₦airaland Forum

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide (OYC) has said it will honour President Muhammadu Buhari for his refusal to vie for a third term as President.

OYC also called on Igbos and Nigerians to continue to support Buhari's administration, stressing that Mr President had shown uncommon courage to declare openly that he won't Seek third term in office which is the Hallmark of selflessness and patriotism of an African Leader.

In a statement signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, President General of OYC and the Secretary General, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, Ohanaeze Ndigbo said it will bestow on (Buhari) with the highest Igbo Prestigious Award reserved for non" Igbos and decorate him as Enyi Ukwu Ndigbo for rejecting third term bid openly, alongside with other Igbo illustrious sons and daughters.

Parts of the statement also reads that; "it's on record that during the 2019 Presidential elections, Ohanaeze Ndigbo declared support for President Muhammadu Buhari and improved his electorial fortunes in igboland unlike in 2015, and We don't have any regrets about it.

In the same development, "Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide and Coalition of Niger/Youth leaders said it paid a visit to the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dim Uche Okwukwu,at his countryside's Elele Rivers State, on the State of the Nation.

"During the visit, Coalition of Niger Delta Youth leaders forum successfully thanked Igbos for the massive support given to their son Former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011 and 2015 general election, and assured Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide of their support and alliance for Nigerian President of Igbo stock which includes igbos from South/South, and gives a Stern warning to any tribe who goes contrary to popular aspirations of Nigerians that Power must shift from North to South in 2023 will put Nigeria on flames, as we abide on the wise counsel of our Elder statesman PA E.K. Clarke,Who had directed us to work in partnership with Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide for the actualization of 2023 Igbo Presidency Project and we see that odds favours igbos in 2023, coalition of Niger Delta Youth leaders will lead the Igbo Presidency Project, because it's a Nigerian Project.

"Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council dismissed the report credited to one Charles Enya an Igbo APC Chieftain,seeking for third term for President and Governors  through constitutional amendment as idiotic, unconstitutional and parochial, as igbos disowned such immature moves as un-igbo and huge joke.

"On another  report also credited to  Acting Chairman of Arewa Consultative forum, Musa Liman Kwande on the North retaining Power beyond 2023, which kwande clarified that it's his personal opinion not the position of ACF, this development had prompted OYC to concluded arrangements by December for our next emergency meeting with Arewa Youth Consultantive forum and Coalition of Northern groups led by Alhaji Yerima Shettima and Mallam Abdul Azeez Sulaiman respectively on the issue of 2023, Niger/Delta Youths leaders had proven to be our closest confidant and partners in the 2023 Igbo Presidency project.

"As it stands now with support from Middlebelt Youths and Niger/Delta Youths leaders also championing zoning  Presidency to South East 2023, the coast is clearer for any Igbo to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari 2023, We still insists that Igbos should massively decamp to APC,to have a political balance in Igbo land, APC holds the key for the future for igbos in 2023 and urge the Governors of old Eastern Region to see the handwriting on the wall, and collapse PDP in the region, President Muhammadu Buhari rejecting third term bid openly is a demonstration that power is definitely coming to the South, and at the appropriate time he will support Igbo Presidency project as a Democrat.

Source: https://abacityblog.com/2019/11/30/2023-for-rejecting-third-term-ohanaeze-ndigbo-set-to-honor-buhari-with-chieftaincy-title/

Popular Twitter user, Oluyemi Fasipe @yemiefash has called out the Nigerian Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola over a false claim.

It should be recalled that Fashola had taken to twitter to announced a road project he was called to commissioned recently.

The 6KM road network in Ilara-Mokin, Akure, Ondo, according to Yemie was single handedly funded by Chief Micheal Ade-Ojo the CEO of Elizade motors.

But Fashola, who was called to commission it, announcing the project, didn't give any credit to the funder of the project, rather, he slightly gave it to the Federal Government.

In the tweet, the ministers wrote...

"Two weeks ago I visited Ondo State for the official commissioning of the 6KM road network in Ilara-Mokin, Akure, Ondo State. This marks another completed project in the road sector.

Reacting to the minister's tweet, Mr. Yemie wrote...

Oga Minister, This road was not constructed by the government, it was built by Chief Micheal Ade-Ojo the CEO of Elizade motors. You were only invited to commission it don’t take credit.

Source: https://abacityblog.com/2019/11/29/nigerian-man-calls-out-buharis-minister-for-taking-credit-of-private-funded-road-projects/

Below is the photos of Senate Chief Whip and leader of the delegates to the African Parliamentary Union, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu addressing delegates in Djibouti yesterday.

The Abia State former governor had led Nigerian delegates to the conference where other African leaders converge to discuss the development of the continent.

See photos below...

Source: https://abacityblog.com/2019/11/28/photos-sen-kalu-addressing-delegates-of-african-parliament-union-at-djibouti/

Dr. Charles Omole, is a popular Nigerian lawyer and a political strategist, in the this article published on his social media page, he gave rare proper analysis of the proposed hate speech bill which has been condemned by well meaning Nigerians.

His analysis is currently giving kudos to him as Nigerians who have not properly understood the bill, had presently known what the bill is all about and why it shouldn’t see the day light.

Before we proceed, it should be recalled that the bill was being sponsored by the Deputy Chief Whip, Sabi Abdullahi. Sabi Abdullahi is a senator representing Niger North Senatorial district.

Below is the analysis carried out by Dr. Omole…

ANALYSING THE PROPOSED HATE SPEECH BILL

“I was recently sent (by a reliable source) a copy of the Hate Speech (Prohibition) Bill, 2019 going through the NA popularly known as the “Hate Speech Bill”. The website of the NA does not have a copy of the Bill for download (I checked again today); so I am going by the version sent to me by this previously reliable source. Let me be clear from the start that I am opposed to this Bill. It will cause more confusion and it is unnecessary. But rather than simple emotional outbursts I will instead like to explain some of the problems with the Bill in a constructive way.

“Do we have some problems with Incitement to violence in Nigeria? YES we do. So this bill is not completely unfounded. But I believe we have enough laws to deal with these matters included the Cyber Crime Act signed by GEJ few years ago. Lack of enforcement of extant laws cannot simply be replaced by new laws. Is there really a need to produce a new law specifically for Hate Speeches? I don’t think so.

“Hate speech does exist and freedom of expression may sometimes be curtailed whenever there is an epidemic of the uttering of hate speech whether verbally or in print that might endanger public safety, unity and national security.

“Hate Speeches is even more dangerous in a society full of illiterate population like Nigeria where falsehood can be easily weaponised. Legislation can be passed and prosecutions initiated as a last resort and in a proportionate way.

