Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara said on Monday that he has not committed any crime that would prompt his impeachment by the House of Assembly.
Fubara made this statement on Monday while speaking to his supporters at the Assembly Complex. The governor promised the state’s citizens they would reap the benefits of democracy.
“Let them come out and tell Rivers people the offence I have committed to warrant any impeachment,” he stated.
“Let me assure the people of Rivers that I will continue to ensure that you get the dividends of democracy. At the appropriate time I will address the press.”
According to reports, on Monday while some members gathered to start the impeachment process of Governor Fubara, there were gunshots and the release of tear gas inside the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex.
There have long been allegations of a division between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is currently the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The parliamentarians also suspended Edison Ehie, the head of the House, and a few other lawmakers they thought were loyal to the governor.
Being text of a World Press Conference on the Presidential Election Petition Judgement by Atiku Abubakar, GCON, Waziri Adamawa, former Vice President of Nigeria (1999-2007)
Gentlemen of the Press.
Someone asked me what I would do if I lost my election petition appeal at the Supreme Court. In response, I said that as long as Nigeria wins, the struggle would have been worth the while. By that, I meant that the bigger loss would not be mine but Nigeria’s if the Supreme Court legitimizes illegality, including forgery, identity theft, and perjury.
If the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land, implies by its judgment that crime is good and should be rewarded, then Nigeria has lost and the country is doomed irrespective of who occupies the Presidential seat. If the Supreme Court decides that the Electoral umpire, INEC, can tell the public one thing and then do something else in order to reach a corruptly predetermined outcome, then there is really no hope for the country’s democracy and electoral politics.
Obviously, the consequences of those decisions for the country will not end at the expiration of the current government. They will last for decades. I am absolutely sure that history will vindicate me. We now know what the Supreme Court has decided.
At critical points in my political life, I always ignored the easy but ignoble path and chosen the difficult but dignified path, the path of truth, of morality, of democracy and rule of law.
I always chose freedom over servitude, whatever the personal discomforts my choice entails. When I joined politics, the critical challenge was easing the military out of power so that civilian democratic governance could be restored in Nigeria. It later became a very defining struggle, and, as one of the leaders of that struggle, I was targeted for elimination.
In one incident, nine policemen guarding my home in Kaduna were murdered in an attempt to assassinate me. I was also forced into exile for nine (9) months. In addition, my interest in a logistics company that I co-owned was confiscated and given to friends of the military government. As Vice President in the civilian government that succeeded the military, I, again at great personal cost, chose to oppose the extension of the tenure of the government beyond the two four-year terms enshrined in our constitution.
In response to the official backlash against me, I instituted several cases in the courts, which led to seven landmark decisions that helped to deepen our democracy and rule of law. At the current historic moment, the easier option for me would have been to fold up and retreat after the mandate banditry perpetrated by the APC and INEC.
But I went to the Nigerian courts to seek redress. I even went to an American court to help with unravelling what our state institutions charged with such responsibilities were unwilling or unable to do, including unravelling the qualifying academic records of the person sworn in as our President and by implication, hopefully who he really is.
I offered that evidence procured with the assistance of the American Court to our Supreme Court to help it to do justice in this case. I give this background to underscore that what we are currently dealing with is bigger than one or two presidential elections and is certainly bigger than Atiku Abubakar. It is not about me; it is about our country, Nigeria. It is about the kind of society we want to leave for the next generation and what kind of example we want to set for our children and their children.
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has said that his government recovered about 80 corpses and 20 headless bodies at Umuchieze Cattle Market in the Umunneochi Local Government Area of the state within 48 hours.
Otti revealed this during the monthly media parley at the Government House, Umuahia, during which he reinstated his government’s commitment to end all forms of criminality in the state.
The governor stated that the government’s commitment to combating insecurity was steadfast, adding that the government was trying to guarantee that the people of Abia celebrated the Yuletide in peace.
He stated that the government will neither condone nor participate in any way in fostering instability.
According to Otti, security information revealed that ransom payments for kidnapped victims were always dropped near Umuchieze Cattle Market in Lokpanta.
The Governor has this to say : “We installed electronic equipment to find out what is happening in every part of the state.
“A few weeks ago, we found that a lot of the ransom that was paid for kidnapping ended up somewhere around Umunneochi LGA.
