₦airaland Forum

Executive Director of Igbere TV, Emeh James Anyalekwa, has commended the Supreme Court verdict quashing the judgement that convicted and sentenced a former governor of Abia and Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, to 12 years imprisonment.

He said the apex court ruling dismissing the lower court judgement has justified the widely held view that the “erroneous conviction” by the Lagos high court would not stand the test of time.

According to him, the decision of the Supreme Court Justices was unanimous as seen today, saying, “the Judiciary remains the last hope of the common man, therefore all hands must be on deck to strengthen it.”

Anyalekwa said, “It is with great joy that I received the news of the victory of His Excellency former governor of Abia, Senator (Dr.) Orji Uzor Kalu, MON at the Supreme Court.

“Today’s judgement is a victory for all, triumph of truth over falsehood and redeemer of the integrity of the judiciary. No matter how long, truth will always prevail over falsehood.

“Therefore, on behalf of my family and members of staff of Igbere TV, I congratulate his excellency the former governor, his family, friends and people of Abia North over the victory.”

The Igbere TV boss, who doubles as National President, Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria, called on all politicians to put their differences aside and join hands with Kalu to move Abia North forward as he returns to the red chamber.

http://igberetvnews.com/1350428/kalu-igbere-tv-boss-hails-supreme-court-verdict-congratulates-ex-gov/

By Emeh James Anyalekwa, Ogochukwu Isioma

There was wild jubilation on Friday all over the country as the Supreme Court quashed the judgement that convicted and sentenced a former governor of Abia and Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, to 12 years imprisonment.

The apex court, in a unanimous decision by a seven-man panel of Justices led by Justice Amina Augie, held that the Federal High Court in Lagos acted without jurisdiction when it convicted Kalu, his firm, Slok Nigeria Limited and former Director of Finance in Abia State, Jones Udeogu.

It held that trial Justice Mohammed Liman was no longer a judge of the Federal High Court as at the time he sat and delivered the judgement that convicted the defendants for allegedly stealing about N7.1billion from Abia state treasury.

According to the Supreme Court, Justice Liman, having been elevated to the Court of Appeal before then, lacked the powers to return to sit as a High Court Judge.

Shortly after the news of his victory was made public, our correspondent observed residents of the former governor’s hometown of Igbere marching along the major streets of the otherwise sleepy town since his departure.

One of the residents, Eze Chukwu, who was caught in joyous mood, amidst wild jubilation, described Orji Kalu representing Abia North senatorial district as “Godfearing and cheerful Senator.”

“We rejoice over the release of our senator. Since his lopsided conviction, we have been fasting and praying for his freedom. We thank God for victory,” he said.

Few other residents were observed in small groups in different locations across the state, apparently discussing the victory of the man who had brought enormous development to Abia as Governor.

When our correspondent approached one of the groups outside the senator’s Abia North district, a spokesperson for it, ‘Mama Chibuzor’, simply said she was happy that their “son” is free, dancing as she spoke.

“I was at home when my son called out to me that ‘mama, mama senator (Kalu) is free.’ I was happy. I simply took my wrapper and jumped outside, meeting my fellow women here.”

Asked why she was particularly happy over the development, even when she is not a primary constituent, the woman said Kalu as governor and senator has never forsaken the people.

“He (Kalu) is a good man, assuming he was here all along, I know what he would have done for the people (during the Coronavirus lockdown) but we give God all the glory.”

Youths were also not left out as motorists and passersby were seen chanting victory songs in Aba, the commercial city of Abia, even in some filling stations in the area.

“If not for some of the restrictions on social gatherings, I would have personally hosted my friends and throw a party even though the Senator is currently not in the state,” said one of the youths.

He described Senator Orji Uzor Kalu as an “uncommon man” who is committed and dedicated to the development of the Igbo nation, Abia state and Nigeria at large.

The celebration was not limited to the senator’s constituency of Abia North, as other parts of the state including the South and Central districts, also joined in the celebrations.

Igbere TV observed that some popular locations across the state, including the roundabout and FMC in Umuahia, erupted in jubilation following the news of Orji Kalu’s victory.

The jubilations were peaceful as even traders joined in singing praises to God over the development, saying they were behind Kalu; urging him not to be deterred by his present ordeals.

