At least three people were killed and five others injured when unidentified gunmen attacked the Isionye community, which borders Enugu Ukwu and Nawfia in the Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Reports indicate that the armed assailants, disguised as land buyers, lured their victims to the site before launching their brutal attack.
Local sources revealed that the incident occurred late Monday evening, sending shockwaves through the community as multiple gunshots rang out.
One eyewitness recounted, “Unidentified gunmen invaded our community in Enugu Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government, this evening, killing several people. They arrived in a Sienna vehicle, posing as potential land buyers.
“None of us sensed the danger until they drew their weapons and began firing. Those who had escorted them to the land were shot, and many residents who panicked and ran were wounded by the gunfire.”
Confirming the incident on Tuesday, Anambra State Police spokesman Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga stated that police had recovered the vehicle abandoned by the attackers and were actively investigating the incident.
Ikenga said, “The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam, has ordered an investigation into the murder of three individuals and the serious injury of five others on Monday, September 9, 2024, at 2 p.m. on Isionye land, near the boundary between Enugu Ukwu and Nawfia.
“Preliminary reports suggest that the victims were deceived into coming to the land under the pretense of a real estate transaction before being assaulted with firearms and machetes.
“The Commissioner of Police has urged the community to remain calm as police operatives work to identify the killers.
“The testimony of the injured victims, who are currently receiving medical treatment, is aiding the investigation, while the bodies of the deceased have been taken to the morgue.
“Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.”
The Presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the last general election, Mr. Peter Obi, and Governor of Abia State, Mr. Alex Otti, have written to the national chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to notify the regulatory body of the setting up of a 29-member caretaker committee to organise the party ‘s Congresses and National Convention within a period not exceeding 180 days.
The letter, which was dated September 6, 2024 and signed by Obi and Otti, also informed the INEC chairman of the leadership crisis in the party.
The letter formally unveiled the names of the 29-member caretaker committee.
In the letter, Obi and Otti, who convened the September 4 expanded stakeholders’ meeting of the party in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, where the committee was set up, stated: “You will recall that Labour Party had had a leadership crisis in recent times culminating in the de-recognition of the Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) by INEC effective June 2024. This is sequel to the settlement brokered by INEC on June 27, 2022.”
The letter said the settlement was founded on the consent court judgement by Justice Gabriel Kolawole on March 20, 2018.
“A major part of the settlement states that an all-inclusive national convention, preceded by ward, local government and state congresses shall be convened not later than one year after signing the terms of settlement,” the letter said.
It added that because of the 2023 general election, the implementation of the agreement was deferred by one year to 2024.
Obi and Otti stated in the letter, “By March 2024, the Abure-led NWC organised a convention at Nnewi without first organising Ward, Local Government and State congresses. This fell short of the standards and the spirit of the terms of settlement as stated above. In the light of all these, a leadership vacuum arose in the party. In like manner, the National Executive Committee membership got depleted leaving less than 10 members standing.”
The letter explained, “Given the above scenario, the statutory executives of the party made up of the governor, deputy governor, and legislators, in addition to all surviving members of NEC, the leadership of organised labour, representatives of governorship candidates in the 2023 election and subsequent ones, presidential and vice presidential candidates in the 2023 election and other party leaders, met in Umuahia, Abia State, on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 and set up a caretaker committee to organise congresses and the national convention within a period not exceeding 180 days to fill the vacuum created by the expiration of the tenure of the erstwhile leadership of the party at all levels.”
Obi and Otti also informed the INEC chairman that Senator Nenadi Usman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha were appointed by the stakeholders’ meeting as Chairman and Secretary, respectively, of the party’s caretaker committee.
The letter also listed other members of the committee representing critical stakeholders of the party.
They included representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC), Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, Professor Theophilus Ndubuaku, and Comrade Chris Uyot.
According to the letter, the Senate is being represented by Senators Victor Umeh, Neda Imasuen, and Ireti Kingibe, while the House of Representatives is represented by Hon. Afam Ogene, Hon. Seyi Sowunmi, Hon. Sunday Umeha, Hon. Donatus Matthew, and Hon. Esosa Iyawe
The former Governorship candidates of the party were represented by Ken Pela (Delta), Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (Lagos), Jonathan Asake (Kaduna), and Edward Pwajok (Plateau).
The members of the State Houses of Assembly in the Caretaker Committee included Hon. Edosa Richard, Hon. Harrison Oghara, Hon. Augustine Okezie, and Hon. Clinton Amadi.
Representatives of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the committee were Mohammed Misau, Austin Jonah, and Sansa Omalara.