“We decided to dominate the place and what we saw was shocking.
“In less than 48 hours, we recovered over 80 dead bodies around the cattle market, and we recovered 20 headless bodies decomposing bodies which include adults and children.
“We recovered uncountable skeletons of people who had been killed and left to decompose still around that axis.”
Otti further stated that several sorts of crime, including gun-running, prostitution, drug sale, and heavy substance use, were prevalent in the cattle market.
He stated that inquiries into the perpetrators of the act were still ongoing.
Otti stated that this influenced the state government’s decision to convert the livestock market into a general market.
He said the state government had taken steps to secure the market by fencing it. The governor issued a directive for it to be a non-residential daily market open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Otti stated that, in accordance with government orders, the market would no longer be solely for the sale of cattle, but would instead function as a general market where other things would be on sale.
The governor continued: “Now some persons said that we had sent away the Hausa community living in Abia, but remember when we saw the skeletons, we did not know which skeletons belonged to either Hausa or Yoruba.
“The spread of the false information led to a northern group issuing a quit notice to Igbo living in the North to leave and come back to East.”
The governor indicated that a discussion with the organisation was held during which the government’s intentions were clarified.
“We challenged them that anybody that is not in support of what we are doing must be a criminal, then they saw reason with us and reversed themselves,” he added.
Otti stated that the state administration was eager to maintain peace and stability in order to encourage Abians to travel freely throughout the state, particularly during the Yuletide season.
“I can assure you that Umunneochi is calm,” he added.
Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, on Monday morning, begun impeachment process against the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Consequently, the Assembly has directed the Clerk of the House to serve Governor Fubara with the impeachment notice.
The Assembly had earlier impeached the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Edison Ehie, a loyalist of the Governor to apparently pave the way for the impeachment proceedings against the governor.
Governor Fubara had also stormed the Assembly complex on Monday, where he addressed his supporters, saying he had not committed any impeachable offence to warrant the move against him.
The political crisis brewing in the Garden City State was a fallout of a soured relationship between the governor and his political godfather, who is the immediate-past governor of the state and now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The governor had while addressing his supporters in the state government House, said that he’s not afraid of impeachment but it must follow the due process.
Muslim community in Anambra State has assured of continued support in promoting good governance in the state by being law abiding, showing commitment to peace and prosperity, among other patriotic actions.
Speaking at Rojenny Central Mosque, Oba in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state after Friday Jumat prayer that attracted no fewer than six hundred muslims; including prominent indigenes of Oba, Obosi and Ichi communities, the Muslim faithful also promised to continue praying for a more united and progressive Nigeria; which they said has come a long way as a country, and should rise above ethnicity, religious and other primordial considerations.
Chief Imam of the Mosque, Alhaji Mohammed Imam, who led the Jumat prayer, sued for religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence among all tribes and political divides in Nigeria, and called on Nigerians to imbibe ecumenical and cross-cultural virtues.
He commended the Proprietor of Rojenny Games village Oba, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka; for establishing a mosque within the facility, as well as ensuring their security and protection in the state.
Contributing, the second in command to the Chief Imam, Alifa Abdulateef Ayodele, said he has enjoyed the best of hospitality for over six years while worshiping in the mosque outside of his place of origin.
Chairman of Ogilisi Igbo Foundation, Dr Linus Uche, said the desire of the founder, Chief Ezeonwuka, has always been that people across tribes and religions live comfortably wherever they found themselves in Nigeria, adding that Chief Ezeonwuka has been an advocate of unity with humanity above religion.
In his remarks, the Proprietor of Rojenny Games village Oba, and Founder of Ogilisi Igbo Foundation, Chief Ezeonwuka, said the Mosque has existed for about forty-five years and supported Islam in the area all along.
He thanked the Muslim community at the Mosque for their peaceful disposition and prayers for Anambra and Nigeria.
The New Nigeria Political Party, NNPP, has vowed to take over Imo state in the November 11 gubernatorial election, as well as other Southeast states in future elections.
The party also said it has decided to forge ahead despite attempt to hijack it by some desperate politicians, adding that since it has been winning elections in batches in the past, winning the upcoming Imo guber election is assured.
At the Southeast Zonal Executive Conference of the party held in Awka, Anambra State, the newly appointed Acting state Chairmen of the party were introduced to the zonal authority, the dissolution of the Kawu Ali-led National Working Committee, NWC, and the expulsion of the Kwankwaso and Kwankwasia support group reaffirmed.
