₦airaland Forum

"Nkpor has been stained with blood" - Friends, Anambra community mourn two businessmen shot dead by unknown gunmen

Friends and members of the Nkpor community are mourning the businessmen shot dead by unknown gunmen in Anambra state.

Recall that Izuchukwu Idemili, 32; Chidi Oforma, 31; and Bongo Muoghalu, 45, died after two unidentified gunmen stormed the Civic center Eke Nkpor in Idemili local government area of Anambra state and opened fire at persons gathered at the center on February 10.


"Nkpor has been stained with blood" - Friends, Anambra community mourn two businessmen shot dead by unknown gunmen

"Nkpor obodo dike. What is going on. Our youth can't Enjoy they life why. Are we going to run away from Nkpor. God na your hand we dey bikoooo. No joy for Nkpor. If na like this okay na. Na blood for blood. Rip for those that die" one Chigozie Okafor wrote.

"Nkpor has been stained with blood" - Friends, Anambra community mourn two businessmen shot dead by unknown gunmen

Kiddo Kizzy wrote: "Nkpor has been stained with blood, from Abor Umusiome to Abor mgbachu.... God come to our rescue cause we don't know who's next"

"Nkpor ogini naese what are we killing ourselves for what is the rising for all this death what? Why taking a life you don't know how it came about chai. This is so heart broken. ifenine bu anaba ayalo all this are vanities alili egbogom ooh!!!!!!!!!!! RIP brothers. this is all boo shit menh it's not the way forward." another wrote.

Meanwhile, spokesperson of the the Anambra State Police Command, Haruna Mohammed, on Thursday, said they have launched manhunt for the killers.

"Nkpor has been stained with blood" - Friends, Anambra community mourn two businessmen shot dead by unknown gunmen.

Published February 10, 2021

Dennis Naku, Port Harcourt

Teachers of Primary and secondary schools in Rivers State Government-owned tertiary institutions have cried out over the non-payment of their salaries running into five years.

The affected teachers are from the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education Demonstration Secondary School, Ndele, Rivers state University International Secondary and Staff School, Port Harcourt, and the Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic Comprehensive Secondary School, Bori.

The teachers numbering over 250 at a joint media briefing with the Rivers State Civil Society Organization in Port Harcourt alleged that their salaries were stopped on the 18th of February 2016 by the state government.

They claimed that a government directive was issued that names of the affected teachers be expunged from the state government salary voucher.

They, however, appealed to the State Governor, Barr. Nyesom Wike, to as a matter of urgency pay up the salaries and the accruing arrears to enable them to cater for their families and health needs, saying they were facing untold hardship in the last five years.

They also said despite winning every litigation the state government had refused to pay them, nothing that they may be compelled to embark on a protest on the streets if their pleas were not considered.

“If you look at where we are now, it is like saying that we are almost dead. Many of my colleagues are suffering from one ailment or the other.

“We are pleading with the governor, we are all Rivers’ sons and daughters that he should please reconsider and pay us,” an affected female teacher said.

On his part, one of the male leaders (names withheld) said, “Some of us have put in long years in the service of the school, all of a sudden now we have no income.

“It has been difficult for us to carry on with our families. Some of our children are out of school, so also others. The Governor is our father, let him come to our aid and remove this shame from our faces.”

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Rivers State Civil Society Organization, Eneefa Georgewill, called on the Governor to urgently respond and clear up the affected teachers’ salaries.

Georgewill said, “The State is a sub-unit of the federal government, and we expect that the Rivers State Government will act responsibly by commencing payment of the teachers’ salaries as well as the arrears accrued during the period the salaries were stopped illegally.

“What will the Rivers State Government gain in all of these? Especially in the face of the fact that an Industrial Court and even a Court of Appeal has instructed the Rivers State Government to pay their salaries.

“We are joining the teachers to plead that the Rivers State Government pay the salaries of these teachers before the end of February 2021 or we will go on a protest.”

Prince Ned Nwoko has alleged that some people are plotting to assassinate him.

The former member of the House of Representatives raised the alarm at a press briefing he organised alongside his wife Regina Daniels on Thursday, Feb 11, in Abuja.

He said that the plot is connected to a piece of land in his community in Delta state in which he was setting up a university. He added that a tussle about who becomes the next king of his community is also another factor.

He explained that the issue of who becomes the next king had been settled by the elders and that the allocation of the land to him followed due process.

The politician said that the assassination plot was exposed on social media by an inmate in Kuje Prison, Abuja, who overheard two fellow prisoners discussing the plot. He said the matter had been reported to the Nigerian Police Force.

Nwoko claimed that the inmate, who was later released from the prison, received series of threat messages and died mysteriously after three weeks and an autopsy was being carried out.

He said the inmate was able to get the information on social media and the attention of his wife, Regina was drawn to it.

"I then reported the matter to the police and Department of State Security (DSS) and they went and interviewed the inmates involved. The inmates mentioned the name of one businessman who deals in the oil and gas sector as the master minder."

Speaking further, he said the family of the late inmate would have been at this conference but due to fear for their lives, they refused to come.

He said though security around him and his family had been tightened, the press conference was necessary to let the world know of the threat.

[/quote]February 10, 2021

By Alao Abiodun

Popular Yoruba activist, Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho has refuted trending reports of civil war attributed to him.

Igboho denied calling for any civil war in the interview he granted.

He said: “This fight is not about civil war, it is about the killer herdsmen who are killing are people.”

Igboho, in the short viral video, also introduced his spokesman, Olayomi Koiki, to speak on his behalf henceforth.

He said: “I have been seeing fake news flying here and there, some said I’m not scared of civil war, any news that you see henceforth that is not from Koiki don’t believe it.

“Anything Koiki says about me is true because we sleep and wake up together every day.”

Igboho said he will no longer grant interviews, stating any news that comes from Koiki is authentic.

February 9, 2021

By Emma Elekwa, Onitsha

Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have raised the alarm over alleged threats to life of its members by suspected Nigerian security agents.

It said while some of the members have been marked for elimination, others were being hunted by the security personnel.

In a statement issued by the Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB added that the threat had compelled many to flee to other countries, while others were being trailed for arrest and torture.

The group regretted that those who fled the country were passing through trauma and emotional stress as they were being prevented from visiting their homes to attend the burial of their beloved ones.

The statement read in part, “We the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, under the command of our great leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, wish to put the whole world on notice that the lives of our members are in grave danger in Nigeria. Our members have been marked for elimination, and are being hunted by the Nigerian security agents.

“Some of our members who are lucky enough to escape to other countries escape untimely death while others who are not are being trailed for arrest and torture. Even those who fled the country are passing through trauma and emotional stress as they are being prevented to visit home to attend the burial of their beloved ones.

“Till today, operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS and other security agencies in Nigeria are still trailing IPOB Media Supervisor in Rivers State, Madam Obiageli Vivian Mboma (a. k. a Oby Mboma), who fled Nigeria since 2016.

“This Biafran activist could not attend her mother’s burial which held recently for fear of arrest by the Nigeria security agents. Madam Oby’s fate is common among thousands of other Biafran agitators who have today been made fugitives in their ancestral lands because the wicked security agencies in Nigeria have placed them on their wanted list.

“Our members are facing serious persecution in Nigeria. Security agents keep trailing and hunting them. Some of them are languishing in various detention facilities across the country without trial. Instead of fighting terrorists, bandits, killer herdsmen, Boko Haram and ISWAP that are at the verge of taking over Nigeria, the Nigeria Government is only busy hunting down peaceful Biafran agitators.

“Our members are in serious danger in Nigeria. We appeal for global assistance so that the Nigeria Government will not succeed in its evil agenda to decimate Biafra activists. We are peaceful people seeking the restoration of our beloved Biafran Republic. Our only crime to the Nigeria State is that we demand self-determination which is our fundamental right.”

While commending European countries and other nations for providing refuge to many of its members and other Biafran agitators being hunted for elimination in Nigeria, IPOB appealed to other countries of the world to come to its members rescue.

“The God of heavens will not leave them unrewarded for this humanitarian gesture. When Biafra is fully restored, we shall certainly reciprocate this goodwill,” the statement added.

By Saawua Terzungwe

Sun Feb 07 2021

The Nigeria Ethnic Youth Leaders’ Council (NEYLC) has said cryptocurrency ban by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is in the interest of the nation.

The CBN had in a circular dated 5th February 2021, notified Deposit Money Banks, Non-Financial Institutions, other financial institutions against doing business in Crypto and other digital assets.

The apex bank also directed financial institutions to close the accounts of persons or entities transacting in or operating cryptocurrency exchanges, a development that attracted uproar in the country.

