Six people died instantly in a horrific accident which occurred last night near Amaokpala and Awgbu bridge, Oko, Anambra State.
More photos after the cut…
Source: Linda Ikeji
Fatal Accident Kill 6 At Federal Polytechnic Oko.
Nigerians Rates Osibanjo High, Prefers Him Over Buhari.
As Nigeria economy tends to reverse to recovery path way as Naira gains value against dollar, many Nigerians have rated the acting president Osibanjo higher than Buhari whose whereabout is unknown.
Since the rumored death of president Buhari to his being incapacitated by unknown illness, Nigerians seems to breath a sign of relieve as Acting president Osibanjo is seen a new miracle that happened to Nigerians in recent time.
However the presidency is not finding this current trend funny as they have accused Nigerians of trying to cause division in government.
The presidency said that the government was one and as such, there should be no basis for comparisons whatever between the President and his deputy.
The Political Adviser to the President in the Office of the Vice President, Senator Femi Ojudu made the remarks while fielding questions from State House correspondents on the speculations making the rounds, preferring Osinbajo’s style of governance to Buhari’s on Monday in Abuja.
It will be recalled that Osinbajo has been piloting the affairs of the country since January 19 when President Buhari jetted out to London, United Kingdom on medical vacation. President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, in Abuja. Since his departure, Osinbajo has apparently taken a couple of initiatives that had elicited hopes that Nigeria may get out of its present state of economic recession sooner than expected. One of those decisions was a directive to the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele to review the country’s foreign exchange policy which seems to be producing results at the moment, judging from the Naira value appreciation over the Dollar. Osinbajo had earlier also forwarded the name of the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Oonneghen to the Senate for confirmation contrary to the Buhari’s perceived reluctance since appointing the CJN in acting capacity in November, 2016.
Reacting to trend of comparing the President and his Vice, Ojudu said it was completely unfounded. He said: “I think it is thoughtless. I also see it as a ploy by the opposition to cause an unnecessary division. It is a joint ticket. The president and the vice president were elected based on the manifesto of the party and since they were sworn-in, they have been committed to implementing that manifesto. “The same people who said we never had economic team, no policy, nothing, are the ones saying this. It is now the policies we are implementing are maturing and they are seeing the result.
It is not a question of one person being better than the other person. “I will give you an example, there is nothing that has been done since the vice president started acting that is not something that started far back in the past. A good example is the Niger Delta initiative. The President called the Vice President and said I am giving you the mandate, go into the Niger Delta, meet with everyone who is a stakeholder, all the communities, talk to the militants and make sure you solve this problem for the benefits of Nigerians. “We are losing 1.2 million barrels of oil per day. All the gas pipelines powering the turbines are being blown up. And the President has said unless and until we resolve this problem, we will not get out of recession. The VP took up the mandate and went to the Niger Delta. It is the initiative of Mr. President not that of Vice President. “This is mischief makers, those who do not wish this country well, who are always promoting crisis, who will not allow the people to benefit from this democracy are the ones promoting this kind of divisive tendencies.”
He said that the Acting President on some occasions consult the President even as he refused to accept that Osinbajo was not in charge. “Almost on a daily basis, yes. Well, there are things he still needs to consult the President. I mean it is not a regular thing but major decisions he still has to consult Mr. President. The president is still the president. ”He is in charge but like I said earlier on, this is a joint ticket the president of Nigeria remains the president of Nigeria. He is acting because it is one and the same. He is more experienced, he has been in the game longer than the vice president and if there are major issues that he needs to take decision on, he could call on him and say Sir, what do you think about this we are about to take decision on it. Do you have opinion? That does not mean he is not in charge.” But reminded that Nigerians other than partisan opposition politicians were the ones making the comparisons, Ojudu maintained his position of oneness. ”
Again, one other thing you have to see is that if you give someone a responsibility, he must be able to show to Mr. President that despite that he is not being around is not going to create any vacuum. He can then decide not to sleep at all, all through the time the president is a way just to show him that he is capable of ensuring that Nigeria goes on well while he is away. “And the President could also have given the mandate let nothing go wrong, I believe in you, I appointed you as my Vice President you must make sure that you do this. If you have a boss who gives you an assignment you will want to impress him and Nigerians as well and that for me is what has happened. It is not that one person is better than the other, certainly not. “I’m telling that I have seen some things sent out intentionally to cause some kind of division within the presidency. Some people who have been condemning everybody in the past, I see them on twitter and on facebook and generally on social media.
Some people are trying to promote division and we are not going to allow that. This president and vice president worked together in tandem and I know they both have confidence in this nation”, he said.
Also asked to react to the concerns in Katsina State that the president was poisoned, the Political Adviser said it was stupid to believe such stories. “The way I will react to that is that those of you in the media should be careful what you pick from the social media now. It is becoming a factory for fake news in the Nigeria.