The expiration of the MoU that brought NNPP/NAGAF&Kwankwaso/Kwankwasia group was also announced during the conference.
In his address at the conference, the Deputy National Chairman of NNPP, Chief Felix Chukwurah, who said that the party is not immune to leadership crisis as is seen in other political parties, however, explained that the peculiarities in the NNPP circumstances are worth dealing with decisively to avoid challengess capable of destabilizing her pursuits in many fronts towards producing the President of the country and winning other political offices in the next political dispensation.
He announced that in the coming weeks, many of their court cases would have yeilded expected results of sending all miscreants and hijackers out of the party, and party’s glory restored like never before.
Chief Chukwurah pledged the party loyalty to Dr. Boniface Aniebonam; the founder and one who has, with the support of some other pioneer members, nurtured it for the past twenty-two years, as well as the National Chairman, Dr Agbo Major; for working for the success of the party.
Others who spoke in support of the party leader were the Ebonyi State Chairman of the party and Ezza South/ Ikwo House of Representatives candidate, Chief Stephen Ojeogu, as well as the Abia State Secretary of NNPP, Dr Kalu Amogu.
…as Igwe Onyido recieves 2023 NUJ Man of The Year award
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Right Honourable Somtochukwu Udeze, and the Chief Judge, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, are among eminent personalities expected to attend the 2023 Press Week, Media summit and Anambra NUJ Man of The Year Award ceremony of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Anambra State Council coming up in Awka on Thursday, second November 2023.
At the event that will be chaired by the first female Professor of Mass Communication in Sub-saharan Africa, Chinyere Okunna, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa, will speak on “Pragmatic Media practice as an antidote to sustainable development in a distressed economy: A focus on Anambra State”.
A statement signed by the Anambra State Council Chairman of NUJ, Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, announced that Media Chief Executives, managers and regulators, captains of industry, and traditional rulers are expected at the event.
Dr Odogwu informed that the state Commissioner for Information, Mr Paul Nwosu, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Christian Aburime, among other media handlers in the state are also expected to grace the occasion.
NUJ Press Week which started on Friday 27/10/23 with an interactive session between the National Chairman of APGA and Journalists from print and broadcast media, online publishers, and bloggers, would also feature presentation of Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna Ethical Journalist of the year award for 2023 to the yet-to-be-determined winner.
Chairman and Secretary of the Planning Committee of the event, Dr Njideka Ezeonyejiaku and Chukwuleta Chigozie said other activities marking the event are presentation of NUJ 2023 Anambra Man of the Year Award on Igwe Pharmacist Alex Uzo Onyido of Ogidi community, while the 2022 NUJ Anambra Man of The Year, Dame Dr Adaora Umeoji, OON (DMD of Zenith Bank) shall give remarks at the event that has the National President of NUJ, Chief Chris Isiguzo, as the Chief host.
Visitations to 3 charity homes, Community Children Homes in Awka and Onitsha, and Sickle Cell community home Agulu, as well as facility tour of Tiger Foods Company Ltd, novelty match between the NUJ team and Anambra State Judiciary team are part of activities lined up for the press week.
NUJ will also reach out to the challenged/ displaced communities in 3 senatorial zones, and hold Karaoke Night/ Couples unification hour among others.
Following the ruling of the apex court of Nigeria affirming Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory in the controversial 2023 Presidential Election, a group, Biafra De Facto Customary Government (BDFCG) has said that the foundation of the nation, instead of being consolidated, has rather been eroded by the court legitimizing illegality and, in effect, promoting an environment of lawlessness.
The group, in a statement signed by its Spokesperson, Prosper Odinga, said the judicial decision has dumbfounded both the opposition political parties and common citizens; whose last hope in judiciary “has continually been betrayed with continual unhealthy alliance with the executive arm”.
The Pro-Biafran group stated that for far too long Nigeria has grappled with a lack of law and order, adding that the recent Supreme Court ruling only exacerbates the already questionable culture of injustice that permeates the Nigerian society.
By endorsing the manipulated electoral process tainted with irregularities and disregarding the rule of law, BDFCG said the supreme court has finally sent a dangerous message that undermines the very fabric of the justice system they hypocritically serve to preserve.