“In Nigeria; there are enough existing legislation to deal with these concerns if enforced by Government.
Due to previous feedback on length, I will make this Thread as brief as possible. So here are some of my salient observations.

1). The Bill fails to take notice of the global Jurisprudence on this kind of legislation. The criminalisation of “Insulting and Abusive” statements is an affront to free speech. It is one thing to criminalise “Threatening” statements, but Abusive and Insulting statements are difficult to define in Law, because like beauty it can be in the eye of the beholder. What is abusive or insulting to one may not be to another. So how can the court in a consistent way determine if a statement is Insulting? It is such a subjective concept.

2). The Bill focuses on Victimisation of complainants or officials of the new commission as well as Harassment of Nigerians on the basis of Ethnicity and Race; BUT it DOES NOT make any mention of several other globally accepted basis of harassment & discrimination such as:

a. Religious Harassment
b. Harassment on basis of Disability or Disfigurement
c. Gender-based Harassment and so on.
So simply focusing on Race & Ethnicity is meaningless & inchoate. If u want to deal with Harassment; then do so in ALL its manifestations & not such a narrow scope

3). While it explains that Individuals and Corporate Bodies can be liable under this proposed law; the Bill does not include the Government itself or State Agents as liable. Why should there be one rule for Nigerians but a different one for government bodies.

The EXPRESS mention that the Government ( who can be the biggest culprit) is included in liable parties will be needed to satisfy Equity. What is good for the goose, is good for the gander. The Government should be able to be sued for discrimination and harassment too.

4). With punishment from FIVE years imprisonment to Death Penalty; I believe this is an overkill. The punishment in this case does not fit the crime. Establishing Causation will be a challenge even with Vicarious liability imposed by this Bill. This needed to be toned down.

If you are charged with Theft of N1Billion, the maximum sentence is 7yrs; yet you can be sentenced to 5yrs for insulting a Person. This is madness and legislative recklessness.

5). The Bill looks like another gravy train to bleed our commonwealth with d establishment of yet another Agency. 85% of the Bill is spent on the Agency itself. More attention should have been paid to define terms properly. It seems d attention less on the crimes it to investigate.

6). The offences are too broadly defined.
Section 3 (1) of the Bill States that:
“A person discriminates against another person if on ethnic grounds the person without any lawful justification treats another Nigerian citizen less favourably than he treats or would treat other person from his ethnic or another ethnic group and/or that on grounds of ethnicity a person puts another person at a particular disadvantage when compared with other persons from other ethnic nationality of Nigeria”.

What exactly do these banal words mean?

The definitions are too ambiguous & can mean just about anything. This is a badly drafted Bill that is intended to be a Catch-All funnel for anything d Govt or Elite do not like. It will kill FREE SPEECH unless court can strike the Bill as Unconstitutional (If it becomes an Act).

7). Under the Hate Speech provision; the Bill states:
“…A person who uses, publishes, presents, produces, plays, provides, distributes and /or directs the performance of, any material, written and/or visual which is threatening, abusive or insulting or involves the use of threatening, abusive or insulting words …commits an offence if such person intends thereby to stir up ethnic hatred,”Intent is a difficult concept to prove in Law. There is no guideline or explanatory notes in d Bill to guide prosecution. This is bad draftsmanship.

. I am also surprised that there is no exception for the Media in this law. So Journalism will be curtailed if this bill becomes law.This will be bad for democracy. Insults should be allowed in a democracy. That should not be a crime.

Passion is needed to grow and strengthen democracy. Freedom of expression and muscular discussions will inevitably lead to insults being throwing around. This should never be criminalised in a healthy democracy.

SUGGESTIONS & CONCLUSION

Read more: https://abacityblog.com/2019/11/26/popular-nigerian-lawyer-gives-proper-analysis-of-hate-speech-bill-must-read/

Lauretta Onochie, aide to President Muhammadu Buhari on Social Media, have asked Chief Allen Onyema, CEO of Air Peace Airline to return to the United State of America to face those who indicted him for money laundering.

It could be recalled that the US Attorney General’s office in Georgia had in a press release alleged that Onyema along with his airline’s Chief of Administration and Finance, Ejiroghene Eghagha, had been charged to court for falsifying documents and money laundering.

Both were accused of moving more than $20 million from Nigeria through US banks in a scheme “involving false documents based on the purchase of airplanes,” the US indictment said.

Onochie, who through her post said President Buhari has no hands in the travails of Chief Allen Onyema said "American laws go after those who BREAK them", therefore, Onyema should go and clarify his name.

Read her full tweets below...

1. I do not understand what Pres. @MBuhari has to do with Mr. Onyema of Airpeace being indicted and charged in the USA.

According to our Attorney General, the Fed. Govt. has not even been informed of the situation.

American laws go after those who BREAK them
What a man sows....

2. How much has Nigeria invested in the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme, NDDC & 13% derivation funds? All, mostly in a black hole Do we know the extent of poverty, ignorance & disease in the Niger Delta? Please let America too help us see how Niger Delta underdeveloped Niger Delta

3. Those of us from the Niger Delta who are the direct beneficiaries of the sufferings that emanated from the looting of our wealth, will tackle them. It's our war that is being fought. Laws, Nigerian or American, go after those who break them so we must mind our business. QED!

4. We are smarter now than ever before. Gradually, the scales of tribalism, religious affinity and political loyalty, are falling off our eyes and being replaced by Nigerianism. ��Nigerians are not keen on tales by the moonlight. Let him Return to America and face his accusers!

https://mobile.twitter.com/Laurestar/status/1198560695853424641

Source: https://abacityblog.com/2019/11/24/go-to-america-and-face-your-accusers-presidency-tells-onyema/

One of the most trending songs of the moment is right here on ABACITYBLOG. We bring to you PARTE AFTER PARTE, sang by a Ugandan, the song is taking over Africa.

Behind the great work is Big Tril, a Ugandan super star. Big Tril really delivers in this party banger, which was released months ago

PARTE AFTER PARTE, ever since its release has received massive airplay over radio stations across the continent since August, 2019.

Big Tril, with the release of the visual is taking over West, East and North Africa, affiliates with KINO behind the camera to deliver this perfect video.

Download Here: https://abacityblog.com/2019/11/18/music-download-bigtril-parte-after-parte/

Election observers sent by European Union (EU) to monitor the last Saturday Kogi and Bayelsa gubernatorial election has finally released statements.

The election which was held yesterday was marred with violence according to reports as few people lost their lives while some sustained injuries.

Reacting in their statements, the EU, through their official twitter handle called on the political stakeholders in Nigeria, especially those whose their wards affected in the violence to remain calm but shun violence.

