₦airaland Forum

I hope supreme Court verdict won't bring a dvided Imo state.

Just asking?

BREAKING: Amotekun is illegal security outfit ― FG declares

Barely a few days after the inauguration of a security outfit known as Amotekun by South-West states, the Federal Government has declared the paramilitary outfit as illegal as it is not backed by any known law in the land.
The Attorney General of the Federation made the feeling of the government known in a statement made available to Vanguard on Tuesday.
In the statement signed by the Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Dr. Umar Gwandu, the government said the issue of defence and security fell under the exclusive list and not with the state.
The statement reads in part: “The setting up of the paramilitary organization called “Amotekun” is illegal and runs contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian law.
“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) has established the Army, Navy, and Airforce, including the Police and other numerous paramilitary organizations for the purpose of the defence of Nigeria.
“As a consequence of this, no State Government, whether singly or in a group has the legal right and competence to establish any form of organization or agency for the defence of Nigeria or any of its constituent parts.
“This is sanctioned by the provision of Item 45 of the Second Schedule of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) authorizing the Police and other Federal Government security services established by law to maintain law and order.
“The law will take its natural course in relation to excesses associated with organization, administration, and participation in “Amotekun” or continuous association with it as an association.
“Finally, it is important to put on record that the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice was not consulted on the matter.
“If it had, proper information and guidance would have been offered to ensure that Nigeria’s defence and corporate entity are preserved at all times.



http://community.thenationonlineng.net/forum/breaking-amotekun-is-illegal-security-outfit-fg-declares?fbclid=IwAR1g3c6DSstRZufU40jPGxqYda_2gkQ5L-iRqgFuezIoSL5H028ifmDXVvk

Enugu Youth Coalition has debunked the report making round on the social media claiming that the council chairperson for Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Mrs Chinwe Ugwu distributed some wheelbarrows to youths of the council as part of her youth empowerment scheme under the hire-purchase system. It, however, took us some time to investigate the matter before issuing this statement setting the records straight.


Hence, our investigation showed that the story was distorted to ridicule the state government as the said wheelbarrows were procured for use by the Department of Works and Housing in Nsukka Local Government Area of the state. The decision was reached after the inventory of all the equipment in the council was taken by the new chairperson. In the process, it was discovered that the Works and Housing Department had obsolete equipment which needed to be replaced for effective service delivery in the council.


According to our investigation, the central idea was based on the fact that the road maintenance, housing and construction works of the council are been done by contractors whereas the council has it’s own staff who are collecting salary every month for the same job. So, as part of the cost-saving measure by the Chief Administrator, approval was given for the procurement of relevant equipments for the Works and Housing Department so that, the staff of the council can now be doing the work they were employed to do by their employer. Therefore, the commissioning of the procured wheelbarrows which mischief-makers tagged as poverty alleviation programme was just the first set of equipment delivered for the Works and Housing Department of the Council. We, therefore, urge the reading public to disregard the distorted news report as that is the handiwork of mischief makers who never mean well for the state.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/01/group-denies-report-on-wheelbarrow-empowerment-scheme-in-enugu/

Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Governor, Engr Chukwuemeka Woke receives the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II to the Government House Port Harcourt.

The Oba is on a historic visit to Rivers State. He will meet with the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Edo Indigenes resident in Rivers State during the visit.

Muslims decry discrimination in S/S, S/E regions

Some Islamic adherents under the aegis of Al-Khwaan Fillahi Muslim Society of Nigeria have decried alleged discrimination of Muslim faithful in the South-South and South-East.
The group alleged that Muslims were being discriminated agaisnt in appointments into public and private establishments and admission into universities.
In a communique at the end of a General Assembly in Asaba, Chairman of the group, Muhammed Elunor, said Muslim children were molested, victimised and refused the use of hijab in private and public primary and secondary schools in the regions.
The Muslim body called on relevant authorities to take urgent steps to address discrimination against Muslims in South East and South South.

Elunor said some universities in the regions deliberately included Christian Religious Study (CRS) in their examinations “in a bid to ensure that Muslim students fail the Post-UTME.”
“ Muslim students who did not take CRS/CRK are automatically disadvantaged. Sometime last year at Onne Primary School, the Seriki Hausawa called me that a particular teacher punished a girl because she was wearing the hijab. She also told her not to come back to school with the hijab.
“And being the lawyer representing the community, they called me, and we went to the school, but the school authority said the teacher acted on her own. We are talking about the teacher because her mind and action is more dangerous that the position of the school.”
Professor of Physics at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umuahia, Abia State, Obini Ekpe, also stated that no Muslim was appointed to head any tertiary education institution, government agency or parastatal in the two regions.
Prof. Ekpe alleged that in the South-East in particular, it was just recently that a Muslim was appointed as commissioner in Imo State, insisting that the trend must be reversed.

BREAKING: 89 Niger soldiers feared killed in jihadist attack


A jihadist attack on a military camp in western Niger three days ago left 89 soldiers dead , according to a new toll announced by the government on public radio Sunday .
“ After a thorough search , the toll has been established as 89 dead among friendly forces , and 77 dead for the enemy , ” said spokesman Zakaria Abdourahame.
The previous toll given for Thursday ’ s attack on the Chinegodar camp was 25 soldiers killed .



https://punchng.com/breaking-89-niger-soldiers-feared-killed-in-jihadist-attack/?fbclid=IwAR0vs2wz7Fgcegi4eQgqkhmf_bZ3x6hx_bqr8u3poHltNIk43L4ZGA7mwqo

The National Coordinator , Nigeria Unity Forum , an umbrella body of Tinubu- Not -Negotiable 2023 , Mr Mutiu Okunola , tells MUDIAGA AFFE about plans to project the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress , Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, for the 2023 presidential race, among other issues

Ahead of the 2023 election , different groups, including yours , have started canvassing for a presidential aspirant ; don ’t you think it is too early ?

People are misconstruing our movement for a campaign but this is Nigeria Unity Forum which cuts across Nigeria . Other groups are campaigning for sectional leadership ; they do not have the national reach unlike us . We are trying to reform the system because we have identified some lacunas in the Nigerian constitution and the political class which we are trying to correct . What we are doing is structure formation that cuts across the country irrespective of religion , tribe , political affiliation or education . We believe in one Nigeria and we respect the individual opinion of all Nigerians irrespective of where they belong. We sure know that nobody will debar our progress . This forum is the mother body of the TNN (Tinubu - Not -Negotiable ) and the project at hand is that we are in support of is power rotation because we believe in using political solutions to unite the country. All the factors that bind Nigeria together are no more there except power rotation. The federal character in terms of appointment is no more there because the President is empowered by the Constitution to appoint whosoever he deems fit . The only singular reason why we are still together is power rotation and whatever treatment that might have been meted when it is your turn you could do the same . Power rotation is sacrosanct for the unity of Nigeria . We should not make the mistake because it is the only factor that has held us together since 1960 , anything other than that is war .


But a group in the North recently said that the region would hold on to power in the 2023 presidential election , what is your reaction to that ?

