BREAKING: We’re investigating threats by IPOB, Oodua Republic agitators in Lagos — CP, Odumosu

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May 10, 2021

…Okada riders, religious intolerance top security threats in Lagos- CP
…Calls for stringent review of guidelines for okada operations
….As Lagos places IPOB, Oodua Republic agitators on close watch

Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Hakeem Odumosu, has said the threat of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, a Biafran separatist organization in Nigeria to attack soft targets in Lagos and agitators for the Oodua Republic by some Yoruba separatist groups and the threats to disrupt law and order in the state are being put on the radar of the command intelligence gathering and other security services in the state and being closely monitored.

In view of the security threats and catalogue of events and statistics of misadventure of the Okada riders, Odumosu, called on the state government to immediately review the current guidelines guiding the operation of Okada as a means of commercial transportation in the state and take decisive legal and administrative steps and policies that will curb their traffic, criminal and other nefarious activities in the state.

The police boss stated this while giving an appraisal of the security situation in Lagos, on Monday at the Stakeholders’ Meeting on Security, held in Alausa, Ikeja, organized by the state government.

This stakeholders’ meeting was aimed at putting the security agencies, communities and entire stakeholders at alert, towards making the state safer for the resident to live and carry out daily activities within ambits of the law without any apprehension or fear.

He disclosed that 192 died in 280 Okada accidents recorded by the police between January to May 7, 2021, across the state.

The paper delivered by Odumosu read in part: “One of the areas of concerns to every citizen is the current security situation in the country and the need to continuously appraise the existing strategies in Lagos State to combat the threats in order to keep the hoodlums at bay will not be out of place.

“In order to sustain the fight against crimes and criminalities in the state, it is gratifying to inform the gathering that, from 1st January 2021 till date, the command has been able to bring down to the barest minimal, as all indices of serious crimes, like cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, civil unrest, violent protests and targeted attacks on Government facilities by aggrieved groups have assumed a downward trend.

“Our intelligence report revealed that, most miscreants now: Use abandoned buildings as hideouts and in most cases, initiation camp, use uncompleted buildings, dwelling house and hotels to hibernate before and after the commission of a crime, use abandoned vehicles to store their operational arms and their loots, build shanties on abandoned open spaces and convert them to their sanctuaries to commit crimes, use vehicles with covered number plates to perpetrate crimes, Illegal fabrication and possession of arms, use of tinted vehicles to commit crimes.”

As a panacea to the above challenges, Odumosu, implored the state government to as a matter of urgency, take drastic steps to curtail the identified security threats, such steps may include but not limited to: Immediate taking over of the abandoned/uncompleted buildings by the state government, immediate confiscation of abandoned vehicles found to be used by hoodlums to perpetuate their acts, immediate sealing up of any dwelling house, hotels, etc, being used by the criminals as a hideout and/or launching pad, to locate owners of abandoned open lands converted to sanctuaries by criminals, give an ultimatum to develop such lands. Where the owner default the Government is strongly advised to revoke titles to such lands, and take it over for overriding public interest and security of the State, among others.

Odumosu stated that robbery in traffic constitutes another security challenge encountered by the command.

He said in recent weeks the command had been inundated with complaints of robbery in traffic, tactical teams of the command had been deployed to tackle this headlong with 65 of such suspects arrested in the past four weeks. “However, the command’s hands in prosecuting them are being tied by JUSUN strike,” he lamented.

As a corollary to this, he appealed to the state government to take further steps at resolving the industrial action embarked upon by the judicial workers, JUSUN, in the state which he said had crippled activities of the courts.

“This is seriously affecting the administration of criminal justice in the state” he stated.

“Furthermore, the threat of IPOB to attack soft targets in Lagos Is equally being put on the radar of the command intelligence gathering and other security services in the state. Strategies are being put in place to neutralize their activities.

“Similarly, the command has taken notice of agitators of Oodua Republic by some Yoruba separatist groups and the threats to disrupt law and order in the state. 24 of these groups have been identified and being closely monitored.

“The command is using this medium to solicit for the support of all and sundry to be vigilant at all times and report any suspicious person or movement to security agencies. Let us adopt the slogan of “when you see something, say something.”

He also expressed concern over religious intolerance being displayed by some religious leaders in causing mayhem in the state.

