Sahara Reporters Latest News Today Wednesday 30th June 2021
Sahara Reporters Latest News Today and headlines on some of the happenings and news trend in the Country, today 30/06/21
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E2%80%99-publisher-family-threatened-after-dogara%E2%80%99s-constituency-story WikiTimes’ Publisher, Family Threatened, After Dogara’s Constituency Story
Haruna Mohammed Salisu, publisher of WikkiTimes, an online news platform, and his family have been threatened following the publication of an investigative report exposing how Yakubu Dogara, a former speaker of the House of Representative and Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) squandered N1 billion constituency school project.
The investigation revealed that the former Speaker squandered N1 billion allocated to building model schools in Bauchi South Federal Constituency.
The publisher said “At about 3:27 pm, my younger brother called me and told me that some three men in Peugeot 406 with a covered number plate came to my house and were asking for my whereabouts.
“He told them that I have travelled, and they asked if he was aware of a ‘damaging’ story I did about Yakubu Dogara, he told them that he was not aware of anything.
“They told him to tell me that since I have done my own; I should wait for their own.”
The story which detailed how the former Speaker falls short in delivering the model school project also unearthed how the contractors who were awarded the contracts shortchanged several communities billed to benefit from the project.
The threats came hours after a group, Dogara Digital Media Support Team wrote and circulated a purported rejoinder debunking WikkiTimes’ Investigation.
The latest threat to the publisher is coming just 3 months after a similar threat was issued to him following an investigationwhich detailed how Makkah Eye Clinic, owned by Saudi Arabia Albasar International Foundation, deviated from its creed of affordable healthcare and resorted to charging clients three times the amount in similar private institutions.
The Committee to Protect JCPJ has reported that Nigeria is one of the countries where journalists are unsafe. According to CPJ, between 1992 to 2021, at least 24 Nigerian journalists have either died or got missing while doing their jobs.
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FACT-CHECK: Did Viral Message On Buhari’s Alleged Attempt To Give Nigerians’ Land To Fulani Come From Obasanjo?
Claim: A viral WhatsApp message titled, ‘Fulanis In Nigeria Are Repeating What They Did In the Central African Republic And How They Were Tackled’ was purported to have been written by former Nigeria President, Olusegun Obasanjo.Verdict: The message is misleading. Obasanjo is not the author of this message.
Full TextThe Nigerian social media space has been used several times to share fake news, incite violence, and create fear in the minds of people. This is despite the limitless good opportunities it offers the teeming population.Recently, stories regarding herders-farmers’ clash in southern Nigerian communities have become commonplace in the news media and on social media platforms. Given this and other security threats, some Nigerians have called on the government to allow citizens to carry AK-47 rifles due to the security challenges faced in most parts of the country.Narratives regarding the Islamisation and ‘Fulanisation’ of Nigeria by the Buhari administration have also gained prominence in social debates and discussions. Also, multimedia files projecting these fears are being shared regularly. However, in a bid to further push this kind of narrative, a message was put together and attributed to former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo. The message has been shared several times on WhatsApp.
Obasanjo, who was in power as both military Head of State and civilian president, is one who had written letters to past and current presidents of the country showing concerns over the state of the nation while proffering possible solutions to the problems.An example is one written to ex-president Goodluck Jonathan in December 2013 titled ‘Before it is too late’. He also wrote another to Buhari in 2018 advising him to take a rest from politics. It was titled, ‘The Way Out: A Clarion Call For Coalition For Nigeria Movement’. Obasanjo has also presented himself as a strong advocate for a better Nigeria through constant interviews in the media by expressing his opinions on the state of the nation. Beyond WhatsApp groups, the message has also been shared to other social media platforms such as Facebook and some other popular websites.
