710 Nigerians killed by Fulani herdsmen in 10 months —Igbo Youth Movement

The Igbo Youths Movement, IYM, has lamented that Fulani herdsmen have killed 710 other Nigerians excluding the 48 Agatu people in Benue State in the last 10 months without the Federal Government addressing the issue.

IYM made this known while reacting to the Monday’s killing of about 40 indigenes of Nimbo in Uzo Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State by Fulani herdsmen last night.

The statement signed by the Founder of the IYM and Leader of the South East Democratic Coalition, Evangelist    Elliot Uko, entitled, ‘Ten Months of Carnage,’ read: “Between June 2015 and April 2016, Fulani herdsmen have killed over 710 Nigerians (excluding Agatu incident) in 48 recorded incidents, the highest in recent years.

“For the first time, the nation’s Department of State Services, DSS, only interest in these avoidable blood baths, seems only to accuse one organization of killing five Fulani. That accusation is yet to be substantiated with photographs or at least a DSS invitation to media people to the graves in order to corroborate their allegations.

“Monday morning, seven communities in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State received it hot, as usual from the rampaging Fulani warriors. Two churches, over 100 houses, dozens dead and hundreds injured with many still missing.

“Nigerians do not expect any positive reaction from the Federal Government and the DSS, for obvious reasons.This bloodletting which began since the new government took over power is interestingly redefining how much faith, large sections of Nigeria should have in the ability or willingness of the Federal Government to protect them from this Fulani warriors, who clearly act as if they know that the Federal Government cannot (or is it, will not) save the helpless victims from their attacks.

“But above all, the ongoing war by the Fulani herdsmen, have only confirmed Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Independent People of Biafra, IPOB, a prophet and visionary, who saw  tomorrow. Mazi Kanu correctly predicted over the radio, what the Fulani would do to the Middle Belt, South East, South- South and the South West.

“The serial slaughter by the Fulani, the intimidation by the security agents and the disturbing silence of the President, who incidentally  is also Fulani and life Patron of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, has put Mazi Kanu in the league of avatars, who correctly predicted events before they happened.

“This development has also greatly increased Kanu’s popularity, especially among the oppressed, suppressed and consistently attacked populations, who now  see him as a hero and a legend. This has resulted in a huge sympathy towards the gospel of IPOB and its leader.”

Southern govs, monarchs must meet immediately—Ikokwu

Second Republic politician and lawyer, Chief Guy Ikokwu, said the unceasing slaughtering of people by the Fulani herdsmen in most parts of the South demands immediate meeting of the 17 governors of the South and traditional rulers.

His words: ‘’The governors of the southern states must meet immediately with their traditional rulers to discuss the issues affecting the area. Northern governors have been meeting. Southern governors must take a cue. The ethnic organisations of the Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo, Efik, like Ohanaeze, Afenifere,  among others, must meet and take a common position on the issue.”

Nigeria’ll boil if Jonathan is arrested, Northern CAN warns

THE Northern branch of Christians Association of Nigeria, CAN, yesterday advised President Muhammadu Buhari against purported moves to arrest former President Goodluck Jonathan, saying Nigeria would boil should the man regarded as the “hero of democracy” be arrested by the government.

 

The body urged President Buhari to focus on arresting the menace of marauding and murderous herdsmen, erratic power supply and an economy that was getting weaker since his assumption of office.

CAN, in a statement in Kaduna by its Public Relation Officer, PRO, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, one-time Adviser on Religious Affairs (Christians) to both late Governor Ibrahim Yakowa and former Governor Ramalan Yero of Kaduna State said: “Every honest Nigeria knows that the feelers on the ground are that this administration’s popularity is dwindling rapidly among the Nigerian people. It is therefore not advisable to think or plan to arrest former president Goodluck Jonathan. Let me warn that such a misadventure will set a wrong precedent and only open door for mischievous people to set this nation into confusion. What Nigerians need urgently is availability of fuel, electricity, prompt salary, security of lives and properties etc.

