The essence of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s speech about China was to spread false information and inflate the theory of a “Chinese threat,” China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a news briefing on Friday adding that China had expressed its strong protest.
“The main thrust of Blinken’s speech was to spread false information, to inflate a ‘Chinese threat’, to interfere in China’s internal affairs, and to slander China’s foreign and domestic policies,” he said.
The purpose of the speech, he said, “was to contain China and put pressure on its development and to maintain US hegemony.” “China is expressing is strong dissatisfaction and resolute protest in this regard,” Wang said.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken delivered a keynote address at the George Washington University Thursday on Washington’s adjusted approach to US foreign policy, with a special focus on relations with China. Blinken described China as the main challenge to the existing world order. Also, he mentioned Russia as a separate threat.
The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed the appeal by former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi against the decision by Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike to set up a seven-man panel to probe his eight year tenure as Governor.
The apex court held that Amaechi’s appeal was without merit and awarded N1million cost against him.
The panel was to probe some transactions estimated at about N96billion carried out by Rivers State Government under Amaechi.
The Rivers State claimed Amaechi’s administration fraudulently sold some assets belonging to the State.
Amaechi challenged the constitution of the panel at the High Court, arguing among others, that the planned probe was intended to witch-hunt, embarrass and humiliate him.
His suit at the High Court of Rivers State was dismissed, he also lost at the Court of Appeal prompting him to approach the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court also, in another judgment, dismissed an appeal by former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dakuku Peterside.
The appeal by Peterside was against the N6 billion defamation suit filed against him by former Rivers Governor of Peter Odili.
In a judgment on Friday, the apex court held that the appeal lacked merit.
The Supreme Court is now set to deliver judgment in a suit by former Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi seeking to stop his probe in alleged N96B fraud and fraudulent sales of valued assets belonging to Rivers State.
A hearing notice just sighted by ABN TV at the Apex Court indicated that the make or mar judgment would be handed down this morning.
Amaechi, presently one of the leading presidential aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, is battling hard to stop his successor, Nyesom Wike from causing him to appear before a probe panel to investigate his eight years tenure of office.
The notice was observed to have been served on Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN, who is leading a team of lawyers for Amaechi, while that of Rivers State was delivered to Emmanuel Ukala, SAN, for Wike.
Specifically, Amaechi, who is the immediate past Minister of Transportation, wants the apex court to prohibit Governor Wike from proceeding with the 7-man Commission of Inquiry already put in place.
Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who led a 7-man panel of Justices of the Court had fixed today for the judgment after taking arguments for and against the suit.
Amaechi predicated his opposition to the probe on the ground that it was aimed at witch-hunting him, embarrassing him, humiliating him, and disgracing him, in view of his political differences with his successor.
Wike, who constituted the 7-man probe panel to probe Amaechi, however, is asking the Supreme Court to dismiss Amaechi’s suit.
The Governor insisted that the Commission of Inquiry headed by Justice George Omekeji was to look into how N96B was allegedly withdrawn from the treasury of the state government and how it was expended.
Wike also said that the Commission of Inquiry was to look into the lawful or otherwise sales of valuable assets of the State.
The listed valuable assets are Omoku Gas Turbine, Afam Gas Turbine, Trans Amadi Gas Turbine, Eleme Gas Turbine, Olympia Hotel, and the award of contract for the execution of Mono Rail Project.
Amaechi’s suit at the High Court of Rivers State and Court of Appeal had earlier been dismissed, prompting his coming to Supreme Court for remedy.
At the time of this report, political associates, friends, and sympathizers of the presidential aspirant have stormed the Supreme Court to know where the pendulum will swing to.
The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, yesterday told Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, that he is on a wild goose chase for the seat of the President of Nigeria, and that the Fulani will not give him a ticket for the contest let alone allow him to become President of Nigeria.
The pro-Biafra group also told the Umahi that his alleged sabotage, comments against Ndigbo and bodies that speak for them in order to secure APC presidential ticket will even make his chances slim because even the people who are influencing him to involve in alleged sabotaging activities will not trust him.
IPOB in a statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, in reply to Governor Umahi’s alleged statement against IPOB, entitled, “Dave Umahi Fulani will not give you presidential ticket let alone allow you to be president of Nigeria.”, told him to stop wasting his time and money hoping that he will secure the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential ticket.
