johnmartus: Oga I have never see where igbo kill Yoruba or where igbo kidnapped Yoruba people.
Fulani herdsmen are notorious .
Crime is crime. And every crime has far-reaching consequences on its victims. Even the kidnappers disturbing yoruba people are not all Fulanis. Some of them are your own people too. You people are setting a dangerous precedent of tribalizing and politicising crime. Are there no yoruba people killing yoruba people in Yoruba land also? Sunday Igboho also killed ife people during ife and madakeke fights, and he is walking around today like a hero because he is after Fulanis. When there are no more Fulanis to blame he will blame igbos for taking yoruba jobs. And when igbos leave, he will pick sides with a political party to fight another party. Or join another village to fight another village. The witch hunt will never end.
As a well-informed Northerner that once lived and worked in SW before moving to Abuja, I can boldly tell you that igbos have committed more crimes in the SW, SS, and all over Nigeria than Fulanis. Even Wike once accused Anambra of importing armed robbery and crimes to Rivers. They are involved in armed robbery, baby factory crimes and many more, yet I have not see Yorubas scapegoat them they way they are doing to Fulanis right now. We should all watch what we are doing to ourselves in this country because Nigeria is all we have. Let's not allow bigotry to set this country on fire.
Why are some of you mischief-makers? I am not a Tinubu fan but you don't have to twist his words to incite people in this turbulent times.
Not all Fulanis are herdsmen. There are criminal elements that are Fulani but don't go about with cattle herd. Some of them reside in the Bush and come out to kidnap and commit crimes.
I commend the governor for not this position. It seems some people in the Southern part of the country are hell-bent on stoking ethnic tension under the pretext of insecurity. There is insecurity in every part of Nigeria, and Fulani herders are not the only ones responsible for all the crimes happening in this country. What I see happening is a scapegoating of a tribe to promote an agenda of ethnic cleansing. This cannot be allowed to stand.
I will urge my fellow igbo countrymen in particular to exercise restraint in their eagerness to incite ethnic tensions because they seem to be at the forefront of this ugly trend. I noticed they are trying to incite Yorubas to follow the same path that the fugitive Nnamdi Kanu's illegal security riff-raffs did in Ebonyi when they chased out Fulanis. Let's all be guided so as not to escalate tensions.
Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we should not set a bad precedent of evictions of non-natives on ethnic grounds, because if this is allowed to continue, it will not favour any of us.
I commend the governor for this position. It seems some people in the Southern part of the country are hell-bent on stoking ethnic tension under the pretext of insecurity. There is insecurity in every part of Nigeria, and Fulani herders are not the only ones responsible for all the crimes happening in this country. What I see happening is a scapegoating of a tribe to promote an agenda of ethnic cleansing. This cannot be allowed to stand.
I will urge my fellow igbo countrymen in particular to exercise restraint in their eagerness to incite ethnic tensions because they seem to be at the forefront of this ugly trend. I noticed they are trying to incite Yorubas to follow the same path that the fugitive Nnamdi Kanu's illegal security riff-raffs did in Ebonyi when they chased out Fulanis. Let's all be guided so as not to escalate tensions.
Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we should not set a bad precedent of evictions of non-natives on ethnic grounds, because if this is allowed to continue, it will not favour any of us.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has warned against actions that could incite peace in the state, saying that no individual or group has the right to initiate forceful eviction of the Fulanis from Oyo State.
Makinde gave the warning in a statewide broadcast, on Wednesday, in reaction to the ultimatum that was reportedly given to the Fulanis in the state by Chief Sunday Adeyemo, a.k.a Sunday Igboho, a popular businessman and activist from the Oke Ogun axis of the state.
The governor, who said that whoever defaults would be made to face the wrath of the law, directed the chairmen of all local government council areas and local council development areas in the state to work in harmony with traditional rulers and the security agencies in their councils to ensure that peace is maintained.