Part of the message reads, “Fulanis In Nigeria Are Repeating What They Did In the Central African Republic And How They Were Tackled –Olusegun Obasanjo“Another civil war in Nigeria has become imminent and inevitable. The reason for its inevitability is simply because Muhammadu Buhari, the Northern Nigeria Fulani oligarchs, and the wider network of Fulani in Sub-Saharan Africa have concluded plans to adopt Nigeria as the homeland for all Fulani in Africa.“Fulani have realised that the wandering and rootless lifestyle of cattle herding is no longer tenable in the twenty-first century. Fulani need to have land to call home and rear cattle and that land should be Nigeria. The indigenous peoples of Nigeria have clearly, vehemently, and stridently opposed this diabolic plan and both sides are mobilising for war. “The Fulani won’t relent and the indigenous people will not give up their land. The same Fulani Project, having failed so shamelessly and woefully in the Central African Republic, will not be allowed to fail this time as the Nigerian Fulani project is better funded with the massive stealing of the sovereign wealth of Nigeria through nationwide kidnapping for ransom by lower-class Fulani and the seizure of the reigns of Government and wealth by the elite Fulani. “Kidnapping and the seizure of the institutions of Government are all for the purpose of implanting Fulani into the mainstream and control of politics and the economy of Nigeria for the objective of funding the Fulani Project in Nigeria.”The message also quoted Obasanjo as saying that the Central African Republic had gone through the same Fulani invasion of farmlands and communities currently being experienced in Nigeria, urging Nigerians to rise and defend their lands. VerificationDubawa read the 20 paragraph-long message which sought to ‘inform’ Nigerians on plans by Buhari to take their lands for Fulani people, how the herdsmen invasion was tackled in the CAR, and what Nigerians can do to curtail herdsmen invasion. The message also cited the alleged instances wherein Buhari showed a favourable disposition towards the Fulanis. Dubawa reached out to Obasanjo’s Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, who dismissed the viral message, noting that there is no basis to believe it. Akinyemi noted that Obasanjo’s standard mode of communication has been made public over time, urging readers to look out for the date of the message, and if it had been duly acknowledged by him.He said, ”In the last four, five years, we have been seeing how this man sends out communication. Before anyone will believe this, it is either coming from his office dated and duly acknowledged by him, not just Olusegun Obasanjo as his name appears in the message.”
Further checks by Dubawa showed that there was no such report in credible news outlets.
Conclusion: This message is misleading and false. Obasanjo did not author the viral WhatsApp message titled, ‘Fulanis In Nigeria Are Repeating What They Did In the Central African Republic And How They Were Tackled’.The researcher produced this fact-check per the Dubawa 2021 Kwame KariKari Fellowship in partnership with SaharaReporters to facilitate the ethos of “truth” in journalism and enhance media literacy in the country.
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E2%80%99ll-be-destabilised-if-kanu-killed-ohanaeze-worldwide-tells-buhari-led-government Nigeria’ll Be Destabilised If Kanu Is Killed, Ohanaeze Worldwide Tells Buhari-led Government
Ohaneze Ndigbo
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, Igbo sociocultural association, has urged the Muhammadu Buhari-led government to follow the law strictly in dealing with the case of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The Nigerian government had on Tuesday announced Kanu’s arrest and extradition to Nigeria to continue facing trial.
Ohaneze Ndigbo
He was subsequently arraigned blindfolded before Binta Nyako, a Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu is facing charges bordering on treasonable felony instituted against him at the court in response to years of campaign for the independent Republic of Biafra through IPOB.
He was granted bail in April 2017 for health reasons but skipped bail after flouting some of the conditions given to him by the court.
In a broadcast via Radio Biafra, Kanu boasted that the Nigerian court lacks the capacity to try him, describing the court as a Kangaroo court.
He said the judge who asked his sureties to produce him should have asked the army why they invaded his residence.
Commenting on his rearrest, Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide in a statement by Okechukwu Isiguzoro, its Secretary-General, said Kanu’s refusal to listen to Igbo leaders’ advice led him to his present predicament.
The group advised the Nigerian government to handle the IPOB leader’s case carefully in order to prevent violent revolts from his followers.
The statement read, “Nnamdi Kanu’s refusal to adhere to the advice of Igbo leaders, elders, and political leaders is the outcome of what had befallen him, he made a lot of enemies especially those that would have saved him and Federal Government will never lose grip on him again.
“We don’t think that any Igbo leader will stick out his/her neck for him, his re-arrest will eventually bring peace and stability to the region and averted another civil war that was raging on.
“Federal Government should handle the situation carefully because his large followers of IPOB wouldn’t resort to violent revolts, his trial should be strictly based on the laws of the land, they shouldn’t kill him because it will destabilise the entire country.”
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Breaking: Governor Makinde Sacks Commissioners, Special Advisers In Oyo
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has dissolved the State Executive Council.
The executive council comprises commissioners, special advisers, among others.
Makinde informed the cabinet members of the development at the state executive council meeting held on Tuesday, Tribune reports.
