Soludo Full Speech – Revised Budget Presentation 19th May,2022

May 19, 2022

19th May, 2022

AN ADDRESS TO THE ANAMBRA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY ON THE OCCASION OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE 2022 REVISED BUDGET

Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR
Governor

PROTOCOL

Let me thank you deeply for the honour to present to you the revised 2022 budget which we have tagged: “Taking Off from the Blocks”. I regret however that one of you, the member representing the good people of Aguata II Constituency in the House of Assembly (my own representative) – Hon. Okechukwu Okoye, is still in the custody of the kidnappers. The security agencies are working very hard and around the clock to secure his freedom. God is on the throne and Anambra will win. Let me leave it at that.

This is my second meeting with the entire House since my swearing-in two months ago (in addition to a series of meetings with the leadership of the House), and let me use this opportunity to once again commend the cordial relationship and partnership that exist between the three arms of government. Let me particularly thank the House for its patriotic sense of duty in expeditiously screening and approving the list of Commissioners. The Executive branch will never take your partnership for granted. We are also confident that your love and passion for our state as well as your patriotic zeal for a transformed and developed Anambra will continue to propel your cooperation and partnership with the Executive branch. Irrespective of political party affiliations or other differences, we all have only one agenda in government, namely: the development of Anambra state, and together, we shall get it done for our people and for posterity.

Let me also use this opportunity to thank, for the umpteenth time, my predecessor Chief Willie Obiano, all the former governors of Anambra state, as well as the present and former members of the State House of Assembly for their contributions. We pledge to consolidate your achievements, and to work hard every day to stand upon your shoulders to take Anambra State to a much higher pedestal.

As promised, we hit the ground running from day one, putting in 8hours and 45 minutes in office on the first day, reflecting the humongous challenges facing the state as well as our full consciousness that ours is an agenda with a deadline. Our vision is to transform Anambra into a livable and prosperous smart megacity—- to become the preferred destination to live, learn, invest, work, relax/enjoy. The Agenda is predicated on four strong pillars: robust economic transformation for a new industrial-tech- leisure hub; a comprehensive social agenda for a human capital bank that is productive at home and exportable abroad; governance, rule of law and new value system; and a clean, green, planned and sustainable communities, markets, and cities. The State Executive Council was constituted within three weeks, and we have been firing from all cylinders. In some weeks to come, we shall have the opportunity to give a preliminary report on some of the foundational issues we are putting in place to kick-off and propel the journey ahead. Among the challenges we inherited, a red treasury and pervasive insecurity especially with criminals taking the seven local governments of the south senatorial zone hostage were the most acute. We have chosen to confront the foundational issue of security head-on and expected that those profiting from the lucrative criminal enterprise would viciously fight back, and they have. Suffice it to say that so far, so good. They are testing our will and resolve. Let me assure you this: Anambra will win!

Mr. Speaker, Hon members! The purpose of the 2022 Revised budget is to reflect current realities, challenges, and priorities of the new administration and Ndi Anambra. We are undaunted by the state of the treasury. We have seriously started reforming our system of tax administration to significantly ramp up our internally generated revenue over the coming years. In the meantime, the dire needs of Ndi Anambra and our transformation agenda cannot wait. We are working on a mixture of financing options (including debt that is ring-fenced to fund bankable projects and/or infrastructure with impacts on the economy) to guarantee efficient and effective service delivery to our people while ensuring fiscal sustainability over the medium to longer terms. The details of these will be laid out in our 2023 budget.

The revised budget size is about N170 billion versus the existing appropriation of N142 billion (with the capital expenditure accounting for 64% compared to 57% previously). Capital expenditure increased by 33% from N81 billion to N108 billion while Recurrent expenditure increased marginally by 0.79% from N60 billion. We left the budget on security unchanged while we count on off budget resources from donations to augment. As a reflection of our Agenda, about 60% of the Capital Expenditure is targeted at delivering infrastructure that the average citizen can feel, see, use or touch and which have the highest developmental impact within the shortest possible time.

