Category: Lead

Aloy Ejimakor, counsel for Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, on Saturday said his client needed heart surgery for a valve replacement.

He urged the Federal Government to release the detained agitator so he can get medical attention.

Ejimakor tweeted a medical advice from Pink Rose Hospital Limited dated August 23, 2022 stating that Kanu has heart-related issue it described as life-threatening.

“The patient requires urgent surgical (internal heart surgery) intervention for tricuspid valve (heart valve) replacement,” the medical advice reads in part.

Ejimakor said: “For avoidance of any doubt, Nigerian government knew since August 2022 that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu requires surgery.

“Besides the court orders, this is enough to release him or accord him his right to independent medical care. It’s a universal norm.”

Kanu was re-arraigned on January 19 before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

He pleaded not guilty to the 15-count terrorism charge filed against him by the Federal Government.

He filed a preliminary objection to the charge, praying the court to strike out or quash them, which the Court of Appeal agreed with.

On the same day, an Umuahia High Court in Abia State awarded N1billion damages to Kanu in a judgment on his fundamental rights suit.

Read Also: IPOB disowns commander arrested by DSS

Kanu was accused of making a broadcast “with intent to intimidate the population”, in which he “threatened that people will die, the whole world will standstill”.

He was also accused of issuing “a deadly threat” that anyone who flouted his sit-at-home order should write his/her Will, which resulted in a lockdown of the Southeast.

Kanu also professed himself to be a member and leader of IPOB, a proscribed organisation in Nigeria, contrary to and punishable under Section 16 of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act, 2013. 

He was said to have incited members of the public “to hunt and kill Nigerian security personnel and their families”.

The Federal Government said Kanu directed IPOB members “to manufacture bombs” and to “destroy public facilities”.

He also allegedly threatened the public not to come out on May 31, 2021, and directed them “to destroy public transport system in Lagos, resulting in major economic loss to the government”.

The prosecution said he “imported into Nigeria and kept in Ubullisiuzor in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State…a radio transmitter known as Tram SOL concealed in a container of used household items which you declared as used household items”.

The alleged offence, the prosecution said, is punishable under Section 1(2)(b) of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act. 2013. 

Kanu has been in the custody of the DSS since his rendition from Kenya.

President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians to vote for those who will maintain the momentum created by his administration.

He promised to continue working towards leaving lasting legacies.

The President also wished Nigerians a merry Christmas.

He said in his Christmas message: “Until my last day in office, I will continue to provide political and material support to sub-national governments, the Armed Forces, institutions and individuals working wholeheartedly for the peace, unity, stability and progress of Nigeria.

“The advances we have made so far on the economic front, especially in infrastructure; food security, anti-corruption, security, energy sufficiency, among others, will need to be built on.”

He urged Nigerians to vote wisely.

“This joyous season has coincided with the period of campaigns to usher in a new administration.

“I urge you to be circumspect and vote for those that will maintain the momentum we have created for the greater good of the country.

“It is another opportunity to show the rest of the world that Nigeria is indeed ready to consolidate its democratic credentials as has been noted in international circles.

“Let the peace and joy that pervade this period continue well into the new year up to the elections in February and beyond.

“I want to assure Nigerians that those who violently seek to disrupt the peace of our nation have lost the battle.

“For me and my family, this year’s celebration is unique. It is my last as your elected President.

“Twenty-two weeks from now, this administration will hand over to another.”

He wish citizens joyous celebrations. 

Read Also: Buhari wishes Nigerians a merry Christmas

“Many of us look forward to this festive season as a time to travel, share gifts, spend quality time with family and friends, attend special carols and events, and generally relive the good moments of the year.

“In whatever circumstances we find ourselves, Christmas is a period when we come together to rejoice and set aside our differences.

“We must never lose sight of the symbiotic relationship between Christmas and hope; Jesus Christ and humility, Christianity and grace,” he said.

He charged all Nigerians that could afford as much as possible in celebration of the festive season to also remember to share with their neighbours who indeed also wish to celebrate, but are lacking in resources to do so.