They commended the court for quashing the judgement of the lower court, and urged the federal government to stop “lopsided trials and sectional vendetta.”

Social media goes wild, agog

The victory of the Forbes-rated billionaire fondly called OUK, has dominated social media platforms, including closed groups on Facebook of Ebonyi, Kano and Abuja residents.

Practically most of the discussants were of the view that the former governor was a victim of political persecution rather than for corruption for which he was jailed by the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.

Some of them believed that Kalu’s victory and return to politics would stir up the political atmosphere not only in Abia where he hails from, but the South East region and Nigeria as a whole.

Jubilation in Ebonyi

An official of the Ebonyi state government and long-standing political associate of Senator Kalu, described the court order as a welcome development not only for the people of Abia, but South East as a whole.

“No matter the circumstances, every journey, every venture, every persecution, every cry, and even our lives have a beginning and an end. To God alone be the Glory.”

Kano celebrates

A Senator from Kano and colleague of the Senate Chief Whip, who described Kalu as a detribalised Nigerian, said he had missed the former governor at the floor of the red chamber.

“On Kalu’s release today, it’s celebrations everywhere in my state (Kano), and I believe it is the same for other states across the country.

“You know why? Kalu is a detribalised Nigerian, everywhere he goes; he does good. His businesses are spread across all over the country employing people of different religion and ethnic background.

“I am particularly happy because I have missed my colleague (Kalu) at the floor of our hallowed chamber, I can't wait to welcome him and exchange political views.”

Kalu’s ordeal politically motivated, Arewa insists

President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Shettima Yerima, who recently described Kalu’s ordeal as political vowing to unmask the conspirators, said the victory of the former governor was long overdue.

“They see Orji Kalu as a potential threat based on the political permutation of the possibility of the Presidency going to the South East come 2023 and they feel the best is to stop him. But they are not Allah who decides.”

He described Kalu as a popular politician even among the Northern folks, adding, “I must tell you that Kalu is one of the few people from the South East that understands this country very well. He knows Nigeria more than many other politicians from Southern Nigeria and he has remained steadfast till today.

“This is why I said in my last interface with you that we the North will never abandon him even in times of trouble. We all know the truth and cannot afford to keep silence while he suffers for nothing.”

Igbo nation rejoice

For Ugochi, leader of a popular Igbo residents’ group in Abuja, the nation’s capital, she described Senator Orji Kalu’s victory and release as a welcome development.

“Igbo people all over the world are at this moment celebrating the hero of our time, the resource control guru, the liberator of the oppressed who paid the supreme price for the sake of his people.

“Our joy knows no bound as Igbos and Nigerians at large, are happy over the development. Kalu is a great partner in the One Nigeria project; a patriotic citizen of this great country.

“Like Mandela, Awolowo, Obasanjo and many others of his type all over the world, OUK remains our hero,” she told Igbere TV on the telephone.

A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in South East and one-time vice chairman of the party, said this (the victory) was the greatest thing that has happened to the Igbo nation.

He declared, “Chief Orji Kalu’s victory at the Supreme Court is the greatest thing that has ever happened within the political terrain of Abia State since the creation of the state.”

He noted that the former governor could not be abandoned, as he did not abandon his own even while away, adding that Kalu even reached out to residents during a recent unrest in parts of his Constituency following the killing of a youth by the police.

“We knew that God cannot forsake a good man. We saw clearly that God for His reason alone has ordained a wilderness experience for your refilling for His greater use for the salvation of Nigeria.

“Moses went through the same, separated from his people for saving their good. We never feared, we never floundered, we never got distressed.”

A federal lawmaker from Abia state told Igbere TV on phone that God had freed Kalu because he ruled his people with passion and a good heart, adding: “The political atmosphere in the state will not remain the same with the development.”

The lawmaker, who described Kalu as “the wonder man of Igbere”, added: “We congratulate an illustrious son who fell on evil days, while providing a formidable leadership in Abia.”

He said the Senator had showed sagacity as a politician despite his travails, saying he(Kalu) would come back reinvigorated as a leader of his people.

Describing Orji Kalu as the best politician to emerge from the South East geopolitical zone, the lawmaker noted: “Though he is not a saint (as no one is), Kalu remains the best politician in the South East region.”