Odumosu recalled a particular incident where an Islamic cleric declared “Fatwa,” a ruling on a point of Islamic law given by a recognized authority, issues on a particular person which resulted in violence among residents.

He cautioned religious leaders to be guided in their preachings and utterances as such could ignite crisis and otherwise.

Source : Journalist 101

…Alaigbo is in a mess because of leadership failures- DG,GGM

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bvichannel1

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May 10, 2021

Theme: Leadership is Selfless Service (2)

…Alaigbo is in a mess because of leadership failures.
Please, permit me to say that leadership failure exist at all levels in Alaigbo. Many of us are used to point accusing finger to the elected and appointed leaders, but the truth is that none of us are exempted. We are all leaders because we all serve in one area or the other. God is the highest leader, yet He is best servant of all.
Now, imagine if Ndigbo pay attention to the word of God and begin to demonstrate good leadership in those areas we serve, do you think our society will remain the same? We should learn to lead well starting from our families, even many of our parents have failed in their duties as parents yet they blame those in authority.
Ndigbo are known to be very good in commerce and trade. In fact, this can be said to be the major occupation of Ndigbo. There is a reason for their success and domination in trade and commerce in Africa-Igbo Apprenticeship System. That is a system where a young boy serve a business owner in a particular trade for a number of years based on their agreement, to be settled and equipped to start his own trade.
This system have produced millionaires and billionaires in Alaigbo. That is what you get when you learn to serve, God is the rewarder of those who serve not with eye service.
Presently, many Ndigbo see service as servitude. We don’t have to underestimate the importance of quality leadership, we should also not assume that being wealthy is enough to deliver quality leadership. Anyone who aspire to lead in Alaigbo must be willing to render selfless service to the people like Okpara and Mbakwe. If we must get quality leadership, we all have to start from our homes.
We must start now to fix this problem, enough of leadership failure in Alaigbo. We can do that by always doing the right thing. In every election in Alaigbo, we must be cautiuos and very serious to ensure that the right person always emerge.

#Goodgovernanceministry
#Godiswithus

Pastor GG, Chukwuemeka Chibuzor

Anambra 21: Soludo Promises To Build A Modern State

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bvichannel1

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May 10, 2021

The frontline aspirant for Anambra gubernatorial election come November 6th 2021 under the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance ( APGA ), Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo this afternoon said with the development already attracted in the state by Gov. Obiano that Anambra in very near future shall be the home of opportunities and alternative to other emerging states in Nigeria and beyond if elected .

The Professor of economics made this known to Ndi APGA and all lovers of good governance at Ndiowu in Orumba North local government where he was hosted by the member representing Orumba North in the state Assembly/ deputy majority leader, Hon Chief Emeka Aforka , Nwachinaemelu

Speaking at the all important gathering, the member representing Anambra East and West Federal Constituency at the green chambers of the National Assembly, Hon Chief Benjamin C Obidigwe , Akaoma Jide Aku said Prof . Charles Chukwuma Soludo is the best candidate and even the opposition knows that .

Obidigwe who took the crowd memory lane maintained that Gov . Willie Obiano, Akpokuedike Global has left an indelible mark in the history of Anambra state through the timely completion of Anambra International cargo and passengers airport including other numerous strides , he however said for the airport to be economically viable that Ndi Anambra needs Soludo to transform Anambra into an industrial hub using the airport as an added advantage.

The event was attended by all the APGA executives in Orumba North and South who endorsed Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo as their choice for APGA gubernatorial election.

Other dignitaries who also featured at the event includes, the special adviser to the governor of Anambra state on political matters, Hon Barr Ifeatu Obiokoye , the state House

MBAKA BEGS FOR FORGIVENESS, PROMISES TO ATONE FOR HIS SINS

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bvichannel1

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May 10, 2021

Ejike Mbaka, spiritual director of Adoration Ministries Enugu Nigeria (AMEN), has apologised to the Catholic church over his mistakes in recent times.

While delivering his sermon on Sunday, Mbaka asked His Lordship, Most Reverend Callistus Onaga, bishop of Enugu diocese, to forgive him and his followers for their actions which have rubbed off negatively on the church.

The priest also cautioned his supporters against violence, after some of them broke into the diocesan cathedral on Wednesday when his whereabouts was unknown for some hours.

“I can’t disobey the church — who am I? How can somebody who has been serving the church for 25 years come out to begin to fight the same church. Everything in my life is for the church,” he said in the sermon.

