Naajjii: What's Buhari doing here. Nyamiri you people like abroad like no tommorow from way back Before Buhari. Even if you have good job here you move abroad. Therefore it is not Buhari that made him run away.
Let me ignore this stupid statement , keep on enjoying the banditry, kidnapping your fellow brother (Buhari) caused.
Two women arrested for allegedly stealing baby in Ogun[/i]
Two women have been arrested by the police for allegedly stealing a baby boy in Ogun State.
DAILY POST learnt the two women were nabbed by men of the Ogun state Police Command on July 25.
It was gathered that one of the suspects, 53-year-old Chinyere Nwozu, was seen with the crying one week old baby at about 9 am of the said date.
As she could not breastfeed the crying baby as a mother, members of the public became suspicious and they immediately alerted the police at Sango Ota divisional headquarters.
“Upon the information, the DPO of Sango Ota, SP Dahiru Saleh, detailed his detectives to the scene where the woman was promptly arrested,” Ogun police spokesman, Abimbola Oyeyemi said on Saturday.
According to Oyeyemi, the arrested Nwozu had confessed during interrogation that “she is not the biological mother of the child; but that she bought the child somewhere in Agege area of Lagos state through one Ngozi Akaeme at the rate of 500,000 naira.”
Upon her confession, DAILY POST learnt that detectives went after the said Ngozi Akaeme and got her arrested.
Akaeme reportedly told the police that she was an accomplice to Chinyere Nwozu, adding that “she actually negotiated with the biological mother of the baby who agreed to sell the baby.”
Oyeyemi said efforts to make Akaeme accompany the cops to locate where the biological mother of the baby is, proved abortive.
He explained further that the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Bankole, has directed that the two suspects should be transferred to the State CIID for further investigation and possible prosecution.[/i]
Policeman’s son absconds with lady’s Benz, $700 Bitcoin
A Lagos-based 28-year-old man, Damilola Areje, has allegedly absconded with a 2019 Mercedes Benz GLE 43, worth N52 million, and $700 worth of Bitcoin belonging to a 32-year-old businesswoman, Nneka Chiemelu, who is into real estate and construction.
According to Miss Chiemelu, Damilola, an acquaintance whose father, Inspector Adegbola Areje is a policeman, allegedly stole her car from her apartment in Lekki Phase 1 and absconded with $700 worth of Bitcoin which was paid into his wallet by one of her clients on Friday, July 22, 2022, at about 04:05 pm.
PUNCH Metro, however, gathered that all four of Damilola’s phone lines had been switched off and his active Instagram handle deleted since the theft.
Narrating her ordeal amid tears, Chiemelu said, “Damilola requested that I help him with the sum of N20,000 that he needed some money to pay for flyers to promote his business, and I promised to give him the N20,000 on the condition that he takes up a site supervision job at my place of work upon completion of the work in order to assist him rather than just hand him the money.
“He was expected to resume at 9 am but he resumed at 2 pm and requested that I help pay for his Uber ride which I did through a bank transfer to the Uber driver’s account.
“An hour later, he asked if I could allow him to charge his phone in my car so I gave him my car keys to proceed, and he went into the car and pretended to be charging his phone.
“A few minutes later, a guest came into the service apartment that I manage, wanting to pay an outstanding fee and asked if I had a cryptocurrency account so that he could pay through that means, and I told him that I had none. So I asked Daniel whether he has the means to receive payment through Bitcoin, and he said he does and accepted to help receive the payment on my behalf. So my client made a payment of $700 into his Bitcoin wallet and he confirmed receipt right there in the presence of my client and myself.
“A few minutes later he asked to leave, a request which I declined, telling him that he could only leave after he has transferred the $700 paid into his Bitcoin account to me, but he lied that his service provider was poor, so he was waiting on the network. While we waited on the network I wanted to get food and he asked if he could come with me and I accepted, I then excused myself to quickly meet with some to inform them that I was stepping out for a few minutes, but by the time I got out, Damilola had gotten into my car and instead of honking at for the security officer to open the gate for him, he called on one of my staff members to open the gate for him, and he absconded with my Mercedes Benz and my $700 worth of Bitcoin.
“At first, it didn’t occur to me that my car had just been stolen, so I called him but not his numbers were not reachable but his WhatsApp was still active and displayed that he was online at the time. I texted him to come back and that I was very hungry and I needed to get food, but he ignored my chat until he went offline. About 20 minutes later when I didn’t hear from him, I decided to take an Uber to his residence, upon getting there, I was informed by the security that he had just packed up his things and left the premises. I tried calling his numbers again but he had switched them off and also deleted his social media handle.
“So I went to a nearby police station at Maroko where his biological father, who is a police officer works, to report the matter on that Friday. I also made a post on my Instagram handle asking the public to help me report him if found anywhere for stealing my car, I received different comments on the post from him, his mother and some other users claiming that I was a liar and that the car belongs to him, I responded to almost all the comments asking them to go ahead to the police station and give their own account on who owns the car, and I also told him that if it was true that the car belonged to him, he has no reason to hide, he should instead come out to make his statement to the police.
“On the July 27, I received a message from an international number on WhatsApp from an unidentified person whom I suspected to be Damilola, asking me to pay him N500,000 to help me with information of his whereabouts, but when I asked for his account number, he sent a Bitcoin wallet address instead.”
Narrating how she got her car, Chiemelu said, “I purchased my car from Unique Motors on July 7, 2021, with a deposit of N27 million through bank transfer, and I am expected to pay the car dealer a balance of N25 million later, and I have the receipt, although I was yet to register the car.
“Meanwhile, I was later advised to request for a transfer of the case to the Police Headquarters in Lagos to hasten the investigation process and I have done that.
“On Monday, July 25, the matter was transferred and till now after a whole week, I have not heard anything from the police concerning my car.
“However, on Tuesday, July 26, my contacts at the Vehicle Inspection Office tracked the registration of the car through its chassis number, and discovered that Damilola, in a bid to claim ownership of my car, had registered the car in his name on that same Tuesday, using my home address, and one of his telephone lines which is now switched off.”
Efforts to reach Damilola, Friday evening, proved futile as all his telephone lines were switched off.
When our correspondent reached out to his father, Inspector Areje, the policeman stated that he was not at liberty to comment on the issue considering the fact that he is an officer of the Nigeria Police Force and his son is involved in the matter.
