THE crisis rocking the Arewa Youths Assembly took a turn for the worse on Thursday, with the sacking of the Speaker of the Assembly, Mohammed Danlami.
A section of the assembly on Thursday, dissociated the group from comments made by its former Speaker about the economic policies of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).
They equally announced Danlami’s removal from his leadership position and in his place, Tahir Azare, was named as new Speaker.
Azare alleged that his predecessor was sacked for using the group’s platform to promote a devious political plot to threaten Nigeria’s security and economy.
The former Speaker had at a press conference on Tuesday, called for the sack of the Governor of the Central Bank for formulating economic politics that have increased poverty among Nigerians.
Danlami said, “We stand firmly by our words at the Arewa Youth Assembly asking Mr Emefiele to resign his position as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. This is necessary because every point raised against Mr Emefiele is factual and verifiable.
“No amount of sponsored damage control can proffer solutions to many economic woes an average Nigeria is subjected to daily, but will rather ignite the anger of the masses, who are now finding it extremely difficult to even feed their families.
“It is an open fact that the naira was ₦170 against the dollar before Mr Emefiele’s emergence as the Governor of the CBN. But today, due to his weak policies, it is ₦570 against a dollar and still counting.”
While dissociating the group from Danlami’s comments, Azare said, “We had asked ourselves, which Emefiele is Mr. Salihu Danlami talking about? Is it the CBN Governor who deployed over N756bn to 3.7 million farmers cultivating over 4.6 million hectares of farmland under the Anchor Borrowers Programme?
“Or was it the same man who provided N23bn in relief materials to Covid-19 affected households and set up 39 isolation centres across Nigeria?
“We urge members of the public to beware of any information that comes from Danlami as such statements do not come from the Assembly and do not represent our views about the country, the CBN, the nation’s economy and President Buhari’s government’s economic agenda.”
The recent death of seven Abia citizens in a mysterious manner ought to have by now given the government a serious concern, but like many other things in the state, all we get is a deafening silence, inaction and docility, like the proverbial ostrich, we bury our head in sand pretending that nothing has happened. Life goes on.
This again speaks volume as to how much the life of an average Nigerian is worth in a society where we wake up everyday to the news of countless number of persons dispatched to early graves on the account of the unabated security concerns. Those in authority at the end of the day leave citizens with legion of unanswered questions as to what the responsibility of government is aside the security and welfare of the people.
Three weeks and counting after the news filtered the air that seven persons were dead after allegedly eating the popular barbecue, suya and drinking juice in Umuahia Abia state, beyond releasing an impactless statement of a supposed autopsy on one of the victims, the government has done nothing, including a condolence visit.
Among those who died in the incident are all four children of a couple, Mr. & Mrs. Chibuzor Ikwunze of Umuagu, Umuhu Ohuhu in Umuahia North, between the ages of 3 — 12. At the moment, this disaster leaves the couple with no child. For the avoidance of doubt, names of the children are Kelechi Chibuzor 12, Sunday Chibuzor 10, Oluomachi Chibuzor (f) 8, and Kingsley Chibuzor 3.
Chibuzor Ikwunze Children
They had used the opportunity of school holidays in the state to visit a family friend Sunday Ogba at Umuaeze still in Umuahia North. Sadly, the host family also lost three souls, including the father himself who was said to have bought the suya from where members of his family and the visiting children ate.
Late Sunday Okechukwu Ogba (52)Late Chigozirim James Okechukwu Ogba (17)Late Eberechi Precious Okechukwu Ogba (14)
While it is yet uncertain as to what led to their death, it is instructive to note that Mrs. Ogba along with her daughter were lucky to live to tell the story after they were discharged from hospital following the development. While her life cannot be compared to anything, at the same time she has been widowed and robbed of her two precious children while her daughter for the rest of her life will be fatherless, in addition to nursing the pain of losing two siblings.
For whatever reason the government may adduce over its prolonged silence, its action has demonstrated lack of value to life of citizens it swore to uphold and protect. It injures morality as Ndigbo and an affront to very essence of human life. A government that prides itself as people-oriented ought to have by now taken an action in solidarity with the grieving families but that has not happened.
Hon. Sam Onuigbo Visits The Family Of Chibuzor IkwunzeHon. Sam Onuigbo Visits The Family Sunday Oga
Apart from the visit of the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia federal Constituency, Hon Sam Onuigbo under whose constituency the incident took place, and the moves from Ohuhu community home and abroad (contribution), no other official of government has identified with the families. It is true that no amount of condolence visit will bring the dead back to life but it creates a sense of shoulder to lean on and a shared burden in the minds of those whose loved ones have died.