“In all honesty, Father Mbaka here has no problem with the church. I don’t have any problem with my bishop; people want to achieve it but they cannot allow it. Because I have something in me that will conquer all this problem — the gift of humility and the obedience of the church.”

Mbaka recalled how thousands of his followers invaded the premises of the Catholic cathedral and the residence of the bishop while searching for him.

Having been summoned before the protest, he said the church leadership immediately directed him to go and bring the protesters out as they had vowed that “things will get bad” if they don’t see him.

“I never knew that even a glass was broken. What I was praising you for was not for what was destroyed, but for your ability to search for your missing pastor,” he said.

“There was a lot of mixed information. The devil entered the story; the church did not kidnap me.

“I wish to apologise for whoever that misunderstood my statement. I did not clap for anybody for destroying anything. I heard that the search for Father Mbaka was hijacked; people joined and started breaking things.

“I am here standing on your behalf and I render my sincere, unalloyed apologies to the Holy Catholic church where I belong, and say, may the mother church forgive us in any way we didn’t do it well.

“Even in all that I said, where I didn’t say it well, I pray for forgiveness. I am on your (the worshippers) behalf, kneeling down for the church and I tell the church, forgive.”

The cleric said he has no problem with the church and restated that he remains loyal to the bishop.

“We are to save the image and face of the church, and the souls of the children of God. I am here for soul-saving, the church is not my property because I belong to the church,” he said.

The Catholic church in Enugu had declared one week of prayer over the violent protest about the priest’s whereabouts which led to invasion of the Bishop’s Court and destruction of properties by Christian hoodlums.

I hope Mbaka learns some hard lessons this time and respects the church hierarchy, even as he makes his money and “sees his visions”.

#Culled from Fred Chukwuelobe’s wall

Ebonyi slams S’East PDP’s misleading communiqué on Ebubeagu

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bvichannel1

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May 10, 2021

Ebonyi State government has decried as sinister and mischievous a communiqué by Southeast Zonal Working Committee of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), wherein the party attacked the resolutions reached by Southeast governors in Owerri on April 11, 2021 on the establishment of Ebube Agu security outfit.

In a statement to News Reporters,Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Orji Uchenna Orji, said the communiqué signed by one Elochukwu Okereke as the Zonal Publicity Secretary of PDP, fell below acceptable standards of civility and social norms.

Southeast PDP had faulted Southeast Governors for not being sincere in their resolve to establish a joint security outfit, alleging that the governors’ action was self-serving and face-saving.

But, the Ebonyi Information Commissioner stated: “The content of the publication and the context of their argument unfortunately exposes the inadequacies of the reasoning faculties of their political think-tank and the incompetence of the present crop of Southeast Zonal Working Committee members.

“The arguments canvassed in their substantive paragraphs denote a body of political operators, who have little or no information about precedents and practice of governance structure and systems in a federal system of government.

“We are deeply disappointed, but not surprised over the failure and inability of PDP Southeast Zonal Working Committee to understand and dissect the clear and unambiguous resolutions reached by Southeast Governors and stakeholders during their Security Summit of April 11, 2021 in Owerri, Imo State.”

Orji maintained that Southeast Governors’ 15-point communiqué was clear on their resolution for states to maintain a joint security vigilante to be called Ebube Agu Joint Security Network, whose coordination and intelligence would be headquartered in Enugu.

Orji extolled the state governor, Dave Umahi, for his people-oriented administrative style, dismissing “the cowardly and untoward accusations by PDP elements that the peace-loving youths of Ebonyi State are being formed into “militia,” just because they enrolled as members of Southeast Security outfit.”

While urging all stakeholders in the zone’s security engagements and the public to discountenance PDP’s communiqué of May 1, 2021 as a worthless distraction, the Information Commissioner said the focus and collective resolve of all and sundry are needed to secure a peaceful, safe and prosperous state.

The commissioner further explained: “This resolution cannot in any way waive or vitiate the legislative powers of the federating states and the inherent powers of states to recruit or provide the membership of Ebube Agu from among the youths of their respective states, which they are already exercising in different tempo and stages, especially the necessary legislations, the recruitment and the funding processes for Ebube Agu.

“We want to assure PDP elements in Ebonyi State who are hiding under the cloak of PDP South East Working Committee to blackmail the state government that their rejection by the good people of Ebonyi State is unwavering, as the current PDP in the state parades a group of people who do not mean well for the state.”