However, the Lagos State Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, who spoke to our correspondent, confirmed that the case has been transferred to the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja, adding that the Police was yet to conclude investigation on the matter.
Hundeyin said,“It is true that the case has been transferred to the Police Headquarters at Ikeja due to its sophistry. However, investigation is ongoing, but there’s been no breakthrough yet.
“Meanwhile, we’ve written to the Motor Vehicle Administration Agency because they have details of every car bought in Nigeria. However, we learnt that Mr Damilola is Miss Chiemelu’s boyfriend, and it seems like there’s a tussle over ownership of the car.
“However, we’re still in search of Damilola and the car although the car doesn’t have a tracker and that’s not making things easy. However, we’re on top of the matter, and we’d make our findings known once investigation is concluded.”
It was an excitement galore as the housemates of the Big Brother Naija season 7 Level Up edition staged their first pool party in the reality TV show.
Remarkably fun, the pool party saw female housemates looking hot in their bikinis, hanging out with their male counterparts as they danced sensually in the pool.
In what could be described as a show of charm, Level 1 female housemates turned up rocking their shades, and their bikinis that got everyone talking.
The housemates came guns blazing for their Pool Party, serving abundant provocative dance moves, twerking, romantic advances and gyrations.
Bella jumped into the pool, showing off a few strokes, before Sheggz joined her in the show.
Diana pulled up a more chilled kind of vibe while staring at herself in the mirror as she danced in her white high-heel mules far from the Pool.
Chomzy, in her bright peach bikini, was quite the free spirit as she waltzed from Giddyfia to Hermes to other housemates, who made advances to chill with her.
The guys stage a gyration contest led by Adekunle, featuring Giddyfia, Hermes, Dotun, and HoH Eloswag.
See some of the videos from the first Big Brother Naija Season 7 Pool party.
The Level 1 housemates had a cool treat at the pool party, following Eloswag’s emergence as the week’s head of house.
Big Brother had earlier announced that whoever wins head of house would be exempted from possible eviction alongside his camp housemates.
It was no dull moment for Level 1 housemates at the pool party last night as their level 2 counterparts treated themselves to a game of truth or dare, which saw Beauty and Groovy kiss each other.
The housemates spiced up their party with dance, food and drinks till the party was over, while appreciating the Big Brother and raved about their experience at the pool party.
Viewers are anxiously looking forward to the Big Brother House night party on Saturday.
Presidency: Time to tell Nigerians truth – Wike on PDP over Atiku, Okowa
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has downplayed the possibility of dumping the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, due to the fallout of the party’s presidential primaries.
Wike said he would soon tell Nigerians the truth about the situation of PDP.
He spoke to journalists on Friday at the Port Harcourt International Airport in the Rivers State capital, shortly after he returned from a foreign trip.
“I have decided to be quiet because PDP is a party I love so much.
“I have moved on to conclude my social contract with the people of Rivers. However, it is time to let Nigerians know the truth.
“I am not a slave and will not be a slave. I am freeborn of the country,” he said.
Wike is aggrieved with the PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over his choice of Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate.
Atiku was believed to have ignored the recommendations of a committee he set up to select his running mate.
The committee led by Governor Samuel Ortom had picked Wike, who came second during the presidential primaries, to be Atiku’s running mate.
Chairman, Labour Party in Nasarawa State, Alexander Emmanuel, yesterday said plans to organize one million man march to declare total support for the presidential candidate of Peter Obi in Nasarawa State has been concluded.
Speaking to Journalists in Lafia Thursday, the party chairman said commercial activities would be suspended in Lafia and other cities in the state to sensitize, educate and enlighten the party supporters and other citizens of the state on the need to change the political narrative in Nasarawa
While urging supporters of the party and other Nigerians ready with positive ideas for better Nigeria to come out en mass on August 6th, 2022 for the planned one-million-man march for the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Emmanuel who appealed to residents of the state yet to register for their Permanent Voter Cards, to do so before the deadline on July 31st, 2022, noted that having their voters card was the only way to vote out bad governance, end insecurity, reduce poverty, impunity and hunger.
Brigade of Guards: How officers, soldiers were ambushed — Unknown soldier’s voice note
DHQ debunks voice note, kills 30 Boko Haram terrorists in Bwari forest
Assures Abuja residents of security of lives & property
A viral voice note allegedly from one of the soldiers in the Presidential Guards Brigade who were ambushed by terrorists has explained how some officers and men of the Brigade were killed by Boko Haram insurgents in the operation at Bwari/Kubwa road in Abuja.
But Defence Headquarters in a swift reaction yesterday, debunked the voice note, disclosing also that the military killed at least 30 of the terrorists that launched the attack.
The voice note explained: ”There’s one particular school of law which the terrorists wrote to that they were coming to attack. The moment the school received the letter they informed our battalion, which is the Guards Brigade.
”Instantly, we went there and started an all round defence deployment. We were now contemplating that these people who said that they were coming to attack the school may have plan B to attack another place, so we now looked for a nearest prominent target that they may come for as well, and that happens to be one Veritas University, very close to the law school, like3.2km away.
”We went there as well to create all round defence. We were there for over two weeks before this attack came up on Sunday. Normally in the night, we often observed some torchlight in the bush at that Veritas University, they say ‘Ah Ah, who are these people in this bush’.
”We asked those security men in that school, ‘is this how you people normally observe torchlight? They said no. So when it was dawn, we advanced into the bush. It was on Sunday; I went with them myself. Do you get it? I was there.
“When we got there, we saw where the terrorists smoked, killed goat, ate. We saw their tramadol, that was when we confirmed that these people are in this bush. We now re-enforced.
”We had some backup who brought APC, gun trucks, Artillery Team. We now advanced into the bush on Sunday, searching for them. We got to a point where is a body of water and some rock.
”The gun truck could not channel into that particular route, so we had to park them there. That was why we had casualties, to be sincere with you.
“We parked the AA, we parked the GPMG, we parked the gun trucks because we couldn’t advance with them. We went into the bush with our rifles alone and the Ak-47 we were all carrying.
”We didn’t even carry RPG, I am telling you the simple truth. We thought they (terrorists) might just be a pocket of enemy, that maybe they will not be more than 20, 30 or thereabout.