Source ;

https://abacityblog.com/2019/11/17/european-union-observers-releases-statement-on-kogi-and-bayelsa-guber-election/

Below is the full statement as written in soft copies:

Self-acclaimed African Music giant, Burna Boy, has vowed to visit South Africa, despite threats from locals over a comment he made a few months ago.

Burna Boy had during the xenophobic attacks, which led to lost of lives said he has not set foot in South Africa since 2017 and will not go to SA until the government do something about the attacks.

However, in his recent post, Burna Boy revealed that he will be performing in South Africa on 24th of November 2019, in a show tagged; "Africans Unite Concert".

Ever since the announcement of the show, South Africans have flooded his twitter timeline, reminding him about the comment he made. Similarly, South African rapper, AKA, also demanded an apology from Burna Boy over his comment.

But "Burna" seems not to be bothered with their tantrums, as he has said that anyone against his show will have to kill him to stop him.

Lol. I’m coming and you and anyone against it are gunna have to kill me to stop me", Burna replied a fan who advised him to ignore the invitation.

This is coming few days after South African activist, Julius Sello Malema, told Burna Boy not to be afraid of the threats, noting that South Africa is a home for all Africans.

"I won't be intimidated or blackmailed by bed wetting boys, welcome home  @burnaboy. South Africa is a home for all Africans, kill me for defending an African brother, bloody Cowards.

Responding to Julius support, Burna Boy thanked him, insisting that he will rather die in the cause of uniting Africa together.

Thank you  @Julius_S_Malema Africa must Unite and I am willing to Die for that cause just like you brother. I look forward to meeting you.

Source: https://abacityblog.com/2019/11/17/burna-boy-im-coming-to-south-africa-anyone-against-it-will-have-to-kill-me-to-stop-me/

...Nigerians reacts.

A nonprofit, nonpartisan, legal & advocacy organisation, SERAP, has called on the US President, Donald J. Trump to come for the release of a prominent journalist, Omoyele Sowore.

ABACITYBLOG reported that Sowore is still in DSS custody despite meeting bail conditions given by the Federal High Court, Abuj. The DSS is charging Sowore on seven counts bordering on treasonable felony, cyberstalking President Muhammadu Buhari among other offences.

While calling on President Trump for his intervention on the release of the latter, SERAP noted that Sowore, is a US permanent resident with rights and should be release.

"Dear @realDonaldTrump Nigerians need you. 8 days after perfecting their bail conditions, activists Sowore & Bakare remain arbitrarily detained. Sowore is a US permanent resident with rights. He needs you & Nigerians need you to publicly ask President Buhari to obey court orders.

However, Nigerians are not comfortable with the action of SERAP, as the of the opinion that such call is wrong given the onus that Nigeria is a sovereign nation and Trump has no right to intervene.

Source: https://abacityblog.com/2019/11/16/serap-calls-on-president-trump-to-help-free-sowore-from-dss-detention/

Nigeria’s Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi makes TIME 100 Next list of those shaping the future of their fields

Nigeria’s Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi makes TIME 100 Next list of those shaping the future of their fieldsFrom inception, the organisation has provided medical, legal, psychosocial and financial support to numerous survivors, collaborates with civil society organisations to advocate for the passage and adoption of laws that foster gender equality and makes provision for sexual and gender-based violence such as the VAPP Act, the Sexual Harassment Prohibition Bill and the Gender Equal Opportunities Bill. Additionally, STER works with communities to generate sustainable home-grown solutions to issues of gender-based violence and inequality while also partnering with local and national groups on systems-level prevention and intervention activities.

Speaking on the recognition, Oluwaseun Osowobi who recently turned 28 years old said: “Getting such a recognition reminds us all at STER Initiative that our work transcends the borders of Nigeria and is acknowledged globally. It also indicates that the immense contributions of young people in Nigeria and across the Commonwealth are key to attaining global peace and rights for all. It feels great that the work I do alongside about 200 young and passionate Nigerians is recognised beyond the Commonwealth and I am indeed grateful for such recognition. This means a lot to my community and to every survivor and non-survivors that work with the organization to pay it forward.

“For STER, this means more work. It means our tenacity for a Nigeria that upholds the rights of women and girls, and protects such rights when abused must continue. To achieve this, there is a need to intensify our programs aimed at building the capacity of national institutions to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence and providing support to survivors,” she added.

Earlier this year, Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi was named Commonwealth Young Person of the Year 2019 and also Commonwealth winner, Europe and Africa for Stand to End Rape’s work in advocating #SDG5 - Gender Equality.

STER Initiative currently has chapters in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt but provides support to survivors across Nigeria. It can be reached on social media @standtoendrape and via mail; contactus@standtoendrape.org.

The Executive Director of Stand to End Rape Initiative (STER), Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi, has been named in the inaugural TIME 100 Next list of individuals shaping the future of their fields and defining the next generation of leadership.

The list which was released today is an expansion of the TIME 100 list of the most influential people in the world and highlights 100 rising stars who are shaping the future of business, entertainment, sports, politics, health, science and activism, and more. The full list and related tributes will appear in the November 25, 2019 issue of TIME, available on newsstands on Friday, November 15, and can be viewed online at time.com/next.

Osowobi founded STER in June 2014 after surviving sexual violence during the 2011 general elections in Nigeria where she served as an electoral officer under the National Youth Corps Service (NYSC). STER is an award-winning youth-led not-for-profit organization advancing gender equality, advocating against gender-based violence and providing medical, legal and psychological support to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria.

STER Initiative under Osowobi’s leadership continues to lead conversations on sexual and gender-based violence and persistently works to change the narrative of survivors and build the capacity of national institutions to prevent and respond to cases of sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria.

From inception, the organisation has provided medical, legal, psychosocial and financial support to numerous survivors, collaborates with civil society organisations to advocate for the passage and adoption of laws that foster gender equality and makes provision for sexual and gender-based violence such as the VAPP Act, the Sexual Harassment Prohibition Bill and the Gender Equal Opportunities Bill. Additionally, STER works with communities to generate sustainable home-grown solutions to issues of gender-based violence and inequality while also partnering with local and national groups on systems-level prevention and intervention activities.

Speaking on the recognition, Oluwaseun Osowobi who recently turned 28 years old said: “Getting such a recognition reminds us all at STER Initiative that our work transcends the borders of Nigeria and is acknowledged globally. It also indicates that the immense contributions of young people in Nigeria and across the Commonwealth are key to attaining global peace and rights for all. It feels great that the work I do alongside about 200 young and passionate Nigerians is recognised beyond the Commonwealth and I am indeed grateful for such recognition. This means a lot to my community and to every survivor and non-survivors that work with the organization to pay it forward.