It takes the grace of God for a woman who has been through the pain of labour four times to watch her children being lumped up in the grave like some kind of chickens. Shall we not share in her pain? Like the Biblical Rachel, she weeps and refused to be consoled. It is an agony better imagined that felt.
The Abia state government under the leadership of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu must demonstrate not just sympathy but empathy on the bereaved families not just by way of visit but intervening in whichever way possible to ensure that their psychological needs are properly ministered to at this critical time.
It is easier as we say for a visitor to imagine that the corpse of another person is nothing more than a log of wood but to the relative, it is a loss irreparable. The government should not behave like that insensitive onlooker but thoroughly investigate the cause of death of the seven persons and speak a word of consolation to their relatives.
This would at least silence the doubting Thomases who think that life in Abia is not valued. Well meaning Abians can also demonstrate love to these families at this very moment of their life so that together we can share in their burden. That is what humanity represents.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo today left Abuja to represent President Muhammadu Buhari at the second Extraordinary Summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government on the political situation in the Republic of Guinea.
He is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, and returns later today. Osinbajo had last week participated at the September 8 virtual meeting of the summit there the Sahel nation was suspended from all ECOWAS governing bodies and statutory meetings.
The sub-regional leaders also called for the immediate and unconditional release of President Alpha Conde and other others besides immediate restoration of constitutional order in the country and dispatch of a high-level mission to assess the situation.
Today’s physical meeting is reviewing the state of affairs in light of the report of the ECOWAS team to Conakry.
Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa, says he is well and in good shape following the incident at an event on Thursday in Abuja.
Bawa, who spoke from his residence in the nation’s capital, featured as a guest on Politics Today hours after he was reported to have slumped at the event organised by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
“I am ok, you can see that I am very much ok,” he said on the Channels Television’s political programme. “Being the 16th of September, today is the National Identity Day and I was invited for a programme by NIMC, or specifically by the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, and while giving my goodwill message during the progamme, there was a bit of dizziness on me, and I had to excuse myself from the stage.
“Of course, I went straight to the hospital where the doctors confirmed to me that everything about me is ok, except for the fact that I am a bit dehydrated, and I need to take a lot of water.”
The EFCC chief revealed that he went straightaway from the hospital to his office to tidy up some things after which he headed home.
He thanks Nigerians for their prayers and good wishes, saying their actions meant a lot and have become a source of inspiration for him to forge ahead.
Earlier, Bawa was delivering a speech titled ‘Importance of Digital Identification’ in commemoration of the National Identity Day when he was said to have become emotional suddenly.
Attributing his demeanour to the death of a member of staff of the commission, the anti-graft agency’s boss stopped the speech abruptly and walked off the stage, sat in his chair and slumped.
He was immediately rushed out of the hall, accompanied by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, he later said Bawa was already in a stable condition.
The event continued thereafter.
Following the incident, EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, corroborated the position of the minister in a statement, saying Bawa was in a good shape.
“The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Commission, EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa is hale and hearty,” the statement read.
“This clarification became necessary following an incident today September 16, 2021, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja where he was giving a goodwill message to the National Identity Day celebration, felt unwell and had to return to his seat.
“He has since received medical attention and is due back at his desk
Former Minister of Aviation, Mr Femi Fani-Kayode, on Thursday said he was wrong about some of his criticisms of the Muhammadu Buhari administration in the past.
Fani-Kayode, who was a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today, attributed his actions in the past to the fact that he did not know the President so well at the time.
“It is absolutely clear to me that the perception that we had in the past, that many people had, is clearly wrong,” he said. “We can work together, we can come together, we can build bridges, we can effect unity in this country.
“A man that I believe would not listen to anybody else in the past, I was quite wrong on that. With his receptive ears, his reception, and those around him; I have seen that definitely this is a man that one can work with provided you go through the right channels.”
The former minister spoke hours after he met with President Buhari where he was formally introduced as the newest member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He was led to the meeting with the President by the APC National Caretaker Committee Chairman and Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, as well as Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State.
Not An Angel, Not A Demon
Fani-Kayode, a former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and strong critic of the President, explained his decision to return to the ruling party.
According to him, he criticised the President in the past and done that effectively when he felt it was appropriate to do so.
“However, having moved closer to him (Buhari) over the last few months, I have discovered a lot of things that I did not know before; there is a lot going on behind the scenes,” the former PDP chieftain said.
