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Federal Secretariat Asaba Gutted By Fire [VIDEO]

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A mysterious fire has engulfed the Federal Secretariat complex along Okpanam Road in Asaba, Delta State capital, ABN TV reports.

At the moment, the raging inferno seems to have overwhelmed the fire-fighting machinery stationed at the complex.

Even the state fire service is not up to the task of putting out the fire.

https://youtu.be/GuIxV_SgYYs

But our correspondent learnt that reinforcement is being mobilised from the fire service at Asaba Airport to help contain the situation.

READ ALSO: Give Igbos Biafra To Avoid Another Civil War – Northern Group Advises Buhari

The cause of the fire which reportedly started at the early hours of Tuesday is yet to be established.

The secretariat complex houses most annex offices of Federal ministries, departments, and agencies in the state.

Sen. Kalu Cautions Masterminds Of Insecurity In South East, Warns Against Repetition Of 1967 Genocide

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The Senate Chief Whip and former Governor of Abia state,  Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has called for restraints from the Masterminds of the insecurity in the South East warning that the repetition of the 1967 genocide won’t be tolerated.

He noted that the insecurity in the South East region is strange revealing that Igbos are not known for burning homes to punish enemies.

In a statement on Tuesday, personally signed by the Senate Chief Whip, he questioned the sense in the  killing of policemen  and military officers , asking the masterminds and perpetrators of the deadly act the wisdom in eliminating those meant to protect them, families and relatives.

He urged them to have a rethink in their actions and advised them to choose a more rigteous path in expressing their grievances.

According to the former Governor, “the policemen and military officers been killed are  fathers,  mothers, husbands, wives , children and relatives. Anyone that has lost a close relative knows what it means to lose parents or children. I am more concerned about the lives lost because of the trickle down effects on families.

“Our people are not known for   burning homes to punish enemies. Destroying police stations and infrastructures can never be the best path to express grievances.  Whenever the 1967 – 1970 civil war is mentioned,  it’s an emotive experience for any peace loving Nigerian not just an Igbo man .

Continuing , he said “We should not either by words or actions pursue a repetition of that horrible genocide. We should come to understand that every war ends on a table.  Instead of destructions before coming to the table , is it not wiser to come to table and avoid destruction? We need infrastructure , we need investments , we don’t need hostilities.  So we are pleading with you to stop and embrace peace,” he said.

On the killing of innocent young people,  kalu charged the security agencies to desist from harassment , molestation and killing of innocent young people in the region.

He said he is worried that some security agents have been reported to be killing innocent souls .

“It is better to thoroughly conduct your investigations and avoid the indiscriminate killings of young innocent Igbo men . Our people have raised alarm and we are very worried at the rate of disappearance and deaths of innocent young men . Some of our young people now live indoors for the fear of being tagged unknown gun man “ He said

The Chief Whip also reaffirmed his call for a national dialogue chaired by the President.

He noted that the need for a national dialogue is eminent to douse tensions in the country .

“We have come a long way , our entanglement is so deep that all we need is diligent and deliberate efforts to realize the great dividends of diversity and pluralism. Our unity is our strength and can forever live in unity notwithstanding the diversity in culture, religion and tongues. A dialogue that has all stakeholders on the table and the president chairing it will go a long way in dousing tension across regions .” Kalu said

Biafra: “Avoid Another War”, Northern Elders Warn Igbo Leaders

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Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed

The Northern Elders Forum has called on Igbo leaders to address issues of insecurity facing the South-East region.

The group admonished Igbo leaders to not remain silent in the wake of attacks fermented by pro-secessionist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

Spokesperson of the group, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed made this known to journalists on Monday in Abuja after a tense closed-door meeting.

READ ALSO: Give Igbos Biafra To Avoid Another Civil War – Northern Group Advises Buhari

He stated that everyone should sheath their swords, revealing that the North will not allow the country to descend into another war.

He advised Igbo leaders to quickly engage Pro-secessionists to avoid further violence, expressing concern over the death of northerners in the South-East region.

22-Year-Old Nigerian, Steve Ezeonu Wins City Council Election In US

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Steve Ezeonu

Nigerian- American, 22-year-old Steve Ezeonu, has won the Grand Prairie City Council run-off election in Texas, United States.

Ezeonu, a Democrat clinched 3,903 votes to beat his closest rival Greg Giessner who garnered 3,720 votes in the June 5 run-off election.

Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians In Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has congratulated a 22-year old in a statement by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head of Media and Public Relations of the commission.

Dabiri-Erewa said Ezeonu’s victory was hard-earned but well-deserved.

READ ALSO: Pat Utomi Inspects Enyimba Automated Shoe Factory Aba [PHOTOS]

Dabiri-Erewa said that by emerging victorious, Ezeonu had proven that “hard work and dedication to duty pay”.

She added that she was not surprised by Ezeonu’s victory because his resilience, dedication, doggedness contributed to his success at that age.

The NiDCOM chief urged other Nigerians to emulate Ezeonu’s feat and strive to excel in their pursuits as “hard work is the key to success”.