“For STER, this means more work. It means our tenacity for a Nigeria that upholds the rights of women and girls, and protects such rights when abused must continue. To achieve this, there is a need to intensify our programs aimed at building the capacity of national institutions to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence and providing support to survivors,” she added.

Earlier this year, Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi was named Commonwealth Young Person of the Year 2019 and also Commonwealth winner, Europe and Africa for Stand to End Rape’s work in advocating #SDG5 - Gender Equality.

STER Initiative currently has chapters in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt but provides support to survivors across Nigeria. It can be reached on social media @standtoendrape and via mail; contactus@standtoendrape.org.

Source: https://abacityblog.com/2019/11/14/nigerias-oluwaseun-ayodeji-osowobi-makes-time-100-next-list-of-those-shaping-the-future-of-their-fields/

Head of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, Dr Edith Ugochi Ohaja, has described the proposed bill seeking to place death penalty on anyone convicted of hate speech as a time bomb on the journalism profession in Nigeria.

Ohaja said she could not believe that the National Assembly is deliberating on a bill that provides for capital punishment for the expression of opinions, and described it as a total misplacement of priorities.

Speaking to our reporter, she challenged Journalists in Nigeria to rise up to the occasion and prove that the ever vibrant Nigerian Mass Media that stood firm during the Gen. Sani Abacha led military regime is still alive to defend justice, truth and human rights.

She said: "This is a country where rampaging herdsmen, bandits, kidnappers and terrorists seem to be treated with kid gloves. One would have called this a misplacement of priorities if the move wasn't so sinister and it speaks to the baseness of the current National Assembly.

"By reviving this bill and seeking to set up a whole agency for so-called hate speech, the government is no longer hiding its dictatorial inclinations.

"Besides the social media, blogs and citizen journalism websites, the traditional media remain the platforms for publicising people's expressions of opinions and helping them to gain traction. So they will be prime targets or those whose views are publicised in them will be.

"I don't know the full provisions of the bill but I imagine there will be punitive fines against corporate bodies, like the media, that are seen as fora for the dissemination of "hate speech".

"The sad thing in Nigeria is that the media have not been robust enough in withstanding the tyranny of the present regime. Perhaps, the revival of this bill will serve as a wakeup call to them that the government is trampling on everyone's rights and eroding freedom of the press.

"In fact, this might be the time for the media to redeem their image by championing the resistance against this kind of move and other obnoxious policies of this government.

"In the time of Abacha, they did it. Hopefully the recent years of questionable democracy have not turned them into a hopelessly complacent and conniving lot."

Speaking further, Ohaja said, "The level of ineptitude, sectionalism and other multifarious failings of the government are constantly drawing public ire and that is why the government is desperate to muzzle free expression of ideas and opinions.

"And the hypocrisy is glaring because it is the executive arm of government and the judiciary it has kept under its thumb that will decide what is hate speech and who to prosecute.

"Nigerians from all walks of life and all levels of society should resist the passage of this bill because it will kill what is left of our fledgling democracy."

Source: https://abacityblog.com/2019/11/13/hate-speech-bill-dangerous-to-journalism-profession-ohaja/

Condemnations have continued to trailed the proposed bill seeking to place a death penalty on anyone convicted of hate speech.

Reports has it that the law to establish a National Commission for the Prohibition of Hate Speeches, yesterday, passed its first reading on the floor of the Senate.

The bill was sponsored by Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, barely one week after the same chamber initiated moves to regulate the use of social media.

Reacting over the bill, the former aviation minister, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, berated those supporting the bill which is seeking for gagging the media and thereby restricting freedom of speech.

According to him, "the people sponsoring the bill are worse than Hitler's Nazis".

"They want to hang people for so-called hate speech and they want to regulate social media. These people are worse than Hitler's Nazis and they seek to establish a totalitarian fascist state. After they silence everyone they will set up Nazi concentration camps for their enemies", Kayode wrote on twitter.

Similarly, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Agbakoba Olisa, told the senators to kill the bill, as it was irrelevant and unnecessary.

He said; “First, we have laws in place under our criminal justice system; all we need is enforcing the laws against hate speech by the police. But more important is the fact that the bill is also an establishment bill, which means establishing an agency to enforce the laws prescribed by the bill, placing expenditures we cannot afford. Seeing that we are running a deficit budget of nearly 30 per cent, I urge the Senators to kill it.

“An Establishment Bill sets up a bureaucracy and structures with grave implications for financial resources. But an Executor Bill merely legislates on any matter without strain on resources. So, the new Finance Bill is executory as the FIRS will execute the new VAT tax without any financial implications. Executor’s Bill is executory bill,” said Olisa.

Another SAN, Chief Mike Ozekhome described it as draconian and should be aborted as a malformed embryo at its second reading before it is delivered as a societal monster.

“The bill is an ill-intentioned, ill-conceived, ill-digested and ill-part dictatorial and absolutist piece of nonsensical legislation waiting to consume all of us. An obnoxious law such as this will further drive underground and into hiding, the opposition and genuine social critics who speak truth to power and criticise serial opaque, anti-people, corrupt and high-handed polices of government.

“This government has been tested and known to be very allergic to constructive criticisms. It is a government that listens to itself, sets its own examination questions, marks them and award marks to itself. Citizens’ opinion does not matter. That is why we have topmost government officials who shock the conscience of Nigerians and the world by saying, for example, that insecurity in Nigeria is exaggerated (Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, SAN); and that Nigerian roads are not as bad as we “falsely” proclaim (Raji Fashola, Minister of Works and Housings).”

Source: https://abacityblog.com/2019/11/13/fani-kayode-reacts-to-bill-seeking-death-by-hanging-for-hate-speech-offenders/

The state government on Sunday declared that its rice plants at Acha in Isuikwuato, Ofeme in Umuahia North and Uzuakoli in Bende LGAs were producing large quantity of rice enough for local consumption which will soon be exporting to other states.

Chief John Okiyi Kalu, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, told newsmen in Umuahia that Abia rice known in local parlance as “Osikapa Abia” will be ready for export soon.

According to him, the rice mills had been equipped with modern technology that makes rice produced in them to be stone-free and nutritious.

This, he added, makes Abia rice internationally acceptable because it meets the modern method of producing the grain.

The commissioner further stated that the critics were indeed lampooning the government because they were not aware of the rigorous process of rice production; a situation that makes them assume that the ones produced in Abia were imported.

Kalu argued that because of its increase in the mills, point of sales for the product had been opened in Aba, Umuahia and Isuikwuato, recalling that on assumption of office in May 2015, the Okezie Ikpeazu administration commenced what he called “the massive production the grain in parts of the state.

This, he added, informed the reason the governor directed many years ago that only locally produced rice should be served in government organised ceremonies anywhere in the state.