For example, we have declared a state of emergency on rebuilding our road infrastructure and traffic management. About N52 billion or about 31% of the total budget is for the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and we intend to simultaneously invest in roads in most of the local governments, paying special attention to our urban regeneration agenda. We have requested the Federal Government to kindly intervene on emergency basis on a number of federal roads in the state that have become nightmarish death traps. We confidently expect their urgent responsive action. But in the event that the expected response does not come soon, we may have to implement urgent palliatives in some places especially at Amansea; Ekwulobia- Igboukwu- Nnobi road; Ogidi; etc where the roads are literally cutting off.

We plan to recruit qualified medical doctors and nurses for our general hospitals and upscale the infrastructure in selected ones. We have already received over 26,000 applications in response to our advertisement to recruit and train teachers for our primary and secondary schools. Visitation panels will review the operations of the State University, Polytechnic and College of Education to provide basis for our reforms to ensure that they are fit for purpose. As a precursor to our planned Entertainment and Leisure City (envisaged to be largest in Africa), we have budgeted in the interim to construct an expansive Entertainment and leisure park around the Agulu Lake. Yes, our administration is continuing with the ‘Community Choose Your Project’ initiative of my predecessor, and have raised the value of the community projects to N25 million per community.

Furthermore, to drive our “Everything Technology, and Technology Everywhere” strategy, the budget provides for a modern centralized ICT Data Centre to consolidate the State’s data and ensure business continuity in any and all circumstances. We are commencing the digitization of our land registry. Our agenda to deliberately orchestrate the emergence and empowerment of thousands of youth millionaires and a digital tribe is given its first impetus in this revised budget. We promised to reinvent the Oil Palm and Coconut revolution. We have mobilized communities and the private sector for partnership and with overwhelming demand, we plan to provide 500,000—1,000,000 seedlings this year, and millions in subsequent years. We have also provided for significant seed money to commence pre-feasibility studies and designs for bankable projects, including possible new cities. On August 27 this year, Anambra State will celebrate its 31st anniversary as a State but without a proper Government House and a Governor’s Lodge—possibly the only State with such a record. We have budgeted to correct this, to ensure the efficiency of government operations. We have also budgeted to continue the work-in-progress in our international cargo airport.

Mr. Speaker, Hon Members! In the months and years ahead, we have hard choices to make as we strive to meet the expectations of our people. Fiscal prudence will become a lifestyle as we cannot afford to waste one kobo. Transparent public finance management will be critical. That is why we have also budgeted for the full computerization of the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General. Managing our over N120 billion debt, especially the contractor debt and pension liabilities in the context of the paltry Federation Account receipts and burgeoning needs of our people will task our dexterity and demand hard choices and sacrifice. We just received the preliminary report of the external consultants’ review of our local government finances which confirms that the combined state and local government gratuity liabilities to pensioners over N20 billion. We are determined to clean the books over time and align Anambra’s pension administration with the Pension Act and let our pensioners smile. In the meantime, our administration has signaled a new dawn by insisting that we won’t owe new retirees under my watch, while we have also started (albeit gradually) paying down the backlog.

Our government is very serious in forging new development partnerships with the international development partners, the federal government, as well as the local government. We are reforming our processes and ramping up our active engagements to maximize the benefits of such partnerships. For example, we have budgeted to meet our counterpart funding requirements to access federal and development partner funds. We are also working hard to restructure and reform our local government administration in conformity with the relevant laws. We will actively collaborate with the local governments in the areas of waste management; cleaner, greener and more environmentally sustainable communities; street lighting; fire service; qualitative primary school education; as well as planned modern markets, and security. Community government will be strengthened and mainstreamed. Already, the State is forging new (sustainable) economic partnership with communities not only with the ‘community choose your project’ initiative but now with the new community-based but jointly owned Oil Palm and Coconut plantations that will soon adorn the state.

In weeks to come, we will be coming to you again and again with a set of legislations required as critical building blocks for the next Anambra we all envision, as well as other critical approvals and confirmations required from this Honourable House. By July we shall also start the process for the 2023 budget, and will again come to the House once completed. I sincerely do hope and pray that despite your busy political agenda, you would find sufficient time to devote to the expeditious discharge of these responsibilities required of your offices.