In a statement on Sunday, the Council, which is made up of the Arewa Consultative Youth Movement, Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Youth Movement, Niger Delta Youth Council, Oduduwa Youths and Middle Belt Youths said the ban was a patriotic and courageous move to sanitise the sector.

The statement signed by Nwada Ike Chiamaka, the Ohanaeze Youth Secretary General and Head of Coalition’s Secretariat commended the CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele and his team for the policy, saying it was long overdue.

“We urge him not to relent in his efforts to sanitise not only the nation’s banking sector but the entire economic landscape.

“We know of a fact that this policy is a hard hit against financial crimimals of the underworld who in turn will stop at nothing in their desperate bid to ensure that the policy is changed so that they can continue to have their way.

“We urge the CBN team not to succumb to any pressure. The policy should be strictly implemented and those who flout the rule should be sanctioned appropriately,” the council said.

Those Agitating for Biafra, Oduduwa Republics Are Not Different From Boko Haram - Sheikh Gumi

Sunday, 07 February 2021 07:47 am

A renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has said those agitating for Biafra and Oduduwa Republics are not different from the Boko Haram sect terrorists.

Gumi stated this in an interview with BBC Pidgin on Saturday while reflecting on the insecurity situation in the country.

The cleric said it would be unfair to claim Nigerians want the country divided because of the activities of some “miscreants” who are only pushing their own different ideologies and interests.

The cleric claimed that majority of Nigerians want a united nation where peace and equity abound.

The Murtala example

He said: “I usually give an example of General Murtala Mohammed, the former head of state from Kano that was assassinated by the Buka Suka Dimka-led group.

“He married a Yoruba wife. So, where do you want his children to go if the nation is divided?

“Are they going to be with the Yorubas or Hausas in the North?

“Look, let’s forget these useless youths. They’re no more different from these herdsmen.

“These people agitating for Ododuwa, Biafra or Arewa are all the same group of people with Boko Haram.

“Majority of Nigerians want to stay with Nigeria. And if they are in doubt, let’s conduct a referendum.

“Look at elections for instance, millions of votes from all the states, whether from APC or PDP.

“This means that Nigerians are ready to stay with a united Nigeria. That is an indirect referendum which shows that the people are ready.

“So, all these youths that are making noise, whether Abubakar Shekau of Boko Haram, Nnamdi Kanu of IPOB and their Ododuwa counterpart, they are just a tiny minority of Nigerians using ethnic, archaic and retrogressive sentiments to destabilise the nation.

“But l can vouch that Nigerians really want to stay together in peace. But in peace and equity. Not any segment of Nigeria is cheated.”

Disgruntled elements

Buttressing his point, Gumi said the fact that Yoruba and Igbo leaders did not endorse such calls for secession showed they are unpopular opinions championed by few disgruntled persons.

“I’m in Sokoto now, there still are many Igbo traders here who don’t want to go back home, so why do you tell me they want Biafra?

“Biafra is a nuisance just like Boko Haram. You think every northerner is a Boko Haram [militant]?

“Most Nigerians don’t want these ethnic or religious groups. They simply want peace and [to] live together as nation.

If truly the Yorubas are agitating for Oduduwa, why are their leaders not talking about it? Why are Igbo leaders also not talking about Biafra?” he queried.

Embers of war

He said it has become imperative for Yoruba and Igbo leaders to prevent such groups from fanning embers of war in their regions.

Gumi said he has already teamed up with some stakeholders in the North to ensure deadly groups such as Boko Haram and Bandits ravaging the region lay down their arms through dialogue and rehabilitation.

“What we expect is for Yoruba leaders and Igbo leaders to take care of their miscreants as we handle herdsmen and Boko Haram which are miscreants in the North. Every leader should take the words to their people. Only the miscreants are fuelling this,” he added.

The cleric also called on the federal government to grant amnesty to bandits across the country just like it did for Niger Delta militants.

He said bandits emerged due to government’s failure to provide for their basic needs.

February 6, 2021

Gunmen abduct Punch reporter, others in Abuja

By Mike Odiegwu, Port Harcourt; Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

Gunmen have wreaked havoc in Rivers, Ebonyi and Anambra states, killing no fewer than eight persons.

The hoodlums, who killed five people in Rivers State and three others in Anambra, also attacked a police station in Ebonyi State where they set a building and four vehicles ablaze.

The killings in Rivers State followed an invasion of Zor-Sogho community in Khana Local Government Area.

It was learnt that the hoodlums, who stormed the community, shot heavily and in the process gunned down five people while injuring others.

A source said that the bandits carried out the operation at about 10 pm on Thursday.

He said that the development unsettled the community, adding that many residents fled into the bush out of fear.

The Ogoni Development Initiative (OYDI) condemned the killing of the victims, describing it as barbaric.

The National Coordinator, OYDI, Imeabe Saviour Oscar, attributed the incident to cultism, saying that youths in Ogoni were still hiding under such illegal confraternity to perpetrate heinous crimes.

He said: “We are shocked that at a time we are preaching peace, some misguided youths would still carry guns to kill innocent people.

“It is not a good report at all. For us, the peace of our communities is paramount.

Read Also: Gunmen abduct Punch reporter, others in Abuja
“We advise our youths to shun violence and embrace peace or get ready to face the wrath of the law.

“We are also using this medium to call on the government, the security agencies to investigate this matter to ensure this kind of act does not repeat.

“We want those behind this incident to be fished out and prosecuted so we can have peace in our communities.”

But the police in the state said the matter had not been reported to them.

In Anambra State, gunmen stormed a church in Azia, Ihiala Local Government Area, killing a man and two others.

The man, identified as Ken Ekwesianya, was murdered alongside his wife and daughter on Thursday night.

The Public Relations Officer of Anambra State Police Command, Mohammed Haruna, who confirmed the incident yesterday, said investigations were ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“Investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and effort is being intensified in order to arrest perpetrators of the dastardly act and bring them to justice,” he said.

Unidentified hoodlums also on Thursday attacked the Onicha Divisional Police Headquarters in Isu, a community in Ebonyi State.

The hoodlums, it was gathered, struck around 3:25 pm.

They allegedly set ablaze one of the buildings in the station and four patrol vans.

The police spokesperson in the state, Loveth Odah, confirmed the incident.

She said the attackers were believed to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Odah said one police officer sustained machete cut injuries from the attack.

She said: “Today being 4/02/2021 at about 0325hrs, hoodlums suspected to be members of the Proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) attacked Onicha Divisional Headquarters, Isu in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, set ablaze the left wing of the Division and four (4) patrol vehicles.

“This followed threats by the proscribed group who are alleging that the police were protecting the herdsmen who they accused of being responsible for the killing of one of their members, Nwite Njoku ‘m’”.

“One policeman sustained machete cut injuries during the attack and he is responding to treatment in the hospital.

“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police Ebonyi State, CP Aliyu Garba took on the spot assessment tour of the area and met with the stakeholders in the community to seek ways with the community in carrying out the investigation on the matter.”

“The CP, while assuring the general public, particularly the residents of the state of his commitment to the protection of lives and properties, urges all to remain law-abiding as normalcy has totally returned to the Area.”

Spokesman of IPOB, Emma Powerful, could not be reached for comments.

AUTHOR: Oluseyi Awojulugbe

FEBRUARY 5, 2021 1:19 PM

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has placed a 72-hour suspension on outbound Emirates flights from Nigeria.

In a February 4 circular seen by TheCable, the NCAA said Emirates Airlines violated guidelines put in place by the presidential taskforce on COVID-19.

According to the circular, the airline has been airlifting passengers from Nigeria using rapid antigen tests conducted by laboratories not approved by regulatory authorities.

More to follow…

February 4, 2021

By Yinka Adeniran, Ibadan
Yoruba leaders and elders under the aegis of Yoruba World Assembly have tendered an apology to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi for what they described as the youthful exuberance displayed by the popular Yoruba youth activist, Mr. Sunday Adeyemo also known as Sunday Igboho.

The group promised the first-class monarch that such a conduct would never be heard of from the youth activist.

This is as they also call on the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and Ooni Ogunwusi to convey a meeting of all traditional rulers and Yoruba children to give a direction and instruction on the line of action to save the race from its current challenge.

The Chairman, Governing Council, Elder Taiye Ayorinde tendered the public apology on behalf of Igboho on Thursday during an Emergency Youth International Summit which held at the Western hall, Parliamentary Buildings, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan.

Ayorinde said “This meeting is the first of its kind. This is the first Yoruba Traditional Summit. We called all traditional worshippers from over.

“A retired CP came and told us how our traditional rulers and community leaders are contributing to the crisis by just selling our lands and or exchanging same for cows.

“What our son (Sunday Adeyemo that we call Sunday Igboho) is doing is because of his concern when it was obvious that many elderly and traditional rulers are busy selling lands for strangers killing our people and the thing has escalated into a crisis.