“The most important thing is this – if I believe in a certain philosophy or I believe that we should move in a certain direction, and I am getting positive responses when I act from within the family as it were, and do so behind closed doors and ensure that change is effected in terms of policy, the way in which the country is run, the way in which disputes are settled among our various people and in terms of war against terror, and I get positive results on the consequence of my personal contributions at various levels; then I have to respect that.
“Over the last few years, I spoke against him (Buhari) probably more than anybody else in this country. I am not saying Mr President is an angel and I am certainly not saying he is a demon; I am saying he is a man like every other man.”
Despite moving to the APC, the former minister insisted that he would never change in terms of his core values and principles.
He vowed to carry such core values and principles into the ruling party and owed nobody an apology for taking such a decision.
In recognition of her creativity, hard work, sterling writing skills and immense contributions to the development of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Thinkers Magazine, a sister publication of the online-based Thinkers Newspaper has nominated the FCT chapter of the foremost literary body in Nigeria ANA, Halima Usman for award as its 2020 ‘Icon Of Literature’.
Her nomination came after the Award Selection Committee of the magazine made up of renowned specialists in different sectors of the nation’s economy found her worthy of recognition in this capacity.
This is contained in a letter dated August 13, 2021 and signed by the Managing Director of the Magazine, Hajiya Falmata Zanna Abba.
The Award will be conferred on her Monday, September 20, 2021, at Ladi Kwali Hall of Sheraton Hotel Abuja from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm at a Lecture and Award Dinner night organised to honour individuals and companies who have impacted the society.
The nomination letter partly reads, “We write to respectfully inform you that our Award Selection Committee, made up of renowned specialists in different sectors of the nation’s economy, has nominated you for the Thinkers Magazine’s 2020 ICON OF LITERATURE AWARD in recognition of your creativity, hard work, sterling writing skills and immense contributions to the development of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).
“The Award will be conferred on you at an epoch-making Lecture and Award Dinner night organised by this medium to honour individuals and companies that have made significant contributions to the development of the country and its people in different sectors. The theme of the lecture is: ‘THE ROLE OF COMMUNICATION AND DIGITAL ECONOMY IN ADDRESSING SECURITY CHALLENGES AND PROMOTING NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT.'”
The magazine prides itself as unique journal established to promote investigative journalism in the country and encourage transparency and accountability in governance in line with the provisions of Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.
Recall that the ANA Abuja chairman recently brought political bigwigs together, including the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Paulin Tallen, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, Minister of State for Science and Technology, Barr. Mohammed H. Abdullahi, Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Manasa Daniel Jatau, Director General of National Orientation Agency, Garba Abari, HRH Eng. Sale Mohammed – Mai Kaltungo and other notable Nigerians for the public presentation of her seven books.
The books include Mallam Sidi, Fauziya Saves The Day, Mr Cockroach, The Big Aquarium, Emeka The Farmer, Kola & Lola and Against The Odds.
Usman who is currently serving her second term in office as ANA Abuja chairman was also recently honoured by an international NGO, StandTall Africa Initiative as Outstanding Woman in Education, Business & Leadership.
The immediate past Secretary of ANA Abuja, Om’Oba Jerry Adesewo in his reaction to the nomination noted that Halima Usman seems to be on the verge of many accolades for her hard work, creativity philanthropy and commitment to positively impacting her community and Nigeria as a whole.
A pro-democracy, human and environmental rights advocacy group, Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development, FENRAD, has called for justice following the alleged killing of one Master Daniel Ogbonna, 17-year-old of 36 St. Michael’s Road, Aba by an official official of Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) identified as Mr. Okeugo Ugonna.
FENRAD says the late Master Daniel Ogbonna had left his home at about 5:30pm on the fateful he was killed to dispose waste as a receptacle near his home. Little did he however know that death awaits him.
In a statement obtained by ABN TV from Barr. Olusegun Bamgbose, Head Legal Team/ Litigation of the Foundation and its Head Corporate Accountability and Human Rights Enforcement, Barr. Akande Femisi FENRAD says the victim was alleged to have, like others before him, disposed the waste on the road since the receptacle was filled.
This however did not go down well with an official of ASEPA, identified as ‘Biggy’ who ordered Mr. Okeugo Ugonna, the prime suspect to go after Master Daniel Ogbonna.
The statement partly reads, “However, a worker identified as ‘Biggy’ ordered the suspect (Mr. Okeugo Ugonna) to go after Master Daniel Ogbonna only for the suspect to land fatal blow on the 17-year-old Master Daniel Ogbonna following which the young teenager died.
“Biggy, FENRAD learns, is on the run and yet to be apprehended by law enforcement and security agencies while the suspect, whose escape attempt was foiled, was caught by the people and handed over to Central Police Station, Area Command, Aba.”