Governor Makinde, while reiterating his determination to uphold the nation’s Constitution, said the common enemy of the people is not the Hausa/Fulani who is looking for pasture for his flock nor the farmer who just wants to grow food to sell in the market to feed his family but the hoodlums, cultists, armed robbers, kidnappers and bandits who infiltrated the society.
Governor Makinde said, “The past few weeks’ events have made it imperative that I address issues that have to do with the internal security of our dear state.
“Barely a week ago, I had cause to call out members of the press who were allowing themselves to be used to stoke ethnic tensions among the good people of Oyo State. There have been stories in the press targeted at exaggerating the security situation in the state.
“We cannot overlook the fact that there had indeed been instances that caused concern. The fragile peace between the herdsmen and farmers in Oke Ogun is being threatened. Individuals who are not authorised are going around chasing people from their homes and causing mayhem. This assault on residents of Oyo State is not the way to further the Yoruba cause.
“Let me state that we shall not sit back and watch anyone make any law-abiding resident of Oyo State feel unsafe in their homes, farms, or business places. We are aware of some people circulating flyers and giving people ultimatums to leave their land. This is totally unacceptable and will not be condoned.
“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which I swore to defend and protect, guarantees freedom of movement in Section 41(1), such that citizens are free to reside in any part of the country without fear. We are determined to preserve that right in Oyo State.
“Therefore, I am calling on individuals or groups planning to take actions that would lead to the forcible removal of anyone from Oyo State to desist from taking such actions. Any persons who fail to abide by this directive will face the full wrath of the law.
“All local government and local council development area chairpersons are directed to work with the traditional rulers and the officers of the security agencies to ensure that peace is maintained in all parts of the state. Let me also use this medium to speak to our traditional rulers; they must not be part of plans to disrupt the peaceful coexistence of residents of Oyo State.
“I must reiterate that we will not hesitate to take appropriate action against any individuals who try to disrupt the peace in Oyo State. Our administration is taking all necessary steps to protect the good people of Oyo State from harassment, thuggery and banditry. We believe we have the situation under control.
“It is time for us to come together and put the interests of our state first. We have a common enemy. That enemy is not the Hausa Fulani who is looking for pasture for his flock. It is not the farmer who just wants to grow food to sell in the market or to feed his family. Our enemies are the hoodlums, cultists, armed robbers, kidnappers and bandits.
“We have constitutionally empowered people who will arrest and prosecute these criminals. Our job, as active citizens, is to help them where we can to identify these enemies. Report any criminals and criminal activities you are privy to and let the authorities take action. If you see something, say something.
“I must acknowledge the efforts of some officers of the Nigeria Police Force who have resumed their constitutional duties of maintaining law and order in our state. I encourage the leadership of the Police to continue to collaborate with our administration to secure Oyo State. With our collective efforts, we can continue to keep the peace in Oyo State.”
Chimamanda Adichie gave her opinion about Biafra during her interview with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu.
The renowned writer wondered how Igbos can achieve Biafra when they can't unite towards selecting a Nigerian president who is from the region.
The 43-year-old said Igbo people need to rethink how they strategise politically before talking about secession.
She said: "There is no Biafra. There are new movements but, for me, it’s a question of being practical. Where would the border be? What is propelling these movements is a sense of marginalisation, which I think is completely valid.
"But this idea that the answer is independence is what I’m not convinced of. Nobody has made a logical case for me. Quite frankly, I’ve observed the terrible leadership that we have in the southeast.
"Igbo people cannot unite if, for example, we say we want an Igbo president. And then we’re talking about Biafra. There is a lot of political work we need to do in the southeast.
"We need to do a lot of rethinking on how we strategise politically before we can talk about Biafra."
She also spoke about misogyny in the South East and its effect on politics.
She said: "There are things I quarrel with, in Igbo culture. It’s misogynistic, as are many cultures. That’s the problem. The world is misogynistic. At my father’s funeral, they showed where the widow, my mother, would sit.