“In this season of love, joy and peace, let us not fail to remember those who really wish to celebrate but are constrained in one way or the other by reaching out to them.

“Together we can make this celebration a spectacular one by renewing our pledge and common resolve to work for the unity and prosperity of our dear country.

“Our country is blessed with a wealth of human and material resources. Let’s celebrate our blessings this season with the trust that a better dawn awaits Nigeria.

“I heartily rejoice with our Christian brothers and sisters on the occasion of this year’s Christmas. I wish you all a Merry Christmas.”

President Muhammadu Buhari has described those who spread the rumour of him being replaced with a Jubril Aminu from Sudan as mischievous.

He spoke at a get-together by family and associates to mark his 80th birthday.

It was held in the Old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday night.

In the aftermath of President Buhari’s prolonged hospitalisation in London, it was claimed that he died in the process of being treated and was replaced by a body double.

He left the country for treatment in London in May and returned in August 2017 after 103 days.

President Buhari said he would continue to do his best in service to Nigeria despite criticisms from some quarters that he has not done enough.

At the special birthday event, a documentary was aired on his life from childhood, where he declared that he was not bothered by the claim that he died long ago and is not the real Buhari.

Responding to a question in the documentary on whether the claim affected him, he said he heard the rumour but was not distracted.

President Buhari said: “Yes. People said I am somebody from Sudan. I didn’t bother with the name. Some Nigerians have mischievous ways of explaining themselves.

“No. It’s not funny because those who made those statements, they just want to be cheeky. They want to distract attention from the main issue.

“Our main issue is to do the infrastructure, make people aware that they need to work hard to live well; they just enjoy life without earning the respect of their community and so on.”

On what he will miss the most after leaving office in May next year, the President simply said “nothing much”.

“I wonder if I am going to miss much. I think I’m being harassed.

“I believe I’m trying my best but still my best is not good enough because there are people around that think that they can intimidate me to get what they want, instead of going through certain systems to earn whatever they want to earn and they are same people who want to be clever by half,” he said.

While proposing a toast for the celebrant, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo described the Nigerian leader as a forthright, good and kind man, as well as an exemplary leader.

Read Also: Buhari wishes Nigerians a merry Christmas

He praised President Buhari for leading the nation with great courage, determination and commitment.

“I invite your excellences, ladies and gentlemen, to join me in proposing this toast to an exemplary leader, a forthright and honest man, a good and kind man, and a man who has led this country with great courage, determination and commitment for so many years.  

“We pray that the almighty God will preserve his life for very many years to come and that he will live all of these many years in good health, peace, joy and with the love of all of our country men,” he said.

Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who also graced the occasion, thanked President Buhari for sacrificing a lot for the progress of Nigeria.  

“You have been at the helm of the affairs of this country at a critical time. We have seen a life of commitment, dedication, patriotism and honesty. Mr President, you have done well for your country. Our nation has seen the difference, the leadership that you demonstrate,” he said.

He said President Buhari belongs to the class of leaders who came and served their country with commitment, dedication patriotism and honesty. 

He likened him to leaders like Charles De Gaulle of France, Franklin Roosevelt of the United States of America (USA) and Winston Churchill of the Great Britain.

Tinubu, accompany by his running mate Senator Kashim Shettima, said: “The leadership you have demonstrated reminded me of the speech you gave at the Primary Convention when you won the nomination.

“You thanked the people with all humility and said even if you had the money, you would not have paid, but that is because they know who you are, a man of integrity, great commitment, transparent and a exceptional humility.”

Tinubu prayed that “God will continue spare you to see the history as you want it for the country, the ship of this nation will be on the right course. You will live long to enjoy a nice evening of democracy that you brought about. 

“When you talk of PVC, card reader, transparency and honesty in the electoral process, like you did, we can only promise not to let you down. Enjoy 80 till you celebrate other birthdays,” he said.

Also eulogising the President, former Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, described the President as a man with an impeccable character and somebody that loves Nigeria.

“He is a man whom all of us; even his adversaries will agree that this is a man with a flawless character, a man with a good heart, very compassionate, very committed and a good listener. 