IPOB’s statement read: “The attention of the global movement and family of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, under the command and leadership of our great leader Nnamdi Kanu, has been drawn to the fallacious and laughable statement credited to the Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi.
“As usual, Umahi was ranting and calling the Igbo liars, calling IPOB family group liars and claiming that Fulani people were not killing or burning down properties belonging to Biafrans in Biafraland and anywhere in the country.
“Well, what else can you expect from a man who does not know his actual roots? Such statements from a very insecure man do not surprise or bother us in the least because we know where he is coming from and where he is irretrievably heading to.
“Any individual or politician who ridicules his people because of politics will certainly reap the reward of such misadventure and David Umahi will not be an exception. People should ask David Umahi why no terrorist governor in the North or politician ever condemned the activity of terrorist herdsmen, bandits kidnapping people, Boko Haram terrorists and other terrorist groups rampaging the North.”
“Shamefully, the same people shielding the criminals killing people, rendering them homeless, kidnapping school children and stoning people to death will tell him to prove his loyalty by condemning and killing those he claims are his people. What a shame and a humiliating way of getting to power?
“Every responsible Igbo man whether you like us or not, whether you like Nnamdi Kanu or not should thank CHUKWUOKIKEABIAMA for IPOB and our great leader Mazi Nnamdi. If not, the Fulani would have pursued governor Dave Umahi and his likes out from Ebonyi State and Biafran land since two years ago.”Acquiring certificates does not confer common sense to the acquirer which is the sorry and pitiable state David Umahi has found himself in. For him to say that Ebonyi State is not part of Biafra land means that he is suffering from chronic delusion and mental paralysis.
“Who told him that he has the mandate of our people in Ebonyi State to decide for them? David Umahi at best can only vote as an individual during the referendum, and he is entitled to cast his vote for Nigeria for all we care, but we assure him that during the referendum his family members will vote for Biafra, not Nigeria.
“The governor of Ebonyi State in the person of Dave Umahi is on record lamenting the atrocities committed last year by Fulani terrorists masquerading as herdsmen who attacked part of his state and murdered over 100 innocent citizens of the state. Now he is suddenly making a volte-face and suffering from amnesia and no longer has any recollection of his senses. Leaders our foot.”
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’adu Abubakar led-Jama’atu Nasril Islam, JNI, has called on the Federal and state governments to immediately take control of all forests and swampy areas that have become hideouts for criminals across the country.
JNI in a statement by its Secretary-General, in the wake of the gruesome murder one Hajia Jibrin, a pregnant woman with four of her children at Isulo in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, contended that it was one killing too many.
According to the statement: “The prayers of the JNI and, of course, all Nigerian Muslims are, therefore, that: Government must spare no efforts to immediately take control of all forests and swampy areas that have become hideouts for criminals.
“Examples should be set by speedily arresting and prosecuting all criminals, devoid of legal encumbrances. Constituting commissions of inquiry should not be the only way to go; hence, government should intensify efforts in identifying and prosecuting the so called unknown gunmen.
“Governments at all levels, in collaboration with different security agencies, must be up and doing against the tides of insecurity in whatever guise. Thorough, proactive measures should be taken to nip the situation in the buds before it becomes uncontrollable.
In that respect, we advise governments to strategise and bring an end to orgies of killings in Nigeria. Desperate situations need desperate measures. Thus, constituting a joint task force to specially attend to the rising tide of killings in South-Eastern Nigeria, should be considered.
“Governments at all levels should act beyond mere verbal condemnations on security-related matters. Nigerians desperately yearn for more concrete actions against all forms of criminals and criminalities. The unfortunate spate of the alarming horrendous butchering of human lives in Nigeria should be halted.
The South-Eastern states governments and governors as well as community leaders over there should be seen and heard condemning and assuaging fears and tension within their respective states and communities (as the case may be).
Silence would not be golden in such an unfortunate situation. Perhaps they should emulate their Northern counterparts (governors) in reacting quickly and appropriately on similar happenings within their jurisdictions. Security surveillance should be maximally accorded Muslim communities in South-Eastern Nigeria.”
The group while describing the killing of Hajia Jibrin and four of her children as senseless, barbaric and unprovoked, said: “The .recurring heartless and calamitous unprovoked killings and maiming over there as well as across other parts of the country are, to say the least, condemnable.
