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Nnamdi Kanu’s Release Will Restore Peace, Security In South East – Global Igbo Alliance

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Reps Member Seeks Tinubu’s Intervention Over Nnamdi Kanu’s Release
Nnamdi Kanu

In contrast to the Federal Government’s assertion that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release would cause security problems, the Global Igbo Alliance, or GIA, has stated that Kanu’s release will restore peace and security throughout the country’s eastern area.

The IPOB leader’s unconditional release would successfully reduce tension in the area and meet the rightful aspirations of Nigerians both at home and abroad, according to a statement signed by the group’s president and secretary, Dr. Christian Duru and Mrs. Chinwe Eboh, respectively.

The organisation stated that, having closely followed Kanu’s trial ever since he was kidnapped from Kenya, it was shocking that, despite two recent, significant court rulings in his favor, the IPOB leader was still being held against his will.

The group referred to the government’s assertion that Kanu could not be released due to security concerns as a flimsy and manufactured ruse and demanded that local and international organizations, human rights commissions, diplomatic representatives, and all relevant agencies pressure Nigeria’s government to release Kanu without conditions.

The GIA emphasized that even prior to the ruling, the Court of Appeal not only ruled in Kanu’s favor but also cleared him of all charges. The Federal High Court in Abia State recently ruled in Kanu’s favor.

Before any additional legal action was taken, Kanu should have been released, according to the rulings. The Office of the Attorney General and other pertinent Nigerian government entities have generally perverted justice and shown complete disdain for both the rule of law and humanity in response to Kanu’s wins.

We urge the Federal Government to demonstrate to the people of the east that they are equally protected by the same law that is in force for all other Nigerian citizens in order to fulfill its constitutional duty or mission. The best option that will advance peace and stability in the area will be possible with Mazi Kanu’s immediate and unconditional release. This settlement will stop the present insecurity issues the region is now experiencing and reduce the rising tension in the East, according to a portion of the statement.

“Therefore, President Buhari must acknowledge the harmful social, economic, and political consequences of Kanu’s ongoing arrest on the people,” the statement continues.

The government’s blatant disobedience of court orders in regard to Kanu’s judicial victories is additional proof of the bigoted injustice being visited upon the Igbo, who have long been directly and systemically marginalized. This is especially true when contrasted with the FG’s constant willingness to not only grant amnesty to Boko Haram terrorists and bandits but also to integrate them into the Nigerian army and other security forces.

2023: Peter Obi, Atiku Should Step Down For Tinubu – Deji Adeyanju

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FCT Not Rivers, Wike Can’t Decide Who Becomes Senator – Adeyanju
Deji Adeyanju

Deji Adeyanju, a socio-political activist, on Saturday, described the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and his counterpart from Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi, as business partners.

Adeyanju said those voting for Obi are doing the same for Atiku.

In a series of tweets, Adeyanju urged Nigerians to vote a presidential candidate who has never stolen public funds before.

READ ALSO: Peter Obi Releases 62-Page Campaign Manifesto

He wrote: “A vote for Obi is a vote for Atiku. Don’t forget they are both business partners and ran together in 2019. Vote a candidate that has never stolen public funds before; clean start for Nigeria.”

The Abuja-based activist also suggested that LP members should prevail on Obi to step down for the All Progressives Congress, APC, and presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu.

He explained that the vote in the Southern part of the country would not be split if Obi steps down for Tinubu.

“Since Labor Party folks are saying they don’t mind Tinubu instead of Atiku, so why not prevail upon your candidate to step down for Asiwaju so as not to split the votes of the South since you guys are doing South United to prevent another northerner? This suggestion is very good,” he wrote.

Recall that Obi was Atiku’s running mate during the 2019 presidential election under the PDP.

He, however, dumped PDP for Labour Party in 2023.

Nobody Can Dismantle This Nation, We’ll Be Ruthless On Anyone Threatening National Peace — DG DSS Talks Tough

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The Department of State Services has warned that the agency will henceforth deal ruthlessly with anyone who threatens the peace and security of Nigeria.

The Director-General of Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi, handed down the warning at the graduation ceremony of participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course of the National Institute for Security Studies in Abuja.

The DG DSS vowed that henceforth anyone who unleashes any form of attack on security, institution or on human beings will be dealt with appropriately.

He said: “Bichi said: “Our destiny is in our hands, and it is time to say enough is enough.

“My Service will not allow anybody to mess up this country. If you attack our structures, we will attack you.

“If you attack our men, we will attack you. It is tit-for-for-tat. The way God created Nigeria, nobody can dismantle this nation.”

