IT IS GETTING TOO LATE- Ndubuisi Anaenugwu

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April 6, 2021

The communication gap between the Political Leaders and the ordinary people has reached the point of distrust. In the past few years,no State Actor has made a deliberate attempt to narrow the widening gap. Some of us saw it coming ! I have written more than 100 articles on social media about the events of today. Those in Government see criticism as handiwork of opposition parties without paying the needed attention .

The implementation of public policies has failed woefully .Common wealth is no longer evenly distributed but exclusive reserve of first families to decide who to give ,how to give and when to give. Government is now for praise singers and Political Party in Government. The ordinary people no longer expect anything from Government. You virtually have to beg for everything. Having access to a Governor or a Senator or even a Gubernatorial Aspirant is like booking appointment to see Pope! Public Offices have become very lucrative that everybody fights for a space.

Few days ago ,I walked the street of a major city ,about the time school children were coming from School. I saw so many of the school children walking home under excruciating heat. I stood one place to ponder the future of these innocent children strolling home after a tough day in School. The system has kept them busy for 2 years in nursery school ,at their parents expense. 5 or 6 years in primary school ,again at their parents expense. Another 6 years in the secondary school and 4 – 7 years in the university all at their parents expenses .At least ,for 18 years ,they will be busy in school reading how to be good slaves, no thanks to our copy and paste education system!.After 18 years of reading to acquire certificates ,these young people will realize that nobody is planning for their future after all.

The children of top political Leaders are all in foreign countries. Millions of graduates are presently on the street trying to survive. They see ,they read everyday how our politicians use Nigerian fraudulent constitution to steal our Commonwealth with impunity . They see how bad people are rewarded while good and hardworking people are exploited by the State in the name of all kinds of taxes.

Good or bad ,social media has exposed a lot of hidden secrets ! Anybody can create Facebook account to narrate some story lines . Over the years ,I have stated that we are headed to the slaughter house if Government at all levels did not reverse the ugly trend ,at least by telling the people home truth. By holding periodic town hall meetings to explain government programs to the people and give listening ears to the people ,that way ,people becomes part of the government.

What is wrong with engaging the Biafra agitators in a town hall meeting ? What is wrong in engaging all those criticizing the policies of government in a town hall meetings ? What is wrong in organising meeting between the ruling party and opposition parties? What is wrong in discussing with all the ethnic groups in Nigeria? It is the absence of Government sincerity ,that is causing the present frustration and anger everywhere! It is the insensitivity of our judicial process and justice delivery methodology that is creating certain tension. Injustice is everywhere including inside the church and I do hope that it is not yet late for us to make the needed amendment.

Ndubuisi Anaenugwu writes from Awka

Unknown Gun Men and Women at South East: Cost Implications-Akuta

By

bvichannel1

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April 6, 2021

The emergence of the “unknown gunmen and women” at the South Eastern part of Nigeria is an evil wind that will blow evil, terror, deaths, pains, blood, and hardship to all. The fearlessness and ferocity of their attacks on the Nigerian security services and establishments speaks volumes. Mostly the security services (the Nigerian Police and Army) have been at the receiving end. Most of their personnel have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Notwithstanding the fact that many South East personnel of these security service are part of those killed.

The author saw a video of an old woman from Anambra State crying because her daughter who was a police personnel was killed by the unknown gun wo/men. Former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof Chukwuma Soludo was attacked on 31st March 2021 and three of his mobile police security personnel killed. Imagine the shock, sorrow, sadness on the families of those police officers killed and on the families and friends of Soludo on hearing the news of the attack.

Several police and military check points have been attacked, police and military vehicles burnt. But the big shock to everyone was the attack on the Owerri Prison (Correctional Facility) and the Nigerian Police Headquarters Owerri on Easter Monday 5th April 2021, this is in addition to the release of one thousand eight hundred inmates (1,800) from Owerri Prison.

The audacity to lunch attacks at these premises are highly worrisome to say the least. Ordinarily one would expect that these places (Owerri Prison/Correctional Facilities and the Nigerian Police Headquarters Owerri) will be heavily fortified and defended, but the reverse was the case. During his tour of the places damaged, Governor Hope Uzodimma was asked by one of the reporters that the police did not attempt to repeal the attackers. Another issue was the failure of the directorate of state security services (DSS) from having intelligence reports ahead of this attack.

These attacks have simply exposed the underbelly of our security services and further demystifies them. Things are fallen apart. But it is also a failure of leadership to train and equip them. There appears to be a crack on their wall. If they cannot defend their own headquarters and themselves, then it’s obvious they cannot defend and protect the citizens. On the other hand if these “unknown gun wo/men” succeeds in their adventure to drive away the security services then anarchy and lawlessness automatically sets in. This is the more reasons why the security services must be trained and sanitized of bad eggs, and their rules of engagement changed.