“The northerners and westerners will never abandon their own. Why should we dump our political lion?. I celebrate his victory and nullification of his lopsided conviction,” the federal lawmaker added.

GOVERNMENT SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Rivers State Government hereby warns residents of Ward 20, Amadi-Ama in Port Harcourt Local Government Area and Mgbuosimini, Rumueme in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area to desist from flouting government directives on lockdown .

Government will deal decisively with the residents of these areas if they are found to default again.

Anyone parading exemption letters except the one issued by the Governor is doing so at his or her own risk as such permits are invalid.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice has been directed to auction all the vehicles that violated the lockdown order.

Members of the public who are interested to buy the auctioned vehicles are to watch out for details in The Sun, The Nation and Vanguard Newspapers.

Paulinus Nsirim
Commissioner for Information and Communications
May 7,2020

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed a deceased person into the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Igbere TV reports.

The president had in a letter sent to the Ahmad Lawan led Senate on Tuesday, sought confirmation for 38 persons he appointed into the Commission.

Igbere TV, however, observed that the number 12 man on the list of appointees, Mr. Tobias Chukwuemeka, representing Ebonyi state, is late.

Chukwuemeka, a former federal lawmaker, represented the Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency at the 7th House of Representatives.

The deceased, who was the pioneer majority leader of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, died February 28 of ‘over-weight’ related sickness. He was aged 59.

Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi had expressed sadness over the demise of Chukwuemeka, describing it as a “hard pill to swallow” and “a huge loss.”

This is not the first time Buhari is appointing dead persons into government agencies. He did so in 2017 with critics describing it as a sign of incompetence on his part.

Here is a list of those newly appointed by the president:

Muheeba Dankaka, chairperson
Henry Ogbulogo
Salihu Bella
Obonganwan Dorah Ebong
lbeabuchi Uche
Mohammad Tijjani
Tonya G. Okio
Silas Mfa Madkpah
Abba Ali Monguno
Nsor Atamgba
Alims Agoda
Tobias Chukwuemeka
lmuetinyan Festus,
Sesan Fatoba
Ginika Florence Tor
Hamza Mohammad
Diogu Uche
Lawan Ya’u Roni
Hadlza Usman Muazu
Muhammad Awwal Na’lya
Lawal Garba
Abubakar Atiku Bunu
Idris Bello
Daniel James Kola
Are Bolaji
Nasir Kwarra
Suleiman Barau Said
Abiodun Akinlade
Olufemi Lawrence Omosanya
Adeoye Abdulrazak Olalekan
Adeniyi Olowofela
Stephen A Jings
Wokocha Augustine
Abdullahi Aminu Tafida
Armaya’u Dauda Abubakar
Jibril Maigari
Saul Garba
Adamu Muhammad Sidi-Ali

http://igberetvnews.com/1349451/buhari-appoints-deceased-person-govt-agency/

Lalasticlala Seun Mynd44

Africana1123:
Dead appointment to the east spoilt rice to the southwest why now president of the north lol

Noerection:
We are mourning late Nnamdi Kanu OP is here with useless news
May Kanu soul rest in piss

Yenefer:
Fake news

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed a deceased person into the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Igbere TV reports.

The president had in a letter sent to the Ahmad Lawan led Senate on Tuesday, sought confirmation for 38 persons he appointed into the Commission.

Igbere TV, however, observed that the number 12 man on the list of appointees, Mr. Tobias Chukwuemeka, representing Ebonyi state, is late.

Chukwuemeka, a former federal lawmaker, represented the Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency at the 7th House of Representatives.

The deceased, who was the pioneer majority leader of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, died February 28 of ‘over-weight’ related sickness. He was aged 59.

Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi had expressed sadness over the demise of Chukwuemeka, describing it as a “hard pill to swallow” and “a huge loss.”

This is not the first time Buhari is appointing dead persons into government agencies. He did so in 2017 with critics describing it as a sign of incompetence on his part.