She also urged them also to continue to demonstrate the spirit of resilience imbibed in Nigerians

She advised Ezeonu to fulfil all his electoral promises to the electorate as he has a lot of opportunities ahead of him in future.

She expressed appreciation to the Nigerian community in Texas for giving him their maximum support.

Dabiri-Erewa said that she had contacted Ezeonu earlier before the election to give him words of encouragement and support.

(NAN)

Insecurity: Buhari Charges Service Chiefs On Synergy

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President Muhammadu Buhari has restated the need for synergy among the armed forces in the country, to quickly end the prevailing insecurity in the land.

Buhari spoke when he received the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj-Gen. Farouk Yahaya, who was formally presented to him by the Minister of Defence, Maj-Gen. Bashir Magashi (rtd.), at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Yahaya was named the new COAS after his predecessor, Lt-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, died in a plane crash, alongside 10 others, four months into the office.

“What really brought us to the Villa today (Monday) was to present the new Chief of Army Staff to Mr. President for his blessing and guidance to the new COAS, Maj-Gen. Farouk Yahaya, who was appointed about 11 days ago.

“The President received us, offered some advice on how we can go about doing this operation and the entire security of the country. We assured him that we would do our best to end insecurity in this country,” he told newsmen in Abuja yesterday.

MEANWHILE, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has unveiled its new female squad to complement efforts of other squads, especially in schools by protecting life and property.

Commandant-General of NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Audi, described the squad as a child of necessity to meet growing security challenges and to cater for the recent government proposed ‘Safe School Initiative’.

Also read: https://abntv.com.ng/2021/05/senator-kalu-pays-condolence-visit-to-late-coas-family-in-abuja/

Speaking at the public unveiling of the female squad yesterday in Abuja, Audi said the agency was bold to express readiness to confront kidnapping and other criminal activities within and around schools.

He said: “The quest for security stability in our country continues to remain a holy grail with a ceaseless and unabated cases of banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, insurgency, terrorism among others. All these have continued to threaten our country’s cohesion, stability and territorial integrity.”

Calling on Nigerians not to doubt Buhari’s commitment to security, Audi told the squad to comply strictly with the rules of engagement based on universal best practices in any security operation they might be involved in either within or outside the country.

“I invite stakeholders in the sector to join us in proactively implementing measures and undertaking actions that will ultimately neutralise any form of aggression and provide assurance for public safety,” he added. Members of the female squad also expressed readiness for the assignment.

Guardian

Newly Promoted NSCDC Officer Killed In Ambush In Abuja

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An official of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Usman Dagara, has died of bullet injuries that he sustained during an encounter with suspected kidnappers on Sunday in Abuja.

The suspected kidnappers were said to have waylaid and shot at him along the Kuje-Gwagwalada Road around 9pm on Sunday.

Our correspondent learnt that Dagara sustained bullet injuries from the attack and was rushed to hospital where he died on Monday.

The Public Relations Officer of the corps, Olusola Odumosu, confirmed the incident, describing the loss as a painful one to the command.

Also read: https://abntv.com.ng/2021/05/fg-approves-promotion-upgrade-of-6332-ncos-officers/

Odumosu said, “He was newly promoted and attached to the Agro Rangers Department at the national headquarters.

“He was killed between 9pm and 10pm on Sunday along Kuje-Gwagwalada Road, Abuja.

“He was shot by kidnappers and was left helpless along the roadside until a Good Samaritan rushed him to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital where he later gave up the ghost.”

Ikpeazu Cautions Abia Vigilante Operatives Against Intimidation, Moves To Arrest Perpetrators Of Arson

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Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has cautioned men of Abia State Vigilante Services against intimidation of citizens of the state.

This is even as he insists that those who took part in burning the office of Abia State Vigilante Services at Timber market in Umuahia on Monday must be brought to book.

The governor was reacting to an altercation between men of the state vigilante services and traders in the market which reportedly led to the death of at least one person while others sustained various degrees of injury.

In a statement on Monday issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Chris Ezem, the governor also directed the immediate withdrawal of Abia vigilante operatives from the market.

“The attention of Abia State Government has been drawn to the recent wanton destruction of Abia Vigilante Services, AVS, Office, Timbers Market, Umuahia.

“Government frowns at this unfortunate incident and has accordingly directed the Commissioner of Police to thoroughly investigate the alleged altercation leading to the burning of AVS facilities.

“Government directs the officers and men of AVS to withdraw from the market forthwith while the leadership of the market is enjoined to assist the police identify the arsonists.

“The impunity of burning buildings and other public institutions must stop forthwith, as arson remains a very serious crime against the state and humanity, which attracts severe consequences under our laws.

“Government will promptly discipline any AVS personnel who harasses or intimidates citizens.Abians are enjoined to go about their normal business and avoid engaging an armed person in any fisticuffs” the statement read.

ABN TV had brought you a report that at least one person was feared dead on Monday following the invasion of the market by the officers of the state Board of Internal Revenue who had locked up the market while insisting that traders should pay the sum of N18,000 to access their shops.

Not pleased by the move, the traders put up a stiff resistance.

In apparent effort to enforce the order, officers of the State Board of Internal Revenue Service had sought the assistance of men of the state vigilante services.