According to the letter, the other members of the caretaker committee are Edwin Bafte Sajo, Nike Oshola, Aishat Madijiem, Ugoeze Caroline Onwubiko, and Dominic Essien.
Leaders and indigenes of Enugwu-Ukwu community in Njikoka local government area of Anambra state, have called on the state government to urgently investigate the killing of some of its indigenes by men allegedly sponsored by unknown individuals from Nawfia, a neighbouring community, also in Njikoka.
Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba, Nigeria’s immediate past Ambassador to Burundi and a cabinet member in the community said that the whole town is in shock and mourning over the brutal violence meted out to some of their kinsmen.
“It was in the afternoon of Monday, 9th September 2024, that news went round the community of the killing of some of our brothers. It was reported that the men were lured via phone calls to Agu Isionye land belonging to Enugwu-Ukwu and were each executed gangland style. Enugwu-Ukwu is currently deliberating on this. Our President – General has already informed the state government. The police authorities at Zone 13, Ukpo, Dunukofia local government have also been informed. Urgent action is required to avert escalation of the crises”.
A youth leader in the community, Emeka Okonkwo said that Nawfia people in doing this have thrown away their Umunri brotherhood bond. “How can supposed brothers kill one another? This is an abomination.Some of the survivors with bullet wounds are being conveyed to Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi as we speak. Do you think that we will forget this easily?”, Okonkwo asked.
Another youth from Enugwu-Ukwu Boniface Okafor said that Enugwu-Ukwu youths are meeting to discuss their next line of action. “We will not take the law into our hands but we expect that the government and police should urgently engage with the two communities. Those that committed these atrocities should be punished and the necessary traditional sacrifices made”.
A viral voice note from a supposed Nawfia indigene wondered why the ugly occurrences of Monday, 9th September, 2024, was not being shared on major Nawfia WhatsApp platforms. He wondered if this signified general support by Nawfia community for the gruesome murders of their Umunri kinsmen. The indivisible cautioned members of the community to be vigilant as he feared reprisals and asked those who can to leave the community immediately.
Cristiano Ronaldo reached another extraordinary milestone in his career on Thursday, scoring his 900th goal during Portugal’s Nations League match against Croatia. The 39-year-old forward netted his 131st goal for his country, bringing the score to 2-0, and marked the moment with an emotional celebration, dropping to his knees by the corner flag in tears.
Ronaldo’s illustrious career spans multiple top-tier clubs, including Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and currently Al-Nassr. His journey began on October 7, 2002, when, at just 17, he scored his first competitive goals for Sporting Lisbon in a 3-0 win against Moreirense. He has since become the leading scorer in men’s football at the highest levels, having surpassed 800 official goals during his second spell at Manchester United.
At Real Madrid, Ronaldo cemented his place as one of football’s greatest, scoring 450 goals in just 438 appearances over nine seasons. His stints at Juventus and his return to Manchester United saw him add 101 and 27 goals, respectively, before joining Al-Nassr, where he has already netted 68 goals.
While there is no official global record of the top goal scorers in men’s football, Ronaldo leads the chart for official games. Rival claims by Brazil’s Pele and Romario suggest they scored over 1,000 goals, but those include friendlies. According to the RSSSF, Pele scored 778 goals, while Romario tallied 785. Lionel Messi, Ronaldo’s long-time competitor, has scored 867 goals so far.
Despite being 39, Ronaldo remains determined to reach the 1,000-goal milestone, a feat he believes is possible within the next few years if he stays injury-free. “I want to reach 1,000 goals,” he said in a recent interview with Rio Ferdinand. “If I don’t have any injuries, this for me is the most important (thing), I want that.”
With his incredible work ethic and love for the game, Ronaldo continues to chase records, inspiring generations of football fans worldwide.
Prisoner holding metal cage in jail, no freedom concept
A United States Court has sentenced two Nigerian siblings to 17 years and six months in prison over sextortion.
Aside from the 17 years and six months, the two convicts, Samuel Ogoshi, 24, and his brother, Samson Ogoshi, 21, from Lagos, Nigeria, would also undergo five years of supervised release.
The two brothers were extradited to the US to be tried on charges of conspiring to sexually exploit multiple minors.
Their scheme led to the death of a 17-year-old high school student, the US Justice Department said in its announcement of the judgment on its Facebook page on Thursday.
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The victim, Jordan DeMay, was a male school student in the state of Michigan.
Aside from DeMay, the Ogochi brothers were said to have exploited more than 100 victims, including 11 minors.
“These defendants sexually exploited and extorted more than 100 victims, including at least 11 minors, resulting in the tragic death of a 17-year-old high school student,” Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said in the same Facebook post.