“Somebody that loves his family, Nigeria; he is a nationalist. President Muhammadu Buhari will always think about others. In his own little way and even in his humorous way, he will always not just think about himself.

“He is somebody tha is not bothered about all these worldly things he is already a contented human being,” he said.

Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi described President Buhari as a detribalised person that means well for Nigeria.

“Let me say here that the President is a very highly detribalised personality.

“He is a man that loves this nation. Every time you meet him, he laments about the level of patriotism of our people.

“You will see a man that has passion for the people of this country, a man that loves every section of this country,” he said.

The governor thanked President Buhari for completing the second Niger bridge, which is now facilitating the movement of people and goods to the Eastern part of the country this yuletide season.

The President’s eldest daughter, Fatima Buhari, who spoke on behalf of her siblings and the entire family, used the occasion to thank her father for investing in their future by giving them the needed training and caring for their wellbeing.

“We are deeply honoured to be here celebrating the 80th birthday of our beloved father.

“I thank almighty Allah for his mercy and grace, for giving our beloved father long life and good health.

“Baba is someone who money cannot buy. That is one thing we know and he taught us that. He taught us humility, loyalty, integrity, dignity and honesty and he has a very good sense of humour.

“He gave us everything a parent will give his child; love, care, good education, shelter and many more,” she said.

There were good will messages from traditional rulers, who all eulogized President Buhari as a man of integrity and a huge sense of humour.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, led other members of the President’s cabinet as they presented a giant birthday card, as the rejoiced with him on his 80th birthday.

Governors who also graced the occasion were Aminu Masari of Katsina State and Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi.

•Blames ex-VP’s campaigners for violence in Rivers
•Party battles cracks in Katsina, Gombe, Oyo, Ebonyi, others
•Emmanuel rekindles hope for reconciliation in talks with Ortom

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, yesterday dealt  the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate,Alhaji Atiku Abubakar,a fresh blow  in their  face off ahead of the February election.

The governor sealed off the Atiku/Okowa campaign office located in the Port Harcourt Government Reservation Area (GRA),after turning down a request by the Campaign Management Committee in the state to use the residential building  for political reason.

Atiku supporters in the state yesterday protested the government action as a violation of right of  free expression.

Human rights activist, Shehu Sani, branded the sealing of the campaign office as unfortunate and wrong.

 “The report of the sealing of the Atiku Abubakar PDP Presidential campaign office in PH is unfortunate and wrong,”  he said on Twitter.

The Director General of the Atiku  Campaign Management Committee in the  state had,in a November 28,2022 letter to the Commissioner for  Physical Planning ,applied to change the use of house No.32 Onne Road,GRA Phase 11.

But in its response of December 19,2022,the ministry said the purpose for which the application was made was “contracting to the designated use.”

It said: “We write in reference to your application for Change in Use/Purpose  dated 28th November 2022 for your campaign office  at No.32 Onne Road,GRA PHASE 11,Port Harcourt.

“In your  response  to our Notice served,no Title documents was attached.Also your  contact phone number  cannot be reached.We have sent  text messages to this effect to you on the subject matter for you to furnish this office with your Title documents.

However,we are aware that the area GRA 1 & 11 is designated for residential purpose,therefore the use  of the property as a campaign office (semi-public) is contracting to the designated use.

“In the light of the above,your application for Change in Use/Purpose cannot be approved.”

The letter was signed by Stella N.Enyadike,Director,Physical Planning and Transport for the commissioner.

The property was subsequently sealed off.

The Atiku Campaign Committee did not take kindly to the action of the state government which it called a violation of free expression.

It said:”The public is hereby informed that the sealed premises had no bill board or poster, since the approval had not been given, yet it was sealed off, a sign that the delay in the approval is premeditated and computed to cause this sort of unlawfulness.

“We urge our dear leaders in the state to challenge this illegality in a court of competent jurisdiction so that friction can disappear from our political space.

“The right to campaign for preferred candidate is enshrined in the Constitution of Nigeria, which is the grand norm from which every other law derives its power.”