Here is a list of those newly appointed by the president:

Muheeba Dankaka, chairperson
Henry Ogbulogo
Salihu Bella
Obonganwan Dorah Ebong
lbeabuchi Uche
Mohammad Tijjani
Tonya G. Okio
Silas Mfa Madkpah
Abba Ali Monguno
Nsor Atamgba
Alims Agoda
Tobias Chukwuemeka
lmuetinyan Festus,
Sesan Fatoba
Ginika Florence Tor
Hamza Mohammad
Diogu Uche
Lawan Ya’u Roni
Hadlza Usman Muazu
Muhammad Awwal Na’lya
Lawal Garba
Abubakar Atiku Bunu
Idris Bello
Daniel James Kola
Are Bolaji
Nasir Kwarra
Suleiman Barau Said
Abiodun Akinlade
Olufemi Lawrence Omosanya
Adeoye Abdulrazak Olalekan
Adeniyi Olowofela
Stephen A Jings
Wokocha Augustine
Abdullahi Aminu Tafida
Armaya’u Dauda Abubakar
Jibril Maigari
Saul Garba
Adamu Muhammad Sidi-Ali

http://igberetvnews.com/1349451/buhari-appoints-deceased-person-govt-agency/

Lalasticlala Seun Mynd44

National President of the Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN), Emeh James Anyalekwa, has expressed gratitude to Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi and friends for donating bags of rice to Rivers State as COVID-19 lockdown palliative.

The OMPAN National President’s gratitude to the former Rivers state governor was contained in a personally signed statement made available to journalists, on Monday in Abuja.

Amaechi Friends and Associates led by Engr. Chukwudi Dimkpa had distributed bags of rice donated by the Transportation Minister to residents in the various Local Government Areas of Rivers.

Reacting, the OMPAN national president lauded the effort of the Minister, friends and associates for ensuring that the palliative items got to the vulnerable in the society.

He expressed his gratitude to the Honourable Minister, friends and associates for equally donating to several associations, including the Rivers State chapter of OMPAN.

“I express my sincere appreciation to the Honourable Minister and friends for being magnanimous in this period where everybody, especially the needy, are feeling the effect of the COVID-19 lockdown,” he said.

Anyalekwa, however, called on other individuals, including organizations, religious bodies and non-governmental organizations to emulate Amaechi and donate to the needy in the society during the lockdown.

http://igberetvnews.com/1349250/covid-19-palliative-ompan-president-thanks-amaechi-donation-rivers-state-chapter/

Lalasticlala Seun Mynd44

lekki1444:
so obasekis chief of sstaff was a yoruba man. he sounds like a detribalised man

The purported strike embarked upon by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) in Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH), Parklane is illegal and inconsequential, Igbere TV reports.

Firstly, the action is in contravention of an existing court injunction restraining them from doing so and thereby renders the strike illegal before the eyes of the law.

Igbere TV recalls that the National Industrial Court sitting in Enugu had issued an interim injunction restraining the doctors from continuing with the industrial action already embarked upon.

The court further restrained the association and/or its members from taking any action in furtherance of the strike action pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice already filed by the Enugu State Government.

The interim injunction was issued by Justice O.O. Arowosegbe upon the Motion Exparte filed by the state government on March 2, 2020.

More worrisome to this strike is even the fact that the action came at a time the Federal Government and various state governments were still grappling with the challenges of the novel Coronavirus outbreak.

However, findings by Igbere TV revealed that despite the industrial action by the doctors, Consultants and other medical personnel at the hospital are on duty attending to patients. This, therefore, renders the strike inconsequential.

As part of efforts aimed at containing the spread of the pandemic in Enugu, the state government led by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has launched the engagement of 124 health specialists to man the isolation centres in the state.

Just two days ago, the state government, in furtherance of its commitment, paid COVID-19 allowance to the doctors and all other health workers in the state as incentive, which represents 25 per cent of their basic salaries. This was in addition to the payment of April salaries of all public servants.

Igbere TV also recalls that the Enugu State Government recently approved a life insurance package for doctors and other health workers in the state, also as incentive.

Reacting to the development in a chat with Igbere TV, a doctor in the state, Dr. Edward Arinzechukwu Uwani, described the actions of the Enugu doctors as selfish.

“What the ARD (Association of Resident Doctors) is doing, which they did earlier, is to arm-twist the state government to succumb to its self-centred demands,” he said,” describing it as the height of insensitivity.