Also reacting to the judgment, US Attorney Mark Totten for the Western District of Michigan, said, “To criminals who commit these schemes: you are not immune from justice. We will track you down and hold you accountable, even if we have to go halfway around the world to do so,”
According to the details shared on its Facebook post, the Ogoshi brothers used hacked social media accounts to create fake profiles.
They also conducted online research about their victims to learn where they lived, attended school, worked, and the identities of their family and friends.
After their research, they solicited their minor victims to produce sexually explicit images of themselves, and once they received the images, they created a collage of pictures that included the sexually explicit image with other images of the victim and their school, family, and friends.
The Ogoshi brothers threatened to disclose the collages to the family, friends, and classmates of the victim unless the victim agreed to pay money using online cash applications.
The Ogoshi brothers were charged in November 2022 alongside Ezekiel Robert, also a Nigerian national, in connection with the sextortion scheme that led to DeMay’s death.
They were extradited to the US in August 2023 and pled guilty in April.
The third Nigerian Robert’s extradition is pending following an appeal in his home country.
The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified that the ministry has not stopped students who are not up to 18 years old from writing the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination and the National Examinations Council exams.
The Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, made the clarification in Abuja on Friday while fielding questions from journalists at an event to mark the 2024 International Literacy Day.
Sununu said that the public misconception and misinterpretation of what was said by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, was highly disappointing.
He said that the minister was speaking on the 18 years of entry age into the tertiary institutions as was practiced in the 6:3:3:4 system of education.
“We have agreed that we are going to consider it as a work-in-progress. The National Assembly is working and we are also working.
“It was shocking to say that a university in this country gave admission to children at ages 10, 11 and 12 years. This is totally wrong.
“We are not saying that there are no exceptions, we know we can have talented students that have the IQ of an adult even at age 6 and 7, but these are very few.
“There must be a rule, and the ministry is looking at developing a guideline on how to identify a talented child so that parents don’t say we are blocking their children’s chances.
“Nobody said no child will write WAEC, NECO or any other examination unless at age 18. This is a misconception and misrepresentation of what we have said,” he said.
Speaking on International Literacy Day, Sununu underscored the critical role of literacy in fostering mutual understanding, peace and socio-economic development.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing literacy challenges through the Education for Renewed Hope roadmap (2024-2027).
He highlighted youth and adult literacy as key components while emphasizing the importance of using learners’ mother tongues as a medium of instruction.
“We must focus on the role of a learner’s first language in becoming literate, which will foster mutual understanding and peace,” he added.
He also emphasized the need for well-trained educators who should be equipped to teach in local languages, as well as the development of follow-up reading materials in these languages.
On his part, the Executive Secretary of, National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-formal Education, Prof. Simon Akpama, reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to integrating multilingual education into schools’ literacy programmes.
“In an increasingly interconnected world, multilingual education is not just a necessity, it is a tool for fostering peace and cultural respect,” he said.
Meanwhile, UNESCO’s Country Representative, Mr Diallo Abdourahamane, re-echoed that literacy remained a fundamental human right, hence the need to create a just, peaceful and sustainable society.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the ILD which is celebrated annually on Sept. 8, is aimed at highlighting the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace.”
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to prioritize the welfare of Nigerians by immediately reversing the hike in prices of petrol.
NMA’s Lagos chapter in a statement signed by its chairman, Saheed Kehinde, warned that the recent hike in petrol prices would exacerbate depression rates, hospital admissions related to stress-induced medical conditions, social unrest, and even mortality among Nigerians.
The body expressed concern over the sudden increase in petrol prices by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), describing it as a “unilateral decision” that imposes further hardship on Nigerians.
The statement reads in part: “This unilateral decision has imposed further unbearable hardship on Nigerians, including our members, medical and dental doctors, who are already grappling with severe economic challenges and insecurity.
“Many of these members are being forced to leave the country in droves due to the dismal economic situation, and this recent development will only exacerbate the already dire circumstances they face”.
On Tuesday, PREMIUM TIMES reported that NNPC retail outlets adjusted the pump price to N855 and N897 per litre, depending on the location, from the previous N568 and N617. Others have also adjusted their pump prices, in some instances above N900 per litre.
‘Impossible to cope’
The doctors further lamented that it is nearly impossible for doctors who earn an average of $300 per month to cope with the development.
“How can we rationalize a situation where doctors, who earn an average of $300 per month, are expected to navigate such astronomical increases in the cost of living?
“The recent hike in PMS prices has only worsened an already unsustainable economic reality for healthcare professionals, and indeed all Nigerians, making it nearly impossible for them to cope,” the association noted.
