Author: The Nation

  • IPOB: We’re not responsible for murder of 8 northerners in Imo

    IPOB: We’re not responsible for murder of 8 northerners in Imo

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has described as laughable and disgraceful statement alleging that its members were responsible for gruesome murder of eight northerners living in Orogwe, Imo State.

    The group accused Federal Government and her security agencies of colluding with the Ebubeagu to kill innocent people to blackmail it.

    In a statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary Emma Powerful, IPOB warned the Nigeria Police and its sisters security agencies operating in the area to leave the group alone to sanitize its territory of terrorists.

    It reiterated that it would never attack any peaceful individual or group doing legitimate business in the Southeast, insisting it was only after sponsored terrorists in forest and bushes in the zone.

    The seperatist group regretted that out of 100 countries it operates, it is only in Nigeria that it is demonized, blackmailed and killed extrajudicially.

    The statement reads, “Our attention has been drawn to the laughable disgraceful, unguarded and fabricated statement alleging that IPOB members were responsible for the gruesome murder of eight northern people living in Orogwe, suburb community in Owerri, Imo State.

    “It is unfortunate that Nigeria Government and her Security Agencies would descend so low to collude with the Ebubeagu militia that was created by Hope Uzodinma and his government to kill innocent people just to blackmail IPOB.

    “IPOB has not and will never attack any peaceful individual or group of people doing legitimate business or trading in our territory. We are only after are those criminals created by Nigeria Securities and bandits they brought into our territory masquarading as Fulani herdsmen who kidnap for ransom, rape our women and murder our farmers in our forests and bushes.

    “IPOB will never succumb to pressure and blackmail from pursuing those terrorists masquerading as herdsmen in our bushes and forests. ESN has been dealing and dislodging those sponsored terrorists and will continue to do so until they vacate our Forest and bushes. Therefore, Nigeria Police and its sisters security agencies operating in Biafraland should leave IPOB alone to sanitize our territory of terrorists.

    “IPOB has severally said that we have nothing against Hausa people living peacefully and do their legitimate businesses, anybody linking IPOB to the recently attack in Imo State is doing that to demonise and blackmail IPOB.

    “In over 100 countries where IPOB operates, the people and their Governments acknowledges that IPOB is a peaceful movement and family seeking for freedom from its Nigeria Pharoas. Only in Nigeria that IPOB is demonized, blackmailed and killed extrajudicially like terrorists like no human beings.

    “IPOB did not harm or kill anyone in Imo State on Monday because we are peaceful and have not indulged in enforcing non-existent Monday sit-at-home order. We are focused on rescuing Biafrans from damnable Nigeria Republic.

    “We wondered why Nigeria government using their stooge in Imo State causing confusion and collaborating with Ebubeagu militia to murder innocent citizens while using the Police and DSS agents to shield them.

    “Biafrans should be aware that Nigeria compromised security agencies are complicit to the numerous kidnappings for ransom and killing of innocent citizens in the East which they maliciously blame it on IPOB and ESN. They are doing all these barbaric activities to place IPOB in bad light to our people and International Community.

    “Every Biafran, including good spirited Nigerians Knows that IPOB are not involved in the unwanted killings going on, if our people we are paying heavy price to protect would be easily deceived by enemies that means they are not worthy to be dying for. BIAFRA enemies can do their best to stop us but in the end BIAFRA will be restored completely because Elohim is behind the struggle.”

  • FCT Tribunal judgment: We will appeal, says AMAC chairman

    FCT Tribunal judgment: We will appeal, says AMAC chairman

    Mr Christopher Maikalangu, the Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), says he will appeal the FCT Election Tribunal judgment nullifying his emergence as winner of the Feb. 12 area council elections.

    In a statement issued in Abuja, he called on his supporters to remain calm for the needful to be done.

    The statement, jointly signed by Ephraim Audu and Kingsley Madaki, his Chief Press Secretary and Senior Special Assistant on Media was issued on Friday night in Abuja.

    “Following the judgment at the FCT election tribunal, the leadership of Abuja Municipal Area Council has renounced the judgment that was passed in favour of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

    The chairman therefore, called on his supporters to remain calm and not take laws into their hands as his legal team had already appealed the matter at a competent court.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Maikalangu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was declared winner of Feb. 12 AMAC chairmanship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    He polled 19,302 votes to defeat Murtala Usman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who scored 13,240 votes.