"And they showed where the sons in the extended family (umunna) would sit. That’s where those coming would go to present whatever they bring. It’s the sons’. And that was the end. My father had three daughters. There was no place for them.
"I raised the question and a man in my umunna said we would have to loiter around. There’s a problem with that.
"There’s a woman who apparently is going to run for governor in Anambra state.
"I’m having a conversation with a group of people and what they’re saying is, ‘Can a woman rule Anambra?’ Do you need a dangling organ to rule a state? It’s hard enough for both male and female politicians.
"But women have this additional problem of perception, a reason for which many people won’t vote them.
"Igbo culture is just not very good when it comes to gender. Culture as we have it are rules men made to benefit men.
"In my hometown, I seem to have this status of an ‘honorary man’ and that’s because of my achievements. People adapt when they see some benefits to it which means that it’s changeable. It’s engraved on the stones."
Luckydubby7: And it comes from nation newspaper? This is how they worship and praised Abode before he had issue with oga Tinubu
Oga rest. I expressed my opinion, you don't have to agree with it. Leadedship newspaper, which is the most read newspaper in the North, also gave him same governor of the year. Everybody cannot think like you or hate people for the same reason you hate them. If you don't agree with the award it is ok.
A mob on Wednesday set ablaze a police station in Igboukwu in the Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
An eye witness who gave his name as Goddy said the police station was put on fire around 8am on Wednesday.
He said trouble began when some policemen on duty in the area killed a commercial motorcyclist on Tuesday night over extortion.
He said, “As I’m talking to you the place is in flames. The mob, made up of commercial motorcycle operators, are moving to Ekwulobia police station now to also set the station there ablaze.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Haruna Mohammed confirmed the incident.
He said the Commissioner of Police in the state, John Abang, had ordered the arrest of the officer who killed the commercial motorcyclist while appealing for calm.
He said,” On Tuesday about 10.30pm, there was an altercation between police operatives and motorcycle riders over some impounded motorcycles as a result of the recent restriction on movement of motorcycles beyond 9 pm in the State.
“The situation degenerated into chaos which led to an accidental discharge that hit one motorcycle rider and burning of the Igboukwu police station by irate youth.
“The Commissioner of Police, John Abang, is deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident and has ordered the detention of the policemen involved and full-scale investigation into the matter.
“The CP further appealed for calm and assures the public that justice would be done in the case and the outcome of police investigation shall be made public in due course.”
…Says NWC deepening cracks in PDP, not interested in winning 2023
Mike Odiegwu, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has lampooned the Uche Secodus-led National Working Committee of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) accusing it of deepening the cracks in the party.
Wike particularly accused the NWC of sowing seeds of discord among PDP governors and jeopardising the party’s prospect to clinch the Presidency in 2023.
The governor also warned that President Muhammadu Buhari’s integrity would be at stake if he failed to honour the invitation of the House of Representatives following rising insecurity across the country.
A statement signed by the governor’s Special Assistant, Media, Kelvin Ebiri, said Wike spoke on a live television programme in Port Harcourt on Friday.
The governor said it was regrettable that instead of capitalising on the inefficiency and misadministration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) five years in power, PDP’s NWC was deepening cracks in the party.
He said: “PDP ought to have harvested from the inefficiency of the APC; from the misadministration of the APC. Ordinarily, that is what the opposition party ought to do. If you ask me, are Nigerians waiting for a change? Yes.
“If you ask me as a member of PDP, am ready to support PDP to takeover, yes. But, if you ask me currently as it is, is the leadership of the party willing for us to harvest this opportunity for a change, I will say no.”
He said instead of focusing on strategies on how to take advantage of the growing disenchantment against the APC government, the NWC was busy creating crisis among governors using two former governors of Imo and Cross River states and a present Senator from Benue State.