Releasing prisoners from Owerri Prisons/Correctional Facilities has created a serious security challenge to all the people of Imo State and beyond. Those criminals until apprehended will be a serious security risks and threats to others. Crime rates might likely skyrocket, insecurity will increase, investments will reduce, hardship will increase. Everyone is affected one way or the other. With the current scenario, the federal government is likely to respond by deploying more security personnel to the South East. This is a zone already over saturated with police and military check points. Imagine more stop and search check points being added. Taxi and bus drivers will be under extortion. Okada drivers will be paying tolls at each checking points. In turn they will transfer the cost to their passengers, the passengers will transfer these costs to their goods and services. Cost of living will rise. Hardship continues. It is a lose lose situation. Even the “unknown gun wo/men” will lose in the present scenario.

These “unknown gun wo/men” are human beings. Someone must know them. Whoever knows them should pass on this message that whatever their grievances, violence, killings, destructions have never solved any problem in this world. Problems are solved on the round table. Wars end on the round table. Jaw jaw is far better than war war. Any action or inaction that puts your people on the firing line is counterproductive. On the hand, every peace loving person must condemn all these acts of destruction. The authorities at both federal, state, local government, and community/village levels must begin discussions on how to improve security of lives and properties. The government must act because they are not even safe anymore.

C.V.Akuta.

Video: Gov Hope Uzodinma Trembles…

By

bvichannel1

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April 6, 2021

Video:Imo State On Fire

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bvichannel1

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April 6, 2021

Soludo Attack: Kidnapped Commissioner Secured Freedom

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bvichannel1

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April 4, 2021

The Anambra State Police Command has announced a breakthrough in the release of kidnapped Commissioner of Public Utility .In a statement released to the members of the public by the State Police PRO- DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, he said that the Commissioner was hale and hearty.The statement reads in full ” Today 4th April, 2021, we wish to confirm to the members of the Public, especially Ndi Anambra the safety of Engr Emeka Ezenwanne, the State Commissioner for Public Utilities”

”The Police, Military and Other Security Agencies had mounted intense search and rescue efforts, which had closed in on his abductors, thereby forcing his release.
The Hon Commissioner returned home unhurt, in the early hours of today 4th March 2021.

Recall, he was abducted following the attack at Isuofia Civic Center that led to the murder of three (3) Police Officers by some hoodlums.

The Police Command had arrested five suspects in connection with the incident and remains committed in apprehending the remaining gang members.

Meanwhile, the CP has called for calm and reiterates the Command’s commitment towards ensuring safety and security of Ndi Anambra and residents alike” the statement concluded.

Maureen Okafor writes for BVI Channel 1 online

Ohanaeze Elders Set New Security Agenda For Governors

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bvichannel1

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April 2, 2021

The Chairman of Ohanaeze ,Council of Elders – Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has called ndigbo to stand up against rampaging killers targeted against Ndigbo. In a statement released to newsmen , Chief Iwuanyanwu directed for a regional stakeholder meeting to take certain sensitive decisions .The statement reads in full ”On Monday 29th March, a very sad and chilling news was released in both print and electronic Media of how IGBO land was invaded by strange terrorists from outside Igbo Land. This incident is very painful. During this invasion by so called Herdsmen, lives and property were destroyed. Uptill now the exact number of lives lost is not known but eye-witness report said that over 20 lives were lost. Hundreds of people in Ebonyi State, a Sovereign part of Igbo Land are now homeless.

In Igbo culture of “Onye-aghala-nwanne-ya”, I want to make it clear to all and sundry that any attack on any Igbo soil is an attack on the entire Igbo Land. Igbos will never fold their hands and watch people invade them. I am constrained to sound this warning as the Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Council of Elders that we will no longer accept a situation where our people are invaded by terrorists. We will take every step to defend the lives and property of our people. We had earlier expressed our sympathy to our compatriots in other States in Nigeria such as Borno, Kaduna, Yobe, Sokoto, Taraba, Benue and Plateau where people have suffered similar invasion in the past.

We have passed through this journey and violence of war and we know it is a very painful and lonely journey. That is the reason all Elders of Igbo Land are passionate about peace and unity in one Nigeria restructured under a new constitution that can protect every part of the country and create incentive for every part to develop their God’s given potentials to the benefits of their people and Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Elders of Igbo Land directed that the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Prof. George Obiozor and the Chairman of South East Governors’ Forum His Excellency Engr. Dave Umahi should call an immediate meeting of Stakeholders including the National Assembly. This meeting will deliberate on ways and means to protect Igbo people wherever they live. The meeting will also establish an emergency relief fund from where help can be given to people exposed to attack of terrorism anywhere in Igbo Land. We wish to say with pride that all through the history of Nigeria, Igbos are known to live in many places outside Igbo Land and they have never launched any attack against the lives and property of the people of that area.

We will therefore not accept a situation where people will come and invade and kill our people. We expect the Federal Government to take steps to stop these terrorists from attacking our land otherwise Igbos will have no option but to device means of self defense” the statement concluded

The Soludo Promoters Forum(SPF) Declares 7 Days Mourning

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bvichannel1

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April 2, 2021

The Soludo Promoters Forum (SPF), has directed all its members across the 21 Local government in the state and in other formations across the globe to observe a seven-day of mourning in memory of the gallant police officers who lost their lives in an attack against Soludo at the Civic center in Isuofia, Aguata local government, Anambra state. All scheduled outreach programmes are also put on hold.