“If the purported plan to arrest Jonathan is to please the international community and prove to them that we are fighting corruption, then let us know that these same international community are busy celebrating him as hero of democracy and even those who seriously wanted him to go for a change to happen are now singing a new song about him. Former President Jonathan is deservedly seen in Nigeria and beyond as a hero of democracy because of his actions before, during and after the 2015 elections. As such, it will be curious for the Buhari administration to initiate the arrest of such a statesman.

”Government must know that there are individuals serving today that have also been accused of corruption, but since there are claims that nothing has been established against them, they are walking and speaking like saints. While ignoring all these people, government now wants to arrest a man of peace like Jonathan?

According to the statement: “CAN Northern states wishes to advice that such an action, if actualized, has the capacity to lead to serious confusion that will affect Nigeria economically and otherwise. We are afraid that such an action may spark chain reaction.

“If our President wants to arrest anything for now then he should arrest the incessant spate of herdsmen attacks in Nigeria which has led to the deaths of almost a thousand innocent Nigerians under his watch. He should arrest the dangerous slide in the power sector; he should arrest the slide in the economy. We believe at this time and with the current realities our former president must not be denigrated but honoured, because honour must be given to whom it is due.”

Arsenal fans plan protest during Norwich game

Arsenal fans are planning a coordinated protest during Saturday’s home game against Norwich City to demand changes in the way the club is run.

Fan discontent has been steadily rising at Arsenal this season as their title challenge faltered during the second half of 2015-16.

The Gunners’ theoretical chances of winning the Premier League ended after Sunday’s draw at Sunderland was followed by Leicester’s win over Swansea, and they now have to hold off Manchester United just to finish in the Champions League places.

Arsenal fan groups Red Action Gooners and the Black Scarf Movement are now urging supporters to show their frustration by holding up signs saying “Time for change. Arsenal is stale — Fresh approach needed” during the Norwich game. The groups say the protest is not specifically aimed at manager Arsene Wenger but also at owner Stan Kroenke and the board.

Champions League: City hold Madrid

NIGERIA wonderkid, Kelechi Iheanacho could not help Manchester City win the European Champions League first leg semi final match against Real Madrid at the Etihad last night as City held Real Madrid to a goalless draw in a game of few chances.

The visitors were handed a blow before the game with Cristiano Ronaldo ruled out after failing to shake off a thigh strain and Lucas Vazq-uez replaced the Portuguese star.

A cagey first half saw neither goalkeeper troubled although City were forced to make a change with David Silva hobbling off just before half-time and being replaced by Kelechi Iheanacho.

Zinedine Zidane opted to replace the ineffective Karim Benzema for Jese at half-time and the substitute went close on 70 minutes, heading Dani Caravajal’s cross just over the bar.

Real grew stronger as the game wore on, needing Joe Hart to save from Pepe at point-blank range late on as the visitors pressed but ultimately had to settle for a draw.

Omeruo out of Rio Olympics

NIGERIA international defender Kenneth Omeruo has been declared unavailable to play at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio because of a groin problem.

The 22-year-old, who is on a season-long loan at Turkish side Kasimpasa from Chelsea, has been told by the team doctor he needs time to recover.

“I feel sad about it as it was another good opportunity for me to represent my country,” Omeruo told BBC Sport. “The doctor insists I need rest to start next season without injury.”

Omeruo was first called up by Nigeria in January 2013 and he went on to play at that year’s Africa Cup of Nations and Confederations Cup – and at the 2014 World Cup.

He admitted he was looking forward to playing at the Games, especially after the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2015 and 2017 African Cup of Nations.

“It is disappointing and frustrating to say the least. I’d be lying if I said I would not want to be out there playing,” he said.
“But at the same time I need to be fully fit to be at my best and I have no doubt that the squad will do great in Brazil.

“I would also like to thank the coach [Samson Siasia] for even considering me in the first place.”

A firm fixture in the Kasimpasa side, such has been Omeruo’s impact that the Turkish club are now exploring the option to buy him at the end of his loan spell.

He joined Chelsea from Belgian side Standard Liege in 2012 and developed on loan at ADO Den Haag in Netherlands in an 18-month spell from 2012 to 2013.