That position taken by that group is not that of the North in general . It is for the reason of reaching out to all parts of the country that we have started this movement . That position might be the thinking of some elites in the region that are advocates of divide and rule system . If you look at the configuration of Nigeria today , you will notice national spread by all the ethnic groups in different parts of the country and we have been coexisting with the troubles . But when it comes to elections the elite will always throw up power play because it is to their advantage. Most of those who propagate such positions are misfits who have not done anything for the benefits of the generality of Nigerians . They are trying to use people who are not fit to keep ruling the country so that they will continue to siphon our resources .

There is also the argument that if the South is to produce the President in 2023 , it should be given to the South - East , what is your view on that ?

Presently we have the North and South structure in terms of rotation . We can only start talking of regions when we have become advanced in our democratic practice . So , if it is the North or South, you will have to place yourself in a vantage position that you can take charge . Yes , if the South- East is agitating for power , I must state that they are long overdue for it, but power is not served on a platter of gold. In honouring the tradition of power rotation , we must follow the principle of democracy through voting. If the ruling party , APC, out of sentiment zones it ticket to a region where it does not have relevance , it may not work. Take note that we do not have any APC governor in the five South - East states , and we know what the power of incumbency is all about . If the South- East wants power , they know the party that they have worked for because as of today they are predominantly PDP states . So , they should struggle that position from the former presidential candidate , Atiku ( Abubakar ) to bring the power to the South . They cannot tell us (South -West) not to aspire but they too have the right to set up a movement that will be logical to the political realities on the ground . We believe in the unity of our country and we believe in using a political solution to solve our problem , but not by war or sentiment or religious consideration and that is what we stand for as a group . If we ( APC) give it to the South - East , any minority party will win the election.


So how far have you been able to propagate the National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu through the TNN ?
I am not emphasising on the party , but TNN is Tinubu - Not - Negotiable , same is the issue of power rotation . We arrived at using Tinubu as our standpoint because you cannot sell a product without a price tag ; we cannot operate on a blank cheque . What we are saying is that if the power comes to the South, it should be Tinubu . If we are clamouring for power rotation to the South , then we should know the candidate that we aspire to give the power to and it is on that note that we have tagged our movement as TNN 2023 . If the power rotates , we should let our northern brother know that it is going to this person. If the South -East wants to do the same thing then they must also project someone with the capacity to contest for President . However , antecedents matter ; we have to reward those who worked and placed themselves in a position of leadership. Tinubu was a former governor of Lagos State for eight years and he has built structures and placed people in positions of authority . Any person who has ruled Lagos can govern the country because the state has the largest gathering of all the tribes in Nigeria . We should begin to look at the precedents of our leaders before we elect them. We should look for leaders who do not have tribal or religious sentiments just like my mentor , MKO Abiola .


In 2015 when the present regime of the President , Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd . ), came into power , he promised to tackle insecurity . How well has the government fulfilled that promise?

We should not politicise the issue of insecurity in Nigeria and that is why I said that our movement would try to use the political solution to solving our problems . Power rotation is one of the tools that can be used to address the problem of insecurity in the country. We are craving for Tinubu to address some of these challenges . When former President Olusegun Obasanjo came into office , he was faced with the challenge of the Oodua People Congress members that were terrorising the South - West, he tried to find solutions but they were not forthcoming until the power rotated to the late Umaru Yar ’ Adua and Dr Goodluck Jonathan . Immediately the power went to the North under Yar ’ Adua , the issue of Boko Haram started and the Niger Delta unrest became high too. But Yar ’ Adua addressed the issue of Niger Delta militants by granting amnesty but when he died the problem of militancy escalated under Jonathan because he is from the region . When Jonathan left and Buhari came in , the issue militancy went underground and Boko Haram became the major matter again . This Boko Haram issue is still there because the President is from that region . I am sure that the moment power rotates to the South all those issues will vanish immediately. But it should be noted that between 1999 and 2007 when other governors in the South - West were using ethnic militias , Tinubu never engaged them.


https://punchng.com/apcll-lose-if-igbo-gets-2023-presidential-ticket-okunola-tnn-coordinator/?fbclid=IwAR0ZdZW8db0GY2bBqZbyn7KXt99bbPhee0lpV6JJku8ntAEi55BTGqR6uqQ

2023: I will not impose anybody on Rivers State says Governor Wike

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that he will not work towards imposing any Governor on Rivers people at the expiration of his second term in 2023.

Speaking during a Solidarity Visit by the Orashi Region of Rivers State at the Government House Port Harcourt on Saturday, Governor Wike said power can never be extended as a gift to any group.

He said: "For the position of Governorship, if you have the capacity, come out and contest. Nobody zoned Governorship to me, I struggled for it.

"I will not impose anybody on Rivers people as Governor in 2023. I will not do it. I don't even have that power, not to talk of giving it out. You cannot give what you don't have.

"To be Governor of Rivers State, you must have the capacity to deliver."

Governor Wike warned against the politics of bitterness, which he said has denied several Rivers communities access to developmental projects.

He said: "Don't allow anyone to sow seeds of discords among you. Politics should not divide us. Politics of bitterness does not make sense.

"All of us must not be in one political party. But you must support yourselves to attract projects to your area."

Governor Wike urged the people of Orashi to remain steadfast in their march towards development. He advised them not to be intimidated as they seek development.

The Governor called on Orashi people to form a united front as they work for their people.

He said: "We must be able to work as a people. We will not abandon any projects awarded by the State Government. You must work as a team to achieve results."

He called on communities to take steps to protect ongoing Government Projects. He regretted that in Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas, noting that some youths disrupt execution of projects through vandalism and kidnapping.

He particularly decried the invasion of Western Ahoada County Grammar School, the Zonal Hospital Ahoada and Government Secondary School, Okarki by the people of the Area.

Governor Wike thanked the people of Orashi for their support, saying that their early support gave him the leverage to win his election.

Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Chibodum Nwuche thanked the Rivers State Governor for siting key projects in Ekpeye land.

He described Governor Wike as a beacon of hope, who plays politics of inclusiveness.

He said: "We thank Governor Wike for the projects in Ekpeye land. He has been a beacon of hope and has shown inclusiveness. He is a man with a large heart and he is very accommodating."

The Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives commended the Rivers State Governor for the key bridges and roads that have opened up Port Harcourt City.

Senator Wilson Ake said the shower of rain on Saturday is symbolic, signifying that God has blessed the solidarity visit of the Orashi region.

He said: "I accepted to come here because you have done well. The finishing of your jobs show class ".

He praised the Rivers State Governor for developing key infrastructure in Port Harcourt, because it accomodates majority of Rivers people.

Also speaking, Barrister Moses Ofori thanked the Rivers State Governor for key projects across the length and breadth of Orashi region.

Senator Representing Rivers West Senatorial District, Senator Betty Appiafi commended the Rivers State Governor for supporting women to grow politically.

Former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Stephen Ezekwem said Governor Wike has displayed commitment to the development of Rivers State.

In an address on behalf of the people of Orashi, Eze Egi of Ogba land, Prof Anele Nwokoma congratulated the Rivers State Governor for his victory at the polls despite the political gang-up against the state.