Makinde in August 2020 sacked his commissioner for works, infrastructure and transport, Raphael Afonja, who had earlier announced that he spent 55 days treating COVID-19.
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E2%80%99s-vow-end-his-%E2%80%98evil-empire%E2%80%99-fredrick-nwabufo Fall Of Nnamdi Kanu And Asari Dokubo’s Vow To End His ‘Evil Empire’, By Fredrick Nwabufo
Fredrick Nwabufo
No man is too great for a nation to conquer. Nnamdi Kanu came into reckoning after the Buhari administration breasted the tape of victory in 2015. Before this time, he was only a cipher who trafficked in hate, conspiracy theories and supremacist ideas on the fringes of social media groups and broadcast channels. But the disaffection of a section of the south-east with the government provided him the ammunition to take his pernicious pursuit to savage heights.
As he fed his sheep with ridiculous conspiracies of how the Fulani are out to exterminate them, his flock swelled in numbers and his assets grew by leaps and bounds. The more absurdities he manufactured, the more his followers were enchanted by him. He lived on the vulnerabilities of his minions. He courted the hype, and he enjoyed the attention. But he flunked the ‘’drug dealer’s rule’’ – do not get high on your own supply.
Fredrick Nwabufo
Kanu lost himself to hubris. He defied the elders; he spat on the leaders, ignored warnings and entreaties, made an enemy of associates, attacked critics, and unleashed his bloodhounds of hell on citizens and security agents in the south-east. He became defiant to reason. He became too powerful for himself. No man should wrestle with his Chi.
By inciting and allegedly sponsoring deadly attacks on citizens and security agents in the south-east – through the Eastern Security Network — he lost those sympathetic to his supposed ‘’cause’’ — but in the closet. Owing to the killings and turmoil in the region, elders and leaders spoke trenchantly against Biafra and IPOB for the first time – no longer tongue in cheek.
After a meeting on June 19, the governors of the south-east declared: “We, the Igbo, do reaffirm our commitment to one united Nigeria under a platform of justice, equality of rights, fairness, love and respect for one another. We condemn in totality, the activities of violent secessionist groups in south-east and elsewhere. We firmly proclaim that we do not support them; they do not speak for south-east.’’
Kanu lost the plot when he took up arms against the state. He lost whatever meaning to his agitation, which is not in the interest of the Igbo by the way, when he provoked bloody attacks against citizens in the south-east. He lost it there.
A few days ago, Asari Dokubo, former Niger Delta warlord, did a broadcast vowing to ‘’bring down the evil empire’’ of Kanu.
These were Dokubo’s words: “Nnamdi Kanu, I’m not in your category but for this, I will surely bring you down. I will destroy this evil empire that is working as a hindrance to the restoration of Biafra. Biafra is your business now; you have no other avenue for gainful income. It is a pity how Igbo people have fallen for this evil, but your time is up. I am out for you. And I will get you.”
It was reported in 2017 that Niger Delta militants aided the escape of Kanu from Nigeria. The IPOB leader even alleged he sent emissaries to Dokubo for a ferry away from Golgotha. Kanu jumped bail and was magicked from Nigeria – where he was facing trial for treason. He reappeared in Israel in 2018, and afterwards he moved to the UK where he is a citizen. He continued his lethal industry from there spreading poison, confusion, hate and death.
Did Dokubo make good his threat? Does he have a hand in the arrest of Kanu? Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of the federation, said on Tuesday the IPOB leader was ‘’intercepted’’.
“Self-acclaimed leader of the proscribed secessionist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Kanu, has been intercepted through the collaborative efforts of Nigerian intelligence and Security Services. He has been brought back to Nigeria, in order to continue facing trial after disappearing, while on bail regarding 12-count charge against him. Recent steps taken by the Federal Government saw to the interception of the fugitive Kanu on Sunday the 27th day of June 2021,’’ Malami said in a statement.
It is not yet certain if Dokubo played a hand in the game. I had called the Ijaw leader to hear from him but did not get through. However, the former militant is known to match his words with action. Yet it is too early say.
The culminating incidents are a consequence of arrogance, lack of tact, irrationality, and ignorance on the part of Kanu. South-east youths should desist from launching into protests and processions at this time. Some of the youths who had given in to the enchantment of Kanu have been killed. We have lost many lives. We should not lose more men.