EFCC arrests Gov Dickson’s ex-aide over alleged N10m bribe

A former Senior Special Assistant on Media to Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has been arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The suspect, Abednego Don-Evarada, was arrested yesterday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State for allegedly offering a bribe of N10 million to the EFCC’s Zonal Head in Port Harcourt, Mr Ishaq Salihu.

Don-Evarada ran into trouble when he approached Salihu, over a case involving the Senior Special Assistant to the Bayelsa’s State governor on Millennium Development Goals, Apere Embelakpo and his wife, Fine Beauty.

Embelakpo is being investigated for alleged diversion of N800 million being funds meant for the Millennium Development Goals, MDG, while his wife is being investigated for alleged money laundering, forgery and suspicious transactions to the tune of N200 million.

A statement by the Spokesman for the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said Don-Evarada allegedly offered the bribe ostensibly to compromise the EFCC investigation but his overture was turned down and was arrested.

He is being kept in the custody of the EFCC and would be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.

Below is the N10 million cash exhibit displayed by the EFCC and made available to my blog newsnews last night.

2016 Budget: At last, Presidency, National Assembly reach truce

At last, the Executive arm of the government and the National Assembly have resolved their lingering face-off over the 2016 budget, giving hope that any moment from now, president Mohammed would sign the document into law.

A truce was brokered between the two arms of government at a meeting between the president, vice president Yemi Osinbajo and the leadership of the national assembly led by the senate president, Dr. Bukola Saraki held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday night.

 

Earlier in the day, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubo Dogara had met behind closed doors with president Buhari on the same matter.

Speaking after the nocturnal meeting, the senate president, Saraki told State House Correspondents that the controversial issues about the budget had been laid to rest, assuring that in a matter of days, the Appropriation Bill would be given the backing of the law for onward implementation by the federal government.

On the outcome of the meeting

He said: “We just finished a meeting with the president and VP. We came to let them know some of the solutions that we found in moving the budget process forward and we are happy to say that we have agreed on the way forward and we believe that this process will be completed in matter of days rather than weeks. So, it is good news to Nigerians and all of us. We have found a way forward and in a meter of days the budget will be ready for president’s assent.”

Nigerian breaks 187-yr-old record at University of London

A Nigerian academic, Professor Abiodun Alao, will today deliver inaugural lecture at King’s College, University of London, making him the first black African scholar to deliver such lecture since the institution was established in 1829.

Alao, a professor of African Studies, was conferred with professorial title about two years ago   alongside his Nigerian counterpart in the institution’s African Leadership Centre,  Prof. Funmi Olonisakin, making them first black Africans to attain professorial cadre at the institution since its establishment.

The appointments have been confirmed in a letter by the institution’s  President and Principal, Prof. Edward Byrne AC, justifying their elevations based on their contributions to African peace and security.

According to a statement obtained by us yesterday, Alao had 

published  several single-authored books, well-researched journal articles and occasional papers, among others, which findings and recommendations “have largely helped establish peace and boost security in many African countries.”

In an institution that produced 12 Nobel Laureates among its professors, the statement said Alao had distinguished himself, citing about 100 widely recognized  100 academic articles and encyclopedia entries he had published, all of which were assessed to accord him professorial title.

As an academic tradition globally, the statement said the Nigerian academic would today deliver his inaugural lecture, titled, “Africa:  A Voice to be Heard, Not a Problem to be Solved” at the Edward Safra Lecture Theatre at the college’s main campus.

The statement said the inaugural lecture, holding at the institution’s Edward Lecture Theatre on the Strand, “will be attended by many people from different parts of the world, including from the United States, Australia, Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria.”

Aside his academic contributions, Alao joined the long list of globally renowned academics the institution had produced and whose research works had produced answers to different challenges of humanity and society since its establishment.

The statement pointed diverse assignments Alao had undertaken for international institution, which include the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), European Union (EU), World Bank, ECOWAS and for many individual countries in Africa and beyond.

It added that Alao was part of the 4-person team that undertook “a comprehensive threat assessment for Rwanda immediately after the 1994 genocide and was on the team of academic experts that advised former UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan on the civil war in Sierra Leone.