It added that reversing the fuel price will “provide much-needed relief to our members and the general public, who are already struggling under the weight of the recent removal of petrol subsidies, escalating inflation, rampant insecurity, high electricity tariffs, and excessive taxation on wages.”
Need for self sufficiency
The association also advised the Nigerian government to review its economic policies, move towards self-sufficiency in petroleum products, and address persistent insecurity to create a stable environment for economic growth.
The statement further noted: “Furthermore, instead of continually burdening the populace with rising fuel prices, we strongly advise the Federal Government to rethink its economic policies. It is high time Nigeria moved towards self-sufficiency in the production of petroleum products, including PMS.
“We urge the government to expedite efforts to end the importation of petrol and focus on revitalizing our local refineries.
“Additionally, addressing the persistent insecurity in the country must be a top priority if we are to create a stable environment, conducive for economic growth and reduce the ever-widening gap of hardship and poverty among Nigerians.
“The NMA Lagos State stands firm in its commitment to advocating for the well-being of all our members, who continue to provide essential healthcare services under increasingly difficult conditions.”
The Enugu State Government says it has suspended the Industrial Gas Emission Levy introduced by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, pursuant to an extinct state environmental law.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG ), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, disclosed this in a statement issued in Enugu and made available to newsmen on Wednesday.
Onyia stated that the levy, which was handled by consultants to the ministry, was suspended on August 29 and that the consultancy terminated with immediate effect.
We can confirm that the ministry was quoted as saying that the use of power sources, other than the national grid, contravened several sections of the state’s environmental laws and was subject to fines.
It was learned that a notice sent to an Enugu resident on August 28, allegedly by the ministry, stated that the resident violated sections 124, 125, 126, 127, and 128, by using an alternative power source. was learned that a notice sent to an Enugu resident on August 28, allegedly by the ministry, stated that the resident violated sections 124, 125, 126, 127, and 128, by using an alternative power source.
The ministry allegedly instructed the resident to pay a fine of N88,000 within seven days to the Paskay Global Ventures account or face prosecution.
But the SSG described such a report as blatant falsehood, adding that the government’s legislative and policy directions favored all renewable and green energy sources and saw them as environmentally friendly.
He explained that the ministry acted within its powers, given the provisions of Section 4 (2) and Section 124 of the Enugu State Environmental and Climate Protection Law, 2024, which covered enforcement of environmental laws.
The SSG added that section 125 of the law, prescribed fines for “obnoxious gaseous emissions into the environment,” but that such levies and enforcements were premature as the necessary groundwork and infrastructure were still being put in place.
He stated: “Recent reports have highlighted the collection of levies on alternative energy sources by consultants engaged by the ministry.
“After reviewing the matter, the government directed the immediate cessation of this levy collection and termination of the consultancy, effective from August 29.
“Furthermore, the governor has directed that any levies that have already been collected must be refunded to the payers without delay.”
Onyia added that while it was important to note that the Environmental and Climate Protection Law of Enugu State empowered the ministry to enforce regulations reducing emissions of toxic gases, the necessary groundwork for the full implementation of these provisions were not yet complete.
“The government is currently in the process of developing a comprehensive climate policy, which will outline a balanced framework for promoting business and industrial activities, while fostering clean innovation and sustainable practices across the state.
“Gov. Peter Mbah’s administration remains committed to protecting the environment and addressing environmental pollution.
“It is equally committed to doing so in a way that ensures fairness, transparency, and regard to proper regulatory preparation,” Onyia added.
The problem with our current political class is greed and abnormal appetite for consumption and perhaps building an unsustainable consumption pattern.
The northern and south western political and military Elites are using the advantages of civil war that ended in 1970 to exploit and enslave the victims of that war and sadly the entire Nigerian masses ended up being the victims. The political and military elites have continued to use unitary constitution in the name of federal constitution to retain political power at the centre ,thereby frustrating innovation and creativity that would have enhanced a productive environment where every Nigerian would be engaged in viable and productive activities with a rewarding incentive system . The political ruling elites abhor true federalism which will guarantee equitable redistribution of our human and mineral resources.
The political ,business, military and religious elites have amassed so much wealth for the generations of their children and grand children, hence the widening income inequalities that have threatened the corporate existence of Nigeria.
Everything is wrong with current Nigeria system.The system is designed and structured to keep the working class in perpetual slavery while the poor are abandoned in state of penury . They have used public wealth to hold the masses on endless game of divide and rule adopting tribal and religious weapons as instrument of division.