The commissioner maintained that the strengthening of Abia Marketing Agency was to galvanise the agency to export Abia produced goods which Abia Rice is one, stressing that some of the access roads leading to the mills including the ones to rice farmers were being rehabilitated.

Kalu used the opportunity to announce that the government has commenced the supply of seedlings to rice farmers and therefore challenged the farmers across the federation to install modern equipment in their mills to ensure that their product meets international standard and taste.

Meanwhile, facts, findings by ABACITYBLOG MEDIA showed that a bag of rice (not Abia Rice) is being sold at N24, 000 (twenty four thousand Naira) in Aba while a cup of rice by retailers is sold at N200.

Source: https://abacityblog.com/2019/11/11/abia-will-soon-start-exporting-rice-ikpeazu/

The spokesman of the 9th House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has denied the purported reports of an alleged division brewing up in the Green Chambers.

The statement by the lawmaker representing Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, faulted the reports as a mere fabrication.

Although, Kalu said those behind the publication backed up their story with an alleged screen shot photo of an in-house argument but added that they should have confirmed the reports from the right source before publishing.

The statement obtained by ABACITYBLOG, also noted that the house under the leadership of Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila is intact without any rift.

The full statement reads below…

The attention of the leadership and Membership of the 9th House of Representatives have been drawn to the recent publications made and distributed by a few media platforms alleging “there is a crack“ on the wall of the unity of the House.

The publishers supported their position with a mere screen shot photos of internal personal arguments between members of the Joint task team on their Whatsapp
platform administered by the aide from the office of the leadership.

There was no form of verification sought from the office of the Spokesman of the House for confirmation or otherwise before such publication.

By our House Rules, at all times, the official spokesperson of the House remains the credible source for any information affecting the 9th Assembly.

The 9th Assembly under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, absolutely, has no division either between the principal officers or the membership and the leadership.

The public is therefore, asked to totally ignore such ill intended
publication aimed at misdirecting them.

It is important to note that comparatively, since the 5th Republic, the 9th Assembly remains the most united house, where members are motivated by the leadership culture and style of the Speaker which have been a selfless one devoid of any anti nationalist element but rather focused on true nation building, which has been bought by the membership who have all keyed into the legislative agenda set as the road map towards the achievement of this mission.

Granted, that one or two dissenting voices as expected may not completely be on board the mission train, but not conceding that such negligible opinion represents the
majority interest of the 9th House of Representatives, I urge the public to focus on the legislative agenda of the 9th Assembly and what it represents for the people of Nigeria.

The media which we have recognised as an important partner in this nation building task should also be mindful to avoid encouraging peddling of baseless rumours,
propaganda and other forms of information disorder either through information over load or under load aimed at deceiving the public.

Beyond being the traditional source of news, the media remains in our eyes the strategic tool for national peace, unity and progress.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Source: https://abacityblog.com/2019/11/10/rift-in-house-of-reps-spokesman-speaks-debunks-alleged-divisional-reports/

Former Governor of Abia state and Chief whip of the Senate , Dr Orji Uzor Kalu on Thursday conveyed his commiserations to victims of the fire outbreak in the popular Ochanja market, Onitsha Anambra state

The fire occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, destroying property worth billions of naira.

In a statement signed by his Special Assistant, Peter Eze, Senator Kalu said he was deeply saddened by the destruction of lives, valuable goods and property in the inferno.

He said “ I share in the pain and anguish of all hardworking Nigerians who lost their loved ones, goods, wares and belongings in the unfortunate fire incident in Ochanja market

“such incidents are preventable but for the non challant attitudes of some vehicle owners.

He cited routine maintenance and precautions as a necessary safety measures that are taken for granted.

Kalu while pleading with the Federal Government to come to the aid of those who suffered different losses to ameliorate their plight and pains in this difficult moment also urged appropriate authorities to rise up to their responsibilities to forestall future recurrences.

The Chief Whip also prayed to God to grant the departed souls of the woman , child and others who were burnt to death an eternal rest and give their families the fortitude to bear the sad losses.

Source: https://abacityblog.com/2019/10/17/kalu-commiserates-with-onitsha-market-fire-victims/

The leader of Women for Change Initiative and Equity Organization Lady Jane Ogbauta, has alleged that she was attacked by a gang of five men in her business premises on 149 Ikot Ekpene road Aba the commercial hub of Abia state.

Ogbauta, had on Tuesday October 8, 2019 led a protest against alleged deplorable road network in Aba with members of her organization.

The women had during the protest gave Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, a 100 days ultimatum to fix the roads or they will stage a 10,000 women protest and lockdown the Abia government house.

But in statement made available to our correspondent on Friday the Leader of protest stated Solomon and accomplices had on Thursday October 10, 2019 barge into her shop and assaulted together with two members of her group.

She alleged that her attackers who wielded a gun also damaged some of her goods and made away with an undisclosed amount of money.

The statement read in part, " I was in the company with Mrs Ifeyinwa Ananaba the leader of our group in Ugwunagbo LGA, and Mrs Uloma Uzoma when the men attacked us.

"Assaulted us and left Mrs Uloma with several injuries on her chest, while we were severally thrown on the floor. They also video recorded the incident.

" The leader of gang bragged that he was
Chijioke Solomon (aka Dollar) an indigene of Ezi Nwangwa in the Ogbor hill area of Aba and nobody can harm him not even the inspector General of police".

Ogbauta, added that the leader of gang had question them if they knew the implications of the protest they held against the state government.

She said reports of the incident had been forward to the office of the Aba Area Commander of the Nigerian Police force and the Commissioner of Police in the state Mr Ene Okon.

She urged the Police to investigate those behind the attack and bring them to book.

She pointed out that her group was not working nor receiving sponsorship from any political party, but they were only concerned about good governance in the state.

"Our group is poised to demanding for good governance, equity and inclusiveness from all level of government.

"We still stand on the declaration of our protest and demand that the state government should fix the roads in Aba or face a 10,000 women protest which will lockdown the Abia government house after 100 days.

"Even through we have been receiving diverse threats through calls and text messages but we will not relent", she said.

Source: https://abacityblog.com/2019/10/11/gunmen-attacks-leader-of-aba-women-protest-for-speaking-against-bad-governance-in-abia/

The spokesman of the 9th House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has given more insight on the budget laying for 2020 at the National Assembly.

It should be recalled that the 9th National Assembly vowed to pass the 2020 national budget before December 2019 which give a clear shot of the January to December budget calendar instead of waiting for eternity to be passed.

Kalu, representing Bende Federal Constituency, said the 9th NASS have already started working on the budget, as matter of fact it will be ready before the ending of November.