Wike:Some PDP leaders are deliberately provoking violence

Wike who,along with four of his fellow governors in the PDP,are opposed to Atiku as the party’s flag bearer,justified the sealing off of the property saying some PDP leaders in the state were out to instigate violence.

The governor said that Senator Lee Maeba and Dr. Abiye Sekibo were making efforts to foist violence on the state by deliberately violating a state law prohibiting the location of  political offices in residential areas of the state.

Maeba used to represent Rivers South in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly.

He recently alleged that agents of the state government invaded his Port Harcourt residence ,attacked his brother and damaged some of the cars parked on the premises.

Wike at the commissioning of the Bori-Kono road in the state yesterday  claimed that Maeba had  contributed  nothing  much to Ogoniland despite his acclaimed closeness to the PDP presidential candidate.

Said the governor:”You (Maeba) were made a senator. Mention one project you brought to the people of Ogoniland as a distinguished senator.

“When you were the senator, the presidential candidate of PDP was the Vice President and you said you are close to him. What project did you bring to Ogoniland?

“No, Ogoni, you people are here. Senator Lee Maeba claimed that he was one of the few senators that were close to the Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who is now the  presidential candidate of the PDP.

“Senator Ledogo Maeba, with your closeness then, with your opportunity and privileges, what did you bring to the people of Ogoniland? Mention one project. I went to your community the other day. I saw the school you attended. I cried. How could a senator have attended this kind of school and yet, look at the shape that school is in? Go and see what that school looks like.

“East-West Road, I gave it to you, Lee Maeba, to do. The only thing you got in the Senate was an oil block, which you sold at $15 million. Who has a calculator there? Convert it; it comes down to 700. Seven hundred (times) 10 is 7 billion, is it not? Seven hundred (times) five will be how many? 3.5! That is, 13.5 billion (naira) was what you got (and) was paid to you.

“As a minister, my community never had a school. I brought a school to my community. As a chief of staff, I brought roads to my community. You were doing constituency projects. Where is your own in Ogoniland? Stop using Ogoni people. Stop telling lies.

“No amount of lies you concoct can change the minds of the people because they know all you are doing is for your selfish interests. You said I promised you governor. I never (did). You said they were calling you here to the throne. Which throne? I don’t have a throne to give anybody. You are telling people all kinds of lies. We are not people of violence.”

Further splits in states

Apart from the latest onslaught from Wike, further assault on Atiku’s  presidential aspiration seems to be increasing especially from PDP chapters in Katsina, Gombe, Oyo, Delta and Ebonyi States among others.

In Delta State, a faction loyal to former Governor James Ibori is at war with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa over the outcome of the PDP primary elections held last May across the state. Sources within the party told our correspondent that all efforts by party leaders and stakeholders so far  to reconcile the two factions have failed.

One of the sources said:”As things stand, it is uncertain that the Ibori group will work with Okowa, who incidentally is the Vice Presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 elections. “The PDP in Delta state, for the first time since 1999, is going into a general election divided and weakened. Ibori is the heart of the PDP in Delta State and that is a well-known fact.

“His group is not moving yet and the leaders of the party within and outside Delta know what that means. With the failure of all reconciliation efforts, I wonder what will become of PDP in the state next year. Don’t also forget that Omo-Agege, the APC candidate for governorship, was a member of the Ibori camp before he dumped PDP.”

Ibori and Okowa fell out over who should be the governorship candidate of the PDP in the state. While the governor supported current House of Assembly Speaker, Sheriff Oborevwori for the ticket, Ibori backed David Edevbie. Oborevwori eventually won the primary election leading to a series of litigations. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has  recognised the Speaker, citing court orders as its reason.

But the Ibori camp has refused  to accept the verdict. Party sources said  the leadership of the group had severally refused entreaties from PDP leaders to work with Okowa to deliver Delta State to the party next year.

In Katsina, a long standing feud between former Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema, and the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Senator Yakubu Lado Danmarke, is threatening the chances of the PDP in next year’s elections.

