25-year-old man, Godsgift Uweghwerhen, has been arrested for allegedly flogging his three-year-old daughter to death in Aladja community, in the Udu Local Government Area of Delta State.
PUNCH Metro gathered that Uweghwerhen was at home with his family members and neighbours when he saw his daughter coming out of the room of one of his neighbours.
Uweghwerhen, who became annoyed by his daughter’s action, pounced on her and reportedly used a cane to beat, inflicting injuries on the victim’s body.
Uweghwerhen’s daughter was said to have died as a result of the beating and upon realising the gravity of his action, fled from the scene.
Luck, however, ran out of the victim’s father when vigilantes arrested him at Ubogo community and handed him over to policemen in Ovwian/Aladja Division.
Contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident in a text message on Thursday.
There is Palpable tension Iree community, Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State as hoodlums attacked and razed the palace of Aree of Iree, Oba Ponle Ademola days after the state government ordered him to the palace.
It was gathered that the hoodlums attacked the palace after security operatives allegedly stormed the community and arrested one of the kingmakers.
The was divided over the decision of the State Governor on the community monarch, as some commended the Governor, other factions sought the reversal of the order, saying the community preferred Oba Ademola Oluponle as monarch.
ABN TV learnt that on Thursday, some security operatives stormed the community and arrested one of the kingmakers. The action spurred the hoodlums to attack the palace and razed some sections before making bonfires on roads.
The spokesperson of Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Osun Command, Kehinde Adeleke confirmed the incident.
According to The Nation, the crisis rocking the Ogun State chapter of the Labour Party(LP) on Thursday took a disturbing dimension as the State Executive Council (SEC) stripped the Director-General of Peter Obi – Datti Presidential Campaign Council, Dr Doyin Okupe and 11 others of their membership, citing violation of the party’s constitution.
Briefing newsmen in Abeokuta, the state capital at the end of their meeting, Ogun LP chairman and secretary Michael Ashade and Feyisola Michael; State respectively alleged that Okupe and others have refused to pay their membership dues in the last six months, despite repeated reminder that they should validate their membership by updating their financial status.
In attendance at the press briefing were the National Publicity Secretary Dr. Abayomi Arabambi and other members of LP.
In attendance at the press briefing were the National Publicity Secretary Dr. Abayomi Arabambi and other members of LP.
Ashade accused Okupe of polarising the party in Ogun State with his Peoples Democraric Party (PDP) “dissidents political liabilities who are only using LP to revive their political and financial lifelines.”
Despite repeated demands from various meetings I had with Dr. Doyin Okupe in respect of his mandatory constitutional requirements to fulfill membership status, he has failed woefully in this regard with some others to flagrantly disobey the constitution of Labour party.
“… In line with article 19(3) of the Labour Party constitutional provision, we declare that Dr. Doyin Okupe, having failed in the payment of his membership dues for the last six months of joining the Party, has forfeited his membership of the Party and no longer fit and competent to continue to act as the DG of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC).
“We hereby notify our National Chairman Bar Julius Abure and Labour Party Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, that it’s expedient to obey the constitution of Labour party by immediately appoint another DG for the PCC and that should come from the North to reflect Federal Characters and political balance.”
Ashade mentioned those stripped of their membership as Abayomi Collins, Hon. Abel Olaleye, Jagun Lookman, Olori Oluwabukola Soyoye, Mr. Gbadebo Fesomade, (former State Treasurer) and Mr. Abdulmalik Olaleye (former State Youth Leader).
Others are Mr Jide Amusan( former State Publicity Secretary); Mr. Adeshina Wasiu Shojobi (former Asst State Youth Leader); Miss Deborah Adewale (former Senatorial Women Leader Ogun East) and Mr. Olatunde Abolade (former Asst State Secretary).
Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Uzor Kalu has sued for peaceful coexistence among residents of Abia State, for development to thrive, stressing that nothing tangible can be achieved in an atmosphere of chaos.
Kalu appealed to the people of the state to eschew violence and learn to resolve their differences with dialogue.
According to a statement signed by the spokesperson of the Orji Uzor Kalu campaign organization, the former Abia State Governor made the remarks in Washington DC while interacting with selected Abians on Thursday, enjoined them to adhere strictly to the lessons and teachings of Jesus Christ and embrace love.
“No society thrives without peace, no development will ever be achieved in a society without peace – we should always embrace dialogue as a way to resolve conflict instead of taking arms against ourselves.
“Let us be at peace with ourselves, let there be peace in our hearts and in our homes. We must learn to love as Christ admonished us in the Holy Book. The number of court cases in Abia State today is unprecedented. Everywhere is filled with hatred, envy, bitterness and so on; this is unacceptable,” he said.
The Abia North Senator advised residents of the state to eschew violence and any act that may undermine the peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections.