Bichi maintained that it is better to unite than to “scatter”, adding, “let us not allow ourselves to be instigated to see ourselves as enemies”.

He warned against attempts by subversive elements to undermine the authority, unity and corporate existence of the nation.

Osun PDP Reps Candidate Dies

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Osun PDP Reps Candidate Dies
Sola Arabambi

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP for Irewole/Isokan/Ayedaade Federal Constituency, in Osun state in the 2023 general election, Mr. Sola Arabambi, has died.

An aide to the late Arabambi, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed the development, saying his principal died on Saturday during a brief illness.

In a release by his Media Office, the ex-governorship aspirant on the platform of the PDP in Osun State, Prince Dotun Babayemi, said Arabambi’s death was hurtful, describing him as a man who was sincere about his desires to serve his people.

READ ALSO: Forget Presidency, It’s A Waste Of Time, Ohanaeze Slams Atiku

The statement read in part, “Of a truth, the news of Sola’s death came to me as a rude shock. He was a man who was service-driven. He touched many lives within his reach and as such, his contributions can not be forgotten.”

While condoling the family, party, and the people of the federal constituency over the death, Babayemi prayed for the repose of the deceased and the fortitude to bear his loss.

Okowa, Tambuwal, Lamido, Others Visit Obasanjo

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I Prevented Kirikiri Inmates From Assaulting Obasanjo – Shehu Sani

The main opposition party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council leaders late Saturday visited former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Ogun state.

A statement by Special Assistant on Media to the former President, Kehinde Akinyemi, indicated that the team led by the Vice Presidential candidate and Governor of Delta State, Okowa, included the Director General of the Presidential Council and governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido

Others include, former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former Cross River State governor, Liyel Imoke and Otunba Oyewole Fasawe.

Speaking after about two hour closed door session, Tambuwal said the team was in Abeokuta “to pay our usual respect and to continue to consult our leader, former President Olusegun Obasanjo on matters of national interest and we have had a very fruitful conversation with him.”

He added that, “We’re in the build up the the 2023 general elections, and we will continue to do what we have to do to win the election.

“My message to Nigerians is that we should come out en masse when it is time in February to vote for a balanced ticket that reflects the characteristics of this country, that will provide leadership that will stabilise this country and revive our economy and foster more of national unity and that is Atiku Abubakar and Governor Okowa.

Tambuwal hinted that the party was expecting a very very rousing and large crowd at the Lagos State Presidential campaign in Lagos on Monday.

Peter Obi Releases 62-Page Campaign Manifesto

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Peter Obi Releases 62-Page Campaign Manifesto
Peter Obi

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, and his running mate, Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed have in conjunction with the party, released a 62-paged manifesto titled “Pact with Nigeria” in which they outlined 7 priority areas if elected come 2023.

The document was made public by the LP leadership late on Saturday night.

In the document, the LP candidate promised to among other things, offer honest and competent leadership in order to deliver in 7 key priority areas including;  Security, economy, restructuring, infrastructure, war against corruption.

READ ALSO: Townhall Meeting: Tinubu Won’t Bow To Arise TV’s Blackmail — PCC

The LP candidate said, “As your President, I Peter Gregory Onwubuasi Obi, my Vice President, Yusuf Datti Baba- Ahmed and our team pledge to:
Secure and unite our dear nation, and manage our diversity such that no one is left behind in Nigeria.

• Move Nigeria from consumption to production.
• Embark on comprehensive legal and institutional reforms and practicable restructuring measures, to fight corruption; to ensure the enthronement of the rule of law, and decisively tackle all forms of corruption.
• Prioritize Human Capital Development through robust investments in STEM education, health, and infrastructural development, with emphasis on wealth creation, distribution and sustainable development.
• Engineer the transition of Nigeria from fossil fuel dependency to climate and eco-friendly energy use.
• Pursue holistic poverty eradication with emphasis on agricultural revolution through effective utilization of our vast arable lands, particularly in Northern Nigeria, and erase Nigeria’s categorization as the poverty capital of the world.
• Improve access to finance, particularly to MSMEs, youths and women, to significantly reduce unemployment and insecurity.
• Ensure that in policy and practice, governance will be made more inclusive, cost-effective, transformative, and less transactional. No more sharing of the national wealth by a few.”

He also promised to “Ensure that our diversity will be leveraged to give women and youths, the aged and persons with disabilities, an unfettered voice in governance, and a renewed sense of patriotism and faith in Nigeria.