The federal government must do well to follow procedure in the trial of Kanu. Despite his offence, the government must be seen to be fair-handed and not punitive. Resorting to vengeful measures could provoke unintended reactions. There should be no room for arbitrariness. Let the law take its course. Let the court decide.
By Fredrick ‘Mr OneNigeria’ NwabufoTwitter @FredrickNwabufo
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2023 Voters Registration: Now, We Have The Chance In Our Hands By Seun Awogbenle
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You can wager that one of my favourite songs of all time is the popular “One Moment in Time” – a song by American singer Whitney Houston, written by Albert Hammond and John Bettis, produced by Narada Michael Walden for the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea.
I cannot remember when I first heard the song, but since my first encounter with the song, it has remained a food for my soul, I listen to it particularly when I need to brace up for a new challenge, it is also my song for meditation because I find the lyrics of the song very compelling, and they speak directly to my consciousness particularly on the topic of time and chance.
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Maybe unrelated, but since the Continuous Voters Registration commenced on Monday, June 2021, nothing has reminded of the importance of the process more than a part of the song, which according to Whitney Houston sings “I’ve lived to be, the very best, I want it all, no time for less, I’ve laid the plans, Now lay the chance, here in my hands”. That part of the song speaks quite precisely to the importance of this moment in Nigeria’s history. It is a reminder that while we have all continued to clamour for improved governance and transformational leadership, we have this moment in time, laid in our hands, to change our own story and rewrite the fortunes of Nigeria.
If you have been following my writings and interventions online, in the print and broadcast media, you will never be in doubt about my conviction and approach to development. It has always been that of pragmatism or what can better be described as patient progress. I believe pragmatism rather than radicalism can deliver a more sustainable change and development. Engagement, Dialogue and Elections are some of the most fundamental aspects of pragmatism, I reckon.
The first journey to any election starts with voters’ registration and that is what we now have in our hands. The opportunity to register to vote at the election so that we can all collectively deliver a credible and competent leadership for our country. I have always maintained that there is no better revolution than the one done at the election; it is the most effective way to express our collective anger against a system that does not serve our interest. Yes, protests are good, but they can only deliver quick fixes which are ad hoc at best, only electoral action can deliver the kind of system overhaul, sustainable change, and long-term fixes that we badly desire.
I understand the power of elections, which is the reason I dedicated an entire Chapter in my book, The Urgency of Now, to discuss what I termed the Power of the Ballot. I recall writing along the line that, on the ballot lies the present and the future, with every ballot comes an opportunity for renewal, for redemption and restoration!
Some may even argue that by not voting they are protesting but voting itself is a more effective and even louder protest, through the ballot, we can demonstrate again that true power lies with the people. Elections are powerful, and the outcome even outlast the holders of such office, the impact is always that of a lifetime, either good or bad.
I am excited that this time, INEC has made provision for the online pre-registration process where citizens can commence their voters’ registration online and then choose an appointment date for biometric physical capture from July 19, at any of the INEC State and local government offices. This is an impressive leap in our electoral history, which is coming at a time when we continue to advocate for the full deployment of technology for Nigeria’s election.
Now that INEC has laid the chance in our hands, this is the time for every young Nigerian above the age of 18 to register and get ready to vote. Although, I always hear some people say votes do not count, and I have had to counter this argument too many times. While I understand that the Nigerian system has inspired nothing but cynicism over the years, there is really no logic to the generalisation that votes do not count, votes count! My simple counter had always been that if votes do not count, why then do politicians still spend heavily to buy votes, no one would buy what does not count.
While I do not dispute the penchant of the political class for collusion to rig elections, many people fail to understand that the more people who choose not to vote the easier it becomes for the political class to rig elections. The most effective antidote to rigging is for everyone of voting age to come out and vote, it makes it difficult for elections to be rigged. Democracy has always been about numbers and elections offer an opportunity to make the numbers count.
Like I have always said, we have come too far to give up on Nigeria, if we give up on our country, we are giving up on our future. The progress of our country is never out of reach, but we must never forget that elections are the foundation of every democracy, if we must get everything else right, then it must start with elections – by getting involved in the process that produces democratic leadership.
Now that we have the chance laid in our hands, we must make this moment count and get involved in the process that leads to the transformation of our country from that of a third world country to an example of shared prosperity. Register to Vote!2023 Voters Registration: Now, we have the Chance in our Hands by Seun Awogbenle
You can wager that one of my favourite songs of all time is the popular “One Moment in Time” – a song by American singer Whitney Houston, written by Albert Hammond and John Bettis, produced by Narada Michael Walden for the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea.