“We apologise, and I stand here as the Chairman, Yoruba World Assembly to apologise on behalf of Sunday Igboho for the exuberance that he showed when he talked to the Ooni of Ife in an unacceptable manner.

“Because of that, we apologise on his behalf that it won’t happen again. It is a childish exuberance and I believe that the Ooni Orisa that I know has forgiven him for the atrocities.”

Speaking on the essence of the programme, Ayorinde who is also the Baale of Ekotedo, Ibadan said the event is a follow up to the earlier traditional security summit which held on January 14.

“Today is an epoch-making day by the YWA. The first Yoruba traditional security summit came to be on January 14, 2021. We are not going to just be talking and talking alone. We will show action. Yorubas have always talked too much.

“This meeting is a clarion call to all Yorubas not to be passive. Not to sleep until everything is put right. This is a clarion to all the Obas to come together and speak with one voice, let us sit together. Let us speak together.

“The time has come for all our traditional rulers to call themselves together. We will gather all the religious leaders including our Bishops, our Imams and others to come together to jointly say it is enough. They can’t be killing our people and expect us to be quiet.

“After oil, the next treasure is agriculture. The things have gone so worse that they even invade farms and feed their cows. And the Nigerian President has shown the structure has been in the favour of the northerners, who are firmly in charge of all top positions and ensuring that the Yorubas are at the back.

“The system has subjugated the Yorubas who have been the best of the rest, we started as the best of everything in Nigeria and it is obvious they have relegated us.

“And now the Yoruba World Assembly (YWA) have risen up and we are saying we will not accept that anymore. I don’t want to give a catalogue of people that have been killed, including the daughter of Pa Fasoranti. And I don’t want to mention how many farms that have been destroyed.

“Enough is enough. The result of the activities of these criminals on our lands is not palatable and that is why we have decided that we will call all interest groups to sit down and discuss the strategy to be deployed.

“We will involve community leaders, elders, traditional rulers, kings and the time has come that we are sending you on an errand. Kabiyesis’ (kings), you all must come together to say enough is enough.

“And now that we have all agreed that enough is enough, we call on our father, the Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, the Alaafin of Oyo and the Spiritual leader of all Yorubas, the Oni’risa, Ooni of Ife to gather all of us together and instruct us on what to do and how to go about it.”

In his remarks, the Secretary-General/Chief Convener, Yoruba World Assembly (YWA) in supporting Sunday Igboho’s moves accused political leaders, religious leaders and traditional rulers in the region for their complacency in handling the various killings of the Yorubas by the criminal herders.

He identified five categories of individuals whom he said are the main causes of the issues which have degenerated in the region.

He identified: the rich people of the region, religious leaders, political leaders, elders and traditional rulers.

In their various remarks, stakeholders at the meeting express willingness to stand up against what they described as the oppression of the herders whom they said have been well accommodated and accepted in the region for many years.

2023 Presidency: MASSOB Warns Jonathan, Tinubu & Bello, says 2023 shall determine if Nigeria will continue to exist or not

ON FEBRUARY 3, 2021

By Anayo Okoli

AHEAD of 2023 elections, the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, has condemned the subtle political move by some Northern APC governors to lure and influence former Goodluck Jonathan to vie for 2023 presidential election, warning Jonathan not to be deceived.

MASSOB said the move was “a dangerous systematic way of creating and re-establishing another political discord among the people of old eastern region”.

MASSOB also urged Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state to bury their presidential ambitions in 2023 and work towards ensuring that a South Easterner gets the Presidency.

A statement signed by MASSOB leader, Comrade Uchenna Madu called all the political parties to ensure that their presidential ticket is given to credible South Easterner as a way of ensuring equity, justice and fairness in the Nigeria project.

“Former President Goodluck Jonathan and his Ijaw kinsmen should be wise enough to discern this subtle and hypocritical move of Arewa Governors. The Sultan of Sokoto, the Aso villa cabals, the frontline emirs, the Arewa opinion leaders and Islamic gurus both Nigerians and foreigners, are perfectly aware and systematically pushing for a Goodluck Jonathan one tenure administration.

“Their ultimate political aim is to sideline and frustrate the golden chances of Igbo man or Southeast zone to emerge as president of Nigeria.

READ ALSO: Don’t dissipate your energy on Igbo presidency, go for Biafra, cleric tells Ndigbo

“Former President Goodluck Jonathan and his Ijaw kinsmen should avoid and discard this destructive and political end of Ijaw ethnic nationality in Nigeria. The people of Southeast and the indigenous Igbo in South South region have always support the Ijaws, particularly on the presidency of Goodluck Jonathan during his political travails in the hands of Arewa leaders.

“MASSOB also warns Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state to bury their presidential ambitions in 2023 because it is solely and sacrosanct for the Southeast zone to produce the next president of Nigeria.

“It is not about sentiment or selfishness to support the Southeast zone; it is the turn of Southeast zone to produce the next president of Nigeria according to the zoning arrangement.

“Nigeria is already sitting on an explosive time bomb that will eventually explode in 2023 if justice and national integration are not done to the people of Southeast in producing the next president of Nigeria. The Hausa Fulani are seriously plotting to scuttle and frustrate the chances of Southeast zone to produce the next president of Nigeria.

“MASSOB warns All Progressive Congress, APC, and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to immediately commence picking of their presidential candidateS from Southeast zone for 2023 presidential election. If the political conspiracy against THE people of Southeast prevailS, we shall once again proof that Ndigbo have the capacity and capability to make or mar Nigeria. 2023 shall determine if Nigeria will continue to exist or not”, the group said.

February 3, 2021

By Samuel Oamen

Former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode has begged Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to forgive popular Yoruba rights activist, Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho.

Igboho had claimed the Ooni disappointed the Yoruba people when he visited President Muhammadu Buhari over the herdsmen crisis rocking the South-West region.

The activist, who issued a seven-day quit notice to herdsmen in the Ibarapa area of Oyo State and enforced same, said Oba Ogunwusi failed to convey the pains of the Yoruba people to Buhari during the visit.

But in a series of tweets on Wednesday, Fani-Kayode said: “I just spoke with Sunday Igboho and he confirmed to me that what he said about our revered Ooni of Ife was said in the heat of the moment.

“He expressed his regrets and I was relieved to hear that. To err is human and to forgive is divine. I appeal to Kabiyesi to forgive him.

“For the record, let me state clearly and categorically that no Ooni of Ife, whether living or dead, has ever been a slave of the Fulani and neither will they ever be.”

By Paul Omorogbe

On Feb 2, 2021

The US Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria has announced that the services of Yoruba and Hausa teachers are needed in the United States.

According to the Public Affairs Section of the US Mission Nigeria which made the announcement on its website, applications from qualified Nigerians wishing to teach Hausa or Yoruba languages and cultures to American students in US universities and colleges opened February 1 and will end on June 1.

The applications are being requested under the mission’s Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Programme (FLTA).

The FLTA programme, the mission explains, is designed to offer young foreign teachers an opportunity to teach Yoruba language and culture to American students in universities and colleges.

The programme also gives an opportunity for participants to refine their teaching skills, increase their English language proficiency and extend their knowledge of the cultures and customs of the United States by engaging in non-degree studies while strengthening the instruction of foreign languages at US colleges and universities.

Along with their studies, participants teach language courses, supervise language labs and lead language table discussions.

They may also act as resource persons in conversation groups, cultural representatives, attendants in language laboratories, coordinators of extra-curricular activities, guest speakers in civilization courses, head of language clubs, houses, tables and much more.

Registration: Don’t beg anyone to join APC, Akeredolu tells Party leaders across Nigeria

…We need financial members

Dayo Johnson Akure

Ahead of the membership revalidation and registration of the All Progressive Congress, the chairman of the South West Governors Forum, Rotimi Akeredolu has cautioned against begging new members to join the party.

Akeredolu said this during the party’s stakeholders meeting in Akure ahead of the membership revalidation and registration.

” I pray this registration of new members and revalidation of old members that are starting on Tuesday, February 2 is done thoroughly.

” l have said it before that if any member of our party is not ready to commit his or her money to the party such a person has no business being a party member.

” Our part should not be an all-comers party. We need people who are ready to be committed financially.

“There’s no basis to register people who will not be committed to the party through financial contributions.

“If you cannot pay dues to the party don’t join our party. If you’re a financial member of the party, you’ll have the same rights with those who pay their dues.

Also read: You can’t gain national acclaim by attacking APC, Akpanudoedehe tells Wike
“A time will come when you’ll not be able to run the party if you refuse to pay membership dues

” We should be a concern during this new exercise to go for quality people, not quantity. We should lure people who can contribute meaningfully into the party and go after people with APC’s interest.