“It is therefore the height of insensitivity and professional irresponsibility for the Resident Doctors to go on strike (in contravention of an existing Court Order) at this point of global COVID-19 pandemic, when all hands are on deck to contain spread of the deadly viral disease.

“The question begging for answer is this: ‘Do these doctors who swore their professional oath to protect and save lives, want Ndi Enugu dead, in their crass desperation to achieve their selfish material interest?’ .”

He called on people of the state to join hands with the state government in the wake of COVID-19, saying, “Let's join hands to condemn and discourage these strange acts of mischief, insensitivity and professional irresponsibility.”

Happy birthday my brother and media colleague, Chief Kenneth Udeh, Special Assistant (Media) to distinguished Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.

A professional who keeps sentiments and emotions far away from logic, which is why we have seen your career took an exponential growth. You're worth emulating and I'm so glad to have met and work with you.

If there is someone who knows how to max out his talent, skills and abilities, it's absolutely you! You have been the perfect embodiment of a great man. May all your career dreams come true!

Thanks for all you do brother, God bless you sir!

Celebrating Orji Uzor Kalu in this interesting political times and global unrest is inexplicable. Having distinguished himself in business and politics, his name features prominently when an objective compilation of events of political and economic development of Nigeria is made. Where young men of his age surrendered, he conquered. Where other politicians have compromised their principles, he had adhered strictly to it. Kalu has continually aired his views and taken a definite stand on national controversies regardless of whose Ox is gored.

The eminent businessman and astute politician was born on April 21, 1960. Nwa Aba’, he was called, had the vista of business world opened to him at a very early stage of his life. Many would remember those early years of Kalu’s life; his activism as student leader in Government College, Umuahia and University of Maiduguri; those times he ventured into businesses, and the rough rides on his road to the mountaintop. A young man who knew what he wanted made the most out of the thirty-five dollars support from his mother, Elder (Mrs) Eunice Uzor Kalu. This was the stimulus that launched the then university student into the business world. Kalu went into palm oil business and then into furniture, and as business boomed, SLOK Holding would be born. SLOK would become a conglomerate that consist of Ojialex Furniture, SLOK Nigeria Limited, SLOK United Kingdom, Adamawa Publishers Limited, SLOK Vegetable Oil, SLOK Paper Factory; and today SLOK is virtually everywhere in every part of the world from shipping to airline to banking.

While he was conquering the world of business, he knew he had to fulfill yet another of his passion which was politics; he went into it during the military era, learnt the ropes until military dictatorship was swept away. He contested for Abia state governor in 1999 and won under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and history would have it as the root of his honorific burdens. He stepped on toes as he took with him his spirit of activism from his university days into politics. He believed the right thing must be done if society must make any meaningful progress and development.

And he took with him the riches and wealth he had made outside politics into the politics of Abia state. They saw in him the messiah who had come to rescue the state. In 1998 and as a top financier of the PDP, he supported the party with five hundred million naira. His future disagreements with the leadership of the party led to his protest and he floated and single handedly financed a new party, Peoples Progressive Alliance (PPA). The party birthed in 2006 benefitted from Kalu’s popularity as it won two governorship states (Abia and Imo) three senatorial seats, four seats in the House of Representatives and several House of Assembly seats during the 2007 General Elections. The party remained politically relevant for the period while it was on its feet until Kalu decided it was time to move on.

Some may ask, why the leap to the APC? The answer is simple- one only needs the shift for political dreams and ambitions to be fulfilled. In politics nothing matters but leadership and the fulfillment of dreams and visions of political realism; either power or fulfillment to dominate or power to serve. Where Kālu has erred in all this is yet to be seen; unless one would want to ask questions about his needs for power. His flaws notwithstanding, his personality and lifestyle has never shown he is the type who needs power to dominate his subjects; he is a jolly good fellow who believes in the progress of all. His passion for humanity and sports, His philanthropy through Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation, His courage and tenacity, His love for the youth, His unquenchable zeal for the upliftment of every Nigerian devoid of tribe, religion or tongue, His enigma and political sagacity, His pattern of rewarding loyalty, His never dying quest to conquer new grounds, His unrepentant determination to stand firm on what he believes is right. He is a true leader!