A lot of things you see on social media can never be true. I saw that, I read it and I assessed it using the prism of these factors, those indices we use to analysis stories in the media and found out that, that it cannot be true. “For example they said somebody kept N77 trillion somewhere, imagine that. What is the total value of Nigeria’s economy that because of somebody keeping N77 trillion therefore some people want to poison him so that they can inherit the money. “I mean we have a president that nobody in this country can question his integrity. As a young officer, a middle officer, a senior officer and as a Head of State till now, nobody has been able to tarnish his image or come up with anything. For me, it is not even worth responding to, as soon as I read it, I dismissed it, it is so ridiculous.
Again it is the handiwork of our enemies, the problem is fakeness has almost become global and universal, other countries are experiencing it. Those who want to destabilize the country, they come up with all kinds of stupid stories, some kind of unimaginable stories. So we should just discountenance those things”, he said.
Source: Vanguard Newspaper
A Nigeria Police Inspector , Ex-Army Corporal And 14 Others Arrested With 6 million worth hard drugs.
A serving Police Inspector and a sacked Army Corporal are among 14 suspects arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kogi State for being in possession of 1,083.62 kilogrammes of Indian Hemp valued at N6 million.
The State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr. Idris Bello, told journalists in Lokoja on Monday that the Inspector was arrested on February 25, 2017 at Crusher Area of Lokoja while conveying 75 bags of Indian Hemp weighing 818.2 kg in a police bus with registration number NPF 7973 NPF.
He said that the suspect was conveying the drug from Okpella, Edo State to Abuja when he was arrested alongside two other accomplices.
Bello said that the dismissed army corporal was arrested in Lokoja on his way from Edo State with 44 kilogrammes of weed.
According to him, 12 other suspects, including a woman, were also arrested this month with varying kilogrammes of weed.
He said that the 40-year-old woman was carrying a four-year-old boy at the time she was arrested with 32.4 kilogrammes of Indian Hemp.
The commander said that three other suspects were arrested with 190 blocks of compressed Indian Hemp, although the exact kilogramme and monetary value had not been ascertained.
He said that the suspects, who were coming from Edo, were arrested at Obajana in Kogi in a car with registration number Kano BC 737 KMC.
Bello, who attributed the success of the command to the support it receives from the state government, thanked Governor Yahaya Bello for the donation of patrol vehicles.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Jerry Omodara, commended the NDLEA for its efforts and urged the agency to sustain the tempo.
He promised that the state government would continue to support all the security agencies in the state.
Source: Authority Newspaper
Nigeria Military Threaten Amnesty International And Others
Nigerian Military has issued a strong warning to all international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating in the country, most especially, Amnesty International (AI) and its affiliates, to desist from meddling into security issues for the sake of national interest, cohesion and unity.
The military gave the warning in a press statement signed by the acting Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar. It condemned activities of AI and said the group did not mean well for the country.
“Activities of the AI in our nation have shown that it never meant well for Nigeria and the situation is getting clearer to national and international communities what AI is up to. This could be corroborated by inherent lopsidedness in the AI’s portrayal of Nigeria, its involvement in local politics and taking side with terrorists and other belligerent groups to cause internal disorder, which no country can tolerate,” the statement read.
“The military has maintained open door policy and has been cooperating with all stakeholders in ensuring that Nigerian Armed Forces remains one of the best and a proud institution for all Nigerians.
“For AI to be making spurious allegations, especially without substantiated and cogent reason, apart from those adduced by the organisation for the reason best known to it and its collaborators, is disturbing and unethical of an international organisation that is supposed to steer clear of local politics and to be seen as maintaining neutrality in its reportage of the countries where it operates,” it further read.
The statement condemned what it described as incessant negative report on Nigeria in general and the armed forces, in particular, by AI and called on all well meaning Nigerians who appreciate what the military and other security agencies have done to decimate Boko Haram terrorists and contain other criminal elements.
Speaking further, Abubakar claimed that the AI’s had only succeeded in giving an insight to the possibility of the organisation sponsoring various criminal gangs in our country with a view to achieving the sponsor’s intent.
The military also said it would welcome comments, criticisms and observations that could help the institution grow higher in the interest of the nation. It described AI as an agent of destabilisation, masquerading as a reputable international NGO and urged Nigerians “to rise up to this daunting challenge of not giving AI the chance to truncate our hard earned democracy and unity.”
Boasting on the commitment of the military and other security agencies, Abubakar affirmed that they remain focused in tackling the security problems in the nation and urged Nigerians, partners and international communities to continue to support its quest to free the country from the hands of criminal elements.