Source : Guardian

SOLUDO AS A POLITICIAN AND PARTY HARMONY- Izuchukwu Adichie.

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bvichannel1

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May 7, 2021

“Politician” often referred to a person skilled in political government; stateman”

Remarkably known for building support across political parties with adherence to the policies and principles of public interest, Prof Chukwuma Soludo CFR who has so far being called by larger population of ndi-Anambra to declare and contest to replace the incumbent’s HE Obiano as the next governor of Anambra State ,has continued to show some of the characteristics of a statesman which include; foresight, unselfish patriotism and love for one’s identity.
As a statesman, the above qualities are not far from him.

“Soon to be elected” God willing under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance -APGA via massive endorsement, Soludo has continue to help the party leadership in strengthening the intra-party democracy in Ojukwu’s party ever since he joined in his Isuofia ward, the party which started as a regional political party, has grown to become the third largest political party in Nigeria and has maintain its ruling party position in Anambra and main stream party in South East region, unprecedented in history.

Soludo’s political competencies have resulted in APGA appointing him as member of the party’s Board of Trustee.
The party today, produces more capable elected/non-elected officers which in turn ensures better policies and political programmes.

Furtherance, the APGA government in a move to reposition Golden Tulip Hotels Agulu for better productivity, appointed Soludo as the Chairman of the eight (8) man Board of Trustees. The enterprise which houses best facilities, today keeps the hub as a tourist center and is arguable one of the most attraction centers in the state.

Known for excellence and competence, Soludo the Chairman of Anambra Vision 2070 Committee has been charged to come up with a strategic vision and mission statement, identifying development plan for the state.

Furthermore, His dexterity and stateman has made him remain an undisputed “role model” in the operational role of a true party man, this was proven in a run-up for 2017 Anambra gubernatorial election in his Sobriquet, “If not broken, why mend it?”

Soludo, is one who maintains principle, he equally represents a distinguished excellence . He has worked for the interest of the party in the past by reawakening the true Igbo identity of all of us in party Ojukwu, APGA

Video: Mbaka Revolts As The Church Wants To Silence Him

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bvichannel1

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May 7, 2021

BREAKING:Soldiers Killed Many ‘unknown gunmen’ In Imo, vehicles recovered

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bvichannel1

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May 7, 2021

…Members of joint security forces injured – eyewitness

Eight people suspected to be hoodlums operating under the name “unknown gunmen” on Thursday night were gunned down in a gun battle with joint security operatives.

We gathered that the incident which started early hours of Thursday ended at about 9:30 pm with the final battle at Nkwito junction in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State.

Also, eight vehicles were said to have been recovered from the said hoodlums, as well as sophisticated ammunitions which they used to challenge the joint security forces.

Some of the vehicles included a Land Rover, Toyota Highlander, Siena, white hummer buses, Umuopia-Akokwa vigilante lion squad security vehicle, among others.

The battle between the “unknown gunmen and the joint security forces was said to have started in the commercial town of Orlu, particularly the banana junction.

The exchange of bullets threw the town into chaos resulting in roadside traders, shop owners, banana sellers as well as motorists, commuters forced to abandon their wares to a safer destination.

Narrating the incident to Vanguard how it started, an eyewitness said: “On Thursday around 08: 15 am, we started seeing some strange movements, that was when the soldiers were trying to locate the “unknown gunmen”.

“Before you know it, from 1 pm, we started hearing shootings and we saw it was between the unknown gunmen and the Soldiers. The firing lasts for more than an hour.

“I saw about two of the soldier’s vehicles taken away by the unknown gunmen. If you see these “unknown gunmen” they are powerful, armed to the fullest. They wore black and black and with white material around their neck and covering their backside down to their leg.

“If you see them you will bow. These men are strong and they have weight. They faced the Army and the Army ran away.”

Also, another eyewitness around the Nkwito junction in Orlu, said: “Thursday night the firing was much. All the vehicles of the unknown gunmen were collected from them. What I don’t know is if all the “unknown gunmen” were killed. I am not close to counting all of them. We were able to get at least eight of them. I think also even some of the members of the joint security forces also were injured. Counting from the time the battle started from banana junction to Nkwito junction.”