He became a governor at the age of 38(1999-2007), a Senator and Chief Whip of the ninth assembly at 59. He has seen too much. Heard too much. Believed too much. Regarded too much. Trusted too much. Hoped too much. His recent political incarceration is only but a period of reflections, for that which he is being held in force solace cannot be certainly said to do with corruption; but of boldness; of activism, of carrying a people along in the logic of an existing system they simply refuse to embrace; of the temerity to stand his grounds in surging seas of tempests, of his belief in the oneness of all in the midst of shaky waters of mental ripples… but just as the sun and the moon do not need any special effort to hang and shine from the sky, Kalu’s destined light will continue to shine.

But for all that he is, for having touched and impacted lives, we will never loose sight of a giant with many strides who dances where angels fear to tread and is still leaving his footprints in our hearts. Kalu has built a firm stairway with the stones thrown at him for others to climb on and grow. He remains the most impressive, sought-after and enchanting political leader to have risen from Abia state in modern time. He is a phenomenon with an indescribable sense of value. The people love him. The people are passionate about him. He cuts the image of a deified political dinosaur in his carriage and activities.

Today he is 60, and this is to say Happy Birthday to the Ahaejiagamba of Igbere, Enyimba of Aba, Okeosisi Abia, Mmiri riri enyi Ndigbo, Kachalla Misau of Misau Kingdom,Dan Baiwan Hausa of Daura Emirate, Aro of Ogbomosho Kingdom, and Bobameto of Ijesha land. A visionary leader, a proud father, my Boss and Mentor I celebrate you Sir!

Eze is Special Assistant to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu

http://igberetvnews.com/1348530/60th-birthday-orji-kalu-giant-many-strides-peter-eze/

Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has expressed sadness over the gruesome killing of his constituent in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State by security operatives in the state.

Igbere TV had on Friday reported the killing of a young man from Ebem Ohafia identified as Ndukwe Arunsi by men of the Nigerian police said to be under the influence of alcohol while enforcing the lockdown order by the state government.

Reacting to the development in a statement sent to Igbere TV, Kalu, through his Special Assistant/Head of Administration, Barr. Emeka Nwala, said he was heartbroken over the killing of “this hardworking, promising and productive citizen.”

He condemned the action of the law enforcement operatives, saying it was a “sad reflection of abuse of the roles of the security agencies in our land”, insisting, however, that it cannot be justified under any guise but must be roundly condemned by all.

“The land of Ohafia is well known for its peaceful coexistence and respect for constituted authority. Sadly, this avoidable killing has shattered the quietude of the land and ignited anger, restiveness, chaos, anarchy and acts of lawlessness, which also should not in anyway be tolerated or condoned in the land.”

The Abia North Senator, however, called on the youths of the district to immediately exercise restraint and cease all acts of violence, “as the hierarchy is well constituted to ensure erring officers who engaged in this cowardly and wicked killing are brought to book.”

He said his Special Assistant/Head of Administration has been directed to immediately engage the elders, stakeholders, police hierarchy and others in the district concerned in bringing back normalcy to the land as well as seeing to it that justice is done and that the culprits do not escape the full wrath of the law.

“We therefore call upon the Inspector General of Police to thoroughly investigate the incident with a view to addressing the issues that have arisen therefrom.

“Furthermore, the office calls on the Inspector General of Police and the Chief of Army Staff to make examples of these officers who commit plain murder under the guise of enforcing the lockdown order.

“Section 33(1) of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) provides that every citizen has a right to life and no one shall intentionally be deprived of his life. The right to life is also enshrined in Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

“Pursuant to this, Mr President in his last nationwide broadcast mandated law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint in carrying out the enforcement order without neglecting their roles. This compliments the provision of rules of engagement for law enforcement agencies.

“This clear violation of such rights, in the case of the murder of Mr. Arunsi, must therefore not go unpunished. Lives that are being preserved through the lockdown exercise cannot be wasted by trigger happy personnel of the police under unjustifiable circumstances.

“On this note, our youths are called upon to henceforth exercise full restraint as any person found to be promoting or engaging in any further disturbance in the land will not enjoy the protection of the law on account of the killing.

“We believe that the genuine efforts of this administration to preserve lives and protect the people of the district will not be destroyed by the handiwork of bad eggs in the force.