I cannot remember when I first heard the song, but since my first encounter with the song, it has remained a food for my soul, I listen to it particularly when I need to brace up for a new challenge, it is also my song for meditation because I find the lyrics of the song very compelling, and they speak directly to my consciousness particularly on the topic of time and chance.
Maybe unrelated, but since the Continuous Voters Registration commenced on Monday, June 2021, nothing has reminded of the importance of the process more than a part of the song, which according to Whitney Houston sings “I’ve lived to be, the very best, I want it all, no time for less, I’ve laid the plans, Now lay the chance, here in my hands”. That part of the song speaks quite precisely to the importance of this moment in Nigeria’s history. It is a reminder that while we have all continued to clamour for improved governance and transformational leadership, we have this moment in time, laid in our hands, to change our own story and rewrite the fortunes of Nigeria.
If you have been following my writings and interventions online, in the print and broadcast media, you will never be in doubt about my conviction and approach to development. It has always been that of pragmatism or what can better be described as patient progress. I believe pragmatism rather than radicalism can deliver a more sustainable change and development. Engagement, Dialogue and Elections are some of the most fundamental aspects of pragmatism, I reckon.
The first journey to any election starts with voters’ registration and that is what we now have in our hands. The opportunity to register to vote at the election so that we can all collectively deliver a credible and competent leadership for our country. I have always maintained that there is no better revolution than the one done at the election; it is the most effective way to express our collective anger against a system that does not serve our interest. Yes, protests are good, but they can only deliver quick fixes which are ad hoc at best, only electoral action can deliver the kind of system overhaul, sustainable change, and long-term fixes that we badly desire.
I understand the power of elections, which is the reason I dedicated an entire Chapter in my book, The Urgency of Now, to discuss what I termed the Power of the Ballot. I recall writing along the line that, on the ballot lies the present and the future, with every ballot comes an opportunity for renewal, for redemption and restoration!
Some may even argue that by not voting they are protesting but voting itself is a more effective and even louder protest, through the ballot, we can demonstrate again that true power lies with the people. Elections are powerful, and the outcome even outlast the holders of such office, the impact is always that of a lifetime, either good or bad.
I am excited that this time, INEC has made provision for the online pre-registration process where citizens can commence their voters’ registration online and then choose an appointment date for biometric physical capture from July 19, at any of the INEC State and local government offices. This is an impressive leap in our electoral history, which is coming at a time when we continue to advocate for the full deployment of technology for Nigeria’s election.
Now that INEC has laid the chance in our hands, this is the time for every young Nigerian above the age of 18 to register and get ready to vote. Although, I always hear some people say votes do not count, and I have had to counter this argument too many times. While I understand that the Nigerian system has inspired nothing but cynicism over the years, there is really no logic to the generalisation that votes do not count, votes count! My simple counter had always been that if votes do not count, why then do politicians still spend heavily to buy votes, no one would buy what does not count.
While I do not dispute the penchant of the political class for collusion to rig elections, many people fail to understand that the more people who choose not to vote the easier it becomes for the political class to rig elections. The most effective antidote to rigging is for everyone of voting age to come out and vote, it makes it difficult for elections to be rigged. Democracy has always been about numbers and elections offer an opportunity to make the numbers count.
Like I have always said, we have come too far to give up on Nigeria, if we give up on our country, we are giving up on our future. The progress of our country is never out of reach, but we must never forget that elections are the foundation of every democracy, if we must get everything else right, then it must start with elections – by getting involved in the process that produces democratic leadership.
Now that we have the chance laid in our hands, we must make this moment count and get involved in the process that leads to the transformation of our country from that of a third world country to an example of shared prosperity. Register to Vote!
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E2%80%94coalition-northern-groups Biafra: Referendum Still Needed Despite Kanu’s Arrest—Coalition Of Northern Groups
File photo used to illustrate story.
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has reacted to the arrest of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.The group, in a statement, said it received the news of the arrest with mixed feelings of apprehension and appreciation.
File photo used to illustrate story.
CNG noted that it would be apprehensive about the arrest of Nnamdi Kanu until the full course of the law takes effect.
It, however, reiterated its stance that a referendum was important despite Kanu’s arrest. It also said agitations for the Biafra Republic will not be affected by the arrest.
