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(Nigeria) Indigenous People of Biafra, IPoB, has described Anambra State Police Command's linking its members with criminal activities in the state, as one of the many lies of the Nigerian Police against the organisation (IpoB), challenging the CP to charge arrested persons to court, if he was honest about his claim. IPoB in a statement on Tuesday by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, said: "We, the global family and movement of the IPoB, under the command and leadership of our great and indefatigable leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, condemns Anambra Commissioner of Police for linking IPoB and ESN with the criminal activities in Anambra State and other parts of the Eastern Nigeria. "Nigeria Police's habit of forcing criminals to confess as being members of IPoB or ESN is absurd and unprofessional, it is unfortunate that the Nigeria Police will not stop ridiculing themselves in order to tarnish the image of IPoB. "We wonder how Nigeria police keep ridiculi

*Hudu Yunusa-Ari, suspended Adamawa Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC (Nigeria) Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, who allegedly announced the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, winner of the gubernatorial election in the state during the recently concluded supplementary elections, Hudu Yunusa-Ari, has been arrested by the police. Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, said: “The Nigeria Police Force hereby confirms the arrest of Hudu Yunusa-Ari, the Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, who was alleged to have announced the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, winner of the gubernatorial elections during the recently concluded supplementary elections following calls for his arrest and investigation by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on the basis of alleged impropriety in the course of supplementary gubernatorial polls in the state. “Ari, who was arrested

*Mr. Peter Obi (middle), addressing workers at Abuja May Day celebration. (Nigeria) Presidential candidate of Labour Party, LP in the just concluded 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has charged Nigerians not to be disheartened over the pervading economic and political space of the country, saying “We are determined to take back our nation for good and we are not giving up.” Obi in his message at the Eagle Square, Abuja on Monday, venue of May Day Workers celebration, said: “Do not be disheartened by the many challenges that, today, pervade the economic and political space of the nation. Everyone should remain focused on building a more productive and prosperous nation, which are part of the offerings of the New Nigeria. “I want to assure you that the forces of darkness that have held this nation bound for long, will not continue to have their way. We are determined to take back our nation for good and we are not giving up. I urge you all to remain steadfast. The sun of justic

*Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, new  President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide (Nigeria) Pan-Igbo sociopolitical pressure group, the South East Revival Group, SERG, has congratulated elder statesman, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu on his ratification as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide by the highest decision-making organ of the apex Igbo organisation, the Imeobi. The SERG in a statement by its President and National Coordinator, Chief Willy Ezugwu, said that “The affirmation of the emergence of the Chairman of the Elders’ Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo as the new President-General of the socio-cultural organisation by the Imeobi is a clear testimony of his general acceptance, unifying ability, and rare leadership qualities.” He emerged following the death of the former President-General of the Igbo group, Prof. George Obiozor. The business mogul was nominated to complete the tenure of the late Igbo leader by Ohanaeze elders in Imo State where late Prof. Obiozor hailed f

*Inauguration of Chief  Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu (right), as new President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. (Nigeria) The five governors of the South East states and other leaders of the zone on Sunday unanimously adopted and inaugurated Chief  Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo, as the new President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. The decision was reached during a closed door meeting of members of Ohanaeze Imeobi with the governors and other Igbo leaders held at the state-of-the-art Banquet Hall, Enugu, newly constructed by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration. The Banquet Hall is located within the premises of the remodelled Old Government Lodge, GRA, Enugu. The meeting had in attendance Governor Ugwuanyi, Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, and the Deputy Governors of Abia, Ebonyi and Imo states, Ude Chukwu, Dr. Kelechi Igwe and Prof. Placid Njoku respectively, who represented their governors, accordingly. Other Igbo leaders at the event include former governors

(Nigeria) Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, over “the failure to investigate allegations of electoral violence and other electoral offences including bribery against some state governors and their deputies during the 2023 elections.” According to reports, the recently concluded presidential and national assembly elections and governorship elections in some states witnessed widespread reports of voter suppression, voter intimidation and the destruction or theft of election materials by political party agents and thugs across the six geopolitical zones. In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/583/2023 at the Federal High Court, Abuja SERAP is asking the court for “an order of mandamus compelling INEC to seek the appointment of independent counsel to investigate allegations of electoral offences against state governors and their deputies during the 2023 elections.” SERAP is seeking “an order o

*National Assembly complex, Abuja (Nigeria) Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, has warned that “attempts being made by interested parties loyal to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to ensure the inauguration of another National Assembly with rubber stamp principal officers will be very dangerous for the survival of Nigerian democracy”, insisting that “Nigerians may not be able to endure another four years of Executive-Legislative connivance against the interests and well-being of the masses.” This was contained in a statement in Abuja on Sunday by CNPP's Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu. The umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in the country noted that “the handwriting can be clearly seen everywhere on the walls by discerning minds and we have uncovered the unholy plot. Hence all democratic forces should be on alert.” According to the CNPP, “The basic elements of democracy, like the principles of separation of p

*Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Usman Alkali Baba (Nigeria) The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Usman Alkali Baba, has directed the immediate deployment of Commissioners of Police to various state commands by the Police Service Commission, PSC. Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement in Abuja on Thursday, said: “Following the approval of the recommendation of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, CFR, for the posting of Commissioners of Police to various State Commands by the Police Service Commission, PSC, the IGP has ordered the immediate deployment of Commissioners of police to various commands across the country. “The IGP tasked the Senior Police Officers to proceed immediately to their respective duty posts and take charge of the affairs of their offices, and execute the policing agenda of the Force leadership. “The newly posted Commissioners of Police comprise CP’s Mohammed Gumel - Kano State Command; Haruna Garba - FCT Comman

(Nigeria) The Police Service Commission, PSC, on Wednesday, approved the dismissal of three Assistant Superintendents of Police, ASPs and the reduction in rank of an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Chief Superintendent, two Superintendents and one Assistant Superintendent. PSC's Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, in a statement, said: “The Commission also approved the punishment of severe reprimand to an Assistant Commissioner of Police, a Chief Superintendent of Police, four Superintendents, two Deputy Superintendents and 12 Assistant Superintendents. “These were highpoints of the 20th Plenary Meeting of the Commission held today at the Corporate Headquarters of the Commission in Jabi, Abuja and presided over by the Commission's Chairman and former Inspector General of Police, Dr. Solomon Arase. “The Commission also approved punishment of reprimand to six Officers, one Superintendent and five Assistant Superintendents. *Dr. Solomon Arase, Chairman, Police Se

*Chief Timipre Sylva (Nigeria) An aide to immediate past Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, has said they would not allow blackmailers destroy his (Sylva) name. Senior Adviser Media and Communications to Syla, Horatius Egua, in a statement on Wednesday, said: “In the past few months, there have been series of attacks and campaigns of calumny against Chief Sylva in the media, falsely accusing him of all sorts of misdemeanour, including falsification of certificate and defamation. “A careful analysis of all the publications reveal an orchestrated attempt by some disgruntled elements and known blackmailers to dampen the political enthusiasm and commitment of Chief Sylva to the call to continue his service to the nation and Bayelsa State in particular. “Since emerging as All Progressives Congress, APC, gubernatorial candidate for Bayelsa State, a certain Timi Frank, a political prostitute, has been busy making unsubstantiated allegation against Chief Sylva, doing th

*Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State (Nigeria) A Federal High Court in Lagos, on Wednesday, struck out an interim order of forfeiture obtained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, seeking to seize 14 properties allegedly linked to Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, because he(Bello) enjoys immunity. Justice Nicholas Oweibo struck out the suit on the ground that Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution prevents the institution of any criminal or civil case against a sitting governor or the President. The judge had, on February 22, granted the temporary forfeiture order, following an exparte motion filed by the anti-graft agency seeking to seize 14 properties located in Lagos, Abuja and the United Arab Emirates, UAE. The Court also directed EFCC to make publication in two national dailies for any interested parties to show cause why the order should not be made absolute. However, consequent upon the publication of the preservative order, Governor Bello had filed Not

*Late Peter Enahoro (Nigeria) Labour Party, LP, Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, has mourned elder statesmen and renowned journalist, Peter Enahoro, who passed on in the United Kingdom on Monday. Obi in series of tweets on Tuesday, said: “I join the Enahoro Family of Uromi, and numerous Nigerians in mourning the death of iconic journalist, Mr. Peter Enahoro, popularly known by his pen name, "Peter Pan," who died on April 24, 2023, at the age of 88 in London. “His role in using journalism -his profession of choice -in advancing Nigeria's independence struggle is well recorded and regarded. His famous book, "How to be a Nigerian" placed our country in the historic and literary limelight. “He was a great advocate and crusader for democracy and good governance, who consistently decried military anti-politics in Nigeria. He will be sorely missed. While praying for the repose of his soul, I also pray for his family to have the

(Nigeria) Labour Party has alerted Nigerians of plot by a faction of the party, under its suspended Deputy National Chairman, Lamidi Apapa, that had approached the tribunal seeking to discontinue the legal challenge of the outcome of the just concluded general elections. Recall that Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, alongside his running mate, Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed and the party are currently at the tribunal, seeking the nullification of declaration of the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu as the president-elect Acting National Publicity Secretary of the party, loyal to Julius Abure, Pastor Obiora Ifoh in a statement, in Abuja, on Tuesday, said: “Daily, the evil intention of the breakaway faction of the Labour Party, led by the suspended Deputy National Chairman, Lamidi Apata continues to manifest and just this morning, our legal team was confronted by the stark revelation that these men have advanced their pl

*Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, SAN (Nigeria) Apparently worried by efforts by some forces outside Seplat Energy Plc to derail the company's steady progress, a non-executive director of the company, Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, has resigned from the Board of the leading indigenous oil and gas firm. Ajogwu, a Professor of Corporate Governance and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, cited unwholesome conduct by some people external to Seplat, but nonetheless resolved to negatively distract the Board of Seplat thereby militating against the smooth operations of the company. His arrival on the board in July 2021 saw him bring the benefit of corporate governance experience from his works and teachings, including the benefit of having drafted Nigeria’s pioneer code of corporate governance, chaired NCC telecoms Code and assisted with the National Code of Corporate Governance as a member. It is understood that he will remain a Board member until October 2023. Reacting to this development, some oil and gas i