JNI has painfully and with dismay been observing the orchestrated, unchecked atrocities dished out to many innocent Muslim menial traders’ wares, including animals. The attitude, in effect, depicts the most unfortunate high level of hatred and impunity. The JNI feels that it was high time the governments acted, lest things get out of hand.
“While we commiserate with all families affected by the serial killings and abductions in Nigeria, we implore the Federal Government to synergise with all state governments enmeshed in all forms of security challenges to restore law and order.
As it could be discerned, the killings are now transforming to being more religious and ethnic/tribal conflicts. Their escalation may not be easily halted. Nigerians should learn from different historical accounts that religious or ethnic conflicts and wars are undoubtedly extremely preposterous. So, they should by all means be avoided.
“In light of the forgone, we call on governments at all levels to, as a matter of urgency, do everything possible and use any means possible to curtail the situation and arrest all those who are behind the ongoing killings in South-Eastern Nigeria, before it is too late. The lexis of the so-called unknown gunmen is no longer tenable.
They are known but ignored! We have had enough; so it should be left for what it is: enough! Moreover, as we have always stated in our previous press releases, governments should be seen as swiftly acting on security- related issues.”, as it is its primary constitutional responsibility to protect, secure and provide welfare to citizens, as enunciated on the second schedule of the 1999 amended Constitution.”
A presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu, yesterday, urged party delegates to choose wisely during the presidential primary, in the interest of the future of the country.
Tinubu, who met with APC delegates in Ondo State, said he is the best choice for the country.
His words: “My running is not because I need pockets of money; that has passed. I am running because of my love for the country, my people, commitment to development, and giving value to education and a better future for our children.
“I’m a better thinker and a better doer. I want to be delegated to distinguish us and separate us like a dip of kerosene on top of the water.
“Many of us are running, running for doing it or doing it is a promise. If not delivered, you will suffer a setback.
“I, Bola Tinubu, am the sole runner. I know the way, I have seen it. I did it in Lagos. I turned the IGR around. The state is now a reference point. I’ll rebuild and unite, and develop Nigeria. We’ll use our diversity for prosperity rather than division.
“I will serve Nigeria. I am promising you that Nigerians will see the performance. Just choose me. I can do it, I have done it you can see the model in Lagos.
“When they talk about my health, I tell them, I’m not looking for a wrestling job, I don’t want to beat Ronaldo
“I’m ready to serve Nigeria and I promise that Nigeria will see prosperity and performance because I have done it before.”
Earlier, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu restated the decision of his colleagues that the next President should come from the South.
Ahead of the primaries of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC to pick its Presidential candidate for the 2023 Presidential election slated for Sunday, National delegates from the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, yesterday endorsed the President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan.
The development has however boosted the chances of Lawan clinching the Presidential ticket of the APC.
The endorsement took place at the Palms Hotel, Central Area, Abuja when the President of the Senate met with the National Delegates led by the Chairman of the FCT chapter of APC, Hon Abdulmalik Usman.
Meanwhile, Senators who spoke at the venue of endorsement described Lawan’s Presidential aspiration as a required saving grace for the ruling party in the forthcoming 2023 general election.
Addressing the delegates, Lawan who told them he is not an ethnic or geopolitical aspirant for the position of President, said that the contest should be that of content, of ideas and not a contest of where one comes from, adding that every other aspirant can serve the country well, but he can serve better against the backdrop of his experience and where he is coming from as a lawmaker at the National Assembly for twenty-three years.
Lawan who noted that he is in the race as a pan Nigerian candidate and not one from any zone and that he wants to continue with all the successes of President Muhammadu Buhari and improve on those areas that he did not do much well, said. “the contest should be a contest of ideas and not where somebody comes from.
“I can serve better having practised governance at close range with the presidency within the last three years.
“I have four cardinal programmes revolving around security in all parts of the country, all-inclusive economy, agricultural revolution and functional education sector as the bedrock of National Development
“Your votes for me at the Presidential primary, are investments for a better Nigeria in no distant time.”
In line with parliamentary procedures, Lawan put approval of his candidacy to voice votes of the delegates who all responded affirmatively.
In his earlier remarks on behalf of Senators on the team, Senator Sani Musa, APC, Niger East who noted that Lawan’s candidacy will serve as a saving grace for APC in the 2023 general election, said that what Nigerians need today is a pan Nigerian President and not a regional or zonal one.