In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, Hon Members! This Revised Budget 2022 sign-posts some of the key deliverables for this year as we Kick-off from the Blocks. It is also a call to collective action and lifestyle of Value for Money. The foundation of Anambra as a Smart Mega City will be tasking all of us to the limit. But we are Ndi Anambra! The irrepressible Anambra Spirit and the collective action of a people that loves their homeland dearly are what we will continue to call and draw upon to move ahead. This Anambra Spirit and collective action came alive during my visits to Lagos and Abuja last week to meet with our people. The enthusiasm and generous pledges of our people towards our homeland security demonstrated once again that Anambra can be anything we desire and work that it should be. I am emboldened by the massive support and solidarity of the people as we face the threat of common but organized criminals who want to run our people out of town and take our wealth and land by force. But we are Ndi Anambra, and together, we shall overcome! Give us the budget urgently, and by the time our people come home for Christmas, we will all be proud that we are serving the people well.

God bless Anambra State!

Soludo Declares Total War On Bad Road ,To Clear Pensioners Gratuity

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May 19, 2022

The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo on Thursday presented a revised 2022 budget estimates totalling N170 billion to the State House of Assembly.

Presenting the revised budget proposal on the floor of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Soludo remarked that the purpose of the 2022 revised budget was to reflect current realities, challenges, and priorities of the new administration and Ndi Anambra.

The Governor noted that undaunted by the state of the treasury, his administration had seriously started reforming the state’s system of tax administration to significantly ramp up her internally generated revenue over the coming years.

While pointing out that the dire needs of Ndi Anambra and his administration’s transformation agenda cannot wait, they were working on a mixture of financing options (including debt that was ring-fenced to fund bankable projects and/or infrastructure with impacts on the economy) to guarantee efficient and effective service delivery to the people while ensuring fiscal sustainability over the medium to longer terms.

While stating that the details of those would be laid out in the 2023 budget, he said, “The revised budget size is about N170 billion versus the existing appropriation of N142 billion (with the capital expenditure accounting for 64% compared to 57% previously). Capital expenditure increased by 33% from N81 billion to N108 billion while recurrent expenditure increased marginally by 0.79% from N60 billion. We left the budget on security unchanged while we count on off budget resources from donations to augment. As a reflection of our Agenda, about 60% of the Capital Expenditure is targeted at delivering infrastructure that the average citizen can feel, see, use or touch and which have the highest developmental impact within the shortest possible time.

“For example, we have declared a state of emergency on rebuilding our road infrastructure and traffic management. About N52 billion or about 31% of the total budget is for the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and we intend to simultaneously invest in roads in most of the local governments, paying special attention to our urban regeneration agenda. We have requested the Federal Government to kindly intervene on emergency basis on a number of federal roads in the state that have become nightmarish death traps. We confidently expect their urgent responsive action. But in the event that the expected response does not come soon, we may have to implement urgent palliatives in some places especially at Amansea; Ekwulobia- Igboukwu- Nnobi road; Ogidi; etc where the roads are literally cutting off.

“We plan to recruit qualified medical doctors and nurses for our general hospitals and upscale the infrastructure in selected ones. We have already received over 26,000 applications in response to our advertisement to recruit and train teachers for our primary and secondary schools. Visitation panels will review the operations of the State University, Polytechnic and College of Education to provide basis for our reforms to ensure that they are fit for purpose. As a precursor to our planned Entertainment and Leisure City (envisaged to be largest in Africa), we have budgeted in the interim to construct an expansive Entertainment and leisure park around the Agulu Lake. Yes, our administration is continuing with the ‘Community Choose Your Project’ initiative of my predecessor and have raised the value of the community projects to N25 million per community.

“Furthermore, to drive our “Everything Technology, and Technology Everywhere” strategy, the budget provides for a modern centralized ICT Data Centre to consolidate the State’s data and ensure business continuity in any and all circumstances. We are commencing the digitization of our land registry. Our agenda to deliberately orchestrate the emergence and empowerment of thousands of youth millionaires and a digital tribe is given its first impetus in this revised budget.