“Finally, all citizens of the district are enjoined to obey the lockdown order since it is in the interest of all of us while awaiting the outcome of the efforts to bring about normalcy,” the statement added.

http://igberetvnews.com/1348452/sen-kalu-condemns-killing-constituent-calls-calm-restraint/

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State says the state government is yet to receive any support from the Federal Government in the fight against COVID-19 in the Southeastern state.

In a statement made available to Igbere TV on Monday, Chief John Okiyi-Kalu, the state Commissioner for Information, urged residents to ignore any report that says otherwise.

“Please ignore the sponsored lies and propaganda from those who live by propaganda,” the Commissioner said.

He said all efforts made so far to cushion the effects of the lockdown and prevent outbreak of the pandemic in the state were products of the state government.

The Commissioner said Abia was among the four states listed but yet to benefit from the Federal Government’s National Social Investment Program (NSIP).

“All the palliative food distribution done in Abia State as well as the construction of new
isolation centers are projects of Abia State Government led by Dr Okezie Ikpeazu.

“Our state has also not received any money from the social investment fund as we are among the four states yet to benefit.”

He added that the state government is responsible for the construction of the new Isolation Centre in Ogbor Hill, Aba and not the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) as being alleged.

“That project is 100 per cent funded by Abia State Government and we hope to hand over the facility to Abia State University Teaching Hospital afterwards. No single living Abian is contributing one kobo to the construction and equipping of the new isolation center. It is the same for the others previously readied by the administration.

“Abia State Government led by Dr Okezie Ikpeazu is investing all the resources required in preparing our isolation centres, provision of PPEs, ventilators etc for the safety and protection of our people against coronavirus.

“No single grain of rice or any other food stuff has been received by the state from the federal government as rumored by same propagandists. Abia State Government procured the rice and other foodstuff distributed to the needy through the churches and added the 850 bags of rice donated by Prof Greg Ibe. So far, we have procured more than 8,000 bags of 50kg rice and other items such as beans, yam, face masks, hand sanitizers etc. We have also distributed the 2,000 cartons of Indomie donated by our brother Chrisnak.

“Distribution of palliatives to our people will continue today and run throughout the lockdown period. Aside from Churches, we are also distributing through the state’s geriatric services agency, traditional rulers and presidents general of communities in our state,” the statement added.

http://igberetvnews.com/1348433/covid-19-abia-yet-receive-support-fg-ikpeazu/

Lalasticlala Seun Mynd44

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has denied reports that it was charging fees to process loan requests from Nigerians amid the dreaded coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Igbere TV recalls that the apex bank had recently set up a N50 billion credit facility for owners of small-scale businesses to apply for loans to cushion the effects of the COVID-19.

Reacting to media reports that the CBN was taking charges in a statement sent to Igbere TV on Monday, Isaac Okorafor, Director, Corporate Communications of the apex bank said the report was not true.

“For the avoidance of doubt, there are clearly spelt out procedures for accessing the N50 billion Targeted Credit Facility (TCP) stimulus package to support households and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which are disbursed through the NISRAL Microfinance Bank (NMFB),” he said.

He called on members of the public, particularly households and owners of small-scale businesses, to disregard any message requiring them to pay any amount to process their applications.

“Prospective applicants are advised to approach NISRAL Microfinance Bank or the CBN branch nearest to them for clarification on the procedure for accessing any of the CBN-related loans. Any observed irregularities should be reported to the Consumer Protection Department of the CBN via cpd@cbn.gov.ng or call 07002255226,” the CBN added.

The Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji has began the distribution of food palliatives to the vulnerable in his constituency and beyond.

In a statement made available to Igbere TV on Monday, Rt. Hon. Orji said the move was in a bid to cushion the effect of the Lockdown in the state following the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Among the items to be distributed by the Abia Assembly Speaker include 500 bags of rice, 2,000 cartons of Indomie and 3,000 bags of rice.

“The Distribution shall be done thorough the churches within Umuahia Central State Constituency,” the statement added.

Igbere TV recalls that Rt. Hon. Orji had in March distributed hand sanitizers to his constituents, following its recommendation by the Federal Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization.

http://igberetvnews.com/1347616/covid-19-abia-speaker-begins-distribution-food-palliatives-constituents/

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