” We should not force anybody to join our party this time around, those that would join should be allowed to do such willingly. I pray that we do this one better. Maybe after this physical registration, we can now register online”

Speaking on the construction of a new four-storey state party Secretariat, Akeredolu said that political office holders would be asked to make contributions.

The state party chairman, Ade Adetimehin said that thousands of new members have signified their intentions to join the party following the excellent performance of Governor Akeredolu.

Adetimehin noted that the dividend of democracy had gone round the 18 council area of the state within the first four years of the present administration.

He assured intending members that they would not regret joining the party.

Adetimehin assured the committee that the exercise would be devoid of rancour as the party is a united family in the state.

The chairman of the registration and revalidation committee, Taiwo Murphy said that all was set for the exercise adding that the exercise would fortify the party.

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra and founder of the Eastern Security Network, Nnamdi Kanu, has called on the members of the ESN to cease fire with the Nigerian military and return to the forests.

Kanu in a post on Wednesday evening noted that based on the intelligence available, the army and the police had withdrawn their operatives from Orlu in Imo State so the ESN should also therefore withdraw.

Since last Friday, Orlu has been embroiled in a crisis with residents, policemen and soldiers reportedly shot dead following a clash between the military and the ESN officials in some communities.

The soldiers could not arrest any of the ESN operatives who reportedly overpowered the army, because of their use of traditional powers.

The soldiers were said to have withdrawn with one of them being seen in a viral video rescued by some civilians and taken into a private firm for safety from the rampaging ESN operatives.

Witnesses reported sporadic shooting as residents took cover to avoid stray bullets.

Five persons, including a middle-aged woman, were said to have been killed by stray bullets from guns of the Nigerian Army while some properties were burnt. The soldiers were said to be drawn from the 34 Artillery Brigade in Obinze.

On Tuesday, some elder statesmen in Imo State also condemned the destruction of lives and property in Orlu due to the clash, while asking the government to restore law and order.

The stakeholders in a release demanded justice for those who were killed by the military, adding that the state governor, Hope Uzodinma, must show leadership at “this critical time”.

On Wednesday evening, IPOB leader, Kanu, stated that intelligence at his disposal stated that the military and the police had agreed to withdraw from the troubled areas.

He said, “Credible intelligence indicates that the army and police reinforcement deployed from Owerri have been ordered to withdraw from Orlu.

“For this reason, I hereby direct the officers and men of the Eastern Security Network to stand down, while remaining vigilant to any Fulani terrorist activity in Biafra land.”

SaharaReporters had reported that a combat aircraft of the Nigerian military paraded the tense Orlu communities on Tuesday and Wednesday in a bid to locate and engage ESN operatives, accused of killing soldiers and causing mayhem in the area.

The aircraft had caught the attention of the residents, who believed that the aircraft was sent to locate and engage the ESN operatives.

SaharaReporters had seen a video of the military aircraft hovering over the area on Tuesday.

“A helicopter has been deployed in Orlu. The military has been hovering over civilian homes. They should go to the forests and engage the ESN operatives. There is tension everywhere,” a resident, who did not wish to be identified, had said.

But Kanu noted that the ESN officials should withdraw, as the military and police had also agreed to withdraw their men.

January 26, 2021

By Alao Abiodun

Yoruba activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has dissociated himself from several accounts on social media platforms, especially Facebook and Twitter, posting unverified information in his name.

Igboho made this clarification while speaking to reporters in a viral video obtained by The Nation.

The Nation reports that many accounts bearing the name and pictures of Sunday Igboho surfaced after his recent ultimatum to herdsmen in Igangan in Ibarapa North Local Government Area to vacate the land.

He however warned Nigerians not to be scammed by persons using his name on social media platforms saying the accounts are being operated fraudulently by impostors.

ON JANUARY 26, 2021

“Omo Ghetto” ( The Saga), a movie by Actress Funke Akindele-Bello, popularly known as Jenifa has been declared Nollywood’s highest-grossing movie of all time.

Reports have it that the 2020 comedy film has broken a four-year record formally held by Kemi Adetiba’s ‘The Wedding Party’.

In a statement released by Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN), the 2020 comedy film has so far grossed N468,036,300 after holding the number one spot for its third week in a row.

“Omo Ghetto’ has officially broken a four years record by knocking off Kemi Adetiba’s 2016 Comedy movie” The Wedding Party”.


The movie had been Nollywood Highest Grossing Movie with N453,000,000, in the third place in ‘The Wedding Party 2 with N433,197,377,” the statement said.

Also read: Naira Marley, others were in my house before lockdown, Funke Akindele reacts
NAN also report that the Akindele-Bellos’ latest feat is probably the most shocking news in recent times, as it comes amidst a pandemic that crippled the film industry for months.

The comedy movie was released on Christmas day 2020 and is a sequel to 2010 trilogy ‘Omo Ghetto’, follows the chaotic life of Shalewa aka Lefty (Funke Akindele)

Lefty (Funke Akindele) struggled between living a life of wealth and comfort provided by her adopted mother or returning to her ghetto lifestyle.

The comedy stars Funke Akindele in the dual role of Ayomide and Lefty, Tina Mba, Adebayo Salami aka Oga Bello, Chioma Akpotha, Bimbo Thomas.

Other were Eniola Badmus, Deyemi Okanlawon, Zubby Michael, Mercy Aigbe, Timini Egbuson, Alex Ekubo among others.

Vanguard News Nigeria

ON JANUARY 24, 2021

*Says ACF, Miyetti Allah are jokers

By Dapo Akinrefon

Speaking against the backdrop of the threats by the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Adams, on Sunday, said his silence over the situation in the South-West doesn’t portray him as a coward, saying his bound by to act accordingly when the time is right.

He also described the ACF and MACBAN as jokers.

Adams, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Aderemi, expressed concern about the security situation in the region, stating that threats of attack on the South-West can fuel further crisis in Ibarapa, Oyo and Ondo and will certainly affect the entire nation.

READ ALSO: No clash between Amotekun, Fulani in Ibarapa, Oke-Ogun —Oyo commandant

The Yoruba leader, however, stated that the situation in the two states truly justified the huge security challenges perpetrated by herders, that had on several occasions kidnapped and killed many Yoruba in their various communities, adding that Yoruba are too well aware of the looming crisis in the country.

He maintained that he would not be stampeded into falling into a pre-arranged trap by the political elite.

The statement read: “The apex organisation in the North and the herders Association should watch their statements or face the wrath of the Yoruba nation.

“By their inciting statements, the North is beating war drums. But we will resist any attempt by the North to turn our region to war zones and no amount of threat will stop us from securing our region from killer-herdsmen.

“From my findings, with what is playing out in the last three days, (especially in the social media) it is evident that there are some enemies and political elements, both within and outside our region, using the bravery of Sunday Igboho as a coordinated attempt to soil my name, and also put my efforts in the past 28 years in the struggle to test.

“My silence in the last three days doesn’t portray me as a coward, but by virtue of my position as the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, I am bounded by my conscience and conviction to act accordingly when the time is right.

“And I must also consult widely before taking any action.

READ ALSO: Makinde hails Gani Adams on 3rd installation anniversary

“What Igboho said was not even as damaging to the sanctity of the nation than the call for civil war by the ACF and the Miyetti Allah put together.

“The killer-herdsmen are the major problem, but sadly the Federal Government remains silent.

“There are reports that the Fulani herdsmen have, in the past five years, killed over 300 Yoruba people from different communities, while several other people have been kidnapped with abductors paying several billions as ransom.”

Adams, however, warned the North to stay away from any attempt to cause mayhem in the South-West, hence, the situation could degenerate into further chaos that might affect the entire nation.

“The Fulani, in their conqueror agenda since 1818, have caused a lot of damages to the South-West.

“And it is clear that the South is their target, which is why anybody going against the Fulani herdsmen automatically becomes their enemy,” Gani Adams added.

Vanguard News Nigeria

January 24, 2021

By Nwanosike Onu, Awka And Emma Elekwa, Onitsha


Southeast leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), say the emergence of a Nigerian president of Igbo extraction in 2023 is a must for Ndigbo

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, Senator Chris Ngige, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu and Sharon Ikeazor, spoke on Saturday in Awka, Anambra State

The governor and the ministers spoke during the Southeast meeting of APC at the Olivia Montage Hotel in Awka, which was attended by the leaders of the party in the zone

Addressing the APC members, Uzodinma said if Ndigbo were serious in getting the presidency in 2023, the journey must begin with the governorship election in Anambra State

He said what Ndigbo was seeking in Nigeria was justice, fairness and equity, adding that they would not get it through ethnic politics in the country

For Ngige, Onu, Ikeazor and Nnamani, the time to get Igbo presidency was now, starting with the Anambra election in November.