“So the moment we went into the bush, they had seen us from a very far distance, we didn’t see them. They now laid ambush, waiting for us to come and penetrate. They flanked us from left and right, so the moment we got to their own area of responsibility, AOR, my brother it’s a long story. They engaged us.
“We lost four soldiers in my unit; it was three units that went there, 177 and 102 from Keffi, including my unit, 7 guards’ battalion. They dislodged us because they were fully prepared. They used Mortar Shells, IED explosive devices, they shelled us but we still managed to kill 12 of them.
”They succeeded in killing one captain, one lieutenant and two soldiers in my unit. In another unit, we lost one soldier of 177 battalion Keffi, while 102 battalion lost one soldier as well.
“But at least, we engaged them to some extent, so that is the situation but from now, we have been dislodging them since that day through re-enforcement. In short, I don’t think any of them is in that bush again, they’ve all fled through this Kaduna route but we will follow them, we will bombard that place.
”We will go back to the place the gun truck could not penetrate. As I’m talking to you, I’m in National Hospital but we just bless God for everything. So that’s it.
“It is not that they have the mind to face soldiers, they knew we were outside, that is the reason they couldn’t come outside. Had it been there were no soldiers in that law school, the terrorists would have scattered that school but they waited because they knew soldiers were outside and we remained there like it was our barrack.
”We manned the road leading to the school with 10 soldiers everyday, armed with rifles and gun truck. That is how we’ve been doing it till the attack. If you hear anything other than what I am explaining to you now is a lie
”Everybody is just gathering information to say many things on social media that are not real. As I’m talking to you now, I’m in National Hospital and they are communicating with me because I’m with some soldiers here as well that are injured. You guys should just be helping us in prayers. May God help us all.”
Dismissing the voice note at a briefing in Abuja yesterday, Defence headquarters said the person in the viral voice note was an unknown soldier without identity and should be ignored.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Bernard Onyeuko, who debunked the voice note, also said the action of the military authorities in going after the terrorists in Bwari after receiving intelligence on their plans, showed that issues of tackling security challenges were being taken seriously.
“You now know that the military is not sleeping. The soldiers were in that bush for about two weeks. They were not going for a tea party. It is because they were trying to seek and find these terrorists that this incident happened,” he said.
Onyeuko said the troops of 7 Guards Battalion and 176 Battalion conducted the operation in junction with the air component of Operation Whirl Punch, adding that the clearance patrol around Bwari general area lasted between July 24 and 26, 2022.
He added that no fewer than 30 of the terrorists were killed in a combined efforts of the Army and Nigerian Airfoce.
“Ground troops also recovered six motorcycles, two AK47 rifles, 1 fully loaded LMG magazine, among others during mob up”.
He assured members of the public, especially residents of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, and its environs not to panic over the recent security breaches witnessed in the country, saying the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies were tackling the security challenges, with a view to ending insurgency activities in the affected areas.
Major General Onyeuko said: “The hierarchy of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies wish to reassure Nigerians of its commitment and pact with all Nigerians.
“People should go about their normal businesses as their safety is guaranteed. The support and cooperation of all Nigerians is hereby solicited as security is everybody’s business”.
‘Okija priest’, protesters mock Ngige at NLC protest
Some protesters were seen carrying a banner in mockery of the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, on Wednesday in Abuja at the ongoing protest organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress in solidarity with the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
An official of the ASUU who spoke to our correspondent said they were carrying the banner as a form of protest against the Labour Minister over his inability to resolve the issues between the federal government and ASUU, and for his last Wednesday’s statement concerning the ongoing protest.
He said, “We’re mocking Dr Chris Ngige with this banner because he was against the protest despite not being able to convince the Federal Government for over five months to resolve the issues with ASUU, and also for speaking against the protest last week.”
The NLC had threatened to go on a two-day protest on July 26 and 27 in solidarity with the strike by the ASUU.
The PUNCH had earlier reported that Ngige said he would be surprised if the NLC goes ahead with the planned protest.
ASUU had been on strike since February 14, with parties involved running into gridlock over issues bordering on funding universities, as well as on salaries and allowances of lecturers.
But speaking with journalists last Wednesday, Ngige said it was against international labour practice for the congress to embark on such a protest.
The minister said the NLC has representatives in the negotiation with ASUU, adding that the congress is privy to all discussions with the university lecturers’ union.
He said, “It is a very incongruous situation I must tell you. Why? NLC is on the table of the discussion. They are there. I invited them as the head of the federation to which ASUU belongs, to which SSANU belongs, to which NAAT belongs.
“I invited them. And so, they are on the table as their senior partner. That’s one. Two, we have a National Labour Advisory Council inaugurated in January 2021. It is an ILO instrument, an ILO architecture for labour unions, governments, and the private sector to come together at any given time.
“So, we’ve just finished our meeting in March, and this issue was tabled before them. And the NLC is in NLAC, the National Labour Advisory Council, and much more importantly, the head of NLC, Nigeria, has an affiliate of workers federation, world over called International Trade Union Congress.
“So, I will be surprised if he’s going ahead with his NEC to do a demonstration, knowing fully well that that is not permissible in international labour parlance.”
Insecurity: How Lawan averted impeachment move against Buhari
SENATORS, yesterday, put the President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, in tight corner, following his refusal to allow open discussion on the recurring cases of insecurity with massive kidnapping, killings and wanton destruction of property by terrorists across the country.
Vanguard gathered that at the commencement of plenary, senators questioned why the issue of insecurity was not in the Order Paper.
With the President of the Senate not ready to recognise any point of order on the matter, senators became furious and told Lawan that no issue would be tabled for discussion at the hallowed chamber outside insecurity.
Senators were not happy when they resumed plenary over the silence on terrorists’ threat to go after President Muhammadu Buhari; Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai; and senators.
Sources told Vanguard that with pressure mounted on Lawan that the matter must be discussed, he became restless as he was said to have asked the senators to put aside sentiments in order not to overheat the polity.
Vanguard gathered that the senators raised the alarm with the death of a captain and two soldiers, killed by terrorists on Sunday night in Bwari area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT); closure of Federal Government Colleges; attack on the convoy of President Buhari; and attack on Kuje Prison, among other atrocities, by the terrorists across the country.
Recall that terrorists who attacked and abducted train passengers on transit from Abuja to Kaduna on March 28, 2022, had in their latest video that had gone viral, identified President Buhari, El-Rufai and senators as their next targets.