    (NAN)

  • Flooding: Assembly, Board advise Nasarawa residents against building on water ways

    Flooding: Assembly, Board advise Nasarawa residents against building on water ways

    Nasarawa State House of Assembly Committee on Urban Development and Regional Planning, has advised the residents of the state not to build on water ways or block drainage systems in the interest of their health and guard against impending flooding in the state.
    Mr Suleiman Yakubu, the Chairman of the Committee, made the call when management of the State Urban Development Board ( NUDB) appeared before the committee on its 2022 budget performance on Friday in Lafia.
    Yakubu said that building on water ways would cause flooding and would affect the health and safety of the people negatively.
    According to him, citizens are advised to avoid building on water ways and channels, to keep the environment safe from ecological problems.
    ” We have invited you in order to know the budget performance of your board from January to June, 2022.
    ” We will continue to support you to succeed,” he said
    Azara commended the the board for being up and doing in ensuring urban development in the state.
    He restated the committee’s commitment to synergize with the board, to take it to greater heights.
    Earlier, Engr. Mohammed Wada, the Managing Director of the board, assured of the board’s readiness in tackling flooding in the state.

    Read Also:Bauchi Governor signs 12 bills into law

    ” We want to thank you and His Excellency, Gov Abdullahi Sule for supporting our activities to succeed,” he said
    Wada also called on the people of the state to avoid building on water ways for the overall development of the state.
    ” I want to advise the people to avoid building on water ways and they should not block drainage systems
    ” People should assist by clearing drains and avoid dumping of refuse in water channels and canals,” he said.
    The MD also called on the people to adhere striclty to building regulations in order to avoid their buildings and other structures being demolished.
    He restated his continued commitment to sensitise the residents of the state to the dangers of flooding. ( NAN)

  • Bauchi Governor signs 12 bills into law

    Bauchi Governor signs 12 bills into law

    Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State on Friday signed into law 12 bills passed by the State House of Assembly.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that among the bills was the establishment of Bauchi State Vigilante and Youth Empowerment scheme and other related purposes 2022.

    The governor explained that the objective of the bill was to explore opportunities in job creation and provide training for youths in skills acquisition that would enable them to be gainfully employed and self-reliant.

    Others included a bill on the establishment of Bauchi State and Local Government Contributory Pension Scheme and other related matters 2022; a Bill to repeal the Bauchi state Urban Planning and Development Board 2012 and enactment of the Bauchi State Physical Planning and Development Control Board 2022.

    According to the governor, other bills signed into law included a bill to repeal the Bauchi State College of Agriculture 2013 and enact a law to establish divisions of agricultural colleges in Bauchi State University and for related matters 2022; a bill to provide for the establishment of Bauchi Infrastructure development and maintenance agency 2022.

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    He also said there was a bill to repeal the Bauchi State separation of account judiciary law; a bill to provide Bauchi state tourism development corporation, a bill to repeal the Bauchi state university establishment law 2010 and enact a law to establish Sa’adu Zungur University 2022 and a bill to establish the Bauchi state security Trust fund and other related purposes 2022.

    “Other bills to be signed into law are a bill to establish Bauchi State Environmental Trust Fund 2022 and a Bill to repeal the Bauchi State House Management Law 2017 and enact a law to provide for the management of funds accrued to the Bauchi State House of Assembly from the consolidated revenue funds of the state, among others.

    The governor, however, commended the state House of Assembly for studying the details of the bills before passing them for assent, pointing out that this showed the cordial relationship between the legislature and the executive arm of government.

    Earlier, the Speaker of the Assembly, Suleiman Abubakar, said all the laws, if properly implemented, would have direct bearing on the lives of the people of the state as well as protect their lives and properties.

    He called on the people to continue to support the present administration, adding that the infrastructure and other development recorded in the state were the product of cordial relationship and mutual cooperation between the legislature and the executive arm of government.

    (NAN)

  • Navy ship rescues 2 drowning Ghanaian fishermen

    Navy ship rescues 2 drowning Ghanaian fishermen

    The Nigerian Navy (NN) Ship, (NNS) PROSPERITY, rescued two Ghanaian fishermen floating at sea on a yellow 20 litres gallon while on patrol about 10 nautical miles (nm) North-East of Dangote Quay on Aug. 2.

    The Director of Information, Naval Headquarters, Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

    According to him, the ship on sighting a man, altered course towards the position of the man and successfully recovered him.

    Subsequently, the rescued man revealed that a second person was involved, as such, the ship proceeded to the position of the second man and safely recovered him as well.