“Ensure that Nigeria is progressively better governed through legislative, executive, and judicial reforms, so that the constitutional separation of powers among the three arms of government is entrenched and the three tiers of government allowed to function independently and jointly for a more inclusive and sustainable Nigeria.“

While insisting that a new Nigeria is still possible said, “Our vision is a secure, united and prosperous Nigeria that works for everyone and that realizes the hope of black people of the world as a city on the hill.

“We will run a government of national unity, bringing together for the task at hand, all competent, honest, and diligent Nigerians, irrespective of their political affiliations.

“The new Nigeria we build will be truly ‘one nation bound in freedom, peace and unity”where“peaceandjusticeshallreign.”

According to Obi, for long, the dream of a secure, united, and prosperous Nigeria has been betrayed by those who lack the character and competence to achieve the dream.

He noted that at present, a new generation of Nigerian leadership has emerged, tested and tried, honest and dedicated, united in a common mission to reverse the current ugly trend of endemic poverty, insecurity, and create a better future for every Nigerian.

The future under this new generation of leaders will be defined by widespread prosperity based on high economic growth, equal access to health and educational facilities, and justice and fairness to all religious, ethnic, and social groups.

Obi expressed confidence that “The new Nigeria that we will build is a society where political power will no longer be used to serve the interest of the ruling class and subject the people to chronic poverty and deprivation.”

He further said, “We will build a new social order where political leaders will be public servants working for the good of the people and not predators, flourishing in the midst of extreme poverty and misery.

“We are building a society where citizens are motivated to work hard, to innovate, to invent, fully assured that they will enjoy the fruits of their enterprise.

“We want to create wealth for Nigeria and for every household through diligence, frugality and enterprise.

“Our new Nigeria is a country all Nigerians will be proud to call home because it is an economic giant that can feed its citizens, defend them from any aggression and secure them in their homes and businesses.”

2023: Ikpeazu Most Qualified For Abia South Senatorial Seat – Barr Nwamuo

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2023: Ikpeazu Most Qualified For Abia South Senatorial Seat – Barr Nwamuo
Dr Okezie Ikpeazu

Barr. Tony Nwamuo, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture has described Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, the Abia state Governor and the 2023 People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Abia South Senatorial District as most qualified for the job among other candidates.

Barr. Nwamuo who stated this in Aba recently decried that Abia south has lagged behind when compared with other districts in terms of federal presence, and maintained that Gov. Ikpeazu would close the wide gap when voted to occupy the senatorial seat and attract federal presence to the people of the zone.

2023: Ikpeazu Most Qualified For Abia South Senatorial Seat – Barr Nwamuo
Barr. Tony Nwamuo

Fielding questions from newsmen during Gov. Ikpeazu Senatorial campaign flag-off in Aba, Nwamuo further disclosed that the governor’s critical infrastructural strides like construction of Ukaegbu, Umuola, Ehere, Omni, Aba-Owerri Roads among others, attest to the fact that he would give Abia south quality representation at the Red chamber when elected.

READ ALSO: I Will Replicate My Success As Governor If Elected Abia South Senator, Ikpeazu Assures

He thanked Gov. Ikpeazu for his intervention to restore electricity to Ukwa-East after Eight years of staying in darkness, adding that the people would reciprocate the uncommon gesture with their massive votes come the 2023 general elections.

The Ndoki-born Politian called on the people of Ukwa-East and Abians to vote massively for Gov. Ikpeazu for Abia South Senatorial District, Prof. Uchenna Ikonne for Abia state Governor, Sir Chris Nkwonta for Ukwa Federal Constituency, Lewis Obianyi for Ukwa-East State Constituency, among others, describing them as credible candidates.

Meanwhile, the Abia State Governor, Dr. Ikpeazu has promised to change the narratives by attracting Federal presence as the next Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District in 2023.

Governor Ikpeazu who gave the assurance, recently, during the official flag–off of his Senatorial Campaign and commissioning of the reconstructed Azikiwe Road in Aba, urged the people of the zone to vote for him and all candidates of the PDP in next year’s general elections.

The Governor noted that the state has achieved a lot under his watch and promised that his administration would continue to bring more dividends of democracy to the people of Abia South.

He disclosed that the remaining days of his administration as Governor of the state would be dedicated to the construction of more roads in Aba including Omuma, Ohanku, Obohia roads among others.

Ikpeazu who challenged those contesting the Abia South Senatorial Seat to showcase what they have done in the past, further disclosed that his campaigns would be accompanied by the various developmental projectsin the State.

He thanked the people of Abia South Senatorial Zone for their support and show of love to him adding that he feels greatly encouraged.