The same video showed the terrorists flogging the captives in their den.
Surprisingly, senators directly on the death list of the terrorists did not deem it necessary to mention or deliberate on the issue, even behind closed doors in an executive session.
Impeachment threat
Not happy with the development, sources told Vanguard that senators threatened Lawan that they would initiate impeachment move against President Buhari, thereby forcing him to agree that the issue of insecurity be discussed in the open today at plenary and not at a closed session.
A source told Vanguard: “We were not happy that the issue of insecurity did not come up today (yesterday) for discussion and with this, we shouted out to the President of the Senate that it must be discussed and when he refused, we threatened that we will begin impeachment move against President Buhari because the country is not safe.
”This forced Lawan to succumb, assuring that the matter will come up for discussion tomorrow (today) in the open and not at closed door session.”
Proliferation of arms bill
Meanwhile, the Senate, yesterday, passed a bill to establish the National Commission for the Coordination and Control of the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons.
The passage of the National Commission Against the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (Establishment) Bill, 2022, followed the consideration of a report by the Committee on National Security and Intelligence.
The bill is a consolidation of three bills – two private-member bills and one from the Executive arm of government against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country.
They are: The Nigerian National Commission against the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (Establishment) Bill, 2020(SB. 283); The Nigerian National Commission against the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 513); and The National Centre for the Coordination and Control of the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 794).
Ukraine has slammed Russia over its visit to Africa.
Ukraine claimed the Russian foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov’s trip to Africa is “the quintessence of sadism”
“You arrange an artificial hunger and then come to cheer people up,” Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the Ukrainian President’s chief of staff, tweeted on Monday.
Podolyak further lambasted the government of Russia, accusing it of signing the grain deal with one hand and attacking Odessa seaport with the other.
“Whether Moscow wants or not, the grain will get to the world,” Podolyak declares.
According to Podolyak, Russia must stop lying and start keeping the details of the agreement signed in Istanbul, Turkey.
Femi Falana joins NLC protests, as Deji Adeyanju alleges kidnap of 13 soldiers in Abuja
Human Rights Lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has joined the ongoing protests rocking the country. Falana was spotted carrying placards along with other protesters in Lagos.
The outspoken lawyer has joined many protests in the country, defending the interests of Nigerians.
Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, had on Sunday promised to embark on a two-day nationwide protest in solidarity with the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, and other affiliate unions over the lingering industrial action in public universities in Nigeria.
The national president, Comrade Ayuba Wabba in a statement told fellow workers that the national days of protest was in support of unions in Nigeria’s public universities who are fighting for quality education.
In another development, the convener of Concerned Nigerians, Deji Adeyanju, Tuesday morning alleged that terrorists kidnapped a Nigerian captain and thirteen (13) soldiers in Abuja.
Recall that the troops of Guards Brigade, Nigerian Army on Monday repelled a terrorists Ambush in Abuja while on patrol around the Bwari -Kubwa road.
Spokesperson of the Guards, Captain Godfrey Anebi Abakpa noted that the ambush which happened within the general area of Bwari, shows that the terrorist’s were actually within the location and possibly preparing to carry out their plans to attack the Nigerian law school in Bwari as earlier reported.”
Intelligence sources said, “Troops on routine patrol along Kubwa – Bwari were ambushed by suspected terrorists. Three soldiers were injured during the attack. The soldiers have been evacuated for medical attention.
“Yes, they (troops) were attacked and the attack was successfully repelled. We had a few wounded in action who have been taken to the hospital and are receiving treatments.
“At the moment our troops are still combing the general area to get rid of the criminals that have been threatening the general area. It is advised that residents go about their lawful businesses and keep cooperating with us by giving us timely information to enable us win the fight against the criminals”.
But reacting to the incident Deji via his facebook handle opined: “Dear Nigerians,
“Are you aware that terrorists abducted a Captain & 13 soldiers while responding to a distress call in an Abuja community yesterday?”
I’m more qualified than the APC candidate — PETER OBI
It was a chance meeting but it was worth the opportunity. Dr. Peter Gregory Onwubuasi Obi, simply known as Peter Obi, is the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP.
You cannot begin to discuss Obi in terms of education without becoming a bore.
Is it University of Nsukka; Lagos Business School; Harvard Business School, Boston, USA; London School of Economics; Columbia Business School, New York, U.S.A; Institute for Management Development, Switzerland; Kellogg Graduate School of Management, U.S.A; Oxford University, Said Business School; Cambridge University, George Business School? Where do you start from?
Obi pontificates a lot and it sometimes verges on effusive sanctimony about a sense of knowledge. Some Nigerians are not comfortable with that but he moves.
However, he can be forgiven, having served on the Federal Government or National Economic Council Committee on Minimum Wage; Negotiation with Labour on Subsidy; Committee on Mass Transit; Committee on Natural Resource; Committee on Power Sector Reform; Committee on Sharing of MDGs Funds; Committee on Accurate Data on Nigeria’s Oil Import and Export; Agricultural Transformation Implementation Council; Sub-Committee on Needs Analysis of Public Universities in Nigeria: or Review Committee on the Power Sector. His participation in those committees suggests that he would be versed in the issues. But this is now a presidential contest which is not just about being cerebral.
In this interview, Obi speaks about the coalition to take back Nigeria. He discusses a number of issues in the little time we had.
Excerpts:
You have consistently maintained that education is the bedrock of development. Now, let’s look at this ASUU issue. The President reportedly gave his education Minister a two week ultimatum to resolve the issue. What’s your take?
What we have on our hands is a situation that requires presidential intervention. The minister that has been given an ultimatum has not just been appointed to oversee the education sector. It is not that he has just been drafted to do the job. This is a job that has not been done to deliver on an outcome that is desirable, so, giving an ultimatum to your minister is like saying, continue to talk as they’ve been doing?
President Buhari is the one on whose desk the buck stops. He should sit with ASUU and engage and resolve this matter. If he can sit with party leaders over presidential primaries and get a result, he should sit with ASUU and ensure that this strike comes to an end.
Then, our political leaders, too, should please take this matter very seriously.
A situation where we have local government councillors and chairmen and assembly members earning much more than professors is not ideal. Education is key. The President should take charge. The same things goes for the looming food crisis. Our President should spend the remaining nine or ten months to take personal charge.
NLC has threatened to embark on a solidarity strike this week?
