation was glad to be part of the stakeholders involved in providing the girls with necessary rehabilitation.

According to Manyok, UNICEF looks forward to closer relationship with all stakeholders in rehabilitating the girls.

On his part, the Deputy Representative of UNFPA, Dr. Eugene Kongnyuy, said the handover was a new chapter for the girls.