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Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • Ban on secessionist group: Ohanaeze youths back S’East govs

    Ban on secessionist group: Ohanaeze youths back S’East govs

    Youths of the Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has given its support to the decision by South East governors to proscribe the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    The group also entered into an agreement in Abuja yesterday with leaders of other ethnic nationalities in the country to promote peace and ensure the safety of every Nigerian.

    In a communique issued at the end of the leaders of ethnic nationalities meeting held at FAB Apartments, Abuja, the Ohanaeze Youth Council reassured all Northerners and members of other ethnic nationalities resident in the East to go about their businesses without any fear as the safety of their lives and properties is guaranteed.

    Similarly, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) reassured the Igbo and other ethnic groups resident in the northern part of the country of the safety of their lives and property, and the guarantee that they reserve the right to pursue their legitimate businesses and livelihood without fear.

    The meeting, which was attended by the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Yoruba Youth Congress (YYC), Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) and a host of other groups, restated the group’s commitment to a united, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria where the rights of all citizens to live peacefully in any part of the country is guaranteed, adding that all Nigerians have the moral duty to be their brother’s keeper in all parts and affairs anywhere in the country.

    The leadership of the OYC in a separate statement signed by the President, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro; the Deputy National President, Dr Arthur Obiora;  the Secretary General, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike and other executive members called on President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently commence the process of restructuring the country by marching words with action.

     ”We are saddened by the level of confrontation between the Nigerian Army and the Biafra agitators and the consequent death of many Igbo youths in the process.

    “We are also sad over the reported death of a policeman during this unfortunate but avoidable incident. We say avoidable in the sense that before the launch of Operation Python Dance 2, there was already a reasonable level of discussion between us and the agitators.

    “We are equally aware that South-East governors were also in discussion with the agitators before the military launched its action.

    “However, considering the level of destruction and ruins that could have erupted, we applaud the South-East governors for rising to the occasion.

    “It was indeed the need of the moment. We cannot afford to continue to lose the lives of our people, in addition to over three million killed during the civil war,” the group said.

    The OYC, however, noted that proscribing the IPOB was merely a temporary measure, adding that if the root causes of the agitations were not addressed, “we would not be any surprised if another group more daring than IPOB springs up in the future.

    “While we affirm our belief in one and united Nigeria anchored on justice and fairness, we insist that the country should be fair and just to all irrespective of ethnicity or religion.

    “The Igbo are equally partners in the Nigerian project and should, therefore, be treated fairly.

    “We commend Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State for his mature disposition in handling Aba crisis, and South East National Assembly members led Ekweremadu.

    “May we also urge the President to pardon and release all the IPOB members arrested during the reported confrontation with the military.”

     

  • IG urges new recruits to eschew corruption

    IG urges new recruits to eschew corruption

    The Inspector-General ( IG ) of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, on Friday, urged the 465 new police recruits to eschew any act of corruption and be dedicated to their duties.

    The police boss made the call at the Passing Out Parade of the police constables at the Police Training School, Minna.

    Represented by Deputy Inspector-General ( IG ) of Police, Finance and Administration, Shauibu Gamb.
    He said “I will not hesitate to deal decisively with any police officer found in acts which violate the law of the land, including the prosecution of such persons to act as deterrent to others.”

    Idris added that the 465 constables would be posted to their states of origin to ensure effective
    community policing.

    He stressed that “you are, therefore, advised not to engage in any corrupt practices and any other nefarious activities.

    “Nigeria is in a democratic system of government where the rights of citizens must be respected.”

    The police chief assured the public that the Nigeria Police would continue to operate within its constitutional mandate.

    He explained that “this made the police high command to launch `Our Creed,’ aimed at guiding officers’ actions while on their professional duties in line with international best practices.

    “We shall ensure the rule of law prevails in our action and activities and operate within the principles of democratic governance.”

    He lauded the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the recruitment of 31,000 police officers yearly.

    Earlier, Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger, who was represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Ibrahim Ketsu, lauded police efforts in the state.

    Bello expressed the state government’s determination to continue to support the police for effective policing.