They said Ndigbo must be at the centre in 2023, adding that Ebonyi State had joined APC while efforts were in top gear to get other Southeast states to the mainstream.

Ikeazor said, “We need Igbo presidency. But let us win Anambra State first. If we win Anambra, we have one leg on the presidency. Ndigbo must be at the Centre. Igbo must be president in 2023,” she said

Uzodinma also said the November 6 election was a must win for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

He regretted that the party had played second fiddle in state politics for a long time, despite the calibre of people that make up the party.

He said, “APC can’t continue to sink in the ship of the opposition party. We must be ready to take the initiative to win the state in the November 6 election. But it can only be possible if we’re united.

“It’s the desire for peace and unity in the party that brought us here, for the sole purpose of reconciling the different groups. We know all of them that prefer to work alone. Our main job is to reconcile all of them.”

Former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, applauded the Imo State Governor for his role in the party since he joined.

He said, “Uzodinma’s presence has added impetus; brought a lot of respect to our zone.”

By Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

January 24, 2021
At least seven persons have been killed while many were seriously injured as members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers clashed in Effin, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Though details of what led to the clash were still sketchy at the time of filing this report, a source in the community said the clash is an escalation of a leadership crisis in the union.

The source said the faction of the union from Effin clashed with the faction from Ezza Effium over sharing formula for the revenue generated from the park.

He said the clashes spiked into the community leading to casualties on both sides.

Houses, cars and other properties were also torched as the crisis spilled over into the community.

There was pandemonium in the community as the crisis escalated with many deserting the community to neighbouring communities.

Also, health workers and staff of the National Population Commission who were on assignment in the area were cut in the crossfire.

Following the incident, Ebonyi State Government announced a ban on activities of the Union in Effuim Motor Park in Ohaukwu Local Government Area.

The Commissioner for Internal Security and Conflict Resolution in the state, Mr. Stanley Okoro Emegha, announced the ban in Abakaliki, yesterday.

Emegha said the clashes engulfed the entire Effuim and Ezza Effusion communities because the Chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers in the area allowed politicians to meddle into the affairs of the union.

He said that Ohaukwu Local Government authorities would be mandated to take over the park where the incident emanated from.

“It was not something that happened on the grounds of IPOB, neither was it a politically related matter; it was a national transport union case dragging the leadership of a motor park.

“It has been a matter I handled earlier before this time directing that National Union of Road Transport Workers is an organisation recognised by the federal government but has no right in our motor park because we discovered that what they were doing was not in tandem with the peace effort of the state government”, he said

The commissioner said all government personnel on special national assignments in the community, who were trapped by the crisis, had been rescued while the area was calm, following the deployment of security men.

“All the people trapped in the area, not only health personnel, but also staff of the National Population Commission, were safely evacuated. My office deployed security and vehicles on the directive of the governor and all of them were rescued. No scratch on them and the place is calm now.”

Emegha said when he contacted the State Chairman of the union, he claimed to be out of the state and wondered why he should be absent from the state when his union was in crisis.

He warned that the government would bring to book all the politicians, whether serving in the government or in the opposition party, who played a role in sparking up the crisis.

Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Aliyu Garba, said over nine persons were critically injured and receiving treatment at the hospital.

He said some suspects had also been arrested while investigation continues into the matter.

“Actually, it was my first litmus, but like I told you, normalcy has been restored; we have lots of them that have been arrested and investigations are ongoing.”

Aliyu, who visited the scene, said normalcy had been restored as police operatives and personnel from sister agencies have been moved into the community.

It was also gathered that Governor David Umahi dispatched the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kelechi Igwe, who visited the area to calm the situation.

INSECURITY: In Veiled Reference To Sunday Igboho, Makinde Asks New Oyo CP To Arrest Those Causing Ethnic Crisis

By Adebayo Abdulrahman - January 22, 2021

In what is a veiled reference to Sunday Igboho, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has admonished the new Commissioner of Police deployed to the state, Ngozi Onadeko to treat as criminals those creating ethnic tension in the state.

Makinde made this charge on Friday when the new Commissioner of Police paid him a courtesy visit at the Governor’s office, Agodi, Secretariat, Ibadan. The Governor insists that the Hausa- Fulani ethnic group residing in the state are not the government’s target but hoodlums, bandits irrespective of their tribes and religion. He said those stoking ethnic tension are criminals should be arrested and treated as criminals.

Makinde emphasized that security remains one of the pillars of his administration, he added that all the good policies his administration has outlined for economic prosperity cannot be actualized in an atmosphere of chaos and insecurity.

He called for more synergy between the police and the Western Nigeria Security Network code named Amotekun. He tasked the security outfits on joint patrol to go after the common enemy.

Makinde asserts that those who demonized Amotekun are the ones issuing ultimatum to certain ethnic nationalities to vacate the state. His words:
“You are welcome home because we believe Oyo State should be home to you and should make you and the team as comfortable as possible. We don’t want this to be a hardship posting for you. So, your welfare and that of your officers and men is of paramount to us and of very high importance.

“You and your team are all coming in at a very challenging time. This is a period where false information is almost at its highest, ethnic tension almost at its highest as well. So, I will say you have your job cut out for you. We won’t make the job difficult. We will be sincere, open and support you.”
“I am sure that since you came in, you must have heard about some things happening at Ibarapa axis of the state. I will still say it here that we are not after Hausa-Fulanis. We are after criminals.”

“We are after hoodlums and bandits irrespective of their tribe, religion or creed. Those are the people we are after. If you look into the record, when we had the armed robbery incident at Kajola, Okeeho precisely, some people were killed, some were arrested and we found out that they were from Ibira, Kogi State. So, we want to go after the criminals, whether they are Yoruba, Hausa or whoever they are.”

“For people stoking ethnic tension, they are criminals and once you get them, they should be arrested and treated like common criminals.”

“For this administration, the major pillar for us is security because we know that all the good things we want to do economically won’t be possible in an atmosphere of chaos and insecurity. So, when people say things that are not lawful and within the spirit of Nigeria’s constitution, it is not acceptable here. And they cannot hide under being people protecting Yoruba interest to perpetrate chaos in the state.”

“If you look at our environment, why we had the EndSARS was because people got bottled up. There has been very limited access to opportunities and when that happens, the young ones will discount the future.”

“They don’t think about tomorrow but how to survive today first and we have to address that by expanding our economy and opportunities for them. If we have to do that, we have to do it in a safe and secure environment.”

“Amotekun here in Oyo State is working with us towards the same objective. We need intelligence to know about criminals before they even strike. It is one of the major reasons why we set up Amotekun; to be able to gather intelligence in all the wards in Oyo State. The same people that demonized Amotekun are the ones now telling us that a certain ethnic nationality should leave this place.

“So, we will ensure that all the agencies are working together. I will encourage interaction with all other agencies and once we have that synergy, we will ensure that the objective of the people going about their businesses with no fear of being molested will be attained.”

“Two days ago, I was surprised to see SRS when I got to Challenge. We decided to take the Iwo Road Express and, under the bridge around Old Ife road, at 1 a.m, I also saw SRS. So, that is a major shift since you came in. I want to thank you for that and the officers and men who are supporting you.”

“I am sure none of you is from Oyo State but you are putting your life on the line for the people of Oyo State. The only thing we can do is to appreciate and support you and that is exactly what we will do irrespective of what people with limited ability are doing.”

“So, please do your work and rely on the government and the people of Oyo State. We will give you maximum cooperation and support.”

In her remark, the Commissioner of Police, Ngozi Onadeko vows to make lives and property of Oyo state residents safe and secure. She added that visibility policing has started in earnest. Ngozi assures the Governor that men and officers of the Command will display high level of professionalism while corruption will be shunned with the view to achieving common goal.

Commissioner Duties. Her words:
“We are here to formally tell you that we have resumed duty. As you can see, some of us are here. So, we came with the promise that we want to make the lives and property of the people of Oyo State safe and secure. We want the people to go to bed with their eyes closed.”

“Since we came in, we have started with our visibility policing. When I came in, I noticed that there were no policemen on the road, maybe it was still the aftermath of the EndSARS issue but we have been able to talk to them. We have asked them to occupy their space because it is their constitutional duty. We have to nip crime to hit the barest minimum in Oyo State.”

“We are going to be professional about our work; to shun corruption, synergise and work with other sister agencies because we are all working towards one particular goal – to make sure that Oyo State is safe and secure. We know that, with this, you will be able to carry out your economic programmes for the people of the state.”

“So, we promise you that we will work with you in tandem with your security vision for Oyo State. We also thank you for the provision of the SRS vehicles, the repairs you made for us. We are rejigging the SRS because we want to make them to be fully operational so that they will do what is meant to be done.”