The National coordinator of the Forum, Mr Joe Anatune gave this directive after a crucial meeting with the executive members of the Forum

Mr Anatune said the need to declare a seven-day mourning period for the gallant police officers became necessary, according him, ‘the officers paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, and SPF therefore recognizes them as heroes’

He said the sacrifices made by the gallant officers will never be forgotten. He described them as real professional policemen who stood by their principal and died protecting him

He affirmed that the Forum has already commiserated with the immediate families of the fallen heroes.

Mr Anatune also condemned the unwarranted attack on Prof Charles Soludo and called on the Authorities to fish out the perpetrators who should be made to face justice as quickly as possible

He called for increased security for Soludo and all residents of the state alike

Anatune further advised that the Federal Government should take up the issue of security as a top priority in view of the general insecurity being witnessed across the federation

He also joined the clarion call for the immediate and unconditional release of Mr Emeka Ezenwanne, Commissioner for Public Utilities who was abducted by the attackers at the event

Anatune reiterated that SPF will continue to work hard as the gubernatorial election approaches and will not be dampened by the unfortunate development.

He stated that the Forum’s ultimate goal is to ensure total victory for Soludo come November 6, 2021

Police Tracked Soludo’s attackers With Mobile Phone

By

bvichannel1

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April 1, 2021

Fresh facts have emerged that one of the suspected attackers of the former governor of Central Bank of Nigeria and governorship aspirant of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Charles Soludo, was arrested after his phone was tracked by security operatives.

Anambra Police Command had earlier stated in a press release that one person, whose name it failed to release, has been arrested for his alleged involvement in the crime.

A senior police officer, who spoke to media at the state police command’s headquarters on the condition of anonymity, said one of the suspects lost his phone during the attack, and was picked by police operatives, who used it to track him down.

“One of the killers forgot his phone at the scene of the attack, and we found it when the CP visited the place. We tracked down the owner and arrested him, and he is helping us with investigation.

“As at the time the CP arrived at the scene of the attack, the men were still moving, one of them was even muttering something, but we could not hear him. They were certified dead at the hospital,” the source said.

Meanwhile, we gathered that police officers and men in Anambra State police command have been barred from wearing their uniforms to work to reduce the risk of attacks on them.

The source said: “It is a directive from the hierarchy of the command. Police officers now carry their uniforms in bags to the office, before changing into them.”

Our Reporter who moved round the state capital, Awka, observed that there are no roadblocks by policemen on all the roads visited, as all designated points for roadblocks have been dismantled as a result of the recent wave of attack.

INEC To Commence Voters Registration Soonest

By

bvichannel1

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April 1, 2021

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed June 28 ,2021 to resume the continuous voter registration (CVR) exercise ahead of the 2023 elections. Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman, announced the date at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday.The commission earlier targeted the resumption of the exercise in the first quarter of 2021.

But Yakubu said the target was not met as a result of some activities such as the introduction of new systems to ensure the registration is in line with COVID-19 guidelines, expansion of voter access to polling units and introduction of new voter registration equipment and technology.

“Effective from Monday 28th June 2021, the CVR exercise will commence nationwide and carried out continuously for over a year until the third quarter of 2022,” he said.

“However, emphasis will initially be on Anambra State where more centres will be established in view of the governorship election already scheduled for Saturday, 6th November 2021.“In order to complete preparations for the governorship election, the CVR exercise in the state will be temporarily suspended in August 2021. This will enable the commission to clean up the data for the state and print the PVCs (permanent voter cards) for registrants.

“As time goes on, the commission will provide more details on the CVR exercise, particularly the innovations that will ensure a safe and stress-free experience for registrants. In doing so, we will fully consult stakeholders. In fact, the first in the series of these consultations will take place after the Easter break.”

Prof Soludo Attack : An UPDATE

By

bvichannel1

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April 1, 2021

..Police Operatives nab 4 additional suspects*

Police Operatives attached to Anambra State Command today 1st April, 2021 have arrested four (4) additional suspects in connection to the recent attack and gruesome murder of three (3)Policemen at Isuofia Civic Center in Aguata LGA of Anambra State.

The suspects are: *Mbah Victor ‘M’ aged 30years, John Olisakwe ‘M’ aged 21years. Chigozie Omeh ‘M’ aged 20years and Emmanuel Nnobi ‘M’ aged 28years.* The suspects confessed to have actively taken part in the attack and subsequent abduction of Commissioner for Public and Utilities, Engr Emeka Ezenwanne., Which the Command is working assiduously to rescue.

Consequently efforts are still on going to apprehend other fleeing accomplices, unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and bring perpetrators to book.

Meanwhile the Commissioner of Police Anambra State Command CP Monday Bala Kuryas fsi reiterates his commitment towards ensuring safety and security of *Ndi Anambra* and residence alike.

He urged the public not to relent in providing useful information that will assist the command in to nip in the board all forms of criminality in the state including similar ugly incidents.

DSP Ikenga Tochukwu Anipr, PPRO Anambra State Police Command