“We promised to reinvent the Oil Palm and Coconut revolution. We have mobilized communities and the private sector for partnership and with overwhelming demand, we plan to provide 500,000—1,000,000 seedlings this year and millions in subsequent years. We have also provided for significant seed money to commence pre-feasibility studies and designs for bankable projects, including possible new cities. On August 27 this year, Anambra State will celebrate its 31st anniversary as a State but without a proper Government House and a Governor’s Lodge—possibly the only State with such a record. We have budgeted to correct this, to ensure the efficiency of government operations. We have also budgeted to continue the work-in-progress in our international cargo airport.”

Insisting that they had hard choices to make in the months and years ahead as they strive to meet the expectations of the people, Soludo maintained that fiscal prudence would become a lifestyle as they cannot afford to waste one kobo.

According to him, “Transparent public finance management will be critical. That is why we have also budgeted for the full computerization of the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General. Managing our over N120 billion debt, especially the contractor debt and pension liabilities in the context of the paltry Federation Account receipts and burgeoning needs of our people will task our dexterity and demand hard choices and sacrifice.

“We just received the preliminary report of the external consultants’ review of our local government finances which confirms that the combined state and local government gratuity liabilities to pensioners over N20 billion. We are determined to clean the books over time and align Anambra’s pension administration with the Pension Act and let our pensioners smile. In the meantime, our administration has signaled a new dawn by insisting that we won’t owe new retirees under my watch, while we have also started (albeit gradually) paying down the backlog.

“Our government is very serious in forging new development partnerships with the international development partners, the federal government, as well as the local government. We are reforming our processes and ramping up our active engagements to maximize the benefits of such partnerships. For example, we have budgeted to meet our counterpart funding requirements to access federal and development partner funds. We are also working hard to restructure and reform our local government administration in conformity with the relevant laws. We will actively collaborate with the local governments in the areas of waste management; cleaner, greener and more environmentally sustainable communities; street lighting; fire service; qualitative primary school education; as well as planned modern markets and security. Community government will be strengthened and mainstreamed. Already, the State is forging new (sustainable) economic partnership with communities not only with the ‘community choose your project’ initiative but now with the new community-based but jointly owned Oil Palm and Coconut plantations that will soon adorn the state.

“In weeks to come, we will be coming to you again and again with a set of legislations required as critical building blocks for the next Anambra we all envision, as well as other critical approvals and confirmations required from this Honourable House. By July we shall also start the process for the 2023 budget and will again come to the House once completed. I sincerely do hope and pray that despite your busy political agenda, you would find sufficient time to devote to the expeditious discharge of these responsibilities required of your offices.”

He informed that the revised budget 2022 sign-posted some of the key deliverables for this year as they Kick-off from the Blocks adding that it was also a call to collective action and lifestyle of Value for Money.

Governor Soludo, however, commended the cordial relationship and partnership that existed between the three arms of government while particularly thanking the House for its patriotic sense of duty in expeditiously screening and approving the list of Commissioners promising that the Executive arm would never take their partnership for granted.

“We are also confident that your love and passion for our state as well as your patriotic zeal for a transformed and developed Anambra will continue to propel your cooperation and partnership with the Executive branch. Irrespective of political party affiliations or other differences, we all have only one agenda in government, namely: the development of Anambra state and together, we shall get it done for our people and for posterity.

“Let me also use this opportunity to thank, for the umpteenth time, my predecessor, Chief Willie Obiano, all the former governors of Anambra state as well as the present and former members of the State House of Assembly for their contributions. We pledge to consolidate your achievements and to work hard every day to stand upon your shoulders to take Anambra State to a much higher pedestal”, he assured.

Summary of the budget presentation

Breaking: Gov. Soludo submits 2022 revised budget to State Assembly.