He said: “An opposition party that ought to be united, to work, to take over the affairs of government because people are waiting for this opportunity, but the current leadership of NWC is not prepared for that, rather, what they have done is to constitute some people to sow a seed of discord among governors for their own selfish interest. And that will boomerang; that will consume them.”
The governor said he lacked the ability to defect to the APC or any other political party and would continue to fight for the survival of the PDP.
“I will not allow anybody to kill PDP. They have the capacity to move to APC. I don’t and I cannot move to APC. So, anybody that tries to do something to destroy PDP, I will not allow you. Anybody that I see that has the trait to destroy the PDP, I will not allow it,” he said.
He described as disingenuous the decision of the NWC to jettison the recommendations of Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom-led committee set up to reconcile the party in Niger and Plateau states because of its vested interest in Niger.
Wike said NWC as currently constituted was merely interested in retaining the current structure of the party to remain in power, and not to win the 2023 election.
“The present National Working Committee is not interested or doing anything to take over the realms of government in 2023. When your interest is to remain in power, you are no longer interested to win the election,” he said.
On the invitation of the President, he said the level of insecurity, particularly in Borno State and other parts of the country ought to have compelled President Buhari to keep his promise of honouring the invitation by the House of Representatives.
He said the APC members controlled the majority in the National Assembly, which moved the motion to invite the President to address them on measures being taken to tackle and end the spate of violent killings.
Wike said it was wrong for the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation to turn around to subject the invitation to legal interpretation, instead of protecting the integrity of the President.
He said: “There is insecurity. People are dying. You don’t go by the legal approach to solve that problem. If Mr. President had given the assurance, saying my integrity is at stake, therefore I will go, that decision was not taken without talking first to his inner cabinet.
“It’s not a question and answers session. You go with a brief to address the congress. To say, see where it was when we came, see where we are today. Yes, we have not achieved what we thought, but what we require from everyone is cooperation.
“For me, I think this is not the period to be legalistic. This is the period every Nigerian should be concerned about what is happening. Just this morning (Friday), I heard that 16 people were killed on Abuja-Kaduna road yesterday. Look at the loss of life in Borno State. Senate has said look, Mr. President, relief all Service Chiefs, which means they are concerned about the security situation in the country.”
He further said if he were the Attorney General of the Federation, he would have advised the President privately and urged him to write a letter to the House of Representatives that he would come at a later day because of the exigency of his office.
To end the spate of violent crime in the country, Wike recommended the creation of employment opportunities for youths and drastic change to the operational system of policing in the country.
He insisted that states must be allowed to get involved in the community police.
Nothing wrong with that. As long as they are minding their business and making their money in peace, the North is the most accommodating to peace-loving Nigerians from anywhere. We only hate criminals and boko harams in the North. Everyone else is welcome.
Till today nobody knows what else this chap does for a living besides 'activism'. What responsible man takes activism as an occupation? Yet this same 'youth' feels he is qualified to ask PDP to deny a hardworking Atiku Abubakar from contesting for election.
This governor deserves to be impeached if truly he made such insensitive statement. Imagine the effrontery? You are spending 90% of your time as governor outside your states and you can still boldly say so? Yobe citizens deserves better.
‘I spend three days in a month in Yobe’ — governor replies critics who accused him of abandoning state
Mai Mala Buni, governor of Yobe, says he spends at least three days in a month in the state.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC, the governor said he carries out his duties effectively even when he is not in the state.
Buni was reacting to criticism that he has been largely absent from the state since he took over as the caretaker chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He added that his duty in the ruling party is not hindering his efforts to discharge his responsibilities.
“On the issue of staying, there is no way I can spend a month without spending three or four days in Yobe state. And then even if I return to Yobe, I won’t advertise or make it public that today I will be in Yobe and tomorrow I will be leaving,” the governor said.
“Wait, Let me land, listen to me, I won’t be revealing to the public that I came to Yobe or when I am leaving. And at this age of technology, when will anybody say that there were bunch of files waiting for me? Even before I came here I don’t know the numbers (of files I treated).”