    Ayo-Vaughan said that further investigations revealed that the rescued men were Ghanaian fishermen residing at Takwa Bay, Lagos State.

    The director, however, added that the duo went fishing on July 31, but encountered a boat mishap at about 10p.m same day.

    Read Also:Election: Foreign Observers warns Millitary against harassment of journalists

    “Sadly, they were said to have drowned before the remaining two were rescued by the ship,“ he said.

    The service, however, wished to reiterate its commitment towards ensuring the security and safety of all seafarers in Nigeria’s maritime domain.

    (NAN)

  • Military Board begins payment of third tranche of arrears

    Military Board begins payment of third tranche of arrears

    The Military Pensions Board (PMB) has commenced the payment of the third tranche of the national minimum wage increment to to military retirees.

    According to a statement by the Board’s Chairman, Rear Admiral SA Lawal, “the Military Pensions Board (MPB) wishes to inform our esteemed military retirees and the general public that the Board has commenced payment of the third tranche of 25 percent of the 24 months arrears of National Minimum Wage increments on pensions to eligible military retirees on Thursday 4 August 2022.

    “This third installment is being paid to eligible military retirees who are active on the Board’s data base and it is in fulfillment of the agreement reached between the Board and the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Plaining (FMoFBNP) for quarterly release of the appropriated sum this year”

     Read  Also:‘Report of unpaid soldiers’ salary, false, inciting’

    The statement, continued, “it is also necessary to inform that all Next of Kin (NOKs) of deceased military pensioners who are entitled to these same arrears have been fully paid. All concerned military pensioners are therefore adviced to contact their banks for their entitlements.

    “On behalf of our esteemed military pensioners, the Board wishes to thank President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR for his immense support to the Board and military retirees.

    “Also, the Board extends its appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Defence, Maj Gen BS Magashi (Rtd), the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen LEO Irabor as well as the Service Chiefs for their constant support to the Board towards achieving its constitutional mandates.

    “The Board would also like to thank our esteemed military retirees for their patience, understanding and continued support. The Board pledges to ensure the payment of the Fourth and final tranche of the 24 months arrears of increments on pensions as a result of the new National Minimum Wage before the end of the year”.

  • Peter Obi and I most talked about men in Nigeria – Yul Edochie

    Peter Obi and I most talked about men in Nigeria – Yul Edochie

    Popular actor Yul Edochie has claimed he and the Labour Party (LP) presidential flag bearer are the most talked about men in Nigeria.

    The actor and the former Anambra Governor have certainly been on the lips of many on social media for varying reasons.

    For Yul Edochie, he has continued to receive more of backlash than praises on several social media platforms since he introduced a second wife and his fifth son.

    Obi has also continued to attract accolades as well criticisms with his detractors claiming he would only win the 2023 elections on social media.

    Sharing a photo collage of Obi and him, the film star wrote: “Currently the 2 most talked about men in Nigeria.”

    Following Yul’s assertion, many took to the comment section to state the difference between the two personalities.

    Read Also:Atiku, Obi to speak at NBA annual general conference in Lagos

    h_haircastle said: “One for positivity and the other for negativity. So rest oga.”

    d_wurian wrote: “The difference is Peter Obi is talked about in a good way.”

    queeen_amaa stated: “One political career is rising…The other one is dropping.”

    mimis_wealth said: “They are taking bad about u. U and Peter Obi no b same.”

    blessingozoemena wrote: “One is for good and one is for bad.”

    the_realchipatrick stated: “Don’t dare compare yourself with Mr Obi he’s impacting us positively while you’re impacting us negatively go and rest and focus on your newly married wife. Your case has become past tense. Ndewonu!”

    ifunanya_official said: “One is for his integrity and the other for his activeness in ikwokirikwo.”

    iammfav wrote: “1 is popular for giving us hope for a better country.. the other person is….”

    starse_bestowed stated: “One is talked about positively. Another impregnated his side chick, got married to her and told his wife on social media.”

    adaorjiokorie said: “Peter Obi for president, yuledochie for Nollywood asaba kpekus. Positivity and negativity cannot be compared.”

    sererose7 wrote: “One trending in a good way, another bad way, how about that Mr. Cloutina rest kwanu!”

  • Mompha reacts to being wanted by EFCC

    Mompha reacts to being wanted by EFCC

    Dubai-based billionaire Ismailia Mustapha aka Mompha has reacted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which declared him wanted for alleged money-laundering.