He said: "We use this forum to congratulate Your Excellency in all the legal and political victories recorded to date, in spite of the organised gang up against Your Excellency's Government and of course our common course. We urge you to remain firm, focused and fearless. The people of Orashi stand with you and are proud to call you, our own."

The people of Orashi said that they have never waivered in their support for Governor Wike. He said that Governor Wike has effectively discharged his responsibilities as Rivers State Governor, rekindling the hope of the people by his utterances and actions.

While thanking the Rivers State Governor for the numerous projects, programmes and positions accorded to Orashi people, they urged Governor Wike to direct contractors handling ongoing projects to return to site to complete the projects.

He said that the Orashi region remains a key economic block, hence it requires more attention from the Federal and State Governments.

They called on Rivers State Governor to support the emergence of his successor from Orashi region.

He said: "in view of these enormous resources continually being contributed to the national coffers of Nigeria and on the foundation of the immutable principles of equity, justice and fairness, we solemnly but firmly demand and graciously request that Your Excellency should deliberately and deftly support the emergence in 2023 of the Governor of Rivers State from Ekpeye, Ogba and Abua as these ethnic groups have never been hitherto, so favoured. "

The solidarity visit by Orashi region ended in a carnival of sorts, as the people danced and celebrated at the Government House Port Harcourt.

Simeon Nwakaudu,
Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic Media.
11th January, 2020.



Lalasticlala

Five female secondary students rape biology teacher to coma in Ogun

Five secondary school girls within the age range of 16 to 18 have reportedly raped a Biology teacher (name withheld) to coma in ‎Ayetoro-Itele, a community in Ogun State.

News of the criminal act broke out Thursday morning when the man’s neighbour called the local police after he found the man helpless and near-lifeless in his room.

According to the man’s neighbour, five school-age girls reportedly walked into the man’s room, a one-room apartment, where the teacher was recovering from an undisclosed ailment.

The students, who were on mufti to hide their school identity, did not waste time to get down to ‘business’.

The unsuspecting teacher, who was certain they were students as the had notes and textbooks on them, wrongly imagined they came to pay him a quick-recovery visit.

According to the report, in his feeble state and hasn’t been attending classes since resumption, however, he was easily overpowered as his co-tenants have all gone for their various trades, except the neighbour that called police.

Narrating the ordeal, the neighbour recounts to the police:

“I heard voices from inside his room, although faint, because our rooms are far apart.

“I thought he was merely having some conversation; I heard the moans too but who would think something like that would have happened.

“I found him naked few minutes after the girls left as I wanted to check on his health and so I called the attention of the nearest police.”

ElombahNews gathered that the man was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital and treatment has since commenced on him by doctors and nurses on duty.

Meanwhile, police said that investigation has begun in earnest to fish out those behind the evil act.

When contacted, the school principal maintained that none of his students could have done that but police investigators are working with the school management to get to the root of the matter.
(The Nation)

Eighty - three- year - old retired diplomat , Olayinka Simoyan , shares the story of his life with TOLUWANI ENIOLA
Tell us about yourself.
I was born in Egbe , a town in Kogi State . Egbe is the first town to sight when one is entering Kogi State from Ilorin . I was born on February 1 , 1934 . My father was Alabi Simoyan while my mother was Olatilewa Simoyan . I am the Basorun of Egbe town . I was a columnist for Sunday Times of the Daily Times family for many years . I am also the author of a history book , entitled, ‘ Oibo Egbe ’ . We call white people ‘ oibo ’ in Egbe . It is a chronicle of the life and times of Rev . Thomas Titcombe , one of the earliest missionaries who brought Christianity to our town .
Tell us about your educational background .
I attended the Central School and Titcombe College , all in Egbe , Kogi State . Thereafter , I attended the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology , Zaria . I also attended the Nigerian College of Technology and the then University of Ife ( now Obafemi Awolowo University ) . I went for a diplomacy course at the Université de Montpellier , France , and the American University , Washington DC. I was initially admitted to study Medicine under a Federal Government scholarship but I changed my course from medicine to public administration.
How was your childhood ?
My father was one of the first people in Egbe to be educated. He was among the first to be able to read and write in Yoruba . He learnt how to read and write in Abeokuta, Ogun State , under the Egba writer , J . K. Ajisafe . When he came back to Egbe in 1915 , he was regarded as successful because learning to read and write was a big achievement then .
My mother was my father ’ s youngest wife . We didn ’ t live together with the other wives . I was not quite familiar with my father ’ s other children but I could recognise them.
At the age of four or five, I began my life on the farm , which was not too far from the main settlement . At a point , I knew I needed to go to school so I told my father I would like to go to school . At that time, he was too old to fend for me .
I decided to sponsor myself through school so as not to belabour my father . I aligned with some missionaries in Egbe . I became a mission boy in 1949 . I worked for the missionaries and they became my guardian .
When I got to Standard Five of those days , I took an entrance examination to college and I was fortunate to be admitted.
Which period of Nigeria ’ s early history is significant to your life story ?
That should be the independence era in 1960 . That independence year was an interesting period of my life because I was trying to change my course from Medicine to Public Administration. I travelled from Kaduna , Zaria, Ibadan to Lagos , which was the federal capital , all in a bid to change my course . It was a difficult process .
I visited Lagos on October 1 , 1960 , and I witnessed the independence celebration; the change of guards and the lowering of the flags and the raising of our country’ s new flag.
Why did you change your course ?
I discovered that it would take a long to complete my studies in order to become a medical doctor . I initially preferred to study Medicine because my grandfather was an herbalist . I was discouraged at some point so I had to opt out of the medical programme. I was on a scholarship but I was lucky to change my course to Public Administration after a long argument with the administration officer at the scholarship board . The secretary to the scholarship board wanted to know why I was trying to change from Medicine to Public Administration which was not considered as important as Medicine .
He was trying to prevail on me to continue studying Medicine but I said no . He said , “ What is wrong with you ?” I told him there was nothing wrong with me . He took my file out , read it and shook his head .
He said nobody would give me a scholarship initially to study Public Administration but that I should go and make up my mind.
When did you eventually decide to study Public Administration ?
When I left his office to go home, I saw a friend with a book on economics. The book is, Elements of Economics . He gave me to read and I read chapter one only to discover that it is an interesting subject. I said , “ So , there is a subject like this ? I went back to the secretary of the scholarship board and told him that I had made up my mind to study Public Administration.
I studied Public Administration at the then University of Ife . The university was then at Ibadan . After my graduation , I joined the civil service in Kaduna .
How did you become a diplomat ?
In 1963 , the Federal Civil Service did a mass transfer of civil servants to other parts of the country. We were given the opportunity to choose between the home service and Foreign Service . I opted for Foreign Service because I was interested in seeing the world and represent Nigeria .
I went to the Ministry of External Affairs then and they sponsored me to proceed on diplomatic training at the Université de Montpellier , France , where I studied French language, international relations and diplomatic practice from 1963 to 1964 .
We were nine that were sent abroad for training . I reported back to Lagos where I spent three months before I was deployed in Washington DC, where I spent four years as second secretary, Political Affairs , Nigeria Embassy . From 1971 to 1974 , I was the Charge d’ Affaires of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Republic of Dahomey ( now Benin ).
From 1974 to 1976 , I was Charged ’ Affaires of Nigeria to the Republic of Austria . I was also the Alternate Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the International Atomic Energy Agency , Vienna , Austria and Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation , Vienna , Austria .
What were your remarkable memories representing Nigeria in other parts of the world ?
I made sure I got married before I left Nigeria . My wife and I travelled to France together . She also studied French at the same university. Life in France , where I was first deployed in , was not too difficult but it was very complicated because I had to learn the language.
The language was a major challenge . I felt a bit at home because there were other students from West Africa who came to France to study . Many of them came from the then Republic of Dahomey , now the Republic of Benin . They are Yoruba .
When they knew I was from Nigeria , they began to speak Yoruba to me . Their Yoruba was a bit different only in assent . When I heard them say words like , ‘ Walahi , oro yen o ri bee , arakunri , ’ I laughed and felt at home.
Another challenge was the culture shock and racism . We were young diplomats ; so , we knew how to deal with awkward situations . One of the greatest lessons is that you learn about other people. I learnt how to collaborate and cooperate .
How did you meet your wife?
I got married when I was 30 because I studied at a much older age. I should have got married before 30 . I had to marry because I was going abroad . I had to settle down. I met my wife long ago . Her elder sibling was my friend . Her grandfather was my father ’ s friend . She is more or less in the same family circle . She hails from Egbe too. I think it’ s the best thing to marry from one ’ s hometown . If you marry from your town , the problems of marriage are reduced by 50 per cent. This is because you get to understand each other better . Marriage is a problematic situation because two people from different backgrounds are coming together to form a home. The two of you would have to decide to be friends but I took my wife as my sister . She passed on in 2008 and it has been hard living without her .
What was the most challenging period of your life?
That was when I had to sponsor myself to go to primary and secondary schools . As a young boy , it was not quite easy. I was very brilliant in school . I liked studying and that has kept me till today . These days as an old man , I write every day .
Another memorable aspect of life was a near - death experience when I represented Nigeria abroad .
People have a wrong perception of Foreign Service . They think it’ s an easy job and that diplomats only go to other countries to enjoy life . Foreign Service is a life of sacrifice because you are cut off from your family .
Just as I was about completing my assignment in Austria , there was this horrible experience when terrorists attacked the OPEC headquarters in Austria .
On December 21 , 1975 , some militants attacked the semi - annual meeting of OPEC leaders in Vienna , Austria . I was at the meeting alongside Nigeria ’ s Minister of Petroleum Resources, Dr . Tonjo Akobo . Dr . Akobo asked me to get him something .
When I was going out of the meeting , I asked two other Nigerians to go with me . One of them was engineer Okanlawon from Ogbomoso and another person in the Ministry of Petroleum . When we were going out , we met some people with a bag and that was unusual. We didn ’ t know that they were terrorists .
I quickly used the opportunity to see my family while the other two Nigerians went to get some things at their hotels .
As I was preparing to go back to the meeting , the Austrian driver told me that the terrorists had taken over the OPEC headquarters . I was surprised . I tried to get to the headquarters but I could not . I went to the hotel and picked Okanlawon and the other Nigerian and went to the OPEC headquarters but we could not gain entry.
There were police , army officers and it was cordoned off. They announced that we should go to the office of the Austrian prime minister and we discovered that the ministers had been arrested by the terrorist. Three people were reportedly killed in the attack .
The lines were opened for us to call our countries so I called . It was a Sunday but couldn ’ t get through to anybody . I asked Okanlawon whether he had anybody ’ s telephone and he said he had that of Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo . I called Gen. Obasanjo and spoke to him in Yoruba about the situation.
I told him that they had arrested all the ministers , including Dr . Akobo . It was a harrowing experience . God saved my life .
What is the secret of your good health ?
Nobody can predict how long he or she would live . Longevity of life is a gift from God . My doctor told me that my body is younger than my age . I have never taken alcohol . I don ’ t drink alcohol even despite my diplomatic experience . People believe that most diplomats drink but it is not true. My mates used to drink in my secondary school days but I never joined them.
How fulfilled are you at 83 ?
I thank God for everything . Despite the fact that my wife is no more , I try to live a happy life.