  • FG begins North-East humanitarian Makeathon in october

    FG begins North-East humanitarian Makeathon in october

    The Federal Government will begin a North-East focused Makeathon in October, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Vice President, Mr Laolu Akande, said on Thursday.

    Makeathon is a process of crowdsourcing ideas around solutions open to interested persons, humanitarian actors, engineers, designers, scientists, innovators, investors and entrepreneurs in the region.

    According to Akande, the programme is in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration’s policy of promoting use of technology as critical tool for public service delivery.

    He said The programme would be conducted through the Presidency’s National Social Investment Office.

    The North East Makeathon is slated to run from October 2017 to December 2017 and will usher in the first set of incubation activities in the proposed North East humanitarian innovation hub.

    He said the focus of the hub would be to address challenges faced by persons in the region, some of which include Nutrition and Food Security, Early Recovery and Economic Security (Diversifying Livelihoods).

    Others are Camp Coordination and Management, Education (innovative and creative learning solutions) and Health (innovation, which addresses the health issues faced by pregnant women, children and communities in the region.

    Another critical area of focus in the hub, he said, would be the protection of women and children, gender-based violence, innovative and preventive measures.

    The Vice Presidential Spokesman said that the establishment of the proposed hub for the North-East was being driven by the National Social Investment Office working with the Presidential Committee for the North-East Initiatives ( PCNI ).

    Also involved would be the National Emergency Management Agency ( NEMA ), in partnership with International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC).

    Akande said it would serve as Humanitarian Innovation Hub and be situated in Yola, Adamawa State.

    The Federal Government intended to create eight private sector-led Innovation Hubs across the country, one in each of the six geo-political zones, as well as in Lagos and Abuja, he added.

    He explained that the main objective was to foster innovation in the country, through the National Social Investment Office.

    “The proposed innovation hubs would also provide training of varied IT skills, empowering youth for entrepreneurship and employment.

    “Additionally, the hubs would provide platform at an entrepreneurial level for support from the venture capital sector, as well as create job opportunities for graduates and trainees.”

    According to Akande, the goal is to catalyse growth and employment-focused partnerships while bringing together IDPs, humanitarian actors, social entrepreneurs, businesses, as well as the public and private sector.

    The agencies would have the shared goal of scaling effective, timely, efficient and ethical solutions to address common challenges and provide local solutions for local problems, including religious matters, he said.

    He noted that for further details on the challenges and how to participate, interested persons could refer to the website at www.nemakeathon.org.

  • Trump hosts Buhari, other African leaders, lauds Ebola defeat

    Trump hosts Buhari, other African leaders, lauds Ebola defeat

    U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday hosted President Muhammadu Buhari and other African leaders to a working lunch on the sidelines of the 72nd UN General Assembly in New York.

    Trump, who said he was greatly honoured to host the lunch, which took place at the New York Palace Hotel, described African leaders as “partners for promoting prosperity and peace.

    “I’m greatly honoured to be joined by leaders of Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Namibia, Senegal, Uganda and South Africa. In particular, I want to thank President Condé, who is representing the African Union,” he said.

    “In this room, I see partners for promoting prosperity and peace on a range of economic, humanitarian and security issues.

    “We hope to extend our economic partnerships with countries who are committed to self-reliance and to fostering opportunities for job creation in both Africa and the United States.

    “Africa has tremendous business potential. I have so many friends going to your countries, trying to get rich. I congratulate you.

    “They’re spending a lot of money. But it does – it has tremendous business potential and representing huge amounts of different markets. And for American firms it’s really become a place that they have to go – that they want to go.

    “Six of the world’s ten fastest-growing economies are in Africa. Increasing American trade and investment across diverse industries – including agriculture, energy, transportation, healthcare, travel, and tourism – will further transform lives throughout the continent.”

    He said “Africa, I have to say, is a continent of tremendous potential. The outlook is bright. I look forward to hearing from you and your advice during the meal.”