The President should pay serious attention, personally, to the ASUU strike. The most important investment a nation can give to its citizens is education.
And for Nigeria, it is even more critical because today, Nigeria is one of the worst, globally, in terms of human capital. We are 152 over 158 and I’ve always said it that when we talk about the infrastrucrure that is going to drive development, the first infrastructure you need is the human infrastrucure. You cannot talk about physical infrastructure unless you’ve dealt with human infrastructure and education is key.
Today, we borrow money and borrow labour from China. What that shows is that you’ve not built your human infrastructure – and it’s like you’re not building your future. So, the President needs to take control immediately. And the issue of health, education and pulling people out of poverty are the most critical agenda for development and he should take control of it forthwith.
But, recently, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, reportedly said the President has given him the mandate to wade into the crisis of ASUU?
I wonder what that means. Our children have not been in school for months now. It also happened in 2020. The global average for tertiary institution intake is about 38% . In the Western world it is 50%. Nigeria’s is 9% – we are not even a quarter of the global average. Our team has tried to engage and study, even if for knowledge sake, the issues around ASUU, because you need to explore and study what the issues are and we have our own ideas of how we can be able to invest and do more about education at the basic level and how we can support the tertiary level to ensure that we have something better. Our team cannot imagine being on the seat for three months and we will have the issue of that magnitude and I wont engage personally. Even as a governor, we had a similar issue and I had to personally engage ASUU which is why we resolved it in Anambra State and our state university is on.
One of the major issues in the crisis has to do with funding.
Funding, yes, but not funding alone.
The relationship between both parties is very weak. If you have an agreement with somebody, even if it cannot be achieved 100%, 100% effort is still required. So, trust is important. Usually, governments don’t achieve everything globally; but you can see 100% effort being put in. You can see intention, commitment to fulfill that agreement. That is what has been lacking and you see us going into all sorts of agreements, policy formulation without regard to implementation. If people see the effort, they will shift ground. But when they do not see hope, they become rigid. That’s where we are now.
What gives you the confidence that you, too, cannot become a victim of ASUU crisis like Buhari? Because, when you hear the federal government’s side of the story, it evokes sympathy for the FG?
Look, this was an agreement signed in 2009, and you’ve not been paying; everybody will be adamant on full release. It’s like somebody you’ve starved of food for long and it is your duty to provide food. Now, you say you want to provide the food and you’re bringing what we call ‘swallow’ without soup and saying, be thankful first. Things don’t work that way.
Once you sign an agreement, there must be an effort and intention to redeem the agreement. There must be engagement in a trust-like manner.
My former Head of Service wrote an article, ‘Stinginess as a development strategy’. When I started cutting some allowances and waste, many civil servants were not happy; but once they saw that their leave bonuses, pensions and gratuity were being paid with the savings, the people began to develop trust and that was how we did it.
Lets get real, with the cash crunch and the Covid-19 challenges which adversely affected everything, can government afford what ASUU is asking for?
It is all about intention. Government can afford it because, of course, if we can find money for subsidy – which I think is fraudulent because we must know how much fuel we consume. You cannot find money to pay the corruption-laden subsidy and say you cannot afford to pay for health, education and pulling people out of poverty. These are more critical issues. You cannot say you can’t find money for security but you can find money for subsidy. Are you saying that fuel subsidy is more important than educating the people, making them healthy and securing their lives? There must be something wrong somewhere. Let’s do what is proper.
The running mate to the APC presidential candidate said you do not have what it takes to govern Nigeria, that may be you can only be president of Igbo nation?
I’ve heard all sorts of things from people and some are statements that should not be made by people who are in leadership position. One of the presidential candidates once said a section of the country will not vote for me and now another one. Such statements, for me, debases the polity and questions the unity and the love we should have for each other.
INEC has stated the qualifications for contesting the elections which I’m sure I’ve fulfilled and I do not know the special qualification his principal, the APC candidate, possesses that I do not possess and I think I’m more qualified than his principal for that office. Is it age qualification? Is it education? Is it in terms of being an etrepreneur? I believe that anybody can be more qualified than me. But I’m qualified. His principal is a two-term governor, I am a two-term governor too. I’ve managed public resources comfortably and effectively to the best of my knowledge. I’m not saying other people didn’t do well. I’m not saying others are not qualified. But I’m saying that if we look at what we have been able to do in the past, I’m very very qualified to be the president of the country. Unless there is another qualification unknown to law and the public. Such statements are statements that have made us bring people who are not competent and people who are not qualified to lead us and that is why we are where we are today.
I’ve heard people say ‘Obi can make a good vice president to be in charge of the economy.’ But Nigeria’s problem is the economy. So, a player you know is very good is the one you want to put on the bench, then you are not ready to solve the problem of the country. If you solve the problem of the economy, insecurity will be reduced in a way. Once the economy is good you can unite the country because once people are productive and are doing well, they will not care about tribalism or religion. And I have said my job is to remove the country from consumption to production.
People have thrown darts at you because you’re seeking the presidency. But some people also wonder, what’s really the attraction for this office? Inflation is about 18.9%, there is terrorism, disunity, subsidy issue, ASUU, debt burden. So, what is it?
For me, there is no attraction but I want to serve. We want to build a coalition to save the nation and take back and save the country. If we don’t, we will regret it. I’m a Nigerian. I no longer have the resident permits of other countries and I gave it up once I became a governor. I don’t have any other country I can call my country other than Nigeria so we are building a solid coalition of the willing to take Nigeria back and rebuild it into a workable, sustainable and prosperous country.
We are building a coalition of the willing made up of the youths whose future is being mortgaged. The youths are very resourceful, innovative and creative and we have vast land in the north, that land is our crude oil. The vast land of the North is a mineral resource that can generate trillions for this country and our strategy to activate it is in place.
There is a difference between excitement of the youths and being able to transform this movement into a voting movement. Some even say there are not enough important people and persons of significance coming out to identify with you and that all these are just social media stunts?
We’ve said it before, those people that have been neglected, the 100 million people below poverty line, the millions of youths whose creativity and resourcefulness are being stiffled by the system, they will be our structure and they are much more serious about this than people think. The pensioners who are being deprived are my structure. By February next year, those youths will come out in their millions to vote.