Source; Journalist 101

I Fought For Uwazurike And Asari In Court- Buhari Minister

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bvichannel1

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May 7, 2021

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, says he represented Niger Delta militant, Asari Dokubo, and other groups like the Niger Delta Avengers not because he believed in the breakup of Nigeria but because he believed in the right to self-determination.

Keyamo said this during a recent NTA programme titled, ‘One-on-One’.

He further said no one could lecture him about human rights because the Supreme Court had said human rights should take the back seat when the nation’s unity is involved.

The minister said, “No one can stand before me and tell me about human rights. I have seen everything. I represented almost all the separatist groups in this country – MASSOB, Niger Delta Volunteers Force, the Niger Delta Avengers.

“I represented all of them in court. When Asari Dokubo was arrested, when he was calling for the division at that time and all that, I didn’t support the division of course, let me be clear. I was only talking about the right to self-determination.

“I was shouting human rights in the Supreme Court. What did the Supreme Court tell me to my face? I did that iconic case. They said Mr. Keyamo, when national security is involved and the unity of this country, human rights take second place. That is what the Supreme Court told me. I did that case.”

Keyamo was in January 2003 designated a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International for his activities as the leader of Movement for the Actualisation of the Future Republic of the Niger Delta.

The minister, who now serves in the government of President Muhammadu Buhari, slammed the media for giving its platform to elements of disunity.

He said journalists must put patriotism ahead of professionalism.

Keyamo said those calling for secession were being sponsored by those who could not defeat Buhari at the polls.

Source : Journalist 101

Prof Nwogwugwu: CBN Has Failed To Manage Cash Inflow

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bvichannel1

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May 7, 2021

A Professor of Economics, Uche Nwogwugwu, says Nigeria’s economy is in bad shape and needs decisiveness on the part of the Federal Government to bring it out of the wool.

Professor Nwogwugwu who is the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, said the worsening economy needs more than the government is presently giving it to come to life.

“In fact, the curve is nearing the lowest point. Check the macro-economic indicators (level of unemployment, the rate of inflation, others things like exchange rate and the growth itself, the GDP).

“ The unemployment rate today is at a double digit of seventeen percent and is still growing.

“The nation’s productive system has not been able to engage those who are able and capable to work. Youths, who are the engine of growth of any nation, are unemployed”.

“What about inflation? A situation where N100 will buy you a thing of N10 value is not a good trend. It means that you need more money to get what you are supposed to get with smaller amount of money”.

Professor Nwogwugwu noted with dismay that the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has been unable to manage the cash inflow into the system well.

The Don, while commenting on the recent rumoured printing of new money by the Apex Bank, described it as an indication of economic disequilibrium, which must be checked with the soaring inflation rate.

“When new money is printed without the backing of the real sector that produces it, there is a basic fundamental disequilibrium in the system.

“And when there is disequilibrium in the system, the system suffers greatly”.

“When inflation rises to certain level, it leads to terrible crisis which may eventually spell doom for the economy and the country.

“Unfortunately, the government doesn’t seem to be aware of the fact that these things are getting out of hand.

“Today, things that you bought N100 before are now sold at N200 or N300. The value of money has fallen more than hundred percent.
“It shows that government has lost its grips on the system” Professor Nwogwugwu regretted.

The Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka also blamed the problem on government neglect of the productive sector of the economy, which is supposed to be empowered to produce at its maximum level, create employment for the teeming jobless youths and give value to the money.

He said: “the basic problem is that the supply side economy is seriously under-emphasized here. We run a demand-side economy. The government has neglected the supply side of the sector.

“When the goods are not produced or supplied, what will you buy, even when you have all the money in the world?

The Professor of Economics, while challenging the economic advisers to the President to come up with strategies that will pull Nigeria out of the present economic mess, warned against printing new money, which he noted, has always attracted dire consequences, unless properly managed.

He advised the government to take a clue from world great economies, which are supply side countries, and are coping better with the global economic recession.

“Countries like Zimbabwe, Ghana before Rawlings both had the issue of having more money in the system. But, as we speak, most countries have been compelled to even revalue their money because they are losing value.

“So, the history is there to advice those taking economic decisions for us that emphasis on money doesn’t really help the system”.

“Most great economies such as America, Japan and China, are supply-side system. They emphasize on production, technology, research and development to produce new things and even exports for people of other countries to buy.

“They push those things here and we consume them. We become the biggest market to them. They take our money to fix their own economy”. The Don regretted.

Source : The Union Nigeria