https://punchng.com/you-reduce-marital-problems-by-50-if-you-marry-from-your-town-simoyan/

The tussle for the royal stool of Aguleri, Governor Willie Obiano’s community in Anambra East local government area of Anambra State took a dangerous dimension yesterday as a section of Idigo dynasty allegedly locked up the Igwe’s palace where the state government- recognized traditional ruler for the community, Igwe Michael Idigo had slated to perform his first ofala festival. The Idigo royal family had been divided over who would occupy the royal stool following the death of the late Igwe Christopher Idigo in March last year.

While a section of the royal family selected Michael Idigo to mount the throne, another section opposed it and selected another person also from the royal family. Following the state government’s recognition of Michael Idigo as the traditional ruler of the town, the opposing group went to court to challenge him. However, as preparations for the festival reached its climax yesterday, some people believed to be those opposed to Igwe Michael Idigo locked up the palace where today’s ceremony was to take place. This perhaps, prompted those in support of the Igwe to invite security operatives who stormed Aguleri yesterday and while they kept watch in the community, some youths broke the chains used in locking the doors of the palace to enable the royal father have access to the palace. Worried by the development, the chairman of Iruokechi family, Sir Emma Chiatula and Crown Prince Fidelis Idigo (Okpala Idigo), accused the state government of fueling the royal tussle in the community, adding that a statement by the chief press secretary to Governor Obiano announcing the ofala festival ignited the crisis in the area.


Chiatula’s statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to the announcement signed by one Mr. James Eze, Press Secretary to the Governor of Anambra State, about a purported Ovala festival celebration in Aguleri, planned for the 4th of January 2020. “Ordinarily, we would have ignored such an announcement as anyone is free to hold a carnival and call it Ovala in Aguleri, but for the mention of Idigo Royal dynasty, being involved. “We want the general public to note that:

1. The Idigo Royal dynasty and the extended Iruokechi Royal family are not part of the so called Ovala festival.

2. Traditionally, it is not up to one year the last Igwe joined our ancestors. An Ovala ceremony therefore cannot be held so soon.

3. Additionally the propriety of giving certificate of recognition to someone who is not the family’s choice as Igwe, is a matter before the State High Court for determination.

4. The Press Secretary to the Governor is neither a member of the royal family, nor an indigene of Aguleri and so has no business announcing the Ovala festival for the Idigo royal dynasty.


5. Ama Igwe (Palace) which they claim as their venue is a private property and our approval for the use of the same was neither sought, nor given, so the action is a deliberate attempt to provoke and trespass.

6. We have it on good authority that they wish to repeat what they did in March 2019, when they forcefully collected the remains of the late Igwe from the mortuary at  Enugu, invaded and locked down the palace and palace grounds with security operatives, to conduct the burial for him and preventing the Royal family from taking part.

7. We would like to state however that no man is God and every government has an end and the impunity  being perpetrated on the Idigo Royal dynasty  will not last forever.”