1.Roads from 12bn to 50bn

2. Youth Empowerment from 500m to 2.5bn

3. Agriculture 500k to 1million palm and coconut seedlings

4. Pension and gratuity to be cleared

5. Community choose your project from 20m to 25m. And so many others.

Update On Nnamdi Kanu Trial

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May 18, 2022

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has on Wednesday, struck out the amended six-count treasonable felony brought against the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, by the Federal Government.

Justice Binta Nyako struck out the charge, following the withdrawal of the charge by the Prosecution counsel, Mr. K. E. Kaswe of the Federal Ministry of Justice.

Kanu’s lead lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, accused FG of deliberately frustrating the speedy determination of the case stating that the amended charge was served on him barely 48hours ago.

“My lord, in one of the attachments, pictures of lawyers waiting to have a meeting with the defendant at the DSS facility, were snapped with secret camera and displayed.

“Names of his lawyers- Ifeanyi Ejiofor and Maxwell Opara- were also mentioned. They have brought new issues and even changed the wordings of the charge. The fact that the court sustained only seven counts in the previous charge and the have now reduced it to six counts, means that the charge has already been altered”, Ozekhome argued.

Ozekhome stressed that it was wrong for the Prosecution to insist on going on with the trial, without firstly rearraigning the defendant.

Consequently, Kaswe had to apply for withdrawal of the amended charge following Ozekhome argument and Justice Nyako struck out the charge.

Nnamdi Kanu Lawyer To Face Terrorism Charges

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May 18, 2022

The federal government has again amended its charges against Nnamdi Kanu, detained leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) for alleged treasonable felony and terrorism.

The amended six-count charge includes some lawyers of the separatist leader – Ifeanyi Ejiofor and Maxwell Opara – as accomplices.

The amendment came on a day the trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako fixed to hear the bail application of Kanu, pending the determination of the charge against him.

The federal government claims messrs Ejiofor and Opara were constantly communicating with Mr Kanu who fled his Abia residence in 2017 when soldiers raided the compound, killing dozens in the process.

BREAKING: Kanu Arrives In Court, One More Charge Against Him Dropped

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May 18, 2022

Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has arrived the courtroom at the Federal High Court, Abuja, as his trial on terrorism charges resumed on Friday morning.

Again, he was brought in donning his Fendi wear around 10:00am.

His lawyers challenged why their client would not be allowed new clothes, considering the Department of State Services (DSS) were instructed by the court to allow him put on new wears.

Since last year, Kanu has been coming to court in the Fendi wear in which he was seized abroad.

In a related development, one of the charges preferred on Mr. Kanu by the Federal Government has been removed according to one of the lawyers that spoke to our correspondent from the court.

Though the details of the charges that was dropped wasn’t disclosed, the charges against Kanu is remaining 6

More details later…

Federal High Court Relaxes Earlier Stringent Conditions Ahead Of Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial

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May 18, 2022

The authorities of the Federal High Court in Abuja have soft-pedaled on the stringent conditions imposed on the trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.

Against their last month decision, the court authorities have stopped the movement of the trial to the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, at Jabi District of Abuja.

Also, the authorities of the Court have permitted the media to witness the treasonable felony charges brought against the Biafra nation agitator by the Federal Government.

At the time of this report, fully armed operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, have taken perfect control of the security situations within and outside the court premises.

Journalists, lawyers, litigants, as well as workers are being allowed into the court premises unhindered after formal introduction and presentation of identity cards.

The court had last month issued a Practice Direction which moved the trial to CCT believed to be large and spacious enough to accommodate the crowd that usually surged to witness the trial.

The Practice Direction endorsed by the Chief Judge of the Court, Justice John Tsoho had also prohibited media coverage except where expressly permitted.

It’s observed that the stringent conditions have been jettisoned.

Although, reasons for deviating from the Practice Direction have not been made known, it was gathered that Jabi Code of Conduct Tribunal was considered too porous for such a sensitive trial, especially from the security points.

Apart from unhindered access being granted to lawyers and media practitioners, roads leading to the court are not blocked, while food vendors are also having their businesses done without molestation.

However, adequate security measures are being observed to prevent security breaches.