“He also co-authored the Concept Note for the Common Defence and Security Policy for the Africa Union and was the co-author of the first post-Civil War National Security Strategy Framework for Liberia. He was a member of the team that worked on the Development of Donor Countries Effectiveness in Fragile States, the statement said.

Ranking among the top 20 universities in the world, King’s College London holds a unique position in global scholarship, which the statement said, was evident in the landmark research works the institution’s professors and alumni had conducted since its establishment several decades ago.

Among its landmark research works, the statement cited the research that led to the discovery of the famous genetic testing, DNA undertaken at the College by Prof. Maurice Wilkins, while another retired scholar of the institution, Prof. John Lister, developed Antiseptic Surgery.

It cited the researches of Prof. Charles Wheatstone, who “invented the first working telegraphs line and Prof. James Maxwell, who began humanity’s first steps towards a unified theory of physics by bringing magnetism and electricity together in a research that paved way for radio, television, radar and mobile phones.

“The College also has among its former Professors, Thomas Hodgkin, who discovered the Hodgkin disease that was named after him and John Danrell who invented the world’s first battery,” the statement added.

Olisa Metuh under observation at National Hospital

The National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples, Olisa Metuh yesterday fell off a swivel chair as he came into the National Working Committee meeting hall at the party secretariat to witness the inauguration of the caretaker committees of the party in Borno and Kebbi states.

Chief Metuh who came into the hall while the chairman of the party, Ali Modu Sheriff was already seated made for a seat reserved for him but fell to the floor as the swivel chair gave way.

 

 The national Publicity Secretary who remained on the floor for about three minutes before he was assisted by two policemen out of the hall was said to have complained earlier in day of a waist pain.

It was learnt that Olisa Metuh was moved to National Hospital where he was placed on observation as at a time of this report.

Senator Sheriff who watched keenly as the national Publicity Secretary was being assisted out of the NWC hall turned to the national treasurer Bala Buhari who was seated to his left and said “He (Metuh) had been complaining of waist pain lately”.

Meanwhile the National Chairman of the PDP, Senator Ali Modu has disclosed that in view of the volatility of Borno state, the party would use membership cards during its congresses in the state.

Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff who stated this while inaugurating a nine member caretaker committee each for Kebbi and Borno States said that the new measure is to ensure that bonafide members of the party in the state are not disenfranchised.

He enjoined members of the caretaker committees in Kebbi and Borno states to ensure that the congresses were free and fair “so that we can take our party back to the people at the grass root”.

In his remarks, the chairman of the Borno state caretaker committee, Alhaji Rilwan Dauda, assured the chairman that members of the committee would conduct free and fair congresses in the state in order to move the party forward.

In a related development, the National women leader of the PDP, Dr Kema Chikwe has said that she would not be contesting for any position in the party in the forthcoming convention.

Speaking with journalists yesterday, Dr Chikwe said she wants to leave the stage for other younger women to come in, nothing that she had already set a standard that whoever would take over from her would use to operate.

DSS arrests Saraki’s SSA on Youth, Student Matters

SENIOR Special Assistant to the Senate President on Youth and Student Matters and President of National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Barrister Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere has been arrested and detained by the Department of State Services (DSS).

In a statement yesterday in Abuja by his brother, Obinna Ikeagwuonu who raised alarm on Ikenga’s arrest and detention on Monday, said that Ikenga had informed his family of an invitation extended by the Assistant Director of Internal Security.

According to him, Ikenga has not been seen or heard from ever since he entered into the premises which houses the headquarters of the Department of State Services, adding that every attempt by his family, lawyers and personal physician to have access to him have been resisted by the security outfit.

The statement read: “Information at our disposal has it that Ikenga informed his family of his invitation to the office of the DSS, yesterday by 10:00hrs on the call of the Assistant Director Internal Security.

“He has not been seen nor heard from since the time he entered the premises of the DSS. Every attempt by his family, lawyers and personal physician to have access to him have been resisted by the security outfit.