“Your Excellency, I want to beg you that we will need more vehicles because the KIA vehicles don’t look all that operational. If you could get Hilux cars, it will be better for us. So, we have come to say thank you and, with your support and God being on our side, we will do our best to make sure that Oyo State is safe, secure and peaceful.”

By Adebayo Abdulrahman - January 20, 2021

Amid rising cases of insecurity in Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde says some journalists have allowed themselves to be used as tools to stoke ethnic tensions in the state.

The governor, who said this while making a statewide Broadcast on Wednesday, alleged that some stories in the media are targetted at exaggerating the security situation in the state.

Whil noting that he will not hesitate to take appropriate action against any individuals who try to disrupt the peace of the state, he assured that his administration will continue to take all necessary steps to protect residents from harassment, thuggery and banditry.

While acknowledging the efforts of some officers of the Nigeria Police Force, who have resumed their constitutional duties of maintaining law and order in our state, he encouraged the leadership to continue to collaborate with his administration to secure Oyo State.

According to him: “The past few weeks’ events have made it imperative that I address issues that have to do with the internal security of our dear state. Barely a week ago, I had cause to call out members of the press who were allowing themselves to be used to stoke ethnic tensions among the good people of Oyo State. There have been stories in the press targeted at exaggerating the security situation in the state.

“However, we cannot overlook the fact that there have indeed been instances that cause concern. The fragile peace between the herdsmen and farmers in Oke Ogun is being threatened. Individuals who are not authorised are going around chasing people from their homes and causing mayhem. This assault on residents of Oyo State is not the way to further the Yoruba cause.

“Let me state that we shall not sit back and watch anyone make any law-abiding resident of Oyo State feel unsafe in their homes, farms, or business places. We are aware of some people circulating flyers and giving people ultimatums to leave their land. This is totally unacceptable and will not be condoned.

“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which I swore to defend and protect, guarantees freedom of movement in Section 41(1), such that citizens are free to reside in any part of the country without fear. We are determined to preserve that right in Oyo State.

“Therefore, I am calling on any individuals or groups planning to take any actions that would lead to the forcible removal of anyone from Oyo State to desist from taking such actions. Any persons who fail to abide by this directive will face the full wrath of the law.

“All Local Government and Local Council Development Area Chairpersons are directed to work with the traditional rulers and the officers of the security agencies to ensure that peace is maintained in all parts of the state. Let me also use this medium to speak to our traditional rulers. They must not be part of any plans to disrupt the peaceful coexistence of residents of Oyo State.

“I must reiterate that we will not hesitate to take appropriate action against any individuals who try to disrupt the peace in Oyo State. Our administration is taking all necessary steps to protect the good people of Oyo State from harassment, thuggery and banditry. We believe we have the situation under control.

“It is time for us to come together and put the interests of our state first. We have a common enemy. That enemy is not the Hausa Fulani who is looking for pasture for his flock. It is not the farmer who just wants to grow food to sell in the market or to feed his family. Our enemies are the hoodlums, cultists, armed robbers, kidnappers and bandits.

“We have constitutionally empowered people who will arrest and prosecute these criminals. Our job, as active citizens, is to help them where we can to identify these enemies. Report any criminals and criminal activities you are privy to and let the authorities take action. If you see something, say something.

“With our collective efforts, we can continue to keep the peace in Oyo State. Together, we can preserve the secure environment that has contributed to the growth of our economy.”

By Adebayo Abdulrahman - January 20, 2021


Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has warned individuals and groups planning to take actions that could lead to the forcible removal of anyone from the State to desist from taking such actions noting that anyone who fails to abide by the directive will face the full wrath of the law.

OYOINSIGHT understands that the directive by is targeted at Sunday Igboho, who on Saturday issued a 7-day ultimatum to Fulanis at Igangan town.

The Governor further directed all local government and local council development area chairpersons to work with traditional rulers and the officers of the security agencies to ensure that peace is maintained in all parts of the state.

According to the Governor, the common enemy of the people is not the Hausa Fulani who is looking for pasture for his flock nor the farmer who just wants to grow food to sell in the market or to feed his family.

He said the enemies are the hoodlums, cultists, armed robbers, kidnappers and bandits, whom he noted live among the people.
Makinde said “The past few weeks’ events have made it imperative that I address issues that have to do with the internal security of our dear state. Barely a week ago, I had cause to call out members of the press who were allowing themselves to be used to stoke ethnic tensions among the good people of Oyo State. There have been stories in the press targeted at exaggerating the security situation in the state.

“However, we cannot overlook the fact that there have indeed been instances that cause concern. The fragile peace between the herdsmen and farmers in Oke Ogun is being threatened. Individuals who are not authorised are going around chasing people from their homes and causing mayhem. This assault on residents of Oyo State is not the way to further the Yoruba cause.

“Let me state that we shall not sit back and watch anyone make any law-abiding resident of Oyo State feel unsafe in their homes, farms, or business places. We are aware of some people circulating flyers and giving people ultimatums to leave their land. This is totally unacceptable and will not be condoned.

“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which I swore to defend and protect, guarantees freedom of movement in Section 41(1), such that citizens are free to reside in any part of the country without fear. We are determined to preserve that right in Oyo State.

“Therefore, I am calling on any individuals or groups planning to take any actions that would lead to the forcible removal of anyone from Oyo State to desist from taking such actions. Any persons who fail to abide by this directive will face the full wrath of the law.”
He said further “All Local Government and Local Council Development Area Chairpersons are directed to work with the traditional rulers and the officers of the security agencies to ensure that peace is maintained in all parts of the state. Let me also use this medium to speak to our traditional rulers. They must not be part of any plans to disrupt the peaceful coexistence of residents of Oyo State.

“I must reiterate that we will not hesitate to take appropriate action against any individuals who try to disrupt the peace in Oyo State. Our administration is taking all necessary steps to protect the good people of Oyo State from harassment, thuggery and banditry. We believe we have the situation under control.

“It is time for us to come together and put the interests of our state first. We have a common enemy. That enemy is not the Hausa Fulani who is looking for pasture for his flock. It is not the farmer who just wants to grow food to sell in the market or to feed his family. Our enemies are the hoodlums, cultists, armed robbers, kidnappers and bandits.

“These people live among us.
“We have constitutionally empowered people who will arrest and prosecute these criminals. Our job, as active citizens, is to help them where we can to identify these enemies. Report any criminals and criminal activities you are privy to and let the authorities take action. If you see something, say something.

“I must acknowledge the efforts of some officers of the Nigeria Police Force who have resumed their constitutional duties of maintaining law and order in our state. I encourage the leadership of the Police to continue to collaborate with our administration to secure Oyo State.”

By ELLIOT SPAGAT

SAN DIEGO (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden’s decision to immediately ask Congress to offer legal status to an estimated 11 million people in the country has surprised advocates given how the issue has long divided Democrats and Republicans, even within their own parties.

Biden will announce legislation his first day in office to provide a path to citizenship for millions of immigrants in the United States illegally, according to four people briefed on his plans.

The president-elect campaigned on a path to citizenship for the roughly 11 million people in the U.S. illegally, but it was unclear how quickly he would move while wrestling with the coronavirus pandemic, the economy and other priorities. For advocates, memories were fresh of presidential candidate Barack Obama pledging an immigration bill his first year in office, in 2009, but not tackling the issue until his second term.

ADVERTISEMENT
Biden’s plan is the polar opposite of Donald Trump, whose successful 2016 presidential campaign rested in part on curbing or stopping illegal immigration.

“This really does represent a historic shift from Trump’s anti-immigrant agenda that recognizes that all of the undocumented immigrants that are currently in the United States should be placed on a path to citizenship,” said Marielena Hincapie, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center, who was briefed on the bill.

If successful, the legislation would be the biggest move toward granting status to people in the country illegally since President Ronald Reagan bestowed amnesty on nearly 3 million people in 1986. Legislative efforts to overhaul immigration policy failed in 2007 and 2013.

Ron Klain, Biden’s incoming chief of staff, said Saturday that Biden will send an immigration bill to Congress “on his first day in office.” He didn’t elaborate and Biden’s office declined to comment on specifics.

Advocates were briefed in recent days on the bill’s broad outlines by Esther Olivarria, deputy director for immigration on the White House Domestic Policy Council.

Domingo Garcia, former president of the League of Latin American Citizens, said Biden told advocates on a call Thursday that Trump’s impeachment trial in the Senate may delay consideration of the bill and that they shouldn’t count on passage within 100 days.

“I was pleasantly surprised that they were going to take quick action because we got the same promises from Obama, who got elected in ’08, and he totally failed,” Garcia said.

ADVERTISEMENT
Ali Noorani, president of the National Immigration Forum and among those briefed Thursday night, said immigrants would be put on an eight-year path to citizenship. There would be a faster track for those in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which shields people from deportation who came to the country as young children, and Temporary Protected Status, which gives temporary status to hundreds of thousands of people from strife-torn countries, many from El Salvador.