Source: Sun Newspaper
Igbo Presidency: Don’t take Obasanjo’s words to bank –Fayose
Ekiti state Governor and PDP Governors’ Forum chairman, Ayo Fayose has said those in power waiting to deal with him after his tenure in 2018, would be greatly disappointed. This is even as he said that Obasanjo’s call for Igbo presidency in 2019 cannot be relied upon.
Excerpts:
Q: Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has mooted the idea of an Igbo presidency in 2019 and that has generated some controversy, what is your take?
A: Do you ever take Obasanjo seriously? I don’t take him seriously. By his nature, Obasanjo wants relevance at all times. We have worked with him and used to be his foot soldiers. I know him more than anybody in this country. He just talks, so that he would remain relevant. Do you see any other former President in the country running his mouth like his? If it is not the fact that he has a voice as a former head of state, where is Obasanjo’s constituency? Who are his followers? How many votes can Obasanjo win in his ward? We must say the truth and we must face the truth. Let’s give it to him, as a leader in this country, whoever has governed this country before would remain our leader, but he must equally recall and admit that he is becoming more fairly negative than working towards national building.
Q: Don’t you see that this government is afraid of rallies against them by the IPOB?
A: But I want to say to Nigerians, the struggle continues till these Pharaohs of this time get out of power. They are too wicked. The Bible says when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice, but when the wicked are there, people cry, people are crying now, people are hungry, and they are saying this to the government of the day.
It is because they are an oppressive government, who has no conscience. People are crying, the Bible is right about them but they would go. By the grace of God, they would go.
Source: Sun Newspaper
Grant Nnamdi Kanu Amnesty – Ebube Muonso Begs F.G.
The Spiritual Director of Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, Uke in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma, popularly known as Ebube Muonso, has pleaded with the Federal Government to grant amnesty to the detained Director of Radio Biafra IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.
He described the incarceration of Kanu as an injustice and inequity from the government.
The clergyman said that addressing various critical issues like injustice, marginalisation and others which fuel the urge to secede would have far-reaching effect than holding other people captive.
Obimma took the anti-corruption war of the Buhari-led Federal Government to the cleaners over alleged lopsidedness.
He spoke at the end of a 33-day prayer session with the theme: “My Year of Divine Enthronement” organised by his ministry. The event was allegedly attended by about 1.5 million participants across the globe.
He preached from 9pm to 9am and attended to over 600 participants after the prayer session.
Two deaf and dumb participants: Paul Ukachukwu and Bernard Mmaduka, said that they received their healing as they could hear and speak.
Obimma said: “The President (Buhari) is partial in his anti-corruption war. For him, the politicians in the ruling APC are saints but the ones in the PDP, APGA, and other political parties are corrupt. Let there be equality; let love lead Nigeria.”
Obimma, a Catholic Priest with Onitsha Archdiocese and Parish Priest of Blessed Iwene Tansi Parish, Umudioka, Dunukofia in Anambra State, lamented that with the exchange rate of the dollar to Naira worsening daily, Nigerians were finding it very difficult to afford the basic requirements of life even as many industries and businesses are have shut down.
He continued: “My message is for our country Nigeria whereby some people are under oppression. We say we’re one Nigeria but that’s only in words. I am advocating for equity, justice, and fairness.
“And again, God has absolute power; holding other people captives just like Nnamdi Kanu who is languishing in prison. And everybody is passive about that even Ohanaeze Ndigbo. Injustice is injustice.
“I pray that the Federal Government will grant him (Kanu) amnesty. As you can see, there is hunger in the land. The President and others should alleviate hunger in the land. The people are dying daily. Prices of goods are skyrocketing. As a priest, I’m not happy when I see my flock suffer,” he stressed.
Ex-Governor Suswan Lands In DSS Detention Over Gun Running.
Former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, has been invited by the Department of State Services, DSS, to clear the air on arms and ammunition seized from exotic cars in a luxury apartment in Abuja said to belong to him.
The DSS confirmed, last night, that the former governor was already helping them in investigation into the shocking discovery made by its officials, following intelligence report that some dangerous items were stashed in the boots of cars parked in the premises of the property.
The security agency in a statement made available to newsmen by its Spokesman, Tony Opuiyo, explained that the arms and ammunition were stacked in two expensive vehicles-a Mercedes Benz S550 (BWR 135AH), and Masarati 4.7(BWR 207 AJ), which its agents subsequently confiscated. Searched in the presence of two private security agents attached to the property, some startling items were found in the cars and the need to search for the owners became imperative.
The security agency said it executed a search warrant at the property of Dunes Investment and Global Properties Ltd, located at No 44 Aguiyi Ironsi Way, Maitama-Abuja, where the incriminating items were found. The DSS listed the items found in the confiscated cars as Glock pistol with two magazines and 29 rounds of ammunition; Mini-Uzi with two magazines containing 10 rounds and 4 rounds respectively; 42 extra rounds of ammunition contained in a pack; and one AK-47 rifle. Others include 21 Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) and one Offer of Statutory Right of Occupancy; 23 Luxury designer watches; and 45 keys to various exotic cars.