Yes, we might not be parading ‘notable names’. They are good and important but we are working with ‘notable ones’ too and those who you consider unknown. We have done it before but we will do it again. Like you said, someone said I should be president of a particular area. We don’t want people to vote for me because of religion or tribe but vote for me because you believe in my competence.
Look, people talk about same faith this or that. Everybody must be respected and everybody must be appreciated. Above all, assess our team based on what we represent and what we are bringing to the table.
On subsidy, how would you deal with it?
The issue of removal or none removal is about trust.
We will not spend more money on any subsidy, be it power, energy or petrol, than we will spend in education or security, health or pulling people out of poverty.
People think, because people are poor, you have to subsidise their power, housing, energy and everything, no. The same people you are talking about are struggling to go and live in UK, USA, Canada and other Western countries where the subsidy we are hooked on in Nigeria is not like that over there. What that tells you is that what we should be doing is to create prosperity so that our people can earn good money and pay for those things you are wasting money on to subsidise. What you pay on power or fuel or rent in Nigeria is far less than what people pay in the UK. So, the question is, why do people want to go to the UK? Or Canada? It is because they will find a job that would earn them good money and they will pay for it because these are organised societies where prosperity for all is the basic thing and not subsidy as we do it here. So, people do not want you to subsidise their lives but they want prosperity to enable them pay their bills. That is the system we are going to create so that there can be prosperity for all and not prosperity for just a few. People are going abroad where they pay more for power, energy and education. What we should be doing is to create prosperity so that our people can earn good money and pay for those things instead of the wasteful subsidy.
Realistically, in the first two years, how would you deal with some of these our thorny issues, like subsidy, ASUU…
We will deal with those issues. This is how we will deal with them: For example, we are destroying modular refineries, why? Yes, it is not going to be easy. But the most important thing is that you must build trust with the people. The reason why things do not work here is because people have lost trust so, you must build trust gradually and you can say, we will not pay this amount in subsidy, but we will use this cut to solve part of ASUU problem for instance, and people can see you do those things. In Egypt, for instance, they are paying subsidy on some things, but there is a level. Some others are doing the same but not the way we are doing it here where other things are suffering.
But talking about trust, Nigerians were caused to trust somebody in 2014/2015?
That is the reason why Nigerians have to hold all the candidates down to what they have said they will do. We should use our mouths to tell Nigerians what we want to do so that we will not turn round and claim that it is the party that said so and not me. You ask a president about a failed promise and he tells you it is not him, it is the party. Now, we need people to come and tell us what they want to do so we can capture it.
Trust is important because when you come in, you must know what you want to do and that is why we are saying we cannot be spending so much money on subsidy while education and security and health are suffering. The people will see with their eyes that when we remove this sum from this area, this is what we will use it for and this is what the impact will be. It is about engaging and building trust between you and the people.
If we invest in education, we will build the human capital that will drive development. If we invest in health, we will have a healthy populace. If we invest in security, there will be more investments in the country and many more investors will come.
The issue of terrorism goes beyond pontificating and some say you’ve not drawn out any concrete plan to tackle insurgency?
Security strategies are not meant to be revealed just like that but our plan will work. If our soldiers have been fighting other peoples wars and they have been succeeding and are commended for their efforts, why do you think they cannot succeed on their own turf? We will deal with it because our people have what it takes. Again, if you do not secure your country, investors won’t come so, it is something that we are going to deal with decisively. Even agriculture is on the decline and it is on account of this insurgency. We recognise the fact that we cannot continue like this.
Triumph For Biafra As UN Tells Nigeria To Unconditionally Release, Compensate Nnamdi Kanu
The United Nations, UN Human Rights Council Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, has indicted both Nigeria and Kenya Governments for the arrest and extraordinary rendition, torture and continued detention of the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, without due process.
UN therefore, asked Nigerian Government to, “immediate release Kanu unconditionally” and pay him adequate compensations for the arbitrary violation of his fundamental human rights.
It also recommended that Government officials responsible for the torture meted to the IPOB Leader be investigated and punished.
The UN body further directed Nigeria to report back within six months of the transmission of its opinions on Kanu’s matter, steps taken to comply with all the recommendations thereof.
It referred the case of Kanu’s torture to Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment for further consideration
The UN Working Group also threatened to take further action to ensure the recommendations are complied with, noting that both Nigeria and Kenya are signatories to the Convention and should comply.
In accordance with its methods of work, the Working Group, on December 30, 2021, transmitted to the Nigeria and Kenya Governments, a communication concerning Mr. Nwannekaenyi Nnamdi Kenny Okwu-Kanu.
According to the report, Nigeria replied to the communication on 25 January 2022 while the Government of Kenya did not reply.
Both countries are parties to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The Working Group said in the report that Kanu was a victim of State persecution as Nigeria failed to provide convincing explanations with proof that he is guilty of treason and other criminal allegations levelled against him.
“Noting the failure of the Government to explain what actions of Mr. Kanu amounted to such criminal acts and how, and observing the lack of any evidence that any of his actions may in fact amount to such crimes, the Working Group concludes that Mr. Kanu is in fact being persecuted for the peaceful exercise of his rights, most notably his freedom of opinion and expression.
” In fact, the Government has chosen not to provide any explanation for the arrest, detention and subsequent proceedings against Mr. Kanu. In these circumstances, the Working Group concludes that Mr. Kanu’s detention is thus arbitrary under category II”, UN Working Group said.
The 16-page dossier read in part: “In the present case, Mr. Kanu was not furnished with an arrest warrant by Nigerian authorities nor was he promptly informed of the grounds for his arrest in Nigeria. Consequently, the Working Group finds that Mr. Kanu’s continued deprivation of liberty violates his rights under articles 3 and 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 9 of the Covenant, and principles 2, 4, and 10 of the Body of Principles and constitutes arbitrary detention under category I.”
“Therefore, detention pending trial must be based on an individualised determination that it is reasonable and necessary for such purposes as to prevent flight, interference with evidence or the recurrence of crime. Such determination was not carried out in the present case, in violation of Mr. Kanu’s rights under article 9 (3) of the Covenant.
“Further, in accordance with article 9 (3) of the Covenant, an arrested person is to be brought before a judge within 48 hours.27 This was not satisfied in the case of Mr. Kanu and the Working Group therefore finds a violation of articles 3 and 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 9 (3) of the Covenant and principles 11, 37 and 38 of the Body of Principles.