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris offered similar remarks in an interview with Univision that aired Tuesday, saying DACA and TPS recipients will “automatically get green cards” while others would be on an eight-year path to citizenship.

More favorable attitudes toward immigration — especially among Democrats — may weigh in Biden’s favor this time. A Gallup survey last year found that 34% of those polled favored more immigration, up from 21% in 2016 and higher than any time since it began asking the question in 1965. The survey found 77% felt immigration was good for the country on the whole, up slightly from 72% in 2016.

Noorani said the separation of more than 5,000 children from the parents at the border, which peaked in 2018, alienated voters from Trump’s policies, particularly conservatives and evangelicals. He believes a constantly shifting outlook for DACA recipients also hurt Trump among people who felt he was using them as “political pawns.”

“What was seared in their mind was family separation. They took it out on the Republican Party in 2018 and they took it out on Trump in 2020,” Noorani said. “To put a really fine point on it, they want to end the cruelty of the Trump administration.”

It is impossible to know precisely how many people are in the country illegally. Pew Research Center estimates there were 10.5 million in 2017, down from an all-time high of 12.2 million in 2007.

The Homeland Security Department estimates there were 12 million people in the country illegally in 2015, nearly 80% of them for more than 10 years. More than half were Mexican.

Published January 16, 2021

‌
Tunde Ajaja

The immediate past President-General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo socio-cultural group, Chief John Nwodo, has called on the Federal Government to initiate and conclude the process of restructuring the country before the 2023 elections to avoid a situation where some sections of the country may boycott the exercise.

He said Nigeria used to be the envy of nations, given its pedigree in education, agriculture and well-being of its people because there was a regional system of government that allowed regions to enjoy sovereignty over their national resources until the system was thwarted. He, therefore, cautioned that to avoid the “coming catastrophe”, Nigeria must restructure.

Nwodo, who was the ninth president-general of the apex Igbo group, spoke in Lagos on Friday at the 17th Chief Gani Fawehinmi annual lecture, with the theme, ‘The constitutional history of Nigeria’s dysfunction: Any pathway to indivisibility and common progress?’

The event, organised by the Ikeja Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, was also attended by the Governor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Zulum, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), legal practitioners and human rights activists, among others.

There have been agitations for the restructuring of the country so that states or regions could control their resources.

Several prominent individuals and sociocultural groups, especially those in the southern part of the country, have stressed the need to restructure the country, insisting that the current system was tantamount to a unitary system of government, which they said could not work for a diverse nation like Nigeria.

Nwodo, who was a keynote speaker at the event, explained that there was a time the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy was agriculture, and that all the regions had different items they were producing and exporting, which availed them funds to develop their regions.

He added, “There was only one reason why things worked so well then. We had a regional system of government that allowed regions to enjoy sovereignty over their national resources whilst paying royalties and taxes to the Federal Government. Our domestic security was independent and uncontrolled by the Federal Government.

“Suddenly, the army came to power and abrogated our constitution, turned us into a unitary state and imposed a unitary constitution on us. They seized our natural resources and donated them to the Federal Government to share without adequate respect for derivation.”

Speaking on what must be done to avert “the coming catastrophe”, he said, “Nigeria must restructure and give its component units sovereignty over its natural resources provided they pay royalty or some form of taxes to the Federal Government to maintain federal responsibilities like external defence, foreign missions, customs and immigration.

“Emphasis must return to agriculture and education. Domestic security must remain in the hands of the federating units because living safe in Nigeria today is by luck. The secularity of the Nigerian state must be respected. These irreducible minimum conditions are not negotiable. If it does not happen, we will have no alternative but to go our separate ways.

“Processes to begin our restructuring as a nation must be concluded before the 2023 elections so as to avert a situation where sections of the country may boycott the elections and present the country with a constitutional force majeure.”

‌
Nwodo, who was a two-time minister, also decried a situation whereby the President and federal lawmakers exclusively share the appointment into the Independent National Electoral Commission, saying Nigeria could learn from South Africa and the United Kingdom.

He stated, “In South Africa, the Chief Justice appoints the head of the electoral body and he does so first by advertising for those who are qualified to be in the commission to apply. After people have been nominated, he publishes the list of those nominated and those who have been objected to are delisted before the final stage.

“In the UK, the electoral commission is headed by the speaker but composed of all political parties in the ballot, making rigging impossible. That is why results are announced instantaneously after the collation of results. Nigeria must restructure. So long as INEC and state electoral commission members are appointed by the President and governors respectively, there will never be a free and fair election.”

He said despite the country’s abundant human and natural resources, it remained the poorest nation in the world and a major importer of things it produces.

Speaking on education, Nwodo said Israel, United States and some other countries were leveraging education to come up with world-class innovations while Nigeria maintained a record of having the highest number of out-of-school children, coupled with some immoral practices, like sex-for-grade, in higher institutions.

He added, “If the source of knowledge is contaminated, like a contaminated water reservoir, can you get clean water. Our higher institutions must be devoid of sharp practices and acts capable of compromising their integrity within and outside our borders. Education, road and agriculture are critical areas in the development of a country’s economic potential.”

January 14, 2021

By Yinka Adeniran, Ibadan

Political allies and associates of the National Leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on Wednesday gathered in Ibadan to intensify mobilization for the presidential bid of the Lagos state former governor.

The allies in attendance, drawn from the Southwest zone of the country include former and current Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in the geo-political zone.

According to sources, at least twenty current and past Speakers in the States’ Assemblies in the region were in attendance at the meeting.

The attendees include Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, former Speakers of Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Mojeed Alabi and Hon. Najeem Salam, former Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Asimiyu Alarape and former speakers from Ondo and Ekiti, among others.

Recall that some loyalists of the former Governor had last year visited two traditional rulers in Oyo State, drumming support for Tinubu.

Obasa, who is the convener of the meeting said all former and current Speakers in the region had taken it upon themselves to support Tinubu presidency in 2023, adding that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) Foundation is meant to break the shackles of poverty in the country.

The Lagos State Speaker said although, Tinubu has not given the go-ahead to kickstart any interest in the presidency, there is a need to deliberate on “this all-important issue on behalf of Tinubu”.

Read Also: Buhari, governors, Tinubu, others mourn Ndubuisi Kanu

He enjoined all attendees at the meeting to go back to their respective states to set up the template that would see to the actualisation Tinubu mandate.

While speaking on the essence and resolutions made at the meeting, the National Coordinator, BAT Movement, Ambassador Aliyu Saulawa emphasized that the movement is ready to ensure power shift to the Southwest and to be clinched by Tinubu.

Saulawa said “What was resolved at the meeting include, that power must shift to the South and that the Southwest must produce the next president.

“That Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, being a Yoruba man with the capacity, experience and means should be the candidate to be supported to emerge as the next president of Nigeria.

“That Asiwaju Tinubu still needs to do more networking in Yoruba land, especially amongst serving and past governors so that voices of dissent can be reduced to the barest minimum.

“That all stakeholders here present should go back home and start the Asiwaju Tinubu presidential project pending when he will come out publicly to agree to contest.”

It was gathered that all the attendees in the remarks pledge their commitment and readiness to support and see to the actualisation of the Tinubu Presidential project, come 2023.

Elon Musk is no longer the world's richest person, according to Forbes, after a fall in Tesla stock wiped $13.5 billion from his fortune in a day


TODAY AT 11:30 AM | BUSINESS INSIDER USA


Tesla CEO Elon Musk has dropped on Forbes' rich list from first to second, behind Amazon's CEO Jeff Bezos, Forbes reported.

Tumbling shares in his electric vehicle company Tesla on Monday chopped $13.5 billion off his fortune, according to Forbes' calculations.

Bezos has regained the top spot with a fortune of $182.1 billion, per Forbes' estimates, compared to Musk's $176.2 billion

Musk takes a small salary from his companies, but has substantial stakes in Tesla and SpaceX.

After briefly topping Forbes' rich list , Elon Musk has now fallen back to second place behind Amazon's CEO Jeff Bezos, after tumbling shares in his electric vehicle company Tesla on Monday chopped $13.5 billion off his fortune.

Musk became the world's richest person on Thursday - a result of his fortune growing by more than $150 billion in a year.

But shares in Tesla fell nearly 8% on Monday, their largest one-day fall since late September. Based on estimates from Forbes , this pushed his total wealth down to $176.2 billion, compared to Bezos' $182.1 billion fortune.

Despite Musk's wealth loss, he still stands more than $20 billion above Bernard Arnault, the CEO of French luxury goods conglomerate LVMH and the world's third-richest person, per Forbes' estimates.