Musa said, “Based on indices and realities on the ground, as far as the 2023 general elections are concerned, the issue of where an aspirant comes from is not necessary.
“What the country needs is stability and what APC as a party needs now is a candidate who can win the Presidential contest in 2023 through the required votes where they are.
“Lawan’s candidacy fits into that and will be a saving grace for the party from being pushed into opposition.”
On his part, the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, APC Abia North who spoke in the same vein, declared that if voted for Lawan would be President for all as demonstrated by his leadership of the Senate within the last three years.
In his own remarks, the FCT APC Chairman said they are for Lawan but want the National Assembly under his Chairmanship to be more responsive to aspirations and yearnings of indigenes of the Federal Capital Territory as regards, ministerial slot, proper administrative structure in form of mayoral status.
He said, “National Delegates from FCT are no doubt, for you and will vote for you at the convention but as the Speaker of the FCT House of Assembly, we want all the critical demands forwarded to the National Assembly to be considered and approved.”
The Federal Government has filed 23-count charges against Peter Nwachukwu, husband of late popular gospel artist, Osinachi, who died on April 8 after he allegedly assaulted her.
He was charged under sections 104 and 379 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, by the Attorney-General of the Federation.
The defendant was charged with culpable homicide contrary to section 221 of the Penal Code which is punishable with death.
The case with charge number, CR/199/2022, was filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on May 20, 2022, by the Head, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Ministry of Justice, Mrs Yewande Gbola-Awopetun.
The 42-year-old musician died after spending days at an undisclosed hospital in Abuja.
Nwachukwu was consequently arrested by the police after colleagues of Osinachi, who was a lead singer at the Dunamis International Headquarters, Abuja, accused him of beating her.
Count one reads, “That you Peter Nwachukwu, 56, male, on the 8th of April, 2022 at Aco Estate, opposite police station, Lugbe, Abuja, FCT, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did commit an offence to with: culpable homicide punishable with death in that you caused the death of Mrs Osinachi Nwachukwu by your various acts of violence and aggravated assault with the knowledge that her death would be the probable consequence of your acts.”
Count two, “Statement of offence: Wilfully placing a person in fear of physical injury contrary to section 4(1) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015 and punishable under the same section of the Act.”
Former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uche Ogah has been declared winner of Abia State APC governorship primary election.
He was declared the winner of the direct primary election which took place in the 184 wards in the 17 local government areas of the state by the returning officer, Barr. Perfect Okorie in the early hours of Friday in Umuahia.
Out of the total of 195,801 votes cast, the former Minister polled 141,952 votes to beat his closest rival, Paul Ikonne who got 27,054.
Others who participated at the direct primary election include, Ikechi Emenike who polled 9,446, Emeka Atuma with 7,429 and Obinna Oriaku with 5,553.
Others are Alex Otti with 2,414 and Daniel Eke who got 1,953.
According to Okorie, the outcome of the election is a reflection of the total will of the people of Abia State.
Recall that on Thursday, Chief Ikechi Emenike was announced the winner of an indirect primary election which took place in Umuahia the state capital.
However, Ogah and other aspirants had kicked again the indirect primary adopted by the Ikechi Emenike faction, stating that it is in contravention with the directive of national leadership of APC.
They insisted that Abia, Benue and Osun were listed to adopt the direct primary as a way of enhancing inclusion.
The All Progressive Congress (APC) House of Assembly aspirant eyeing the ticket of Qua’an Pan South State Constituency of Plateau in the 2023 general elections, Hon. Na’anyil Magdalene Dakogol, has been kidnapped.
The spokesperson of the Plateau Police Command, Ubah Gabriel, confirmed the development, saying the commissioner of police had sent tactical team to rescue the victim.
Hon. Madalene was kidnapped on the day her party conducted the primaries.
Na’anyil, who is the only female aspirant of the APC in the race, was on her way to meet with delegates of the party ahead of the primaries scheduled for Kwalla town of Qua’an Pan LGA of the state, when she was abducted.
A source from the area said, “The Honourable was to see a delegate on Wednesday but they gave her 5:30 am of Thursday for her to meet them. She left alongside her brother to Goeragas and they could not locate the house, her brother came down of the car and went into the community to make an inquiry.
“He left her inside the car, but to his greatest shock did not see her when he came back. Her phones were all inside the car but he could not see her.”
Abia State governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Mascot Uzor Kalu, has expressed concern over what he described...