Expressing concerns over the far-reaching effects of the apex court ruling, BDFCG said the erosion of justice in Nigeria should be a matter of grave concern for all Africans committed to the principles of democracy and human rights, and called on all Biafrans across the world to be more organized in pursuit of her right for self determination.
The statement reads:
*NATURAL JUSTICE REMAINS THE LAST COURSE FOR NIGERIAN MASSES*
The apex court of Nigeria has ruled on the controversial 2023 Presidential Election affirming Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidency of which Biafra De Facto Customary Government (BDFCG) has archived with another series of controversial judicial decisions that affects the foundation of justice and rule of law.
This ruling has dumbfounded both the opposition political parties and common citizens whose last hope on judiciary has continually been betrayed with continual unhealthy alliance with the executive arm.
It is with great alarm that BDFCG noted the court’s decision which was supposed to consolidate the foundation of the nation but only succeeds to erode it by legitimizing illegality and, in effect, promoting an environment of lawlessness.
For far too long, Nigeria has grappled with a lack of law and order, and this recent ruling by the Supreme Court only exacerbates the already questionable culture of injustice that permeates our society. By endorsing the manipulated electoral process tainted with irregularities and disregarding the rule of law, the supreme court has finally sent a dangerous message that undermines the very fabric of the justice system they hypocritically serve to preserve.
It is imperative that we recognize the far-reaching implications of this ruling. This insensitive decision signals a concerning shift towards authoritarianism. It underscores the need for the masses to exercise their right, to scrutinize and assess this judiciary in the context of the challenges they currently face and the credibility of the executive leadership that has been imposed.
The masses, as the ultimate custodians of democracy, have the right to evaluate the decisions of the judiciary, even the apex court in the context of their everyday lives and the impact of their rulings.
The Biafra De Facto Customary Government calls upon all Biafrans across the world to be more organized in pursuit of her right for self determination. President Tinubu can hijack the institutions in Nigeria but nobody can hijack the power of organised people.
Biafra De Facto Customary Government believes in the power of rule of law and justice of the people to bring about the desired societal change and to hold leaders accountable for their actions because democracy ,no matter how bad, allows individuals to speak out when they feel their rights are being trampled upon, and it is this freedom that strengthens the foundations of democracy.
Furthermore, the erosion of justice in Nigeria should be a matter of grave concern for all Africans committed to the principles of democracy and human rights. The struggle for justice and the preservation of democratic values continues, and we stand with the people in their pursuit of a fair and just society.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, on Friday, October 27, reminded Nigerians that elections were over and that it was time for the nation to move forward.
The former president, who stated this after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, also called on the political leaders, especially former presidents to come together to ensure the citizens do not suffer. He also asserted that the ability of Nigeria to lead the African continent has become a consensus among African countries.
Jonathan said: “We need to bring all our political leaders, including all our former Presidents together, we will not be fighting, if top leaders continue fighting they will not suffer that much, but the downtrodden will suffer and we want to end that tension so we move forward. Elections are over and so we must move forward.”
He also said that Nigeria has all it takes to lead the Black continent, despite the current economic challenges facing the nation . The ex-president noted: “That is what all Africans are saying, I had a program on democracy dialogue and Prof Lumumba spoke there, he emphasized the need for Nigeria to take a lead in Africa. Yes, we have challenges economically now but we still have what it takes to lead Africa.
Award-winning music star, Davido, has responded to his colleague, Oyindamola Emmanuel, popularly known as Dammy Krane regarding the allegations of unpaid debts, stating that he had never received compensation for the three verses he contributed to Dammy Krane’s song nine years ago.
Dammy Krane in a post on Tuesday claimed that Davido owed him for their successful collaboration on the song “Pere” and appealed to the musician to settle the debt, citing his daughter’s impending school fees as the reason.
Responding to the allegations on Friday, Davido, in a post on X, pointed out that he had never received compensation for the three verses he contributed to Dammy Krane’s song nine years ago.
Davido also recalled the times he provided shelter and sustenance to Dammy Krane in Atlanta when the latter was homeless.
Davido said, “I never got paid for that also my 3 verses I’ve gifted you all your dead career… .. oh yea plus my royalties, we charge now so that’s about $ 150k x3 a verse.. also house rent and food when u stayed in my house in Atlanta when you were homeless.”