“Ikenga is the President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria and also Senior Special Assistant to the Senate President on Youth and Students Matters and the family has been withstanding immense pressure while assuring and reassuring Nigerian youths who are calling from all over the country enquiring about the welfare of their President.

“We have limits to our strength to withstand this pressure if Nigeria youths want to approach the State and demand for the whereabouts of their President.

Ikeagwuonu further disclosed that unofficial information reaching his family confirmed that barrister Ikenga was interrogated on two issues; a petition authored by the Minister of Youths and Sports Development Barr. Solomon Dalung who was indefinitely suspended from the Board of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, a body over which Ikenga is President.

In the Petition, Dalung maintained that Ikenga had called on President Muhammadu Buhari to summarily sack him as Minister.

Describing Ikenga’s arrest by the DSS as illegal and the height of impunity, Ikeagwuonu who noted that the security agency must be held responsible for whatever happens to his brother, said, “If truly this is one of the questions for which he is illegally detained without access to food, water, legal and medical assistance, then that is impunity at the highest level and we condemn it. Ikenga we are informed has not been shown any petition so far. Ikenga is a law abiding citizen who has approached the Courts in defence of his mandate that Solomon Dalung has severally boasted he will snatch from Ikenga. His lawyers have initiated contempt proceedings against Mr. Dalung and instead of the Minister to go to Court; he is using his office and institutions of State to attempt to intimidate Ikenga.

“He (Ikenga) was alleged to be working with people who the state is not happy with. If these people who the state is not happy with refer to the Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki, then Ikenga has this message for his captors that he is proud of his relationship and association with Dr. Saraki and is bold to stand by him. Ikenga will not deny Saraki because of oppression of the state.”

“We make this statement to inform the world that Ikenga is in the custody of the Department of State Services, detained illegally and against his will and for the world to know who to hold responsible should anything happen to Ikenga.”

Biafra bigger, wider, taller, deeper than anybody including Nnamdi Kanu’

ABAKALIKI – THE Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biatra, MASSOB has said that Biafra is bigger, wider, taller, than anybody including Nnamdi Kanu and also called on relevant stakeholders in the struggle to concentrate their energies and connections towards the release of Nnamdi Kanu from detention, instead of steering up controversies that would betray the collective interest of the Igbo nation.

In a statement issued in Abakaliki, theNational Director of Information, MASSOB, Comrade Samuel Edeson stressed on the impact of “uniting our forces together for greater actualization of Biafra”

 

The statement read in part: “We should concentrate our energies, synergies, diplomacies, connections, affiliations and strengths on the release of Nnamdi Kanu, our brother, a major arrowhead of new Biafra struggle and other possible ways of uniting our forces together for greater actualization of Biafra.

“MASSOB reaction is borne out of regards and respect we have for IPOB as a stakeholder in Biafra project, it was unfortunate that unguided & amateur statements were set against the person of our leader.

“Biafra is bigger, wider, taller, deeper & fatter than anybody including Nnamdi Kanu, Ralph Uwazuruike, Uchenna Madu, Dozie Ikedife & others. Biafra interest is also bigger than groups or personal interest.

“Until we start building serious synergies and form a common Central front among the genuine and selfless Biafran groups, Biafra actualization may take longer period.

“MASSOB expresses surprise on the negative reactions and insinuation of some leaders of IPOB over the comments of our Leader concerning public outburst of Supreme Council of Elders and IPOB.

“It was very unfortunate that our Leader, Comrade Uchenna Madu was misunderstood by some people who had alleged and insinuated sabotage by Uchenna Madu.

“We’re not deterred or disturbed by the misinformation of some media group or express allegations by some people because clear conscience fears no false allegations, Uchenna Madu can never sabotage or betray Biafra which he has suffered most, MASSOB understand that great heroes must be criticized even they are innocent unless they are indicted.

“We have discovered that Nigeria government and some people both inside and outside the Biafran struggle are not comfortable with joint forces of MASSOB and IPOB.

“Leadership is not telling people what to do but showing and leading by example, with this assertion, Nnamdi Kanu has proved his authentic leadership of IPOB which MASSOB never denied”. Ends