The DSS said: “Following this discovery, the Service launched further investigation which revealed that the cars and the recovered items belong to the former governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, who has already been invited by the Service and currently helping in the investigation. “It is in the light of this latest development that the Service wishes to sound a note of warning to persons and groups that it will no longer tolerate any acts of lawlessness by those who ought to be law abiding and responsible citizens. “The Service has also observed with total dismay the inciting utterances of some political actors whose activities heat-up the polity. ‘’It also wishes to express its disappointment with these politicians who, in their desperation, are engaged in hate speeches and even sponsorship of radio campaign jingles when the electoral umpire has not authorized such campaigns in line with the Electoral Act. “More worrisome is the unpatriotic involvement of some media outfits in these divisive tendencies which negate their constitutional role as the fourth estate of the realm.
“ In line with its statutory mandate of maintaining the peace and internal security of the country, the Service, hereby, restates its commitment to go after anyone, no matter how highly placed, who engages in acts capable of causing the breach of peace in the country.’’ There were Indications, last night, that the numerous assets recovered from the suspect might be transferred to the EFCC, whle the suspect might be prosecuted after the criminal aspect might have been dealt with by the security agencies.
Emma Powerful Release Of Biafra Organigram Is Nothing But a Hoax.
The recent news publication of Biafra government organigram by Radio Biafra local spokesperson is nothing but a scam and desperate attempt by some mischievous elements who seek nothing but attention, power and control.
According to the puported decietful publication, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on Monday, released its organigram for the constitution of the proposed Biafra state that would be headed by a Prime Minister as the Executive arm of the government. The said publication is being credited to one Emma Powerful, from the information available to us from contact around this young man, he has no clear profession or means of livelihood, as such resorts to cheap publication to attract attention to himself and those paying him from abroad to do so. Biafra will only unveil her proposed system of government after the current consultation of all ethnic nationalities that makes up Biafra is concluded.
According to a stake holder in Biafra agitation Dr Wisdom Abor, the public should simply ignore attention seekers who are desperate for power and control. How can a group of people living in London and America take such a decision from the mushroom sects abroad and decide what government structure Biafra would operate.
Biafra is a multi ethnic Nation having key ethnic nations like Igbo’s, Izon, Ananng, Igalah etc. Taking such decision and publishing such on newspapers clearly shows some people are simply confusionist and do not know what Biafra truly represent.
According to Dr. Wisdom Abor, the present structure under consideration and still undergoing high powered consultation among ethnicities within Biafra geographical expression will have its constituient units highly independent with weak central body.
Having each federating units united by three major factors which are Armed Force, Immigration and Currency. He said he will not comment much on that now until consultation is concluded.
He therefore advised general public to disregard such news publication as mere fabrication by some opportunist who are specialist in causing confusion.
Nokia 3310 Finally Relaunched With One Month Standby Battery Life
Nokia on Sunday night re-launched the Nokia 3310 nearly 17 years after its debut. This is the same old classic Nokia phone, which people say is the toughest object in the universe
The revamped version will be sold under licence by the Finnish start-up HMD Global, which also unveiled several Nokia-branded Android smartphones.
Features:
The new 3310 qualifies as a “feature phone” rather than a smartphone as it only provides limited internet facilities.
It relies on 2.5G connectivity – and is powered by the S30+ operating system, which allows web browsing but has a much smaller range of apps than Android or iOS.
Its single camera is also restricted to two megapixels.
The new 3310 weighs 79.6g (0.18lb) and has a 2.4in (6cm) display
However, its advantage over more powerful handsets is its battery life. HMD says the colour-screened phone has up to a month’s standby time and delivers more than 22 hours of talk time.
It also comes with the modern version of the classic game Snake preinstalled.
Leader Of BNYL-Demand The Release of Cosmos George Oto.
The leader of Biafran Nations Youth League Prince Obuka Chimezie has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of one of his members Cosmos Oto Obong, who he accused the DSS operatives of abducting the young man.
Speaking to BVI Channel he said that Cosmos George Oto Obong is from Ikono in Akwa Ibom but grew up in Port Harcourt, a strong BNYL ally. He was endorsed by the Ibibio Nation who gathered in Eket during BNYL last year to speak for them on Biafra National Affairs. 41 years of age who has done a alot for Biafra, having organised the Ibibio to come up with an MOU, his recent book on the recent agitation and release of Nnamdi Kanu and his audio messages so far.
He came down from London to base in Port Harcourt as a result of the struggle.
My last trip to Uyo, we returned to Port Harcourt together. He got missing after 20th Trump rally, but information i got from his office today says unknown armed men invaded his residence and whisked him away. I have not rested as i keep receiving calls from Akwa Ibom.
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