He also advised the political gladiators to play the game according to the rules.
“I want to enjoin our people to ensure that the election is peaceful. We should not engage in any violence. Elections are not do-or-die affairs. I want to enjoin everybody, all the players, to please ensure we maintain peace. We don’t want any political party to unleash violence on the people,” Kalu said.
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor the executive director of the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy Development (FENRAD) has accused security agencies of deploying brute force, Intimidation, and harassment to mount pressure on the country’s civic space, halt lawful agitation, a situation he said violates the people’s democratic rights.
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
At a multi-stakeholders dialogue on civil- Military Relations in South East, in collaboration with the Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS) on Wednesday, Nwafor accused state actors of violating the people’s rights to freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and freedom of Association, in breach of their constitutional right.
He stated that the members of the Action Group on Free Civic Space in Nigeria’s Southeast conducted research in 2021, which was published as a security playbook stressing that the study looked into the issue of shrinking civic Space in the southeast of Nigeria in relation to the country’s rising securitization.
He said the arbitrary arrest and detention of agitators by state actors is uncalled for and causes a sense hostile environment in minds of people of the region.
“However, despite the security agencies intervention, many Nigerians continue to live in constant fear of attacks from criminal elements as they are no longer safe in their homes or elsewhere”
“More terrifying still is how indifferent the government seems to be toward these problems, which seems to be getting worse by the day,” he said.
Lt Col.T.A.O Okundaye who represented the 14th Commander in charge of the 14 Brigade of Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Adegoke Moses Adetuyi, speaking during the stakeholder’s dialogue Said the military is the military of the people and that is shocking the way people run from uniform men and the ills that is noticed now is from the society adding that both the uniform men are from the society.
He said the first role of the military is to protect Nigerians from External Aggression adding that what is done now is Military Trade to Civil Authority that is those voted into power.
He further said everyone should understand each other adding that the military needs everyone due to the fact that the work can’t be done by the military alone.
Speaking with newsmen Philip Kachi Uwaegbu, the traditional ruler for Umuahia north, Enyiukwu autonomous Community Afaraukwu Ibeku said there is a lot of disunity in the communities and there should be an alternative to return sanity to the communities for peace to reign.
HRM Eze Sir Innocent Adiele Nwaigwe, Ikoga II of Okaga Alike Ohuhu Umuahia North, and the secretary of the traditional rulers Umuahia north said the need to have a good working relationship with all the security agencies is very important adding that confidence is to be restored in civil society to enable the people have peace.
The representative of Women Affairs and social development Very Rev Jane Nmerenye said the dialogue is apt as it concerns the women and children adding that in situations like this the women are usually the casualties stressing that the issue of women and children should be properly guided.
The OC Legal of Nigerian Correctional Service, CAC Onunka Emmanuel Chijioke said the dialogue is centered on how to improve the relationship with security agencies and the communities adding that the dialogue came at the right time to ensure peace.
The executive Director FENRAD Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor while briefing newsmen said the dialogue is timely and is a need for stakeholders to discuss and find a lasting solution to the security issues across the southeastern states to ensure peace and security across the southeast zone.
The security agencies, Traditional Rulers, Ministry of Women Affairs, National Human Right Commission Abia State, The Christian Association Of Nigeria (CAN), and Ministry Of Youth Development amongst others were in the meeting.
Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick believes the Super Eagles could have had a great outing at the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the Mundial after losing in the playoff to perennial rivals, the Black Stars of Ghana.
Pinnick also apologized to Nigerians over the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the competition.
He also took the responsibility for the team’s failure to make it to the global soccer fiesta.
“Like I told the African teams [like Senegal and Morocco], we want an African team to win it [ the World Cup], but if you people don’t, Nigeria will be the first to win it, maybe in the next World Cup,” Pinnick told Arise TV.
“When they are playing on the field, I take them as Nigerian. And again, I will apologize to Nigerians and I take responsibility as the then President of the Federation, but I believe we have gone beyond that now.”
He added, “Let us enjoy the World Cup. Qatar has given us a wonderful spectacle to behold, and I believe we should enjoy it. I am a proud Nigerian and am happy to be here to represent the country with dignity at any time.”
A chieftain of APGA and a governorship aspirant in Abia State, Sir Chikwe Udensi has reacted to the judgement of the Federal High Court in Abuja which sacked Prof. Gregory Ibe as the party’s governorship candidate in the state, describing it as justice at play.
Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court Abuja had in her judgment voided the primary election of APGA in Abia State, ordering a fresh rerun.
Speaking with ABN TV on Thursday in Abuja, he thanked the court for not allowing the “fraud” to stand, saying the annulment will give the party opportunity to conduct a proper governorship primary election.
He thanked his associates and supporters for remaining calm, expressing hope that he will reclaim the party’s ticket which is expected to take place within 14 days.