Contributing, the PDP State Chairman, Rt. Hon. Asiforo Okere while noting that the reward for hardwork is more work, said Governor Ikpeazu has performed excellently in the last seven years, hence, the need for the Governor to be elected as the next Senator representing Abia South at the National Assembly.

He said that Governor Ikpeazu has the capacity, intellectual ability and contact to represent the people and assured that the Governor would attract more projects to the zone at the federal level and urged them to support him and other PDP candidates in the State.

Earlier, the Director General, OKEZIE VICTOR IKPEAZU CAMPAIGN COUNCIL FOR SENATE, Hon. Thomas Nkoro stated that Governor Ikpeazu has performed well and has fixed the infrastructural decay in Aba, including the hitertho deplorable Azikiwe road asking among other roads constructed by the present administration.

He stressed the need to vote Dr. Ikpeazu inorder to continue with the infrastructural developmental projects in Abia South Senatorial zone.

Also speaking, the PDP House of Representatives candidates for Aba North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Chimaobi Ebisike,Ukwa East and West, Chief Chris Nkwonta and his Obingwa/ Osisioma/Ugwunagbo counterpart, Chief Chinwe Nwanganga noted that there were no access roads in Aba prior to 2015 when Dr. Ikpeazu came on board, expressed joy that the commercial nerve center of the state can now Aba be accessed through many flanks courtesy of the infrastructural revolution of the Governor.

They commended the governor for his intervention and restoration of electricity to the people of Ukwa East have been in darkness for the past eight years and maintained that Governor Ikpeazu and the other PDP candidates deserve to be voted in the next election.

In their various speeches, former members of the Old Imo State House of Assembly, Dame Victoria Akanwa, Eze Nzenwata Mbakwe, on behalf of the Aba Landlords and Chief Nayo Okeke for Tyre Dealers Association regretted that for over ten years the Azikiwe road was so bad and unaccessible until Governor Ikpeazu fixed it.

They expressed their commitment and support to the senatorial ambition of Governor Ikpeazu noting that they are solidly behind his candidacy.

The event which had in attendance top Government officials, witnessed a large turnout of Party chieftains and supporters including, Wife of the Governor, Dr. Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu, members of the State House of Assembly, the representative of the PDP Governorship candidate for Abia, Barr. Okey Igwe, , members of the Executive Council, PDP candidates from Abia South senatorial zone among others.

Imo: How We Gave IPOB, ESN Members A Bloody Nose At INEC Office — Police

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Police Officers Kill 3 Alleged Kidnappers In Edo, Rescues Child

The Imo State Police Command has narrated how its men engaged militants in gunfire at one of the offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state.

According to CSP Mike Abattam, the Command’s spokesman, gunmen suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN), stormed the electoral office in Orlu Local Government Area of the state.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, had announced the attack on Friday night.

But in a statement, Abattam said the militants were prevented from burning down the entire INEC building.

“They threw Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) into the office from outside the fence and shot sporadically, fighting their way into the office but were repelled by the Imo Police Command’s Tactical Teams.”

“The police operatives who positioned themselves strategically and professionally, engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel and in the process, they were suppressed, having suffered a huge defeat, with a number of them sustaining varying degrees of bullet wounds. They later retreated into their vehicles and zoomed off, but were given a hot chase by the operatives.

“In the course of the foiled attack, no life was lost and no arms/ammunition were carted away. The INEC main building was not affected by the explosives. Only minor damage was done on the security post caused by the fire from the explosives which were put off immediately by the police operatives.”

Abattam, however, assured that investigation was ongoing and that efforts were on top gear to arrest the fleeing suspects since, they could not go far because of the volume of blood stains seen on the ground after their escape.

He said the Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Ahmed Barde, later commended the officers and men for their gallantry and urged them not to relent in their efforts until all criminal elements and their partners were apprehended and made to face the full weight of the law.

He also appealed to Imo residents for their continuous support and collaboration by giving security agencies, especially the Police, credible and timely information and to report any person seen treating bullet wounds or hiding within their communities to the police.

INEC offices have been targeted by arsonists in the buildup to the 2023 elections.

Townhall Meeting: Tinubu Won’t Bow To Arise TV’s Blackmail — PCC

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2023: Don't Give Up On APC, We Will Do Better - Tinubu Begs Nigerians
Bola Tinubu

The Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday condemned Arise News – a television station hosting a townhall meeting for presidential candidates of various political parties to highlight their agenda for the country, for allegedly blackmailing the party’s presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the meeting coming up on Sunday.