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/01/royal-tussle-tears-gov-obianos-aguleri-community-apart/

Ahead of the 2021 governorship election in Anambra State, Anglicans Churches, Pentecostals and other Charismatic groups are ganging up to enthrone Governor Willie Obiano’s replacement.





They declared that Anambra is not a private enterprise that one Church will always dominate

The declaration was made on Thursday by Bishop Emma C Obiorah of the Life of Faith Gospel Assembly, Nkwelle Ezunaka in Oyi local government area

It was during the Christo Feast Anniversary celebration of the Church, which attracted many dignitaries from the state, including one of the governorship contestants, Chido Nwankwo.

Obiorah said they were looking for anybody ready to deliver Anambra State from its present condition.

According to him: “Every body keeps complaining that President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC government are not doing well, what have you done in your own area like this state?


“I’m calling on Anglicans, Pentecostals and other Charisma groups to come together to support who will take us to the promised land.

“There are people today who believe the wealth of Anambra State is their own .Anambra is not a private enterprise, any government that is not of God will collapse ”

“One group can not continue to rule our state. A particular denomination feels they own the state and that is not of God ”

“We want to unite to fight that, it is injustice and unholy in the state. I train politicians. We should embrace the word of God ”

He statee that the journey for 2021 in Anambra state had started already.

https://thenationonlineng.net/anambra-2021-anglicans-pentecostals-team-up-to-enthrone-obianos-successor/?fbclid=IwAR3TjoJXWezNW7UnW-yki0OaJb0-prFetN3pgXiuHczsp9IAZXfwhHP2Q_Y

Government House Port Harcourt Choir Christmas Manger Rendition.

Please the sounds displayed is so funny.

Wonderful Choir.

The sing is sweet and melodious.

Watch the song.

Funny but wonderful

https://mobile.facebook.com/watch/?v=581900959053082&_rdr

FROM ONITSHA WITH ECCLESIASTICAL BLESSINGS
By FEMI ADESINA

The dying days of 2019 saw my passage to the East, Onitsha, in Anambra State, precisely.
Was I looking for the wise men from the East, who had brought gifts to the baby Jesus born few days earlier? Date was December 30, and I had set forth at dawn, headed for the commercial city, to partake in the dedication of a Catholic Church, St Francis of Assisi Parish, Inland Town, built, furnished and donated by my friend, Sir Francis Okechukwu Anyakwo.
The Air Peace flight I boarded from Lagos to Asaba was filled to the brim. The airport in Enugu is under reconstruction, till Easter, and passengers naturally gravitated to the nearest gateway: Asaba.
I was fortunate to be onboard with the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, Agbogidi. I paid him royal courtesies, and he asked what was taking me to Onitsha. After I told him, he said he would be at the event, too.
The Obi is a happy man, very happy. And the greatest cause of joy is the Second Niger Bridge, being built by the Muhammadu Buhari government (or regime, if you like. Lol) after many decades of playing politics with the project by previous governments.
As we alighted at that beautiful airport built by former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan in Asaba, Delta State capital, the Agbogidi told me to look at my right when traveling across the River Niger, and I would see the emerging second bridge, in all its splendor.
The maiden bridge was built in 1965, and has been crying for a sibling for years. It turned to a tool for political advantage, as President after President promised to build the bridge, got the votes of the people, and showed a clean pair of heels thereafter. Goodbye basket, I’ve carried all my apples, they simply said. What Napoleon could not do, however, President Buhari is now doing, despite getting negligible number of votes from the area in the two elections he has won.
But that is not the main purpose of this write up. Rather, it is to talk about the homecoming of a backslidden Catholic boy, now a full Pentecostal. Yes, I was born and nurtured a Catholic, in the finest traditions of that church. Begin the Greater Doxology in Latin, and I will complete it for you.
Gloria in Excelsis Deo,
et in terra pax hominibus,
bona voluntatis
Laudamus te,
bendicimus te,
adoramus te,
glorificamus te,
gratias agimus tibi propter magnam....
I loved and still love the Catholic Church, so I was quite glad to break my holiday, fly to Onitsha, to be part of a sanctuary dedication.
On the River Niger, I looked right as instructed by the Obi of Onitsha, and saw it with infinite pleasure, the Second Niger Bridge, rising up in all its glory and effulgence , promising comfort and succor for people of the East, and all those traveling through that region. Again, I say: President Buhari has done what Napoleon couldn’t do, and the bridge will be completed before he exits office in 2023. Hallelujah somebody!
St Francis of Assisi Parish, Inland Town, Onitsha. I beheld it also with infinite pleasure. A work done through the hands of a simple, unassuming, godly man, Sir Francis Anyakwo. Impressive structure. A monument to the glory of God. Built and being donated wholesale to the Catholic Church. On hand to receive and dedicate the edifice was His Grace, Most Rev Dr Valerian Maduka Okeke, who said Anyakwo was the first Onitsha indigene to build a Catholic Church, and hand it over.
Onitsha, new, peaceful Onitsha, where has all the wildness gone? This was not the city I used to know. Onitsha, with its rough and tumble boisterousness, has suddenly transformed into a calm and sedate city. Clean. Non-threatening. Is it because it’s Christmas season? Well, may Onitsha remain so welcoming and accommodating. And may the Agbogidi reign for a long, long time. Amen.
The dedication. Do you recall when Solomon consecrated a temple to God in the Holy Bible? It was the same spectacle. Music, prayers, bible reading, blessing and sprinkling of water,responsorial psalm, litany of the saints, prayer of dedication, anointing of the altar and walls of the church, incensation of the altar and the church, lighting of the altar and the church.
Heavens came down, and glory filled my soul. And the souls of all the faithful, who filled the church to the brim.
In the homily, His Grace Most Rev Dr Okeke, spoke on gratitude, saying it is a feeling of gratefulness or indebtedness. And what I particularly took home was his declaration that “gratitude not expressed is not real. Until you express your gratitude either to God or man for a good done to you, then that gratitude is not real.”
God has done Sir Francis Anyakwo good, giving him a good family, good health, success in business, and all the other good things of life. He has expressed his gratitude through the building of St Francis of Assisi Parish, and donating it wholesale.
The Obi not only arrived early, he stayed all through the dedication ceremony, and paid tribute to Anyakwo, the illustrious son of Onitsha. It conveyed the gratitude of an entire city.
There was great rejoicing in Onitsha, and I sure was glad to have been part of it. The reception lasted from late afternoon into the wee hours of next day.
I left Onitsha, thankful to God for his mercies to the Anyakwos, to Nigeria, our country, and to the Eastern region, which finally has the Second Niger Bridge under construction. Who says President Muhammadu Buhari is not making a difference? And the half has never yet been told. Greater things will our country still see.