The Anambra state Government says it has earmarked N1.3 billion in its 2023 budget to fund the operations of vigilante groups in the state.
Mr. Chikodi Anara, Commissioner of Homeland Affairs, disclosed this on Thursday in Awka while defending the ministry’s budget before the State House of Assembly Committee on Police, Security, and Boundary matters.
Anara said the vigilante groups have been assisting security agencies in community policing and maintenance of law and order across the state.
He said the relationship between the police and the vigilante groups was cordial, adding that the vigilante members take instructions from the police and other security agencies.
“If our 2023 budget is approved, we plan to train the community-based vigilante groups, data capturing of vigilante personnel, purchase security equipment and intensify grassroots sensitization on security matters.
“We plan to construct a rehabilitation centre for youths which will also serve as a correction facility for repented criminals,” the commissioner said.
Anara restated the commitment of the government to the security of lives and property in the state.
“I am happy that with the support of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, security has really improved in the state and we wish to sustain it.
“We are also telling Anambra indigenes outside the state that they can come home for the yuletide celebration because Anambra is now peaceful and safe for all’’, he said.
Governor Hope Uzodimma has reaffirmed his dedication to a free and fair election process in Imo State.
The Governor made this commitment while presenting a paper at the Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC)-hosted conference for political stakeholders in 2022 in Abuja.
The Governor’s paper presentation, “My Good Works are Speaking for Me,” took the time to demonstrate his tenacity in serving Ndi Imo with a number of accomplishments and awards.
Some of the achievements range from the road revolution of more than 100 solid roads reconstructed; the resuscitation of the Otamiri Water Scheme; the revival of Adapalm; the ongoing construction of 305 model primary schools; the establishment of two new tertiary institutions; the ongoing construction of 305 Healthcare centers in 305 electoral wards; graduation of 400 medical doctors from the College of Medicine accredited under his administration; establishment of Imo Industrial Policy; establishment of Hope Green Revolution; establishment of the Ministry of Digital Economy and e- Government to create over 10,000 jobs; free mobile clinics for the rural dwellers; and lots more.
He continued by saying that Imo State’s civil servants are among the happiest people in the state as a result of the state secretariat’s renovation, permanent secretaries’ receipt of brand-new cars, their access to free public transportation, the automation of the civil service payroll, and the recent lifting of a 10-year ban on promotions for civil servants in the state.
He commended the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) for silently playing a unique, important, and selfless role in deepening the democratic culture.
He disclosed that irrespective of the uncommon efforts of the opposition to destabilize the State with politically sponsored insecurity, Imo has remained the hospitality capital of the South East through the fervent prayer of Ndi Imo.
The Governor enjoined political parties to be constructive in criticisms as his administration has been open to it as a way of allowing democratic processes to thrive in the state.
Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, has cautioned Nigerians against vote trading in the 2023 general election.
Lawan said this when he received members of an election observation group, Polling Unit Ambassadors of Nigerian (PUAN) on a sensitization road walk at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
The Senate President, who was presented with a red flag against vote-buying and selling, called on Nigerians especially youths to shun vote-buying and selling.
“I am waving this flag against voter inducement, so I call on all Nigerians especially the Youth to shun vote buying or selling their votes during the election.
“It gives me the opportunity to take this red flag to show it to all potential vote buyers and sellers that vote buying is criminal and punishable by the Electoral Act.
“Vote selling is also criminal and it is punishable, if you are a voter, keep your vote and decide who to vote for.
“When you vote, vote for someone or a political party that will make your life better. If you sell your vote, it’s equivalent to selling your freedom,” he said.
Lawan said that individuals who engaged in vote trading stood the chance of being prosecuted, adding that security agencies across the country had been tasked to be vigilant to arrest and prosecute those who got involved in the act.
Mr. Suleiman Dabas, Ambassador General, Polling Unit Ambassadors of Nigeria, called on politicians to shun voter inducement by avoiding vote-selling.
Dabas also urged voters not to sell their votes but to vote for the candidate of their choice during the election.
He said that the group would closely monitor polling units to expose people engaged in vote buying in the 2023 election.
Mr. Osa Osaghe, the Secretary-General, Polling Unit Ambassador of Nigeria(PUAN), said that the group was worried about increasing vote trading and was committed to exposing the perpetrators for arrest and prosecution.
Osaghe said that the group also handed over the red flag to INEC an indication that Nigerians were ready to put an end to the vote to trade.
“This is a red flag that says no to vote-buying and vote-selling on behalf of all Nigerians who are craving for vote credibility and wishing that in 2023 their votes will count.
“On behalf of Nigerians who are looking forward to a brighter future for our nation concerning our electoral process, we the members of PUAN are here today to present this red flag to INEC to say vote-buying for 2023 is a red flag,” he said. (NAN)