    The U.S. leader said  he was eager to closely know more African leaders! noting tha “I really want to congratulate you – growing very fast economically and in every other way. You’ve done a terrific job, you’ve had some tremendous obstacles placed in your path, but you have done really an absolutely incredible job.”

    Trump pledged that the U.S. would partner with African countries and organisations, like the African Union, leading successful efforts to end violence to prevent the spread of terrorism, and to respond to humanitarian crises.

    “I commend your troops currently serving in the field. Very brave. Very, very brave what they’re going through. But we cannot have prosperity if we’re not healthy.

    “We will continue our partnership on critical health initiatives. Uganda has made incredible strides in the battle against HIV/AIDS. In Guinea and Nigeria, you fought a horrifying Ebola outbreak.

    “Namibia’s health system is increasingly self-sufficient. My Secretary of Health and Human Services will be traveling to Africa to promote our Global Health Security Agenda.”

    The U.S. leader, however, regretted that too many people were suffering from conflict in Africa, pointing out the Central African Republic, the Congo, Libya, Mali, Somalia and South Sudan, among others, “were going through dangerous times.”

    He noted that terrorist groups, such as ISIS, al-Shabaab, Boko Haram, and al Qaeda threaten African peace, adding that the U.S. was proud to work with African leaders toward eradicating terrorist safe havens, to cut off their finances, and to discredit their depraved ideology.

    “And a number of you have told me – actually, last night – that we’ve been doing a very good job over the last six or seven months in particular,” he said.

    Trump said the U.S. was closely monitoring and deeply disturbed by ongoing violence in South Sudan and in the Congo, adding that U.S. had continued to provide humanitarian assistance but real results in halting the conflicts would require an African-led peace process and sincere commitment of all parties involved.

    “And I know you’re working on that, and you’re working on that very hard to assist in these efforts, I’m sending Ambassador Nikki Haley to Africa to discuss avenues of conflict and resolution and most importantly, prevention”.

    Trump, at the dinner attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama and the Permanent Representative to the UN, Prof. Tijjani Bande, also discussed Africa-U.S. partnership against the nuclear weapons threat from North Korea, describing it “a global challenge.

    “Today, the world faces enormous security threat from North Korea. We must all stand together and be accountable in implementing UN sanctions and resolutions in response to North Korea’s hostile and menacing actions.

    “We believe that a free, independent and democratic nation, in all cases, is the best vehicle for human happiness and success. Thank you for joining me for this critical discussion about challenges and opportunities in our nations”, Trump said.

  • Buhari lauds Jordan for military donation

    Buhari lauds Jordan for military donation

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in New York lauded the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for the donation of hardware in support of Nigeria’s campaign against terrorism and insurgency.

    Mr Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Femi Adesina.

    He said that Buhari made the commendation at a bilateral meeting with Femi AdesinaII of Jordan on the sideline of the ongoing 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

    Adesina said the President was delighted with the pledge by the Jordanian government to further supply helicopters to Nigeria.

    He quoted Buhari saying that “the very expensive donation of about 200 Armoured Fighting Vehicles reflects true concern for Nigeria’s security situation and genuine goodwill towards a friendly nation.’’

    The presidential aide said Buhari also reassured the King of Nigeria’s commitment towards the proposed Aqaba Process with countries in the region.

    Aqaba is the only coastal city in Jordan and the largest and most populous city on the Gulf of Aqaba

    “Nigeria is willing to play a leading role in bringing together countries in the West African sub-region into this collective security arrangement.”

    He said the president pledged Nigeria’s continued desire for enhanced bilateral ties with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

    The Jordanian King had earlier informed Buhari that his Government was in the process of opening an embassy in Abuja in the next few months.

    He, therefore, expressed appreciation over the support being extended to his country by the Nigerian government in this regard.

    He told Buhari that his National Security Adviser ( NSA ) would soon be working out the finer details of the Aqaba Process with his Nigerian counterpart.

    The President was accompanied to the bilateral meeting, the third of its kind since the inception of the current administration, by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama and the NSA, retired Maj-Gen. Babagana Monguno.

    Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Prof. Tijjani Bande also attended the meeting.