The Nation learnt that the decision of Atiku to recognize Lado as the arrow head of his campaign in the state has pitted  Shema and majority of the leaders of the party in the state against his presidential ambition. Last Tuesday, Shema, and 10 out of the 14-member working committee of the party, boycotted Atiku’s mega rally held in the state.

Similarly, 20 out of the PDP chairmen in the 34 local government chairmen of the state stayed away from the rally. They are all believed to be loyalists of Shema. There are fears that Shema and other aggrieved leaders of the PDP, including Hon. Salisu Yusuf Majigiri, a former chairman of the party, as well as Alhaji Salisu Uli, acting chairman of the party, along with their teeming supporters, may not work for the candidates of the PDP in the state during the general elections. Supporters of Shema are accusing Lado of constantly disrespecting the former governor.

Indications that the PDP in Gombe State is heading for more trouble emerged yesterday when the state chapter suspended its Publicity Secretary, Murtala Usman, for alleged anti-party activities. The PDP Secretary in the state, Alhaji Adamu Abubakar, confirmed the development in a statement in Gombe.

Only last week, the party  lost Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, a frontline gubernatorial aspirant to the All Progressives Congress (APC) with thousands of his supporters.

Announcing Usman’s suspension, Abubakar said: “As the PRO of the party who is supposed to protect the image of the party, his activities are inimical to the ideals and progress of the party. The general public is hereby informed that anybody who conducts any business with him in the name of PDP does so at his own peril.” While confirming that he received the suspension letter on Thursday, said he had planned to resign from the position before his suspension. He promised to make public his next political move in a few days.

Gwamna had cited internal crisis, poor leadership, disregard for rule of law within the party and disunity as reasons for his decision to dump the PDP. According to him, the leadership of the PDP in the state had poorly managed affairs of the party which led to different factions within the party. He added that his political ideology was anchored on unity, inclusiveness, fairness and justice and “if those are not found in the party then there is no reason to be in that camp.”

The decision of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to void the primary election of the PDP in Ebonyi State, just a few months before the general election, has thrown the party into confusion with many leaders and members of the party uncertain about the fate of its candidates in the February/March 2023 elections. The party,  in its first primary election conducted in May 28th and 29th 2022, elected Mr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii as its gubernatorial candidate.The party also held another primary election on the 4th and 5th of June 2022, which produced Obinna Ogba as its factional governorship candidate.

While INEC has named Odii as the party’s candidate based on court orders, many chieftains of the party in the state have been boycotting activities of the party in protest.

Party sources told The Nation that the development portends great dangers to the chances of Atiku in the state.

“The PDP in Ebonyi is seriously divided and many of our people are not ready to work with the people currently parading themselves as candidates and leaders of the PDP. Unless something drastic happens to return the party to the real owners, Atiku should forget about winning in Ebonyi,” a source said.

 Hope rekindles for peace between G-5 govs, Atiku faction as Govs Ortom, Emmanuel meet

Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel has launched a fresh initiative to strike a peace deal between the PDP presidential candidate and his G-5 antagonists -Govs Wike (Rivers State),Seyi Makinde (Oyo);Ifeanyi Ugwuayi (Enugu);Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia); and Samuel Ortom (Benue).

Emmanuel on Thursday night  held a closed door meeting with Ortom at the Akwa Ibom State Government House, Uyo.

Interacting with journalists after the meeting, Emmanuel, who is the Chairman of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), said the leadership of the party was open to peace with the G5 governors of PDP.

He assured all party faithful that the reconciliation of some of its aggrieved governors would ensure the  party’s victory in next year’s general elections.

Describing all the PDP governors as brothers ,he  said:”We all came in as a family.Whether you like it or not these are brothers.Even in the parable of the lost sheep in the Bible only one sheep got missing and Jesus Christ left the rest and went after that one, how much more when you have brothers that are up to five.

“You turn around on a campaign platform you don’t see them suddenly you will feel you need them.These are people you started together. I think I still feel empty that we are all not together on a campaign platform but when it comes to governance we are all together and we have mutual respect for each other.

“We listen to each other and we try to look at the way forward and I want to believe it is getting to that point where sacrifices must be made so that there can be peace.