FENRAD therefore calls on Abia State governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu to ensure that justice is served, and that all those named – including the so-called ‘Biggy’ who is still at large – in this matter be made to face the music.
“Also, the Foundation calls on the state environmental protection agency to come clean throughout the pendency of this matter as human life is more vital than any other business. The Foundation read the statement credited to the Deputy Director General of the state environmental protection agency, Aba Zone, Mr. Rowland Nwakamma, who among other things said that his staff closed on 4:30 pm on the said date of the event (since the incident happened at 5:30pm). Much that this sounds as an alibi, it does not yet suffice, to the Foundation. FENRAD calls on the Agency to, on its own part, ensure that justice is established as there is no other agency charged with the environmental mandate of the state outside it.
“While FENRAD understands that the suspect is in police custody, it however, wishes to make it known that it shall be following up this matter till the very last is heard of it and justice served. The suspect must be made to face the law and the identity of ‘Biggy’ established, including who he worked for or with until the sad event occurred. Not until this is done and adequate compensation made will FENRAD assume that justice has been properly dispensed without obstruction. This is the only condition of justice acceptable to the Foundation.
“Meanwhile, the Foundation condoles with the bereaved family and all those who may have been affected by this tragic demise in one or the other, in this trying time. It is sad how the sun set on a 17-year-old promise in a rather avoidable circumstance.
“To those mourning, the Foundation says, ‘Sorry, you are in our thoughts.'”
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested an armed robbery suspect and a suspected cultist with a locally-made double barrel gun and three cartridges. The suspects were arrested by the patrol team of the Area ‘J’ Command, Elemoro.
The armed robbery suspect, 23-year-old Alabi Timothy, resident of 9, Baale Street, Majek, Ajah, was arrested at about at General Paint, Garden area, Lekki during a routine stop and search by the police.
According to the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officers (PPRO), Adekunle Ajisebutu, a locally-made double barrel gun and two live cartridges including an expended cartridge concealed in a bag were recovered from the suspect.
Similarly, a suspected 22-year-old suspected cultist, Badmus Toheed, who belongs to the Aye Confraternity was also arrested with a live cartridge in the General Paint ghetto area.
According to Ajisebutu, the suspect confessed that he was initiated into the Aye Confraternity sometime in June 2021.
Meanwhile, two persons have been arrested for offering bribes to the police to secure the release of the two suspects and pervert the course of justice.
While Adariku Sunday, 34, resident of 66, Henry Smith Close, Abidjan GRA, Ajah offered the sum of N400,000 bribe in cash to secure the release of the robbery suspect, Folorunso Akeem, 43, offered the sum of N100, 000 cash to secure the release of the suspected cultist.
“Determined to ensure justice through thorough investigation, the uncompromising police officers in charge of the case rejected the bribe,” police said.
The Commissioner of Police has, however, directed that the case should be transferred to the Command’s Tactical Team for further investigation and prosecution.
A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has returned to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Fani-Kayode was presented to President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja, by the Chairman of APC National Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, on Thursday.
Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State was also in attendance.
While speaking, Fani-Kayode said he was instrumental to the defection of three Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors to APC.
The former spokesman of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, who said he had been a founding member of the APC, added that he returned to the APC for the unity of the country.
A yet-to-be identified gunmen have killed a lawyer, Darlington Odume Imo State, causing panic in the State.
According to Punch, Odume, popularly known as Omekagu, was shot at a supermarket at Amaifeke in Orlu, in the Orlu Local Government Area of the state.
The killing came just 24 hours after hoodlums murdered the priest-in-charge of St Andrew’s Anglican Church Ihitte-Ukwa in Orsu LGA, Emeka Merenu.
Odume, a native of Umudara village in Amaifeke- Orlu, was called to the Nigerian Bar Association, five years ago.
Our correspondent gathered that the the slain lawyer, who had his chamber in Orlu town, was handling some of the cases of those arrested in connection with the violence rocking the area.
According to the source, the victim, who was rushed to a hospital in the area but was rejected and referred to the Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu, died on the way to the teaching hospital.
“They stormed a supermarket at Umudara Amaifeke, Orlu and shot him on the chest and zoomed off.
“He was rushed to a hospital in the area, but they rejected him, referring them to the Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu, but he died along the way.
“Omekagu was handling some of the cases of those arrested and believed to be innocent due to the violence in Orlu. His wife is a Police officer.
“The entire community has been thrown into mourning. His wife is a serving Police officer. This is very unfortunate,” the source said.
President Bola Tinubu has vowed that his administration will show no mercy to terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and their sponsors.
He also declared a renewed offensive...
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