Speaking with NTA news, Kalu who described the 9th Assembly of being unique said the lower chamber will support the upper legislative chamber with all it takes to make sure the bill is ready and passed before 2020.

He appraised President Muhammadu Buhari for keeping to his word to change the budget calendar.

Source: https://abacityblog.com/2019/10/11/video-hon-kalu-addresses-issue-of-budget-laying-for-2020-at-nass/


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ri4KcHZzZUk

More photo; https://abacityblog.com/2019/10/08/breaking-protest-rocks-aba-as-women-protest-against-ikpeazus-government/

Women For Change Initiative are currently protesting against bad governance in Abia State.

They barricaded Bata Junction along factory road Aba with placards and banners with different inscriptions.

Few Like; “The Return Of Aba Women’s Riot (Part 2) 1929-2019 (90 years), etc.

The banners with them also shows the BAD STATE OF PORT HARCOURT ROAD ABA and the bad portion of Ururuaka road, all in Aba.

Source; https://abacityblog.com/2019/10/08/breaking-protest-rocks-aba-as-women-protest-against-ikpeazus-government/

*Abia State Government Reacts....

As many Nigerians were celebrating the country’s 59 Independence Day in joy and happiness, residents at the Ndiegoro axis of Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State were facing the watched their homes burn and looted by police officers.

Our reporter gathered that several buildings in four streets; Okojombo, Anaba, Degema and Umuosi in Ndiegoro axis were set ablaze by police officers from the Ndiegoro Police Division in a retaliation for the colleague who was killed by some suspected cultists on Friday.

There were however, two angles to the story. One had it that the fracas that led to the death of the police officer popularly known as Alhaji on Friday came after a misunderstanding between police and some drug cartel at Ndiegoro over bribe(title) they usually pay to do their illicit business.

Another angle had it that the police officers who usually extort money from innocent residents at Degema by Okojombo met a wrong group who gave them a serious fight before one of the officers and a civilian who is their driver was killed.

When ABACITYBLOG visited the scenes, it was that of anxiety and suspicion as residents whose properties and means of livelihoods were destroyed crowded the streets in tears and pains.

Ikechi Anyianuka, a victim in Degema Street told Naijawatchdog that the police has made him homeless and jobless as his workshop and home which is inside the same building at Okojombo was mercilessly burnt without a pin recovered.

“I’m homeless and jobless, thanks to the police. I don’t know what to do now. I lost all my properties because the boys that killed the police officer burnt the minibus used by the police not too far from my resident's.

“We were all afraid and don’t know what happened. Why will the Nigeria Police punish us for an offence committed by people they ought to arrest. They even went as far as Uzomkpa in Owerri-Aba axis to burn a house.

“Just check the distance of Uzomkpa to where we are and tell me if this is not a calculated attempt by police to make some persons homeless.

“They entered my friend’s shop and looted every valuable thing there and still got some of his boys arrested. I wonder when boys turned this bad. Government should save us.”

Nwachuckwu Nnamdi, said he managed to escape with his wife and three children before the police officers set their house ablaze without minding if there was still people inside.

“What happened here has no business with us that live here. Every evening when people are returning from market usually come to Okojombo junction by Degema collecting money from people.

“On Friday, they were doing the same thing around 6:15 in the evening when some group of boys from nowhere confronted them. It started with a fight when fight broke out between one of the boys and those police officers.

“Just like in the movies police began shooting but the boys didn’t have any scratch. They overpowered the officers and took their guns.

“The one that died was popularly known as Alhaji and it’s like he sustained injury during that fight and later died at Umuosi street few metres away from the scene of the fight.

“Those boys were parading the whole neighborhood until 8:30 PM without any presence of police. Immediately they left, police started entering the streets on massive arrests. From Massive arrest, the next thing we saw was burning of buildings.”

According to Madam Adaku Okpara, a victim and resident of Anaba Street, “I don’t know what we did to those police officers. We were not the ones that killed their colleagues. If police can burn, injure and loot peoples’ shops as they did in this area, then Nigeria is in trouble.

“Anaba street here is even safer, go to Okojombo and see how they ransacked homes, shops stealing bags of rice, plasma TV, Generator set, handsets, weavons, cartons of beer and clothes.

“As I speak to you, they whole landlords around Ibere street, Ibadan streets and even Onyebuchi are now living in fear as no one knows the next building the police will burn.

“The Federal and Abia State government should save us and the urge the police to fish out the real culprits because they will be somewhere waiting to attack again.

“How many buildings of innocent people will the police continue to burn? 10 persons where arrested in our compound and police took N100,000 from them.”

Kenneth Esom said that almost all the drug centres in Aba like: Orji Uzor-Kalu Bridge, Onyebuchi Street, Black Kingdom, York Street, Milverton by Park Road, Wilcox Memorial Secondary School and Over-Rail has the backing of the police.

“Police support these evil boys and whenever things go wrong they pour the blame on the public. We all know what is happening at: Uzor-Kalu Bridge, Onyebuchi Street, Black Kingdom, York Street, Milverton by Park Road, Wilcox Memorial Secondary School and Over-Rail.

“Police go to these places to collect something and whenever their business goes wrong, they come our to talk. Who does not know how notorious Ndiegoro police station is? Who does not know their history in Aba? God will not forgive them for what they did to innocent people.”

When contacted, the Abia State Police Commissioner, CP Ene Okon denied the whole story and said that the police didn’t burn any house.

Okon went further to accuse the Ndiegoro Community of harbouring criminals among them and called their actions shameful.

He went further to say that even if the police officers were collecting money from the residents, it was not enough reason for them to kill the officer.

“That community should bury their head in shame. The community should be ashamed. They’re harbouring criminals and now they’re accusing police of coming to collect money.

“Even of police came there to collect money does that warrant killing them? The group that did this where are they from? Is it not from the same community? The people burnt the buildings to cover their tracks.”

Meanwhile, the Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has reacted to the situation and urged all citizens to remain calm as his administration is on top of the situation.

Read more: https://abacityblog.com/2019/10/02/revenge-police-burn-houses-cart-away-residents-properties-in-aba/

The leadership of the 9th House of Representatives under the Honourable Speaker Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila & Ad-hoc committee on inauguration has approved Wednesday the 2nd Day of October 2019 at 11am as the Date and Time

For The Inauguration of Special and Standing Committees.

Strictly On Invitation

All invited guest are to be seated at 11am

Check poster for more details.

Jubilation As Benjamin Kalu Foundation set to award bursaries to over 400 Bende undergraduates.
---------------------

To mark Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations, the Benjamin Kalu Foundation (BKF) is set to award bursaries to over 400 Bende undergraduates on Tuesday, October 1, 2019.

Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Member representing Bende Federal Constituency and Official Spokesman of the House of Representatives, in a response to our reporters, stated that the reason for this initiative was to fill a gap in the education sector and was borne out of his passion for the educational emancipation of Bende people. He further stated that the beneficiaries were chosen by his Foundation across all communities in Bende regardless of political affiliations.

According to aides of the Representative, this set of beneficiaries will be the first batch of undergraduates to benefit from the 2019 edition of the Benjamin Kalu Foundation Education Support Project (BKF-ESP2019).

Drum Africa has gathered that BKF-ESP2019 will be followed by several projects this year, including an educational support project for secondary school students, an Enterprise Support Programme targeted at artisans in Bende as well as the Benjamin Kalu Foundation End Blindness Project (BKF-EBP2019) an outreach targeting 3000 Bende indigenes for eye examinations, treatment, surgery and glasses prescription.

The event will be witnessed by traditional rulers and political leaders from all the communities of the beneficiaries and is slated to kick off at 8am on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at the Agbamuzu Town Hall in Bende Town, Bende LGA.

Source; https://abacityblog.com/2019/09/28/benjamin-kalu-foundation-set-to-award-bursaries-to-over-400-bende-undergraduates/

Nigerian Footballer Stephen Chukwude who plays for Enyimba Football Club of Aba has been tagged by a Nigerian Police Officer as a Yahoo boy for owning a Mercedes Benz.

The footballer shared the video of his experience on his social media page while raising an alarm over extortion by some Nigerian Police officers.

Also, sharing the video, a human right activist, Mr. Sega @Segalink says it's time to get rid of extortion perpetuated by the Nigerian police officers.

"Until we get rid of these dim witted armed robbers and kidnappers in the @PoliceNG formation, patriotic officers and the entire institution will be endangered as infiltrated. #EndImpunity #ReformPoliceNG  @PoliceNG_CRU, he wrote.

Watch the video below:

https://abacityblog.com/2019/08/27/youre-a-yahoo-boy-police-officer-tells-nigerian-footballer-for-driving-benz/

Former Abia State Governor and Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, Dr. Orji Kalu has condemned in strong terms the attack on the former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweramadu in Germany by some members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Ekweramadu who was invited as a speaker/special guest of honour at the 2nd Annual Igbo Cultural Festival in Nuremberg, was assaulted physically by some members of the proscribed Igbo secessionist group

Describing the action of the mob as uncivilized, unacceptable and barbaric, the former governor urged Ndigbo to respect leaders at all levels.

He noted that the only way the South East region can be prosperous is by embracing dialogue, peace and unity.

Kalu in a statement issued by his media office, urged the Embassy of Nigeria in Germany, the German government and appropriate authorities to bring the perpetrators of the ugly incident to book.

He said, "after watching a viral video of the physical attack on former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweramadu, I was not only disappointed but irritated and disturbed with the action of some members of IPOB.

" The assault on the senator is a slap on Igbo leaders regardless of age, party affiliation and religion.

" The perpetrators of the uncivilized act must face the wrath of the law.

" Senator Ekweramadu is not only one of the Igbo leaders but also a prominent Nigerian and as such should be accorded due respect by all and sundry at home and abroad.

"For the South East to move forward, the people of the region must embrace dialogue as a way of resolving pertinent issues and eschew violence.

While appealing to Ndigbo across the globe to be law-abiding and good ambassadors of Nigeria, Kalu urged Igbo groups to educate their members on the consequences of social vices.

Source: https://abacityblog.com/2019/08/18/sen-kalu-frowns-at-attack-on-ekweramadu/

Fans of the Nigerian-International star, David Adeleke aka Davido, has pleaded with him to shave his armpit.

The plea came as a reaction to Davido's vacation video, where he was recorded jumping off a yatch into an ocean.

The video has generated over 12 thousand comments on his Instagram page, whereby some asked him to shave his armpit.

Watch the video and see some reactions below:

Here: https://abacityblog.com/2019/08/16/davido-shave-your-armpit-fans-tells-obo/

An unidentified Police Officer had been caught on camera collecting bribe from a tricyclist.

The viral video, shared on twitter has been generating buzz as many Nigerians has come hard on the officer. This is following nationwide condemnation over extortion by the Police from the commercial commuters.

Below is some reactions culled from Twitter:

@ukejeizu says; “If driving on a public road is not free how can bail be free?
@PoliceNG

@JOOYSTIC says; “I was at Cote d’voire, I kept asking if they dont have police cos I never saw one single one on the road. Believe me, I was force to drive to where they have their office. Not one at traffic point harassing commuters. Nigeria, when?

@Connect_40 says; “They just block an entire road extorting money. I feel disgusted each time I come across them.
Sometimes I feel like running them over

@akinlembola_ says; “An institution full of charade individuals who doesn’t deserve to represent our national symbol.

@NewtonIkire wrote; “Every mrng, by my work place rd juntcn, they come out by 6am to mount road blocks for keke riders (N100)

“On this particular day, an elderly keke rider was stopped by them, but when he told them it was early yet, the officer threatened to shoot him. His colleagues bailed him out…

Watch the video below:

HERE: https://abacityblog.com/2019/08/16/police-officer-caught-on-camera-collecting-bribe-nigerians-reacts/

Reports has it that the Soldiers Stationed in the Ogborhill axis of Aba has killed an Okada Rider, Mr. Chiomaobi Nwaogu Uzoukwa, for failing to pay a bribe of N100.

The Killing of Uzoukwa is currently unsettling Ogbor Hill as Motorcyclists has taking to the streets over the killing of one of their own.

Below is his lifeless body…

Source : https://abacityblog.com/2019/08/07/army-shot-dead-okada-rider-in-aba-over-100-photos-inside/

The Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has described the call for a revolution in Nigeria by activist, Omoyele Sowore is the highest form of bravery.

Kanu went on to say that the arrest of Sowore by the DSS and consequent actions carried out by security agencies to stop the RevolutionNow protest on Monday is an affront to decency, justice and fair play, adding that he did nothing wrong.

The IPOB leader who was reacting to the whole issue surrounding the RevolutionNow protest berated the President Mohammadu Buhari administration for describing the protest as Illegal stressing that he (Buhari) and his supporters did make similar call in 2014 for revolution and nobody got them arrested.

It will be recalled that 5 years ago, the APC led by its then presidential aspirant and Gen.Muhammadu Buhari; APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun and Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, led thousands of party supporters in a protest rally in Abuja, accusing the PDP-led Federal Government of playing politics with Boko Haram.

The protest tagged ‘Salvation Rally’, was said to have aimed at drawing global attention to what the then opposition party(APC), described as deliberate hijack of the Nigeria police and other security agencies by the ruling PDP.