Millions of youths in Nigeria are jobless and those in Europe and America work as modern slaves . These political and military elites are heartless and most wicked that they have sold their souls to the devil! The current fuel price as well as energy cost will prove to all that these people have sold their hearts to the devil. God blessed the indigenous people in Nigeria with oil and gas but these people in partnership with the former colonial masters have vowed that the masses will remain in perpetual rat race. Oil has become a curse than blessing!
Sadly,millions of Nigerians are too docile when it comes to the issue of politics ,governance and holding people in Government accountable,hence GGM has come to give the working class and the ordinary people sense of direction .
GGM is here to engineer the building of modern society that will meet the expectations of 21st century and beyond . GGM working with a revolutionary online media – BVI Channel 1 and with like-minded people across our political space is determined to take Nigeria political class by storm and like rampaging soldiers will bulldoze the entire criminal political structures in Nigeria . We have proven that the power of the people is supreme and we shall continue mobilizing the people in line with Constitution of FGN chapter 14(2a &b).
We have learnt an obvious lesson : that the leader of GGM – Chinedu Asuzu or any chosen candidate can win the Governor of Anambra State or any chosen State : for the power of the people is the greatest. They have been deceiving and dividing the people with money , ethnicity and religion . Now ,we are wise ,we will choose our Leaders goingforward no matter how long it takes!
The awareness has been created and people eyes have been opened to know that political power belongs to the people . It is not a rocket science to industralize our cities and create millions of jobs for our energic youths ,afterall , government is about creating happiness and economic prosperity.
Good Governance Ministry is here to organize the people to pursue ideological politics . The Nigeria politicians could disappoint the people but GGM will always be there for the ordinary people.
We are on the part of history. We can do it together. You can be a GGM Ambassador in your Street/Community. Step out to be counted . Contact us via 08104207522 or send email to ggovernanceministry@gmail.com
The Labour Party (LP) has appointed Senator Esther Nenadi Usman as the Chairperson of its Caretaker Committee.
Usman’s appointment was announced during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, on Wednesday.
The new leadership is tasked with resolving the party’s ongoing leadership crisis.
Senator Usman, a former Minister of Finance and representative of Kaduna South senatorial district from 2011 to 2015, will lead the 29-member committee responsible for reorganizing the party and guiding it towards electoral success.
The committee has 90 days to complete its assignment, which includes organizing a convention to elect new leadership at all levels, from the ward to the national stage.
The immediate past Senate Minority Deputy Leader, Senator Darlington Nwokocha from Abia Central, will serve as the committee’s Secretary.
The meeting was hosted by Governor Alex Otti and attended by prominent party officials, including presidential candidate Peter Obi, his running mate Datti Ahmed, Senator Victor Umeh, and Lagos State governorship candidate Rhodes-Vivour.
On a related note, Abure declares Umuahia Stakeholders meeting Illegal, Unconstitutional
The Labour Party (LP), led by Barrister Julius Abure, has firmly rejected the conclusions of a stakeholders meeting convened by Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, in Umuahia
At the end of stakeholders’ meeting held in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, on Wednesday, Senator Esther Nenadi Usman was appointed as the Chairperson of Labour Party Caretaker Committee.
The new leadership is tasked with resolving the party’s ongoing leadership crisis and was given 90 days to complete its assignment, which includes organizing a convention to elect new leadership at all levels, from the ward to the national stage.
The meeting was hosted by Governor Alex Otti and attended by prominent party officials, including presidential candidate Peter Obi, his running mate Datti Ahmed, Senator Victor Umeh, and Lagos State governorship candidate Rhodes-Vivour.
However, in a statement released on September 4, 2024, Abure and the party’s National Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, declared the meeting illegal and unconstitutional.
The party leadership asserts that Governor Otti and the other participants lack the authority, as defined by the Party Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to call any meeting of the Party. They emphasized that an expanded Stakeholders’ meeting is not recognized by the Party’s Constitution.
Referencing Articles 11 and 12 of the Labour Party Constitution, the leadership outlined the four levels of Party Organizations and the Principal Organs that do not include an expanded Stakeholders’ meeting. They condemned the Umuahia meeting as a charade and a waste of time and resources for the people of Abia.
Abure challenged Governor Otti to present an official letter from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that contests the conduct of the National Convention, emphasizing that government matters should be communicated through official written correspondence, not verbally.
The party also expressed dismay over the fact that the chairman of the caretaker committee appointed by Governor Otti is not a registered member of the Party and only appeared during Peter Obi’s Presidential Campaign to support him. Abure asserts that there is no leadership vacuum within the party and that the caretaker committee is not recognized by the Party’s constitution, characterizing it as a division of the Abia State Government House.
The statement was signed by Mr. Obiora Ifoh, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, on behalf of the party leadership.