    The statement recalled that soon after President Buhari took office in 2015, the Jordanian King had offered a hand of friendship, cooperation and support for Nigeria in its fight against terrorism and insurgency.

    This resulted in the NSA undertaking two visits to Jordan to follow up on issues previously discussed with the King, and the donation of military hardware and pledge of further support.

    These gestures were aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s operational capabilities in the fight against terror both within the country and the Lake Chad Basin.

    The security situation in Nigeria affects neighbouring Cameroon, Chad and Niger where the Multinational Joint Task Force is engaging the Boko Haram insurgents and terrorists.

    The NSA’s second trip to Jordan on the invitation of the King in January 2016 to attend the 3rd Aqaba Process also resulted in a renewed commitment between the two countries to consider multilateral action in confronting the menace of terrorism.

    The Kingdom of Jordan has similar Aqaba arrangement with the East African countries battling protracted terrorist menace.

    Nigeria has agreed to work with countries in the region on a similar arrangement with Jordan.

    “It is anticipated that the first Aqaba Process for Nigeria and sister countries within the sub-region with Jordan will be held in late November or early December 2017,’’ the statement said.

  • PENGASSAN to FG – ‘settle marketers debts to avert mass sack’

    PENGASSAN to FG – ‘settle marketers debts to avert mass sack’

    The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria ( PENGASSAN ) on Sunday called on the Federal Government to settle all debts allegedly owed oil marketers to engender growth of the oil and gas industry and develop the nation’s economy.

    The union made the call against the backdrop of threat by the marketers to embark on massive retrenchment of their employees if the government refused to pay the over N720 billion subsidy arrears.

    Mr Fortune Obi, National Public Relations Officer, PENGASSAN in a statement said the debts were the outstanding subsidy owed on the importation of petroleum products, accrued interest on loans from banks and exchange rate differential.

    The union said the debts resulted in halt in the importation of refined petroleum products leaving only the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) doing the business.

    PENGASSAN appealed to government to pay the debts owed the marketers to speed growth  and attract more investment  in the downstream sector.

    “The government should try as much as possible to verify the authenticity of the claims by the oil marketers and ensure quick settlement of the genuine debts.

    “The government should try to separate the genuine claims by the importers from spurious ones and pay them because we will not like to be engulfed in the mistakes of the past where briefcase marketers milked the nation through dubious subsidy claims.

    “A situation where the workers in the industry bear the inability of the government to honour its obligations as part of the importation deal will be unfair and unacceptable to our Association. This is against the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration major policy of job creation.

    “As a responsible trade union, as much as we will support any move by the government to end subsidy regime and spurious claims by the marketers, we are also canvassing for the payment of debts that can hinder the growth of the downstream sector and attract investments into the sector,” PENGASSAN said.

    The union noted that in the last five years about 70 per cent of the workforce in the downstream sector, especially the marketing sub sector have been thrown into the “over-bloated labour market.”

  • Buhari’s integrity is unimpeachable – Onyeama

    Buhari’s integrity is unimpeachable – Onyeama

    Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has described the integrity of President Muhammadu Buhari as unimpeachable and remained intact in the fight against corruption.

    Onyeama told the Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New York that the amount of money siphoned out of the country was staggering.

    According to him, however, the Federal Government has been engaging countries where the money was stashed away for repatriation.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari is known as a crusader against corruption; his integrity in unimpeachable.

    “The high level of corruption has played a direct role in the development deficit in the country.

    “We know that corruption fights but it’s a fight this government intends to fight to the end.

    “We will require global cooperation to facilitate restitution and repatriation of those funds. Corruption is an impediment to development,” the Minister said.

    Onyeama said Switzerland had repatriated about $1 billion in looted funds to Nigeria while high-level discussions were ongoing with Britain, Qatar, the U.S. and a host of other countries.

    He explained that corruption was endemic and was not going to be won overnight, stressing that the Federal Government was determined to block financial leakages in the system.

    The minister added that Buhari had also made it clear that there would be no immunity for high-profile corrupt individuals, adding that the Whistle Blowers’ policy was working.