Democrats on House oversight committee say worker retracted allegations in interview with investigators
A postal worker whose allegations of ballot tampering are the basis of Republican calls for investigations has reportedly recanted his story.
Democrats on the House oversight committee said that Richard Hopkins – the worker who claimed in a signed affidavit that a supervisor at the US Postal Service (USPS) in Erie, Pennsylvania, instructed staff to tamper with ballots by backdating ones that arrived late – had recanted the allegations in an interview with investigators for the USPS Inspector General.
Investigators told the committee that Hopkins “did not explain why he signed a false affidavit”, the committee wrote in a statement.
Hopkins admitted to fabricating his claims, the Washington Post reported on Tuesday, citing three officials. After he submitted the affidavit, the South Carolina Republican senator Lindsay Graham, who heads the Senate judiciary committee, called for a federal investigation.
Yesterday, the US attorney general sent a memo to prosecutors approving federal investigations into voter fraud, despite a lack of evidence that such fraud was taking place.
In response, the top justice department official in charge of voter fraud investigations, Richard Pilger, resigned, pointing to a 40-year department policy to refrain from intervening in elections and carry out investigations only after elections are certified.
News that Hopkins had fabricated his claims came as the Trump campaign continued to pursue longshot lawsuits in Pennsylvania, Nevada, Arizona and Georgia that are not backed by credible evidence.
Among these lawsuits is an effort in Pennsylvania to push the US supreme court to reject mail-in ballots that are postmarked by election day and arrived at election offices up to three days later. The state’s supreme court had approved a deadline extension for ballots that arrived late; several other states accept late-arriving ballots.
The Trump campaign attempted to argue in federal court that Republican observers were blocked from monitoring the vote count, until a lawyer for the campaign had to admit that actually a “non-zero” number observers had been allowed.
These dubious lawsuits and investigations have continued after media outlets projected that Joe Biden was the clear winner of the election. Trump has yet to concede and has illegitimately declared himself the victor.
Top Republicans, including the Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell, have defended Trump’s right to challenge the election results. On Monday, McConnell said in a speech on the Senate floor that Trump was “100% within his rights to look into allegations of irregularities and weigh his legal options”.
Republicans have been scrambling to drum up any evidence to back their baseless claims of fraud, opening up a hotline that was inundated with prank calls. On Tuesday, Dan Patrick, the Republican lieutenant governor of Texas, said he was offering $1m to incentivize people to come forth with evidence of irregularities.
The party’s efforts are unlikely to have any effect on the outcome of the presidential election. Biden has secured a big enough lead in swing states that even if some ballots that Republicans want thrown out were discarded, he would still win.
But critics have said that the president’s refusal to admit defeat and Republicans’ efforts to challenge the results are sowing doubt in the US elections system.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll this week of 1,363 adults found that 79% of Americans believe Joe Biden won the election, including about 60% of Republicans. About 72% said that the loser of the election should concede. A separate poll from Politico and Morning Consult, however, found that 70% of Republicans do not believe the presidential election was “free and fair”.
The president and his party’s efforts to undermine the effectiveness of the US elections system began before election day.
In August, Trump admitted he was undermining the postal service so the USPS would have a harder time delivering mail-in ballots. Louis DeJoy, the postmaster general and a major Republican donor, was found to have made cuts to the service amid major service delays reported around the country.
FG should exercise restraint. And all the citizens should also stay indoors till the situation calms. The protests should stop at this point in every state to avoid further escalation. Let peace reign.
This is the first picture coming out of the wedding between the son of former Nigeria's Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the daughter of former EFCC Chairman Nuhu Ribadu.
In attendance were APC Chieftain Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other dignitaries
Politics › Re: Igbo Have Collective Opinion by AtikuNetwork: 11:32am On Feb 04, 2021