    The anti-graft agency, in a notice via its Twitter handle, declared the socialite wanted while it urged anyone with useful information on his whereabouts to contact its shared phone numbers, email address or visit the nearest police station.

    But Mompha, in two lengthy Instagram posts, maintained he wasn’t wanted by the EFCC as he didn’t steal from anyone or involved in any money laundering.

    He alleged the EFCC was bent on tarnishing his image.

    According to Monpha: “Blackmail and intimidation by the EFCC made me come to the conclusion that I cannot get justice within this corrupt laden system as the EFCC was hell bent on extorting money from me for a crime I never committed as well as the Judge who was ready to send me back to prison custody without any evidence or basis.

    “Last last na international court go settle this matter.”

    Taking to his insta stories, Mompha describing the EFCC as ‘thieves in government uniform’, claimed they wanted to rip him.

    Read Also:EFCC declares Mompha wanted

    He wrote: “They wan rip, thieves in government uniform with the song, “No Wahala” playing in the background.

    He also shared a photo where he showed off expensive wrist watches he had retrieved from the agency after his arraignment.

    “Wristwatches collected on Jan 10th 2022, he captioned the post.

    In another post, he shared just one from the five wristwatches he had posted with its description and price included in the caption.

    “Audemars Piquet Royal Oak 41 Rose Double Balance Skeleton 2021 LC EU. Fixed price $312,421.

    “Just one out of my five wristwatches I collected. Now you know why I’m wanted”, Mompha wrote.

  • Latasha Ngwube to Ali Baba: Your outburst on actresses sexist

    Latasha Ngwube to Ali Baba: Your outburst on actresses sexist

    Media personality Latasha Nwugbe has taken a swipe on popyluoar comedia Ali Baba over his outburst on some actresses with questionable wealth.

    Ali Baba said many of the actresses were engaging in sex-for-money putting younger ladies under undue pressure to measure up.

    In the viral video, the veteran comedian slammed actresses being bankrolled by different men but hiding under the guise of ‘cashing out’ through movie making.

    Reacting, the plus-sized model questioned Ali Baba’s approach, which she claimed reeked of sexism adding such issue was way below his status.

    Read Also:Ali Baba lambasts actresses pressuring ladies

    The OAP said: “With all due respect Uncle Ali, I don’t think you’re the person best suited to take on this topic. I think it’s beneath you and smacks of sexism.

    “There are many male actors who are also doing the “wrong things” and engaged in illicit sexual activity with (older) women for pay and even other senior men.

    “Your approach sounds like an attack on women when we should be focused on all genders and the pressures they put men and women under with their deceptive lifestyle.

    “P.s. even those you identified that do business, it’s still not guaranteed that their ways are pure.”

  • Ali Baba lambasts actresses pressuring ladies

    Ali Baba lambasts actresses pressuring ladies

    Veteran stand-up comedian Ali Baba has blasted actresses living fake lifestyles, pressuring younger girls into embracing immorality just to meet up with the façade they’re being shown continually online.

    He chided the actresses being bankrolled by different men but hiding under the guise of ‘cashing out’ through movie making.

    Ali Baba, resisting the urge to mention names, said these particular movie stars though live questionably yet are usually quick to call out others over infidelity or promiscuity.

    He said: “How many movies have you done that gave you N45 million to buy a house? You that just joined the industry?

    “The people that have been in the industry since did not buy. Then the people who are struggling….okay…I may be tempted to mention names but I will not.

    “We went to Dubai one time and while were waiting, I see this actress comes in. And then, I had seen the protocol officers of a particular person.

    Read Also:Nigeria’s Ali Baba, Baba Sala and the 40 liars

    ”I greeted them, they greeted me and everything. And then, the person came and said, ‘here’s your key’. And then gave her the key and she went upstairs.

    “And then, maybe like two days later, I see her posting “Lounging in Dubai.” Can you buy your ticket?”

    The master of ceremonies and actor added: “The ones that do business and make money, we know them. You will now come here and be putting girls on high jump. Girls are now thinking that….
    “So, when you see some of them run to Oba to go and get their share; you’re now saying, “Eh…what or where are they… Even if you act every movie and they pay you N5m, how many movies do you act in a year?

    “Let me just say this, we know the ones that’s use their mileage… I mean use their popularity to do business but that is different. Those ones do other businesses. Those ones are selling clothes, anything.

    “They travel and buy anything they want to buy and come here to sell. They have businesses that they run on the side. They sell oil, hairs…if you know how much hair is, you will know some of them can afford that.”