“Someone like me I am pursuing peace and I want peace to reign and once we can achieve that our party will coast into victory”, the governor assured.

“Governor Ortom made a statement and I am sure you listened to him. I agree 100% with him. We are ready to make peace and I can assure our party that these are governors who have structures, and something to show, these are governors who have capacity.

“We will do everything possible to put the house together on the 2023 campaigns, but when it comes to governance we are still as intact as ever”.

Earlier, Ortom said the G5 governors of PDP werestill with the party, but expressed their displeasure over the leadership of the party’s inability to deploy its conflict resolution mechanism to resolve its internal grievances.

Ortom pointed out that dialogue remained key towards accommodating the interest of the party stalwarts, adding that the aggrieved governors never turned their back on dialogue and reconciliation when terms are met to fit with their interest.

He said:”We were not happy with the national leadership of our party as it had not been able to deploy its conflict resolution mechanism internally to solve the problems, and the grievances that we have. 

“Governor Udom is one of us, he is a governor like the rest of us and in politics, dialogue is key towards resolving conflicts and problems that may arise as a result of conventions or congresses.

“We have never said we have turned our back on dialogue and reconciliation; if the terms are met, why not, we will work if it fits in our own interest.”

•Army, others deployed to INEC offices in Imo – REC
•Burning of commission’s offices must stop, IGP warns

Officers of the Nigerian Army and Department of State Services (DSS), have been deployed to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)  offices in Imo State, to forestall further attacks on the facilities.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Prof. Sylvia Agu disclosed this on Friday during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily .

His words:  “Security men have been deployed, stationed in those areas. At the headquarters, we have the army, the Civil Defence, and the DSS. In the various local governments, we are using vigilante groups; we are using Ebubeagu group too and we have 100 percent assurance from the security men – not just giving us the assurance, they are already on the ground,” she said.

“That particular building is one housing the election party monitoring department (EPM), security, the transport office, and some of the accounts building (sic). It’s very destructive, but we thank God because it did not affect our sensitive materials.”

Agu dismissed fears that the attacks could affect the commission’s operations, saying: “It’s really not enormous, because we have a backup for the accounts section. For the transport section, we don’t have much there. What we have there are pieces of furniture. For the EPM office, we have a backup. For all those things that got burnt, we have backups.

“For the security office, (there was) nothing serious. We are aware that we’re vulnerable and because of that, we normally create backups in case of those types of incidents, so that when it happens, we can always lay (our) hands on our backups,” she said.

INEC offices in Isu Local Government Area (LGA), Orlu and Oru West LGAs as well as the state headquarters in Owerri, had recently come under attacks by unknown gunmen.

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, has urged Police personnel in Ebonyi to ensure that the incessant burning of Independent INEC offices  ceases immediately.

Baba gave the order on Friday in Abakaliki while addressing personnel of the force as part of activities marking his visit to the state.

Baba urged the personnel to do all within their powers to protect INEC facilities and other public facilities in the state.

“The mode of attack by these hoodlums is complex because they throw bombs and dynamites among others from distances.

“We believe that in addition to providing physical security at the INEC offices, you should liaise with its officials on providing offices for our personnel,” he said.

The IGP said it is the primary responsibility of the police to provide security at INEC offices across the state even before and after the forthcoming general elections.

“Existing INEC offices across the state should be relocated to safer places if possible but if not, important materials should be relocated to safer places.

“I appreciate all your efforts to protect lives and properties in Ebonyi and the various assistance of the state government to the force,” he said.

He noted that activities of the Ebubeagu Security outfit in the state should be regulated by the police as it should not operate unchecked.

“There is a law establishing the outfit and I am sure that its responsibilities fall under the supervision of the police.

“There is no problem with the outfit wearing uniforms because even community police officers wear uniforms.

“They must, however, have proper means of identification and it should be reiterated that the task of policing is everyone’s business,” he said.

The state Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Garba, thanked the IGP for the visit and noted that it has greatly boosted the morale of its personnel in the state.

“We promise to redouble our efforts in securing the lives and properties of the citizens,” he said.