The spokesman for the group, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman commended the effort of the federal government and the agencies involved in making the arrest.
It thanked the International Police and authorities of the United Kingdom for honouring their obligations to Nigeria.
The group also said Kanu, who has a pending trial for treasonable felony and jumping bail, must now face additional charges of alleged incitement to violence and killing of people of other ethnicities particularly northerners and security personnel as a result of his open incitement.
The statement said, “More importantly, we don’t see Kanu’s arrest affecting the issue of Biafra. While he faces trial hopefully, the CNG is insisting that this is the right time to tackle the Biafran issue once for all.”
The coalition explained that nobody should make the mistake of assuming that the arrest is anywhere near the end of the Biafran affair, insisting, “We stand our ground that a referendum must be held to determine this and all other agitations for self-determination from any part of the country.”
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Nnamdi Kanu: Uneasy Calm In South-East As Soldiers Flood Major Towns
File photo
There is palpable tension in parts of Enugu and Abia states after Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), was arrested by the Nigerian government as military personnel have flooded major highways.
Some residents confirmed this to SaharaReporters, saying the heavy presence of security personnel, mainly policemen and soldiers, has been noticed in the past few days.
File photo
One of the residents in the Ohafia community of Abia State said following the development, they were awaiting videos of Nnamdi Kanu, and wanted him to address them.
“Many people find it difficult to believe the report because there are no videos to support claims Kanu has been arrested. If Kanu is truly arrested, the youths of the South-East, in our usual practice, will defend him,” a resident said.
“Soldiers have been all over Enugu town in Enugu State for the past few days. We were still wondering what could have happened. They are on major roads in Abia too. But one thing is clear; the voice of the people cannot be subdued. Maybe the military will kill everyone in the South-East and start living there,” another resident said.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Kanu was picked up at a location in Africa, and the Nigerian government only decided to be manipulative about the details.
“He was not arrested in London or anywhere in the United Kingdom. Diplomats confirmed that Kanu was picked up somewhere in Africa. The family and IPOB are very unhappy. Apparently, they have known about the trailing an arrest for about some time,” a top source stated.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that the family of Nnamdi Kanu asked the Federal Government not to manhandle their son, who is currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Speaking in Umuahia, the Abia state capital, Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu said the IPOB leader stood on the path of truth and committed no crime to deserve any persecution.
According to him, Nnamdi was only asking for the freedom of Biafrans which is their fundamental human right hence, his rights should be respected.
He said the whole world is watching how the Nigerian Government will handle Kanu.
He further noted that his brother had awakened the consciousness of Nigerians about the goings-on in the country.
My brother stood for the truth, and Heaven is on the part of anyone standing for the truth.
“He committed no crime, and the whole world is watching,” Emmanuel added.
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BREAKING: Police Kill Two, Injure Many Others During Illegal Raid On Oyo Community
File photo used to illustrate story.
At least two persons have been killed by policemen during a midnight raid on Ajaawa community, Ogo Oluwa Local Government of Oyo state.
The chairman of the council, Seun Ojo disclosed this in a Save Our Soul (SOS) message to the Inspector General of Police on Tuesday.
File photo used to illustrate story.
Ojo asked the police boss to save the council headquarters and the adjoining villages from attacks by policemen.
He explained that one person named “Ade master” is suspected to have connived with some powerful interests to instigate the violent attacks, using the said officers.
The council boss added that the raid of Ajaawa community disrupted its peace and left residents scampering into the bush.
He said, “I address you today in respect of an unusual happening at the Headquarters of Ogo Oluwa Local Government, Ajaawa.
“Early this morning, around 1am, I was woken up by frantic calls from many people in Ajaawa, following sporadic gunshots that left the town terrified from midnight of Monday, July 28.
“Following quick checks by my office and the office of the Alajaawa (traditional ruler of the community), it was confirmed that the sporadic gunshots and direct shootings into some homes were carried out by some men of the Nigeria Police, who had invaded Ajaawa for no clear reasons.
“We were told that the team came from Abuja, supposedly from the office of the Inspector General of Police.
“It was confirmed that the team made bookings at the office of the Area Commander in Owode, Ogbomoso, and at the office of the Divisional Police Officer, in Ajaawa, so we had no doubt that they were men of the Nigeria Police.
“We were, however, more than baffled that men of the Nigeria Police would invade a community, unleash sporadic gunshots and cause tension and panic, even loss of lives.