.Adesina is Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari

Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, and some members of his cabinet were attacked by suspected thugs in the early hours of Wednesday at the 2020 countdown event organised by the state government in Osogbo .
The event , held at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park , ended abruptly about 1 : 00 am , when some people started throwing stones in the direction of dignitaries that included , the governor, his wife , Kafayat Oyetola, and Chief of Staff to the governor , Dr . Charles Akinola, sat.
One person, whose name could not be ascertained as of the time of filing this report , was said to have been arrested by security agents in connection with the attack .
Among other dignitaries at the event were Osun State chairman of APC, Gboyega Famoodun; Secretary to the State Government, Wole Oyebamiji ; and Commissioner for Special Duties and Regional Integration , Lekan Badmus .
Before the event was disrupted , there were music performances by various artistes and presentation of gifts.
Details later …

https://punchng.com/breaking-oyetola-cabinet-members-attacked-at-osun-new-year-event/?fbclid=IwAR3gCgw_9Zm_dQRoGw2AqeBxBCtn2oHhpQxdKALQbMtAQvgqP30GHDVse4Q

Father Mbaka has issued a prophecy about Imo state leadership position that shocked his congregation
- The popular cleric says the APC candidate, Hope Uzodinma, will soon become governor
- If Mbaka's prediction proves true, then incumbent governor, Emeka Ihedioha will be removed from his position
Popular cleric, Reverend Father Ejike Mbaka, has predicted that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo governorship election, Hope Uzodinma, will take over the reins of leadership in the state from incumbent Emeka Ihedioha.
The Nation reports that Father Mbaka made the declaration late on Tuesday, December 31 during his Passover night ministration.
He claimed that the APC will take over the leadership from the Peoples Democratic Party-led government of Ihedioha.
Although Mbaka said he could not explain how it would happen, he however, told a shocked congregation that his prophecy would come to pass because others delivered on the same prayer grounds in the past did the same.


Father Mbaka said: “Many things are going to happen in Nigeria this 2020 that will shock countrymen and countrywomen, but all would be to God’s glory.
“In spite of all that would happen this 2020, there is hope.
“In Imo State, there is hope. Hope, hope, hope … hope in Imo State!
“Imo people have suffered (but) God is raising a new hope that would be an agent of salvation for them.
“He’s coming with a new flag to restore the dignity of that noble land. The new leadership that will break barriers and there would be joy in the land of Imo."


https://www.legit.ng/1289247-father-mbaka-predicts-governor-ihedioha-lose-position-hope-uzodinma.html?fbclid=IwAR0G-oAEPCLdHhH_FQ0PP140xB7u4jvMZcR5lGbQve6bpummTD0SODv8KbQ

More

5 hours earlier....

Starboy : Good evening your Excellency sir

Bubu: Ha..my able Veefee ! Osunbade, how are you?

Starboy : Very well sir.

Bubu: Torr. Madalla! I hope you are not still annoyed over that Customs man I reflaced? What is his name again.? Baba something...

Starboy: Babatunde Fowler sir and it's FIRS not customs.. No I have moved past that. It's all water under the bridge.

Bubu: Which bridge?

Starboy: I don't get your meaning sir.

Bubu: Which bridge is under water? Was it included in the budget?

Starboy: I mean it's all in the past sir.

Bubu: Toor. Fery good. We need to be together to deliver this #Change agenda

Starboy; We are now on #Nextlevel sir . Change was our slogan for the First term.

Bubu: That's why I like you. You are fery fery intelligent.? You are a lawyer ko? Did you school in Nigeria?

Starboy: I am a SAN sir and I had my first degree in Nigeria?

Bubu: You are the son of a lawyer? Do I know your pather?

Starboy : I am a SAN sir. Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

Bubu: Toor. Senior Lawyer. Did you attend University or polytechnic?

Starboy : University sir. They don't offer law in polytechnics.

Bubu: Which university?

Starboy : University of Lagos sir.

Bubu: Madalla! University of Lagos is a fery good school.

Starboy : Yes it is. Your excellency. I am here on Omoyele Sowore's matter.

Bubu: Showore..the boy that wants to do revolution ko?

Starboy : Yes your Excellency

Bubu: Walahii..nothing can take that boy prom my hand. He is a National risk.

Starboy : Well , your Excellency we have received various communication from the U.S on his matter, the latest being a letter from the US congress directly to Malami. They are very insistent that we allow rule of law play out in his case.

Bubu: Are they imfortant? This U.S fongress?

Starboy : They are the highest lawmaking institution in the U.S. if the U.S wants to go war, they decide sir.

Bubu: Walahii Osunbade! They can not interpere in our internal appairs. Tell them I said so.

Starboy : They will not be happy sir. They can hit us with sanctions. They will stop all military, educational, trade and medical aid. They can stop visa issuance to our nationals and....

Bubu: Shege!! Did you say medical aid?

Starboy : Yes, your Excellency.

Bubu: Walahii! Will this infolve the UK ?

Starboy: Whatever steps the U.S take, the U.K will undoubtedly follow.

Bubu: Shege borowa ! Set him pree immediately .

Starboy : We should release Sowore sir?

Bubu : Walahi Osunbade, are you deaf? Release all of them Release efribodi. Showore, Dasuki, Kanu , even that woman that has been criticising me.

Starboy: That's the first lady sir.

Bubu: Release her too.

Though not known to many, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and his Imo State counterpart, Emeka Ihedioha, were best of friends until recently when their friendship was torn apart by disputed oil wells between the two states.
Long before the presidential primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on October 7, 2018, the two had been very close friends with Ihedioha regularly visiting Wike in Port Harcourt. Although Wike supported Aminu Tambuwal in the primary election while Ihedioha supported Atiku who eventually won the ticket, the election did no harm to their friendship even though Wike was not happy about the outcome.
Those who know said the two continued their friendship from where they stopped and Ihedioha kept seeing Wike while Wike also gave him a huge moral support to become the governor of Imo State.
To Wike’s surprise, however, the first step Ihedioha took when he became governor was to demand that some oil wells ceded to Rivers State should be returned to Imo. The move was said to have left Wike wondering if that was Ihedioha’s way of rewarding Rivers state for the moral backing the state gave him to become Imo State governor.
Wike was said to be particularly peeved that Ihedioha did not even accord him the courtesy of mutual discussion of the issue before it was made public, knowing full well that they are not only friends but neighbours.
Of course, Wike is not one who would want the assets of Rivers State ceded to another state, knowing that it was an issue on which Rivers State once fought Bayelsa and won. Those who should know say Wike now sees Ihedioha as a dangerous friend and lmo as a dangerous neighbour.


https://thenationonlineng.net/how-disputed-oil-wells-damaged-wike-ihediohas-friendship/?fbclid=IwAR20tN4wY44-1ys2-Rr7hcPo4kqhpxO32Fp0nrqUB3iWVFahc2ugpzn78Bk

New FIRS Chairman Condemns Fowler’s Management

The newly appointed Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Muhammad Nami, launched a veiled criticism of his predecessor in office, Babatunde Fowler, on Monday accusing his management of superintending a steady decline in revenue collection by the service since the inception of his tenure in 2015.

It was meant to be the new chairman’s first Christmas message and felicitation to the revenue service staff since his assumption of office on December 19; however, he used the message to carry out a performance assessment of Mr Fowler’s management, accusing it of failing to maintain the “impressive performance” the agency recorded since 2011, with 2012 as the benchmark year for outstanding performance.