Source: Journalist 101

Prof Soludo Visit To MNK ; What Next?- Anaenugwu

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May 15, 2022

Prof Chukwuma Soludo has shown leadership . He has proven that it takes purposeful and visionary Leadership to win the hearts of the people . Again , he has confirmed that a servant Leadership carries the cross of the people and listen to their cries . By that singular step to visit MNK in DSS dungeon , Prof Soludo has shown other south eastern Governors that political power belongs to the people. Yes , democracy is the government of the people by the people and for the people . Love MNK or hate him ,he has become the symbol of justice which Nigeria State abhors . You may not like MNK unguarded utterances ,but his message connects with the street.

With the visit and several accompanying pictures,Prof Soludo has exposed the lies coming from MNK information managers that DSS is torturing KANU. In fact ,looking at KANU healthy appearance, many of us are beginning to find ways to provoke FGN in order to end up in DSS detention facility. It seems there is special budgetary allocation for prisoners in DSS detention.

Now ,the question is what next ? Would Soludo visit mark the end of Monday sit at home ? Capital no as Simon Ekpa Auto pilot IPOB has taken charge of the struggle! Would Soludo visit stop men inside bushes from terrorizing innocent people? No again because they have become emboldened ,taken cover under genuine agitation for self determination to establish multi-billion naira business franchise ! Would Soludo visit endear him to Biafra online warriors ? No because that set of people will continue to blackmail Soludo to remain in business, like Oliver Twist ,they will continue to ask for some more ,setting impossible task for Soludo. Would Soludo visit facilitate MNK release? Not sure! What if MNK is released tomorrow, would peace be restored? No as other groups will overthrow MNK once he goes soft.

Now ,what is the way- forward for Prof Soludo after the historical DSS visit ? Give Ndigbo 21st century Good Governance and public accountability . Millions of Ndigbo both at home and across the globe believe in Prof Soludo leadership qualities and no excuse ,not even the minimal insecurity in Anambra , can justify nonperformance . Nobody should tell us that Obiano emptied the State accounts. As a Professor of economics, Soludo knows how to attract billions to kick start his revolutionary manifesto. There are thousands of Anambrians who have contacted BVI Channel 1 online asking for a dedicated account to support Soludo developmental initiatives! Keke drivers are happy that Soludo has performed miracle by sacking touts out the roads,they are waiting patiently for an instruction to start paying their levies. Mechanics scattered everywhere in the state are waiting for master plan for mechanic villages in three senatorial zones. Our Abattoirs are ugly sight to behold , the Butchers are waiting for government intervention. What of waste management, housing ,public school ,general hospitals etc .The list is endless ,these places have direct impact on the ordinary people lives . Soludo should visit Mgbuka ,Obosi to have first hand information on how human beings are treated like common animals . Soludo should face the masses on weekly radio programs to interact with the people on the street . Holding townhall meetings with the elites is good but cannot get the attention of the aggrieved and angry people on the street.The people sustaining Nnamdi KANU brand are not government or elites but those ordinary people on the street .

Let Soludo get connected to the ordinary people through ABS radio and begin to solve their problems ,that way ,they will forget about sit at home. Finally ,If Nnamdi KANU is released tomorrow ,let nobody be deceived that peace will be restored ,what will restore peace is good governance and public accountability! Let Soludo declare the financial status of the State as he promised during campaign and give monthly financial report . With utmost sincerity ,it is very easy to govern our dear people.

Ndubuisi Anaenugwu is the Deputy Leader of Good Governance Ministry

Soludo Visits IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu In DSS Custody

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May 15, 2022

Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo has said that he visited the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu at the the Department of State Services, DSS, custody.

Soludo said he visited the incarcerated leader on Friday to discuss critical issues affecting the southeast and also in search of lasting peace and security in the region.

Kanu, according to Soludo was in very high spirit and condemned the constant killings going on around the south east.

Soludo wrote in a statement: “I visited Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, yesterday, (Friday, 13th May, 2022) to felicitate with him and also as part of the wider consultations with critical stakeholders in search of lasting peace and security in the South East.