“As we speak, at least two persons were confirmed dead from the sporadic gunshots fired by the police team members while at least 10 persons have been confirmed to sustain various degrees of injuries.
“The final number of the injured is actually being put together as we speak since I had to hurriedly leave the council to make this report here in Ibadan.”
Ojo called on the IGP, whose office is being dragged into the illegal act, to investigate the lawless men and bring the culprits to justice.
“I am, therefore, using this medium to send a Save Our Soul (SOS) to the Inspector General of Police(IGP), whose office is being dragged into an act we consider lawless and one which cannot be defended by any aspect of our lawbooks.
“Our people are at a loss as to why law enforcement officers would invade a community in such a commando-like manner and unleash Mayhem, leading to a situation where members of the community had to take refuge in the forest even in the dead of the night.
“As we speak, the local government headquarters in Ajaawa is deserted, just as schools as many of our people have relocated to nearby towns.
“A number of our people are of the view that the raid may not be unconnected with the decision of some youths to sack a shrine which belonged to one ‘Ade Master,’ something that took place when an SPU Policeman attached to him killed a member of the community.
“It will interest you to note that the said Ade Master is being linked to kidnapping and disappearance of innocent persons in the area in recent times.
“Could it be that some persons are not happy that our youths sacked the shrine and stopped the possible use of the area to perpetrate nefarious activities? Could it be that some forces are trying to instigate the Police against innocent people of Ajaawa community and disrupt the peace of the area for their selfish and nefarious reasons?
“Why would the police invade a community and unleash violence in the dead of the night? This and many questions have been agitating our minds since the violence broke in the midnight yesterday.
“Let me use this medium to equally call on the IGP, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State and all law enforcement officers to please join hands to ensure peace in our local government area and our state.
“We have all seen and are proud of the service delivery efforts of Governor Seyi Makinde aimed at developing the state,” he said.
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Court Grants Human Rights Activist, Sowore Extension To File Appeal Challenging Stringent Bail Terms
The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has granted an application by the convener of #RevolutionNow and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, to file a notice of appeal against his stringent bail terms.
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) had arrested Sowore in the early hours of August 3, 2019, for calling on Nigerians to take to the streets in peaceful demonstrations on August 5, 2019, to demand a better country from the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
He was kept in unlawful detention from that period until December 5, 2019, when he was finally released on bail despite two court orders earlier sanctioning his freedom.
In a twist of event, DSS operatives invaded the Federal High Court in Abuja on December 6, 2019, to rearrest him without any court order.
He remained in unlawful detention until 18 days later when he was released by the secret police for the second time.
Ijeoma Ojukwu, the trial Judge had granted Sowore N100 million bail with two sureties who must be residents of Abuja and have landed properties within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The court had held that the sureties must deposit original documents of those properties.
The judge also ordered that one of the sureties must deposit N30 million with the court pending the determination of the case.
The activist remains confined to Abuja as one of his bail conditions forbids him from leaving the city or speaking with journalists until the end of his trial.
Groups and high-ranking individuals from around the world have described the charges against the activist as baseless and a waste of time.
Femi Falana, Sowore’s counsel, had approached the Appeal Court seeking an alteration of the previous bail conditions which he said were stringent, and thus, could not be met.
In the sitting on Tuesday, Marshall Abubakar, a lawyer to the activist, urged the court to grant an order “extending the time within which the applicant/appellant may file his notice of appeal against the ruling of the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division in CHARGE NO. FHC/ABJ/CR/235/2019, between FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA V OMOYELE SOWORE and 1 other delivered by His Lordship, Honourable Justice ljeoma Ojukwu, on the 21st day of October 2019, the time within which to file same having elapsed”.
He also asked to withdraw prayer 2 which is an order “deeming the applicant’s/appellant’s Notice of Appeal filed against the ruling of the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division in CHARGE NO. FHC/ABJ/CR/235/2019, between FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA V OMOYELE SOWORE & 1 other delivered by His Lordship, Honourable Justice ljeoma Ojukwu, on the 21st day of October 2019, a proposed copy attached herewith as “Exhibit A” and filed separately at the Registry of this Honourable Court as a separate process, as having been properly filed and served on the respondent”.
Moore Adumein, the Judge, granted the applicant’s motion “to file a notice of appeal at the registry of the federal high court Abuja 14 days from today” and struck out the second request.
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