    According to him, the Federal Government has the records of all the money recovered from proceeds of corruption and that the money would be channelled to appropriate projects that impact on the people.

    He, however, said government was yet to ‘name and shame’ those from whom looted money was recovered so as not to discourage restitution.

    Onyeama said Africa was blessed with various human and natural resources but that the enabling environments needed to be created for the continent to realise its full potentials.

    The Minister also said that majority of Nigerians were hard working and honest people who were found in every country in the world.

    On the reported skirmishes on the Bakassi Peninsula, Onyeama said there were no fewer than four million Nigerians in Cameroon, adding that Nigeria-Cameroon relations was cordial.

    He also disclosed that Nigeria was calling for the reform of the UN Security Council to reflect the current realities.

    According to him, Nigeria is pushing for two permanent members’ seats for Africa on the Council, adding that Nigeria was ready to serve Africa in that capacity.

    The theme for the UN General Assembly is: ‘Focusing on People: Striving for Peace and a Decent Life for All on a Sustainable Planet’, holding from Sept. 19 to 25.

  • Jos tension: Dambazau assures adequate security

    Jos tension: Dambazau assures adequate security

    The Minister of Interior, retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, has assured Nigerians that the President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government would provide adequate security to protect lives and property of citizens.

    Danbazau said this in Jos while on a fact finding mission to assess the tension in Jos caused by reactions to agitations for secession by Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    Tension and confusion on Thursday evening in Jos resulted in the death of two people as confirmed by Gov. Simon Lalong but the situation was quickly contained.

    The minister said that government had put in place adequate security measures to tackle any challenge that might rear its ugly head.

    He commended Gov. Lalong and security agencies for their prompt reaction to contain the situation without much damage.

    “I want to reiterate President Buhari’s assurances that all Nigerians have the right to stay wherever they want and government will protect their rights and privileges.

    “I want to assure you that come Oct. 1, nobody will infringe on anybody’s rights wherever they are staying.

    “Even those who issued the relocation statement have withdrawn it,” he said.

  • Alhassan to APC: I’m sorry over comment

    Alhassan to APC: I’m sorry over comment

    Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Hajia Aisha Jummai Alhassan— who last week said she would not support President Muhammadu Buhari should he decide to seek reelection in 2019 —has apologised for her “indiscretion”, the All Progressives Congress (APC)  said yesterday.

    The minister, who said she would support former Vice Presdent Atiku Abubakar who is her mentor, to run in 2019, met for  two hours with party leaders led by National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun. She was summoned to clarify her statement.

    National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi told reporters after the meeting that Hajia Alhasan had accepted her fault, adding that while she had a right to give support to whosoever she like, the timing of her statement was wrong.

    The minister, who arrived at the secretariat at about 1.50 pm, did not leave until 4.05 pm.

    She declined to speak with reporters, saying:  “I can’t talk when the APC spokesman is here with me. I’m not the party’s spokesperson.”

    Abdullahi, who saw her off to the car,said the party recognised the minister’s right to say her mind but was of the view that with her position in the government and the party, the timing of her statement was wrong and capable of sending the wrong signal to Nigerians.

    He said: “Since the issue of the comment she made came up, the party had not said anything regardless of what individuals might have told you because we are a party that recognise the right of her members to express their opinions or views.

    “We also had an opportunity to discuss with the minister to understand what she said and in what context she said so before knowing how to respond. So, when she came, we asked her to explain to us what truly transpired and in what context she said what she said and she did offer the explanation.

    “Now, having offered her explanation, we acknowledged that as a member of this party, she is entitled to her opinion and she is entitled to her choice. However, as a senior member of this party, her statement represents an act of indiscretion because with the kind of position she occupies within the party, she is a party leader in her own right, what she said was not what she was supposed to say at the time that she said it.

    “She ought to have exercised greater judgement than she did and she acknowledged that yes, maybe she ought not to have. Maybe the timing was wrong and she apologised if she had put the party in any difficult position.

    “I want you to take note of the fact that nobody is questioning her right to take the position she has taken. We have not come out to say, ‘why are you saying you are supporting this person?”