“He was in very high spirits and we had quality and frank discussion in a very convivial atmosphere.

“He expressed sadness over what he described as “sacrilegious killings” of innocent persons, kidnappings and all forms of criminalities, including the brutal enforcement of the senseless “sit at home” perpetuated by sundry groups claiming to be acting for or on behalf of IPOB.

“He assured that if the opportunity arises, he will be glad to personally broadcast to his followers to maintain the peace.

Together, we shall restore peace, security and prosperity in Anambra and the Southeast,” the statement added.

IPOB Threatens ‘DSS’ Sponsored Voice Note

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May 14, 2022

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, on Saturday, announced a sit-at-home order ahead of the court outings of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

IPOB announced May 18 and 26 as sit-at-home in honour of Kanu’s court outings.

Emma Powerful, the spokesman of the separatist group, announced the dates while denying a voice note in circulation on the sit-at-home.

Powerful said the purported voice notes regarding the sit-at-home did not emanate from IPOB.

In a statement he issued on Saturday, Powerful said any dates other than May 18 and 26 is not from IPOB.

Powerful said: “The attention of the global movement and family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by our great leader Mazi Nnamdi KANU has been drawn to a purported voice note ordering Biafrans and residents of Biafraland to sit at home on a date other than May 18th. This is the handwork of Nigerian paid agents and should be totally ignored.

“IPOB is not a faceless movement and does not announce its activities through voice messages. Biafrans must be very much on alert because the Nigerian government working through its security agencies the DSS and the BBC is trying so hard to create confusion in our land in its attempt to set Biafrans against themselves and scuttle our struggle for liberation. But we assure them that Biafrans know their plans and will not fall for their evil agenda.

“Like Mazi Nnamdi Kanu said, if you did not hear it on radio Biafra then it is not from IPOB. IPOB announces its activities and events only through official channels which are (i)Radio Biafra (ii) Press Statement from Emma Powerful (office of IPOB Media and Publicity Secretary) and (iii) Memo from the Office of IPOB Head of Directorate.

“To this end therefore the only Sit-At-Home order emanating and announced by IPOB leadership are the 18th and 26th of May, 2022 being the dates our leader Mazi Nnamdi KANU will appear in court. The IPOB leadership is very strategic in its actions and directives to the Biafran people knowing fully well that our enemies are desperate to scuttle this heaven ordained freedom movement.

“Our core reason is the well-being of Biafrans all over the globe but with added emphasis on the well-being of Biafrans in the homeland of Biafra.”

IPOB accused the Department of State Services, DSS, of circulating the voice note.

“Those behind the purported voice note should inform their paymasters to stop dissipating their energy and resources on a hopeless attempt to stop the collective will and decision of the Indigenous people of Biafra IPOB worldwide to pursue our Self Determination Right.

“Biafrans, friends of Biafra and lovers of freedom across the world and especially in Biarraland should therefore pay no heed to faceless DSS agents and impostors recruited to serve the interest of the Fulani Caliphate,” Powerful added.

Source:Jungle journalist

Gov Ugwuanyi Ends Compulsory Levy On IMT Students

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May 14, 2022

The Governor of Enugu State, Rt Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has ordered an immediate end to the compulsory fee of 45,000 for hostel accommodation imposed on the students of the Institute of Management and Technology, IMT, by the management.

The Governor granted the students audience on Friday, 13th May following their protest earlier in the day to register their displeasure about the development in their school.

Speaking after their meeting with the Governor, the leader of the protest march, Obetta Blessing Munachi said that the Governor has shown them love and great leadership.

“Out of his humility and kindness, he granted us audience today and after the whole (sic) deliberation, he has ordered the school management to go and take a census (sic) of the things the management has to do in order to curtail the excessive payment as its affecting the students and their family members.

“He also removed the issue of paying mandatory hostel fee of N45,000, we’re happy, he has done us good.”

The visibly elated students also appreciated the public and those that supported their agitation in one way or the other.

The students had taken to the school premises to protest the fees and pleaded with the government to come to their aid as the fees are making life unbearable for the students.

Source: Journalist 101

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