*President Muhammadu Buhari (Nigeria) Amid probe of the alleged loss of over $2.4 billion in revenue from illegal sale of 48 million barrels of crude oil export in 2015 and the the call by the Socio-economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, for President Muhammadu Buhari to set up a presidential panel of enquiry to probe allegations that over 149 million barrels of crude oil are missing, as documented in the 2019 reports by the Auditor General of the Federation and Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, has said that such investigation by the current administration would be fruitless. In a statement by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, the CNPP noted that President Buhari cannot probe himself as the Minister of Petroleum Resources since 2015. While SERAP also urged the President to ensure prosecution of anyone suspected to be responsible for plundering the country’s oil wealth and make full re

*Mr. Peter Obi addressing the Muslim community (Nigeria) Presidential Candidate of Labour Party, LP, Mr. Peter Obi, has celebrated the Eid el Fitr with the Muslim community in Anambra State at the Central Mosque in Onitsha. Obi series of tweets on Sunday, said: “Today, at the Central Mosque, Onitsha, I joined the Muslim Community in Anambra State to celebrate and share in the joys of Eid el Fitr. I am very grateful for the fraternal and convivial moments we shared, and especially for their kind words and prayers for a New Nigeria. “In my felicitation remarks, I prayed for Allah to accept their sacrifices, supplications, almsgiving and other good deeds as acts of Ibadah and reward them abundantly, here and hereafter. “ prayed that their respective families will be blessed and witness many more Ramadans on Earth. It was gratifying that without prodding, my hosts recounted how as the Governor of Anambra State, I had rebuilt their Mosque when it was burnt down, provided maximum secur

*Mr. Peter Obi (Nigeria) Presidential Candidate of Labour Party, LP, Mr. Peter Obi, has expressed sadness over the non evacuation of about 4,000 Nigerians trapped in the ongoing hostilities in Sudan. Obi in a series of tweets on Sunday, said: “I'm sad and concerned by the reports that Nigerians trapped in Sudan have not been evacuated. While we understand the extreme challenges in Sudan, we deeply implore the Federal Government of Nigeria to expedite all efforts to rescue about 4000 Nigerians that are mostly students in Sudan to safety. “Moreover, as the Sudanese crisis in not a natural disaster that happened suddenly, it will be sad to lose any Nigerian to the conflict, especially now that we need all hands to create and sustain a new Nigeria. “Since it is the statutory responsibility of Federal Government of Nigeria to protect Nigerians at home in Nigeria and abroad, it is important that we attend to such issues with more deserving proactiveness and commitment as the life of

*President Muhammadu Buhari (Nigeria) Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to “set up a presidential panel of enquiry to promptly probe the grim allegations that over 149 million barrels of crude oil are missing, as documented in the 2019 audited reports by the Auditor General of the Federation and Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI.” SERAP also urged him to “ensure the effective prosecution of anyone suspected to be responsible for the plundering of the country’s oil wealth and the full recovery of any proceeds of crime.” According to the 2019 audited report by the Auditor General over 107 million barrels of crude oil were lifted as domestic crude without any document or tracing. NEITI also reported missing 42.25 million barrels of crude oil in 2019. In the letter dated April 22, 2023, by SERAP deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “There is a legitimate public interest in ensu

*Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila (Nigeria) The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila has rejoiced with Muslims across the country on the occasion of this year's Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of this year's Ramadan. Gbajabiamila also congratulated the Muslim faithful for the successful completion of the 1444/2023 Ramadan, in which he said lessons must have been learnt. Reflecting on the significance of the just concluded Ramadan fasting, the Speaker said Muslims should internalize the lessons and good habits that usually come with the religious practice. He called on Muslims across the country to use the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr to pray for the country. Gbajabiamila noted that periods like this call for sober reflection and unity from all citizens irrespective of their religious beliefs. The speaker said, "Nigeria is the only country we can call ours, hence the citizens, especially Muslims at this time, must work to

*Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa (Nigeria) Speaker Mudashiru Obasa of the Lagos State House of Assembly has felicitated with Muslims in Nigeria and across the world for the successful conclusion of this year's Holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims observe 'Sawm'. Dr. Obasa noted that the grace given Muslims during the fasting period, which culminates in this year's Eid-el-Fitr, is a renewal of the need to constantly show gratitude to Almighty Allah for His provision, His love and protection. The Speaker, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Eromosele Ebhomele, commended Muslim faithful in Nigeria for spending the Ramadan period praying for not themselves alone, but the country. He expressed optimism that Nigeria would soon begin to experience a new direction with the forthcoming change of leadership baton between President Muhammadu Buhari and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Obasa thanked Lagosians for keeping faith in the government and con