The council, in a statement by its Director, Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga described the continuous broadcast of Tinubu’s participation at the talk shop as “shocking and downright anomalous”, having told the organisers of the debate that Tinubu will not be available for the programme.

The APC flag bearer had since November 7 advanced seven reasons why he won’t be attending the television station-organised presidential debates in a statement by the spokesman for the campaign council, Festus Keyamo.

Tinubu, in the statement, said he had earlier turned down similar invitations from other TV and radio stations, and therefore could not give preference to Arise TV, adding that the APC standard bearer has a well caught out plans to engage Nigerians through various town hall meetings and rallies.

The campaign council expressed shock at the resolve of the television station to continue to have the name of Tinubu as one of the participants at its presidential town hall meeting billed for tomorrow (Sunday).

The statement reads: “We find it shocking and downright anomalous that Arise News continues to broadcast the participation of All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in its Presidential Town Hall meeting scheduled to hold on 4 December 2022 despite our earlier statement that our candidate will not be available.

“We noticed that Arise News has also been running a campaign on the so-called constitutional duty of the presidential candidates to participate in its debate by dubiously citing section 22 of the Constitution of Nigeria on the obligation of the Mass Media.”

The campaign council argued that “While it is trite that the media has a clear constitutional duty to hold public office holders accountable to the citizens and its role as the watchdog of the society, there is no part of the Constitution and the section 22 that says a presidential candidate of any political party and least of all, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu must participate in Arise News Town Hall event or any media organised an event at all.

“The same Constitution grants all citizens of Nigeria including, Asiwaju Tinubu the right and freedom of choice and association. The APC Presidential candidate has a right to decide where he goes and what events to participate in as he seeks the mandate of Nigerians to be elected as the next President of our country.

“We want to make it abundantly clear again that Asiwaju Tinubu will not participate and will not attend the Arise News Town Hall meeting slated for Sunday, 4 December, 2022 and any other ones it may plan before the February 2023 presidential election. We want to equally stress that Arise News has consistently shown a pattern of bias against Asiwaju Tinubu and we don’t consider the medium as credible and impartial.”

The council then disclosed that the APC Presidential candidate has his schedule of campaign activities and other engagements within and outside Nigeria.

“One such is his scheduled event for Monday, December 5, 2022 at Chatham House in London where he will speak on Security, Economy and Foreign Policy.

“Asiwaju Tinubu travelled to the United Kingdom early today (Saturday) for this earlier scheduled engagement. We want to reiterate for the umpteenth time that no amount of blackmail, intimidation and media bullying and innuendos by the owner and management of Arise News will change the position our campaign has taken on this matter.”

The council directed all its spokesmen and supporters to steer clear of this station over its consistent unprofessionalism and bias against our candidate and party.

GLOBE Seeks Collaboration To Tackle Climate Change, Biodiversity, Desertification

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GLOBE Seeks Collaboration To Tackle Climate Change, Biodiversity, Desertification
Hon Sam Onuigbo

The President of Global Legislators Organisation for a Balanced Environment (GLOBE), Rep. Sam Onuigbo has urged stakeholders involved in implementing the three Rio Conventions in Nigeria to complement each others’ work to ensure a more impactful result.

The three conventions include climate change, biodiversity, and desertification.

Onuigbo was speaking during GLOBE’s “Post-COP27: Action Points for an Integrated Approach to Addressing Climate, Nature, and Desertification in Nigeria,” round table held in Abuja, Nigeria, on November 29, 2022.

READ ALSO: Abia Central: Appeal Court Judgment Reinstating Me Triumph Of Justice — Rep. Onuigbo

The lawmaker who emphasised that there is an intersection between all three conventions stressed that “addressing all three in an aggregated manner produces a result that is sustainable and more beneficial to the world.

“For instance, in making efforts to combat desertification (itself a byproduct of climate change) through land restoration and afforestation efforts, we ultimately provide a carbon sink for greenhouse gases mitigation, and address biodiversity loss. In the same vein, proper biodiversity governance efforts will mitigate climate change and forestall desertification.”

He, therefore, called for collaboration that will break the practice of working in silos.

The event was attended by stakeholders from the National Agency for the Great Green Wall, the REDD+ programme, the National Bureau of Statistics, the department of drought and desertification management, the Ministry of Environment, legislators, and international agencies such as the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office of the British Government rose with the mandate to break down walls and ensure more collaboration.

GLOBE says it will lead on this front and create a seamless link for MDAs, civil society, youths, etc., to interact with legislators in order to effect action.

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