As of Tuesday morning, Musk still tops Bloomberg's Billionaires Index , where he has $194 billion compared to Bezos' $183 billion. Its calculations take into account Musk losing $15.6 billion from Monday to Tuesday.

Though Musk takes a small salary from his companies, he has a roughly 20% stake in Tesla and a 48% stake in aerospace company SpaceX, as well as 57 million vested Tesla stock options, per Bloomberg.

Tesla had a booming 2020, selling nearly 500,000 vehicles , and its stock price rocketed 740% over the year.

His compensation package also awards him stock when Tesla achieves certain goals. That made Musk the highest-paid executive in 2020.

Musk, who is also known for his opinionated and at times cryptic tweets, posted an understated response after Bloomberg declared him the world's richest person on Thursday.

"How strange," he tweeted. "Well, back to work..."

In December, he told Mathias Dpfner, the CEO of Insider's parent company Axel Springer, that he was selling all his possessions tofund a future colony on Mars .

He also sold several high-dollar pieces of property , including three neighboring homes in the Bel-Air neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Ivanka Trump plans to attend Joe Biden's inauguration against her father's wishes to save her political career

Ivanka Trump is reportedly planning to attend Joe Biden's inauguration on January 20 against the wishes of her father, Donald Trump.

Donald Trump made it clear on Twitter that he won't be present at his successor's inauguration.

However, Ivanka is choosing to go, much to her father's chagrin, as she is scrambling to save her aspiring political career.

"Ivanka is worried that her promising political career is in jeopardy and she's doing whatever she can to save her reputation," a White House insider told DailyMail.

However, Trump is against her decision.

"He said it's an insult that she would even want to engage with the crooks that are trying to bring him down," said the insider, adding that Trump said the family must stand together and put on a united front.

"The president told his daughter that her presence at the inauguration will cost her thousands of supporters and would be the worst decision she could ever make," the insider added.

But Ivanka is convinced that by attending Biden's inauguration she will come across as "being a good sport and will gain future supporters," the source states.

"She said she has to protect her own political aspirations and isn't about to muck it all up by attending her dad's 2024 campaign kick-off which is set for the same day. She's leaving that for her dad and Don Jr."

By Adeola Badru

Following the backlash that trailed the operations of the Western States Security Network, codenamed: Amotekun, the leadership of the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS), has given a 72-hour ultimatum to the Oyo State Government to set up machinery for the reorientation of operatives of the corps.

The ultimatum was on the heels of series of alleged misdeeds of some operatives of the corps since its inauguration by Governor Seyi Makinde in the state.

The students’ body, in a statement jointly signed by the association’s chairman in the state, Comrade Oluwafunmbi Mayowa Opakunle; General Secretary, Comrade Ojetola Babatunde; Public Relations Officer, Comrade Adeleke Quadri and made available to Saturday Vanguard, stated that the Amotekun corps had over the time shown that they needed additional orientation on modern security approaches and their relationship with the masses, for proper cohabitation and navigation of their duties as they will be needing necessary stakeholders in fishing out the criminal elements amidst the population.

The statement added that this was the best way to overcome the security threats posed by bandits and other criminal elements and to avoid unnecessary victimization of the people.

The statement read further: “We’ve written on several occasions to inform the Oyo State Government and the entire populace of the state on the excesses of the just commissioned Western States Security Network, Amotekun Corps, but it seems a mere propaganda to many and an attempt aimed at undermining the effort of the state government on tackling the rampant insecurity uprising in the state, as the accused has also sent publications on this occasions to distort the allegations against them.”

“But truth and reality cannot be hidden for long, as a burning vapour cannot be covered; the Amotekun corps had over and over again shown that they need additional orientation on modern security approaches and their relationship with the masses, for proper cohabitation and navigation of their duties as they will be needing necessary stakeholders in fishing out the criminal elements amidst the population.”

“As this is the best way to overcome the security threats posed by bandits and other criminal elements and to avoid unnecessary victimization of the people.”

“These set of people have shown to be lacking in moral ethics of modern security operations and necessary training ensuring it, and has been operating in total contrary to the mode and purpose of their enactment made known to the public because it can not be understood in any way as to the reason for their recurrent misdemeanours and assaults to the innocent citizens. We should recollect that these acts are a replica of the causes of the aggravated #EndSars protests that shook the whole country.”

“We urged the Oyo State Government earlier as the state government that houses this axis of the National Association of Nigerian Students, to see to the perpetrators of these reported crimes else the supposed security of the state will only be a charade of the intended, but all have been futile and no positive response whatsoever, rather, it has aggravated and just again the Amotekun Corps have victimized the Public Relations Officer of the NANS Oyo State JCC, with so many other cases of innocent students being victimized across all areas of the state.”

“We all will agree that the Western States Security Network, Amotekun is new and still a baby compared to other security agencies in the country. It is a necessity for all and sundry to be a part of their success if we all want to sleep with our two eyes closed.”

“We urge the Oyo State Government to invest more time and concentrate more on the successful running and administration of Amotekun Corps to achieve the desired result.”

“Despite our regards and willingness to always cooperate with the state government so as to make things work in our beloved Oyo State and to defeat the number one enemy of the state(insecurity), we have rather been met with rejection, seen as irrelevant, unworthy, inapplicable and impertinent, but we can’t continue to fold arms and act like nothing is happening while innocent students are being victimized.”

“We are always ready to play our part and reprimand where necessary, we, therefore, put it straight to the state government and demand that the Amotekun Corps are properly reorientated, retrained and exposed to moral ethics of modern security operations, before being reintegrated into the society, to avoid more casualties being recorded to their name as this may lead to a great response from us as an association to protect our own.”

“We are giving the Oyo State Government a 72-hour ultimatum from Monday to attend to these issues or await a more active response from the association; which implies that there will be confrontations in our own ways by Thursday, January 14, 2021, if the state government remains indifferent as posed to us,” the statement warned.

ON JANUARY 4, 2021

POLITICS

A political group, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Grassroots Volunteers (BAT – GV), says it will fully support former Lagos State governor, Sen. Bola Tinubu, if he decides to contests for president in 2023.

The group, in a statement signed by its national coordinator, Mr Dozie Nwankodu, on Sunday in Lagos, said its support was in the national interest.

Nwankodu said that the choice of Tinubu was also premised on the sterling records of his achievements, especially in the areas of human development, democracy and peace building.

According to him, Tinubu’s detribalised nature is second to none, judging from the composition of his government as Lagos State governor, which encompassed all tribes.

The National Coordinator said this was in addition to the All Progressives Congress (APC) national leader’s love for national unity and development.

“If you critically take stock of Nigeria’s past and present leaders and their contributions to human development, you would see that Tinubu believes that the true essence of leadership is planting life-time seeds.

“He is the only leader alive today that has demonstrated such.

“Look at those he has empowered politically and entrepreneurially across the country, you would not but concede to the fact that his definition of leadership is empowerment.

“So, the barometer to measure a true leader is from those he has built, and without mentioning names, the list is endless,” Nwankodu said.

He explained that Tinubu’s believe in a democratic, peaceful and united Nigeria is unquestionable, taking cognisance of his immense contributions in actualising the annulled June 12, 1993 Presidential election.

“Without mincing words, Tinubu was frontal to achieving the democracy we are enjoying today.

“Tinubu with other pro-democratic personalities across the country stood firm during the military junta to ensure that Nigeria returned to a democratic government even at the expense of their lives.

“If you carefully consider all he has done for the country so far, you would understand that he is the kind of leader Nigerians presently want,” he said.

The National Coordinator, however, cautioned those against Tinubu’s quest for the nation’s presidency.

He described them as enemies of national progress that have contributed little or nothing for meaningful national development, even their respective states.

“Those against Tinubu today, where were they when the country was on the brink pre-1999?

“Where were they when Tinubu staked his neck for an egalitarian and democratic Nigeria? Those are the clogs of progress on the wheel of national development.

“They should have no choice but support, because even without an official declaration by Tinubu to contest for Nigeria’s presidency, he has already received overwhelming support of Nigerians within and in the Diaspora,” Nwankodu said.

Nwankodu further maintained that Tinubu has more supporters across the country than he even imagines.

He said that the BAT-GV was formed as a support group in 2019, having collapsed the Buhari/Osinbajo Governance Continuity Agenda ( BOGCA), after winning the presidential elections that year.

“After winning the 2019 Presidential elections, the BOGCA metamorphed into BAT – GV.

“With strong structures in the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and in the Diaspora, BAT-GV has over three million registered membership, even as it yet to embarked on any mobilisation”.

He hinted that the group would officially kick-start her nationwide sensitisation and mobilisation this January.

Nwankodu explained that this is to ensure that Tinubu wins landslide after securing the APC Presidential ticket. (NAN)

Vanguard News Nigeria