This however led to violence that resulted in the burning of Theo office located around the market.

One Feared Dead As Abia Revenue Officers Clash With Timber Traders In Umuahia (Photos, Video)

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At least one person has been reportedly killed while about four others were hospitalised following a clash between officers of Abia State Board of Internal Revenue and traders at Timber Market in Umuahia on Monday.

ABN TV gathered that trouble started then the revenue officers stormed the market and sealed it, demanding that each trader should pay the sum of N18,000 only to have access to their shops.

Not pleased by the decision of the state government, the traders put up a stiff resistance, insisting that they must be allowed to conduct their business activities.

READ ALSO: Planned Demolition Of Ahia Ohuru: FENRAD Urges Ikpeazu To Dialogue With Traders

The officers of the state Board of Internal Revenue were said to have sought the services of the state vigilante group to help in enforcement of the order.

This however led to a sporadic shooting, resulting to the death of one person while the four people that sustained various degrees of injury have since been hospitalised.

Our correspondent gathered a patrol vehicle and motorcycle belonging to the members of the vigilante group were burnt.

When ABN TV contacted him for a comment, the spokesperson of Abia State Police Command, SP Geoffrey Ogbonna confirmed the incident but however denied the death of anyone.

He said all those who sustained injuries have been treated and discharged, noting that the office of the vigilante men were also torched.

When contacted the Acting Chairman of the State Revenue Agency, Mr. Celestine Agbara, he that the Agency was doing the needful, stating that it would speak on the matter after Investigation.

Watch The Video Below…

https://youtu.be/d2wP9_Ng-7w

Let’s Break Misconception, Ignorance And Legalise Cannabis Now — Ondo Governor

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Governor Akeredolu Begins Another Medical Leave
Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has said controlled cultivation of the cannabis plant for medical usage and exportation will generate several billions of dollars and provide thousands of jobs for the teeming youths.

Governor Akeredolu said the global market of Medicinal cannabis in 2019 was put at 52.8 billion Dollars, adding that the market forecast is an average of 14.5% increase from the year 2020 to reach 103.9 billion dollars by 2024.

Akeredolu charged stakeholders on the need to break the barrier of misconception occasioned by ignorance and ill-information on cannabis plant and CBD oil in the country.

READ ALSO: Please Don’t Legalise Cannabis, Chairman NDLEA Buba Marwa Begs

The Governor said what is important is the need to have controlled cultivation of the cannabis plant for medical usage and exportation.

Akeredolu spoke at a Stakeholders Round Table Discussions on “The Benefits and Opportunities of Cannabis Plant and CBD Oil in Nigeria – Research, Legislation, License, Medicine, Agro-Economy, Empowerment, IGR and Trade Exchange”.

The event was held on Monday at the International Culture and Event Centre (DOME). Those who spoke at the event include Chairman, House Committee on Public Affairs & Media, Hon. Okezie Kalu; Chairman House Committee on Diaspora, Hon. Tolu Akande-Sadipe; member, House of Representatives, Hon. Mariam Onuoha; representative of National President of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Dr. Lolu Ojo; National Chairman, Association of Community Pharmaceutical of Nigeria, Dr Samuel Adekola.

Others are Prof. Agbaje Gideon Olubunmi, Ladi Sojode Esq, Yinka Arasi Esq, Mr. Abiodun Adewumi, J.B Wechsler, NUJ Ondo Council, Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Justice, and Ministry of Health. The Governor said the cannabis plant has tremendous therapeutic value, stressing that it is being used to treat cancer, epilepsy and so many other ailments.

Governor Akeredolu noted that the country has not succeeded in stopping the cultivation and misuse of Cannabis by prohibiting it. He, however, said controlled cultivation of the plant for medical usage will reduce its availability in the underworld market, adding that cultivators would like to sell in a more financially rewarding market.

Orji Kalu Bags Prestigious Senate Award On Constituency Development 

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Kenneth Udeh from Abuja

In recognition of his responsive representation and execution of numerous constituency projects within one and a half year as a first time Senator, former Governor of Abia State, and current Chief Whip of the 9th Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has been honoured with the constituency development award at the Senate Press Corps 2021 award ceremony.

The Senate Press Corps the apex media body of the Nigerian Senate which comprises of the nation’s print and online media houses presented the award to the Senate Chief Whip at the epoch ceremony held in Abuja which had in attendance the; Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan; Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo Agege; Senator Ajibola Bashiru; Principal officers of the Senate and other Senators.

READ ALSO: Igbere Residents Storm Sen. Kalu’s Home For Solidarity Visit (Photos)

The media body through its Chairman Mr. James Itodo, revealed that the body unanimously decided to bestow Kalu with the award in recognition of his commitment to his capacity despite being a first-time legislator to bring so much transformation to his Abia North constituency.

According to Itodo, Senator Kalu’s execution of projects in all the local government areas in Abia North -Arochukwu, Bende, Isuikwuato, Ohafia and Umenneochi are worthy of emulation and deserves commendation.

Others who received awards in various categories at the event include President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, Governor Yahaya Bello, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, Governor of Delta State, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and others.

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