Reviewing the performance and workforce of the service between 2011 and 2019, Mr Nami took a jab at Mr Fowler, saying “despite the rise in Service workforce, the engagement of consultants, the rise in inflation and the exchange rates, the tax revenue collection (of the FIRS) continues to dwindle.”

Commending the FIRS staffers for “displaying the spirit of steadfastness, resilience, perseverance and deftness in the discharge of your assigned responsibilities,” he urged then to use the yuletide holiday to ponder over the past and resolve to resume refreshed and better prepared to serve, Premium Times reports.
He also made reference to 2012, three years before Mr Fowler’s appointment, as the best year for the FIRS.“As a result of your uncommon commitment to duty, 2012 especially, you were able to raise Five Trillion, Seven Billion Naira even without active participation of consultants and with moderate inflation and exchange rates. I want to be positive that this impressive performance is achievable again,” the Chairman said.

https://www.independent.ng/new-firs-chairman-condemns-fowlers-management/?utm_source=&utm_medium=facebook

Kano tricyclists found conveying opposite sexes risk ten lashes, six months ban - Official



The Kano Hisbah Board on Thursday said tricyclists found conveying opposite sexes in the same tricycle would be punished with ten lashes or banned for six months.

The head of the Hisbah, also known as state’s moral police, Harun Ibn-Sina, told PREMIUM TIMES that the defaulters have an option of N5,000 fine or risk punishment depending on the gravity of the offence committed.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the state government reintroduced the ban on opposite genders from plying the same tricycle in its bids towards upholding Islamic values and respecting the dignity of female gender in the state.

The ban would come in force from January 1, 2020.

The Hisbah commander said any tricycle operator found carrying male and female passengers at the same time has committed an offence under the Kano State Road Traffic (as amendment) law 2005.

Upon arrest, he said, the offender would be taken to a mobile, magistrate, or Shari’ah court.

Mr Ibn-Sina, however, said the law is not applicable to couples, underage children and family members. He said adequate measure have been put in place to ensure the success of the operation with the support of the Kano road traffic agency (KAROTA) and other agencies.

Lawyer reacts

A Kano-based lawyer, Rabiu Rijiyar-Lemu, said the laws as introduced by the Hisbah would create unnecessary tension among tricyclists, passengers and the law enforcement agents in the state.

“If the Hisbah cannot provide a written document with relevant section explaining flogging and six months banned as well as N5,000 fine as punishment for tricyclists that ply opposite genders, then the law is void because it contravenes Section 36 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” said Mr Rijiyar-Lemu.

According to the lawyer, the main function of the Hisbah Board as contained in Section 7 of the Hisba Board Law 2000 provided that the general duties and obligations of the corps are to caution people when they are deviating from doing the right things.

“Kano, like many other cities in Africa, are followers of Maliki Islamic school of thought, and the school mitigates some harshness of application and implementation of hard principles of Shariah; that is to make sure there is peace, harmony as well as tranquillity among Muslims.

“Even if there is a law as stated by the Hisbah commander, this law must consider the situations of the Kano community first in order to ensure that the law reflects the wishes of the peoples to that effect,” Mr Rijiyar-Lemu said

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/nwest/370051-kano-tricyclists-found-conveying-opposite-sexes-risk-ten-lashes-six-months-ban-official.html?fbclid=IwAR35m0SRyn2k-XXFf1M2Orh1Y87Ci_iBbCWR_bEDRK7oGtAcf9YZDbQjtTA

Nigeria as a nation is currently passing through so many situations.


As human what are your greatest expectations in Nigeria by next year 2020.

#Lets be sincere.

https://www.nairaland.com/5572052/attack-amaechi-niger-delta-youths

Part reads thus

"A group under the auspices of Concerned Youths of Niger Delta (CYND) has threatened to attack Igbo interests in River State, following the weekend attack on Minister of Transportation, Chief Chibuike Amaechi, by Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Madrid, Spain.

Worried by the development, which they de- scribed as a ‘national embarrassment,’ the youth group drawn from the six Niger Delta states of Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Cross River and Edo, threatened to destroy Igbo properties, especially in Rivers State.

The group’s National Coordinator, Chikaru Oronda Ndamati, who read the communiqué after their emergency meeting held in Uyo, Akwa Ibon State, warned IPOB against venting their anger on Amaechi and other national leaders over their personal grievances and gave them seven days to apologise to the minister."



This is over over 13 days now and still the concerned youths hasn't taken any action and Ipob has not apologised but busy with other issues.

I don't want to believe these concerned youths are toothlessbulldog

What's happening?

A middle - aged man , Mr Chinasa Ogbaga , a native of Egwuagu Okpuitumo Community in the Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State , has allegedly butchered his two children and left one half -dead .
The accused person, who was said to have committed the act on Saturday night when villagers and other family members had gone to bed , allegedly took the children to the bush one after the other and slaughtered them .
Names of the two slain children were given as Chikamso Ogbaga , a six - year -old boy and Chizaram Ogbaga , four -year - old girl , while the third , who was lucky to have been rescued half dead , is Emmanuel Ogbaga , a two - year- old boy .
Emmanuel is currently receiving treatment at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital , Abakaliki .
It was gathered that the suspect , in February this year , divorced his wife who gave birth to the three children.
The police in the state have arrested the suspect for investigation and eventual prosecution.
The mother of the suspect , Mrs Ogbaga , told our correspondent in tears that her son divorced his wife early this year but had been living with his children peacefully before the incident .
She said the suspect was the one who had been training the children and had been visiting home regularly from Onitsha, Anambra State , where he lived .
The suspect ’ s mother said , “ He is the one that has been responsible for their education . But I discovered recently that my son has an Ogbanje ( He is possessed by an evil spirit ) and I think that must have been the cause of his action . ”
Also in an interview , the suspect ’ s uncle, Mr Emmanuel Nwambam , described the incident as shocking .
“ Mr Chinasa Ogbaga is a vulcanizer , based in Onitsha, Anambra State . He returned home as usual and the following day he followed his mother to the farm .

“ When they came back from the farm , he was seen sharpening the cutlass on Saturday evening , which he later used for the barbaric act . Unfortunately , nobody knew his plans . He is not a violent man and he is not having any quarrel with anybody .
“ After committing the crime , he met a vigilante officer in the village who interrogated him for moving about in the night with a cutlass . From there, it was discovered he had butchered his three children, ” he said .
When contacted for confirmation , the Police Public Relations Officer in the state , DSP Loveth Odah , said the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the Ekumenyi Police Station had reported the incident to the state command .
He added that the matter was being investigated .

https://punchng.com/tragedy-as-ebonyi-man-kills-his-two-children/?fbclid=IwAR1tFjk0IytCMuKpWxl5-Whb2TUYp1agTm9g5Kt8WvUvc-Ec1mBr8DO6D3Q

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, says the 9th National Assembly is irrevocably committed to protecting the interests of the people through diligent discharge of its legislative duties.
The Speaker said this on Sunday in Lagos while speaking at the ”Gbaja 2019 End of the Year Grassroots Empowerment Programme”.
Gbajabiamila said criticism that the 9th Assembly was a rubber stamp to the executive was not fair, saying the fact that the legislature was on the same page with the executive on issues of national interests did not make it a rubber stamp.