“This right, which is in fact a peremptory norm of international law, applies to all forms of deprivation of liberty, 29 to “all situations of deprivation of liberty, including not only to detention for purposes of criminal proceedings but also to situations of detention under administrative and other fields of law, including military detention, security detention, detention under counter-terrorism measures”.
“Moreover, it also applies “irrespective of the place of detention or the legal terminology used in the legislation. Any form of deprivation of liberty on any ground must be subject to effective oversight and control by the judiciary. This was also denied to Mr. Kanu, thus, violating his right under article 9 (4) of the Covenant.
“Finally, turning to Mr. Kanu’s pre-trial detention in Nigeria, the Working Group recalls that according to international human rights law, in particular article 9 (3) of the Covenant, any person detained while awaiting trial is entitled to trial within a reasonable time, or otherwise shall be released. Article 14 (3) (c) of the Covenant also guarantees the right of anyone charged with a criminal offence to be tried without undue delay. In the absence of a substantive response from the Government of Nigeria, the Working Group finds no legitimate grounds for the delays in the trials against Mr. Kanu.
“Consequently, the Working Group finds that the Government of Nigeria failed to establish a legal basis for the detention of Mr. Kanu. His detention is thus arbitrary under category I.”
The UN Working Group said that both the Nigerian and Kenyan Governments should take responsibility for Kanu’s rights violations.
“The Working Group wishes once again to underscore the collusion between the Governments of Kenya and Nigeria in the rendition of Mr. Kanu and reiterates that both Governments bear joint responsibility for any violations of Mr. Kanu’s rights in Kenya and Nigeria.
“The Working Group has already established in its discussion of the detention of Mr. Kanu in Kenya that he was arrested and detained due to the peaceful exercise of his rights (see paras 52-54 above). The Working Group notes that the source has argued the same in relation to Mr. Kanu’s arrest, detention and trial proceedings in Nigeria. Notably, the Government of Nigeria has chosen not to address the substance of these allegations.
“The Working Group notes that it is not contested that Mr. Kanu is accused of the crime of conspiracy to commit a treasonable felony through an agreement with others to be broadcast from London, in view of the establishment of a Biafran sovereignty. The source notes that, while treason consists of “levying war” against Nigeria under Nigerian law, the Federal Government of Nigeria does not allege any action implicating Mr. Kanu in the contemplation, planning, or incitement of war against Nigeria. The source argues that Mr. Kanu was in fact advocating for a peaceful referendum for the establishment of a Biafran sovereignty, in conformity with international and other relevant law.
“Similarly, in Resolution 12/16, the Human Rights Council called on States to refrain from imposing restrictions which are not consistent with article 19 (3), including on the discussion of government policies and political debate; reporting on human rights; engaging in peaceful demonstrations or political activities, including for peace or democracy; and expression of opinion and dissent, religion or belief.”
“As the Working Group has stated in principle 9 and guideline 8 of its Basic Principles, persons deprived of their liberty have the right to legal assistance by counsel of their choice, at any time during their detention, including immediately after the moment of apprehension, and must be promptly informed of this right upon apprehension. Access to legal counsel should not be unlawfully or unreasonably restricted.
“Article 14 (3) (b) of the Covenant entitles defendants to adequate time and facilities for the preparation of their defence and to communicate with counsel of their own choosing. Defendants must have access to documents and other evidence, including “all materials that the prosecution plans to offer in court against the accused or that could assist the defence.
“Recalling general comment No. 32, a detainee has the right to have “prompt access” to legal counsel, meaning that a lawyer must be able to have private communications and meetings with the detainee and be able to attend all the investigations without interference or restrictions. A detainee also ought to have access to “effective counsel.”
“All of this was denied to Mr. Kanu. In the Working Group’s view, by failing to allow Mr. Kanu to be represented by lawyers of his choice, including an international counsel, the Government denied Mr. Kanu’s right to legal assistance at all times, which is inherent in the right to liberty and security of the person as well as the right to a fair and public hearing by a competent, independent and impartial tribunal established by law, in accordance with articles 3, 9, 10 and 11 (1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 14 of the Covenant, articles 37 (b) and (d) and 40 (2) (b) (ii) and principles 15, 17 and 18 of the Body of Principles and principles 1, 5, 7, 8, 21 and 22 of the Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers.
“The Working Group is also disturbed by the source’s report of the treatment of Mr. Kanus’s lawyers and recalls its jurisprudence highlighting that such treatment of lawyers is entirely unacceptable and violates articles 10 and 11 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as article 14 (3) (b) of the Covenant.41 It is the legal and positive duty of the State to protect everyone on its territory or under its jurisdiction against any human rights violation and to provide remedy whenever a violation still occurs.
“The Working Group also considers that Mr. Kanu’s presumption of innocence was violated as the Department surrounded the court complex with an array of armed forces, creating an atmosphere of intimidation and danger (see para. 9), a submission which the Government has chosen not to contest. The Working Group recalls that defendants should not be presented to the court in a manner indicating that they may be dangerous criminals, as this also undermines the presumption of innocence.The Working Group finds a breach of article 14 (2) of the Covenant.
“Further, according to the source and uncontested by the Government, following his rendition to Nigeria, Mr. Kanu was detained in solitary confinement within the headquarters of the Department in Abuja, Nigeria. He is reportedly currently still held in a very small cell where he is exposed to daily psychological and mental torture without access to other inmates or any other person except for the Department officers. Mr. Kanu is also allegedly denied access to reading or writing materials and has been refused access to professional medical care despite a serious heart ailment.
“The source reports that Mr. Kanu’s life is in jeopardy and that he suffers from a medical condition occasioned by gradual depletion of potassium in his system, which has defied any medical solution given to him within the Department facilities.
The UN Working Group said Nigeria also failed to disprove that Kanu was a victim of political persecution.
“Mr. Kanu is an activist and the leader of the organisation Indigenous People of Biafra, which he founded in 2012. The source alleges that the Government of Nigeria is targeting Mr. Kanu due to his political expression, in particular, due to his membership in a group politically opposed to the Nigerian Government on the question of Biafra, his widely published criticism of the Government, and his work with and advocacy for the Indigenous People of Biafra. The Government has chosen not to address these allegations.