As reported by Vanguard Newspaper 5 years ago, the APC leaders said, the rally was essentially a clarion call against the increased spate of insecurity, killings, corruption, and police brutality against official opposition.

They also accused President Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP of gross incompetence and unprecedented display of impunity.

Reacting to all these, Kanu said it is laughable that the same set of persons who in 2014 called for a revolution and organized a nationwide street protest against the democratically elected government of Goodluck Jonathan now see similar move as a treasonable offence under their own regime.

According to him, "This same set of people now in Aso Rock and their media friends that came out on the street to march, protest and call for revolution against President Jonathan in 2014, are today the same bunch of despicable reprobates against any form of lawful dissent, protest or revolution against their regime.

"This is not only laughable, but an affront to decency, justice and fair play. Apparently, the occupants of Aso Rock are telling the world they can call for a revolution and street protest against a sitting president i.e. Jonathan, but nobody is allowed to protest against them.

"Pathetically some of these poorly educated fellows from their 'presidency' come on their national television to shamelessly provide a flimsy defence of what is clearly indefensible.

"The same thing late Buhari did in 2014 by openly calling for a revolution and organising nationwide street protests with the likes of Bola Ahmed Tinubu against the democratically elected government of Goodluck Jonathan is now a treasonable offence under their rule.

"Even going by the cringe-worthy standards of the most hopelessly backward Banana republic on this earth, the detention of Sowore for doing exactly what late Buhari did is a new low for the Zoo.

"Why didn't Buhari, Abba Kyari, El-Rufai, Tinubu et al wait for the election of 2015 to remove Jonathan before embarking on their 2014 Revolution as they are now sanctimoniously preaching?

"Why did they take to the streets in protest, an action they themselves openly tagged a revolution, before an election?

"The only language this Abba Kyari led Fulani Jihadi cabal in Aso Rock understand is consistent mass action and civil disobedience. IPOB has done and is still doing it and so too the Shiite.

"What the Yoruba nation and every conscientious person must do now is to rally round Omoleye Sowore to ensure his release or else he will be another Sambo Dasuki detained indefinitely with no constituency to mount pressure on his behalf as IPOB did in my case and Shiite (INM) for Sheikh El-Zakzaki."

Kanu said that the RevolutionNow is a laudable initiative and must be commended by all lovers of freedom.

"What Sowore did in calling for a revolution in Nigeria is the highest form of bravery. Protests should continue and if need be intensified, especially in Yorubaland, until Omoleye Sowore is set free."

Source: https://abacityblog.com/2019/08/06/revolutionnow-what-sowore-did-in-nigeria-is-highest-form-of-bravery-nnamdi-kanu/

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has spoken against the arrest of the publisher of SaharaReporters, Omoyele Sowore, calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure his immediate release.

Sowore, a former presidential candidate, was arrested early Saturday by security operatives suspected to be from the Department of State Security (DSS). The arrest is believed to be connected to the #RevolutionNow protests which is set to commence nationwide on August 5.

Kanu took to twitter to express his displeasure; “Fulani tyranny & primitive dictatorship will never win this war against the massed ranks of oppressed people in Nigeria.”

“Suppressing the right to protest in a so-called democracy will only hasten the collapse of that ZOO.”

#FreeSowore & allow the #RevolutionNow right to protest.” Kanu said on Twitter.

Source: https://abacityblog.com/2019/08/03/breaking-nnamdi-kanu-blows-hot-over-sowores-reveals-next-action/

While the President tweets should be accorded with respect and attention, President Muhammadu Buhari's tweet have received a lot of savage responses from Nigerians.

ABACITYBLOG observed that the President tweets about his administration focused on agriculture, to enable Nigeria with over 200 million population feed itself...

Instead of responding to Mr. Buhari's tweet, a tweet user asked the President to open a record label and sign him as an artist. He promised Mr. President that their duo will make a lot of money.

"A country with a population of close to 200 million has to be able to feed itself. We cannot rely on importing food. This is why one of our priorities as a government is growing the food we eat. Our policies will continue to be focused on agricultural self-sufficiency", Buhari tweeted.

Responding to Buhari, Eko finest boy, replied and wrote:

Dear Mr president,
I’m a rapper, why don’t you start a record label and sign me? I deliver well and I’m assuring you we gon get the bag sir!!!!

Thank you.

His response drew a lot of other responses and Nigerians followed up his comments.

Source: https://abacityblog.com/2019/08/02/buhari-receives-savage-reply-from-nigerians-after-he-wrote-this/

See screenshots below:

More photos...

Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, representing Bende Federal Constituency, yesterday, delivered a public lecture on the Theme: 20 Years of the National Assembly in the 4th Republic: “The Tasks Ahead of the 9th National Assembly“.

Hon. Kalu, who recently emerged the Chairman, Media and Public Affairs Committee (Official Spokesman), Federal House of Representatives, represented Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Hon. Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives.

The event, which marked the 20-yrs of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria, was held at the Nigeria Air Force Conference Centre, Abuja, on Monday 29th July, 2019.

Organised by Alh. Mohammed Ataba Sani-Omolori, Clerk to the National Assembly, and attended by dignitaries, including; His Excellency, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; the Service Chiefs (represented), as well as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) also represented.

Delivering his speech, Hon. Kalu thank the organizers of the event, more specifically the Chief Host, the Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Mohammed Ataba Sani-Omolori, for extending the invitation to the 2nd Public Lecture of the National Assembly Legislative Digest.



Kalu noted that, “The journey of the National Assembly over the last 20 years has not been a smooth ride. From the teething problems of the 4th Republic’s maiden assembly which strived to define the terms of coexistence of all branches of government, to the tenuous relationship between the last assembly and the executive, our legislature has had its share of successes and missteps in its quest to deliver the core constitutional mandates of good legislating, representation and oversight.

“Despite all this, the National Assembly of the 4th Republic has produced some remarkable
legislations; more recently, the 7th Assembly’s Pension Reform Act, the National Health
Act, and the Terrorism (Prevention) Act. Not forgetting the National Minimum Wage Act,
Police Reform Bill, the Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) Amendment Bill, the
Gender and Equal Opportunity Bill, the Railway Transformation Bill and the “Not too
Young to Run Bill” (now a fourth alteration to the Constitution), all of the 8th Assembly.

Hon. Kalu who spoke on the task ahead for the 9th National Assembly urged his colleagues to learn from the mistakes of the previous assemblies and build on their achievements for the good of the nation.

Source: https://abacityblog.com/2019/07/30/video-ben-kalu-represents-nigerias-speaker-on-2nd-public-lecture-of-nass-legislative-digest/

Watch the video below:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hOTzqaRiOs