    The APC spokesman said the party never discussed the option of resignation with the minister. “That did not come up.”

    He added: “If this was 2018 and the people have filed their applications to say they are contesting and she now comes out and says she is supporting this person, how can that be an issue? But we are still in 2017. We are still far away.

    “(Former Vice President) Atiku (Abubakar) has not said he is contesting. He has not collected any form. He has not announced to anybody that he is contesting. So, that is what we mean by the timing.”

  • Abia announces withdrawal of soldiers

    Abia announces withdrawal of soldiers

    Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has announced the withdrawal of soldiers from the streets of Aba and Umuahia, the state capital.

    Ikpeazu announcing this in a media chat with Journalists in Umuahia on Thursday said that the reason for the withdrawal was as a result of intervention from well-meaning Abians and Nigerians.

    The governor disclosed that he was going to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari to urge him to suspend the planned Python Dance II exercise scheduled to commence later this month in the southeast and warned that the state wouldn’t entertain any form of agitation or protest on the streets of the state.

    Related: IPOB’s agitation a joke – Gov. Okorocha

    Ikpeazu who warned members and sympathizers of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB to stop spreading false rumors urged residents to abide by the curfew throughout the period it would last. This is as he called for

    Part of his address read “Dear brothers and sisters, the security situation in the state in the past few days, which led to the deployment of soldiers into our state ahead of the Operation Python dance 11, has become of great concern to both the government and the citizenry.

    “After several interventions, I want to inform you that by tomorrow morning, there will be withdrawal of solders from the streets at Aba and Umuahia, apart from the pre-existing military checkpoints at various location in the state.

    “With the expected exit of soldiers from the streets, we must warn that we will not tolerate agitators and protesters taking over the streets for any reason at all.

    “I will also be meeting the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, to discuss possible ways of relaxing the Operation Python dance 11 in the state for now.

    “Our attention have been drawn to ugly incidences of attacks on police stations and military posts at Aba and Umuahia and we hereby warn that we will no longer tolerate that, and all other acts that are capable of causing insecurity in the state.

    Also: Video: IPOB agitators begin stop, search for Northerners

     

    “We have also observed illegal acts of throwing petrol bombs and setting up of bonfires to obstruct free movements along some roads by suspected miscreants and wish to warn that such acts should stop forthwith.

    “To mischief makers who want to use Abia as their base, let me announce to you that henceforth, Abia will be too hot for you to carry out your wicked acts as the government will work with security agents to ensure the protection of lives and properties in the state without fear or favor. There will be no hiding place for you.

    “At about midnight yesterday, we received security reports that hoodlums and miscreants, some of whom were allegedly brought into the state by unscrupulous individuals, were mobilizing around Uratta road at Aba with a view to converging at Ariaria International Market to burn it down. Their aim was obviously to take advantage of the security situation in the state to cripple the economy of the state and cause widespread suffering.

    “It was this group that originated the rumors of attacks and counter attacks around the area and also tried to create panic to force people out of their homes to enable them execute their evil intentions under the cover of orchestrated crises.

    “Thankfully their plan was nipped in the bud by the combined team of soldiers and policemen that promptly moved to the area and later positioned around Ariaria market to protect the lives and properties of our people.

    “We have it on good authority that the same group of hoodlums attempted to burn down the police station at Ariaria market early today and security agents are currently on the hunt for them and those outside the state who are sponsoring their evil actions. Not even one of them will escape the full weight of the law.

    “Members and sympathizers of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) should henceforth desist from spreading false rumors capable of throwing our state into disorder. Those spreading such falsehood will be dealt with, according to the Law.

    “My fellow Abians, it is in the interest of all our citizens and residents for full and total peace and security to return to our state immediately. No meaningful progress can be made in an atmosphere of violence and and anarchy.

    “Those at Aba are therefore advised to fully observe the current curfew in the city and ensure that they cooperate with security agents to maintain peace and order.

    “I swore to protect lives and properties of all Abians and residents and that I must do. I therefore call on all to support our efforts at making sure that lasting peace prevails in our dear state.”