“The Working Group finds that Mr. Kanu has indeed been targeted by the Government as a human rights defender on account of his freedom of opinion and expression as well as his position regarding the sovereignty of Biafra. As Mr. Kanu has been targeted on account of his activism in galvanising momentum for a referendum on the sovereignty of Biafra, the Working Group considers that his detention violates articles 2 and 7 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and articles 2 (1) and 26 of the Covenant, and is arbitrary under category V.
Concluding remarks: “The Working Group wishes to record its very serious concern for the well-being of Mr. Kanu, who, according to the source and uncontested by the Government of Nigeria, remains in solitary confinement since his arbitrary detention in Nigeria on 29 June 2021. He has been denied medical treatment and medication for his heart condition. The Working Group recalls that prolonged solitary confinement in excess of 15 consecutive days is prohibited under rules 43(1)(b) and 44 of the Mandela Rules.
“The Working Group is also obliged to remind the Government of Nigeria that in accordance with article 10 of the Covenant, all persons deprived of their liberty must be treated with humanity and with respect to the inherent dignity of the human person and that denial of medical assistance constitutes a violation of the Nelson Mandela Rules, rules 24, 25, 27 and 30 in particular.
” According to the source, throughout Mr. Kanu’s detention in Kenya and transfer to Nigeria, no family members knew about his location or could access him, and Mr. Kanu was not permitted to contact his family during this detention. These allegations have not been contested by either Governments. The Working Group stresses that, under international human rights law, all detained and imprisoned individuals have the right to communicate and be visited by their families.
“The right to receive visits applies to all detainees, “regardless of the offence of which they are suspected or accused.” Under Principle 19 of the Body of Principles, this right could be subject only to conditions and restrictions that are appropriate to a legitimate aim. Neither Governments have argued that the restrictions placed on Mr. Kanu’s contact with his family conformed with this requirement. As a result, the Working Group finds that the restrictions placed on Mr. Kanu’s contact with his family violated his right to contact with the outside world under rules 43 (3) and 58 (1) of the Nelson Mandela Rules and principles 15 and 19 of the Body of Principles.
“Noting the treatment to which Mr. Kanu has been subjected at the hands of both Kenyan and Nigerian authorities as well as his continued solitary confinement, the Working Group refers this case to the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment for further consideration.
“The Working Group also wishes to reemphasize its very serious concern over the apparent collusion between the Governments of Kenya and Nigeria in this case and reiterates its findings that both Governments are jointly responsible for the violations of Mr. Kanu’s rights in both jurisdictions. The present Opinion concerns solely the treatment and rights of Mr. Kanu and is sposition
“In the light of the foregoing, the Working Group renders the following opinion: In relation to Kenya and Nigeria.
The deprivation of liberty of Nwannekaenyi Nnamdi Kenny Okwu-Kanu, being in contravention of articles 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and articles 2, 9, 13, 14, 16, 19 and 26 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, is arbitrary and falls within Categories I, II, III and V.
“The Working Group requests the Governments of Kenya and Nigeria to take the steps necessary to remedy the situation of Mr. Kanu without delay and bring it into conformity with the relevant international norms, including those set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
” The Working Group considers that, taking into account all the circumstances of the case, the appropriate remedy would be for the Government of Nigeria to release Mr. Kanu immediately and for both Governments to accord him an enforceable right to compensation and other reparations, in accordance with international law.
” In the current context of the global coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and the threat that it poses in places of detention, the Working Group calls upon the Government of Nigeria to take urgent action to ensure the immediate unconditional release of Mr. Kanu.
” The Working Group urges the two Governments to ensure a full and independent investigation of the circumstances surrounding the arbitrary deprivation of liberty of Mr. Kanu and to take appropriate measures against those responsible for the violation of hisrights.
” In accordance with paragraph 33 (a) of its methods of work, the Working Group refers the present case to the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, for appropriate action.
“The Working Group requests the Governments to disseminate the present opinion through all available means and as widely as possible.
Follow-up procedure:
“The Government is invited to inform the Working Group of any difficulties it may have encountered in implementing the recommendations made in the present opinion and whether further technical assistance is required, for example through a visit by the Working Group.
“The Working Group requests the source and the Government to provide the abovementioned information within six months of the date of transmission of the present opinion.
“However, the Working Group reserves the right to take its own action in follow-up to the opinion if new concerns in relation to the case are brought to its attention. Such action would enable the Working Group to inform the Human Rights Council of progress made in implementing its recommendations, as well as any failure to take action.
” The Working Group recalls that the Human Rights Council has encouraged all States to cooperate with the Working Group and has requested them to take account of its views and, where necessary, to take appropriate steps to remedy the situation of persons arbitrarily deprived of their liberty, and to inform the Working Group of the steps they have taken”
Victory for freedom fighters – Kanu’s family
Meanwhile, Kanu’s family has expressed delight over the UN recommendations, describing the report as victory for freedom fighters.
Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, who conveyed the position of the family in an exclusive interview with Vanguard, said that Nigeria must comply with the UN recommendations.
“In as much as they are lawless, they must obey. After now they must still face the music because Internationally they must be held accountable.”
The Ukrainian government has warned Russia against provocations.
This is as the two countries signed a deal with the United Nations and Turkey on Friday to facilitate the export of grain.
The deal signed in Istanbul and mediated by Turkey and the UN would allow 5 million tonnes of grain exports per month from three Ukrainian ports, a senior UN official told CNN.
Ships carrying grains will now be able to navigate through a safe corridor in the Black Sea and then pass through the Bosphorus to reach global markets.
The vessels will be monitored by a Joint Coordination Centre (JCC), which will be established immediately in Istanbul and include representatives from Ukraine, Russia, Turkey and the UN.
Among other things, vessels would be inspected before they arrive in Ukraine by Russian, Ukrainian, Turkish and UN officials to ensure they are not carrying weapons.
Issuing the warning, the adviser to the Ukrainian President’s Chief of Staff, Mykhailo Podolyak, tweeted on Friday, “No transport-escort by Russian ships and no presence of Russian representatives in our ports.
“In case of provocations, an immediate military response.”
Podolyak also added that his country was not signing an agreement with Russia, but with Turkey and the UN.
He also said inspections of ships would be carried out in Ukrainian waters by joint groups, if necessary.
Crime › Re: Alika Ogorchukwu Killed In Italy - Nigerian Embassy Reacts by IMPACT05(m): 5:20am On Jul 31, 2022
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, keep on enjoying the banditry, kidnapping your fellow brother (Buhari) caused.
gudnite