The Speaker added that he, like his colleagues in the National Assembly, was not elected to fight the executive and that lawmakers would disagree with the executive if there was the need to do so.
”People, naysayers, critics and people from other parties have said the 9th National Assembly is a rubber stamp to the executive.
”You know my reply when they say that to you? Tell them that you would rather have a rubber stamp National Assembly that will bring progress than the one that is fighting the executive without progress.
”This is because when two elephants fight, the grass suffers. This is not a rubber stamp National Assembly; this is a National Assembly that represents the people and is committed to their interests.
”The people of Surulere Federal Constituency 1 did not elect me to go and be fighting the executive; Is that what you asked me to go and do?
”Rather, you asked me to engage and collaborate with other stakeholders to deliver democratic dividends, part of which we are having today.
”This is a new dispensation where there will be checks and balances, there will be separation of powers, we will disagree with the executive when there is need to do so and agree with them if there is need.
.
”But our watchword will be the interest of the people. That is the oath which I and my colleagues swore to,” he said.
Gbajabiamila said the return of the country’s budget cycle to January to December was one of the greatest democratic achievements in the last 20 years.
He said the new cycle was a good development for progress as it would enhance planning and implementation of budget.
Gbajabiamila argued that late passage and signing of the budget was a major impediment to its proper implementation, saying that Nigerians should expect a paradigm shift from the new cycle.
‘Let me explain the January to December budget cycle better. The constitution says the budget cycle shall be from January to December or another time as prescribed by the National Assembly.
”But what the constitution intended is that January to December is the life span of the budget, and the reason for that is government can plan, investors can plan and there is enough time to execute what has been budgeted.
”We have had difficulty in implementation in the last 20 years like 40 per cent, 30 per cent, because of delay in passing and signing the budget.
”Investors lacked confidence, they could not plan because there is uncertainty because the constitution has been violated.
”So in the past 20 years, this is the first time we are having the January to December budget cycle and it took the emergence of the 9th Assembly to fulfil that constitutional provision,” he said.
On the border closure, Gbajabiamila said the measure was already yielding positive results by greatly boosting the capacity of rice farmers and had increased of local agricultural produce, especially rice.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 23 saloon cars, 90 lap tops, 30 power generators and 301 sewing machines were given to beneficiaries at the programme in his Surulere 1 Federal Constituency.
The Speaker also gave between N100,000 and N200,00 grant each to 500 business owners as well as 30 photocopiers and 309 home solar systems to other beneficiaries at the programme.
The Speaker said he organised the empowerment programme to impact positively on the lives constituents by supporting businesses and easing transportation problems.
He said other projects being undertaken in the constituency included reconstruction of Mercy Eneli Street, Chief Bereola Street and Esther Dada-Adeniji Link road to Ishaga to make living easier for the people.
Gbajabiamila urged the beneficiaries of the latest empowerment programme to use the items for the purpose of empowering themselves.
In his remarks, Alhaji Tunde Balogun, Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, commended the Speaker for the empowerment, saying the party and the people were proud of him.
He also commended his constituents for their support for the Speaker, saying that the empowerment items were the dividends of their support.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/12/i-was-not-elected-to-fight-executive-gbajabiamila/?fbclid=IwAR1u9ITIKQzOywmEaSjTHIYuX6Z01rFJmlGPoxyBBA1emFIh52PTJjvVR7s

IT was 15 years ago when the alarm bell rang across the world over the happenings at a shrine in Okija, a sleepy community in Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State.
Known as ‘Ogwugwu akpu ‘, the killings associated with the shrine and other untoward events in the place gave birth to the discovery of others like ‘Ogwugwu Isulo’.
The sleepy community became popular over night for the wrong reasons, as popular politicians flooded Okija for in search of power and for oath taking.
Like many communities in Igbo land, Okija harbours many shrines. But the most popular was the Ogwugwu Akpu Shrine located on the bank of Ulasi River. It is located in Ubahuezike, which is one of the 30 villages in Okija and lies at the end of the village.

In the olden days, stories had it that people who committed atrocities were dumped in the shrine when they died. People who died from such diseases as small pox and leprosy were also dumped in the shrine; the reason the entire shrine was littered with relics of dead bodies.

About 19 years ago, Ogwugwu Akpu assumed a new status when some educated young people in the village decided to become priests of the Ogwugwu, thereby bringing some ingenuity into its worship.
That was how Okija became famous as people from various parts of Igbo land and beyond came there to administer oaths on their people suspected to have committed one offence or the other. Before then, Ogwugwu Akpu was just like any other shrine in Igbo land which served as checks against impunity and man’s inhumanity to man.
For instance, people who were aggrieved over the manner they were treated in business deals, land disputes, among other issues, took their cases to the Ogwugwu shrine.
Despite the destruction of the shrines in the area 15 years ago, new ones have sprung up and the business has started booming again. Some of the new shrines include the Ulasi Okija shrine, Ogwugwu Mmili Umuohi and Ogwugwu Ajani shrine.
The existence of these shrines, The Nation gathered, never affected the spread of Christianity in Okija. The Nation gathered in the area that Okija community had produced more than 35 Catholic and Anglican priests.
Not only that, the community boasts about 10 parishes of such churches and three archdeaconries. Apart from the shrines scattered all over Okija, the community also hosts the country’s first private faith-based university, the Madonna University.
The emergence of the new shrine in addition to the old ones has brought back old memories about Okija.
Speaking with The Nation, one of the community leaders and big time farmer in Okija, Hon C.Y. Obi, said the shrines had returned in full force.
He maintained that the people of Okija are not known or associated with killing, adding that dumping of human heads in the shrines painted the community black in the eyes of the world.
Obi, who is also into politics in the state, said: “I am from Okija and we are proud of our community, no matter what people think or believe.
“The priests in charge of those shrines never killed anyone. Rather those who believed in those deities, who came to swore, would go to their places and die while their bodies would be brought to the shrine in the belief that they were killed by the deity.
“Some of us from the place don’t believe or go near the shrines. But those who believed in them were succumbing to the threats of the deities out of fear.”
Mrs Bridget Obi, another indigene of Okija and one time Commissioner for Women’s Affairs in Anambra State, said she does not believe in the shrine.
She said: “I believe they (priests) went the extra mile to use that place for 419 (fraudulent purposes) to extort money and deceive people.
“What happened there was not the culture of our people. Traditional religion is not what we saw in that place. What we saw was just a barbaric act.
“I don’t think the society today needs such extremes. It was actually due to lack of justice that made people to go to that extent. If the courts are working, if the judiciary is working, if justice is obtained in the right ways, the police and army are doing what they are supposed to do, even the community does the right things, there wouldn’t be any reason for this kind of archaic form of justice.”
Obi maintained that the so-called Okija shrine justice was jungle justice, adding: “I don’t believe in it.”
Another citizen of Okija, Comrade Chris Okwuosa, told The Nation that the shrine should serve as a tourist centre in Nigeria.
He said he had not visited any of the shrines because he does not believe in them, adding that the people of Okija should be paid compensation for being given a bad image by the government.

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