Amid a violent protest in the Yauri local government area of Kebbi state, a stray bullet allegedly fired by marine police near the Yauri river has killed a businessman in his shop where he sells plastics.

Our source Malam Umar Bako Yelwa who confirmed the incident said that the protest became violent when protesters blocked the federal highway blocking traffic into Yauri town.

He added that while marine police engaged the protesters to disperse them, they allegedly fired bullets and a stray bullet hit and killed the innocent plastic seller in his shop whose name is yet to be identified as tension rises in Yauri local government.

However, efforts to get the reaction of Nigeria police, Kebbi state Command were unsuccessful as the police image maker, SP Nafiu Abubakar didn’t answer calls made to his line and as well didn’t reply to text message sent to him for enquiries.

Situation in the state Capital remains calm after the protracted protest in some parts of the town of Birnin Kebbi.

There was pandemonium at the Biogbolo suburb of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital during the hardship protest as a group of youths reportedly clashed with protesters along the Chief Melford Okilo Road.

It was gathered that the community youths were against the hunger protest.

The end bad governance protesters who were accompanied by two police vans were allegedly attacked unexpectedly from behind with bottles, planks of wood and other weapons.

But the attack was swiftly repelled by a team of police officers monitoring the situation to ensure that there was no breakdown of law and order.

The aggrieved protesters said they were out to demand action from the government to end the high cost of living and hunger.

They chanted solidarity songs and carried placards with various inscriptions such as ‘Restore fuel subsidy and reduce the price of petroleum products now’, ‘We are dying of hunger in our own country’, ‘We are suffering so much now’ and ‘We can no longer feed our children’, among others.

The protesters marched through the Yenagoa-Mbiama Road and the Melford Okilo Road defying the morning showers to register their grievances.

However, there was another set of protesters led by the Secretary of the Bayelsa State Vigilante, Innocent Kalango, in solidarity with the state government.

The protesters, armed with placards, gathered in front of the Government House, and applauded the Governor Douye Diri’s administration for completing the Igbogene-AIT Outer Ring Road, first phase of the Glory Drive, Yenagoa, ongoing Yenagoa-Oporoma road and bridge work at Angiama among others.

Kalango in an interview said: “we came out in solidarity with the Bayelsa State government because of the massive infrastructural projects being done by the present administration. We are just developing in Bayelsa and we will not want to see the structures on ground destroyed.”

Our correspondents who went round town had earlier observed a near zero protest in Yenagoa and its environs.

As early 7.30am security operatives were seen stationed at major junctions and roundabout with residents going about their businesses.

Also, Governor Diri in the early hours of the day led the weekly five-kilometre Prosperity Walk, through the streets of Yenagoa and was joined by other top government officials and Bayelsans for the fitness exercise.

Government offices were opened with some civil servants sighted at their duty posts.

There was also vehicular and tricycle movements in Yenagoa and its environs.

While some banks were closed for business, others rendered skeletal services to customers through the back door.

In the face of the unrest arising from the #Endbadgovernance protest in Kano State, Governor Abba Yusuf has declared a 24-hours curfew in the state with immediate effect.

The Governor who announced this while addressing newsmen at the Kano State government house, said the action became imperative to ensure full protection of lives and properties in the state as hoodlums and thugs have hijacked the protest to embark on looting and indiscriminate killing of innocent citizens.

Governor Yusuf said all security agencies were directed to ensure full and immediate compliance.

Recall that the protest which started peacefully later turned violent as hoodlums and thugs hijacked the protest.

Residents of Ekiti State have distanced themselves from the nationwide protest meant to address pressing issues such as hunger, insecurity, economic instability, and sundry issues.

At Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, residents were seen going about their usual daily activities while security personnel, made up of the anti-riot policemen and their regular counterparts, including a detachment of the soldiers, civil defense, immigration and Amotekun manned strategic locations, such as Ijigbo roundabout, Okesa roundabout, Irona roundabout, and Atikankan, to ensure law and order.

Popular markets in the state, including Oja Oba, Bisi Market, Okesa Market, and Agric Olope, were also bustling with transactions without any disruptions.

Speaking with a trader in Okesa Market, Iyabo Ajayi acknowledged the citizens’ right to protest but added that protests cannot solve the pressing issues, especially in a country like Nigeria.

Opeyemi Iyunloye who opined that Ekiti did not join the protest due to the state governor’s address urged citizens to embrace peace while the federal government works to find a lasting solution to the issues.

Earlier, the governor of the state, Biodun Oyebanji, enjoined youths not to submit themselves to “evil merchants” who might turn the protest from a peaceful demonstration to anarchy.

Oyebanji, who made the call on Wednesday in his special state address, added that the protest might repeat the 2020 saga, from which the state and the country were still recovering.

He said the federal government were working on the yearnings of Nigerians, noting that efforts were being intensified to lessen hunger and end hardship.

The Sole Administrator of Ikeduru local government area of Imo state, Hon Justice Nze has attributed recent positive developments in the Southeast geo-political zone, manifesting in the hosting of the first ever Inauguration of Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council in Owerri, Imo state and signing into law of the very long sought after Southeast Developments Commission by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, after so many years of struggle by Ndigbo, as resounding initiatives of Imo state Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodinma.

Speaking to newsmen in Owerri, the Ikeduru local government Sole Administrator recalled that prior to this time, Traditional Rulers in the three geo-political zones of Southern Nigeria, Southeast, Southwest and South/South, operated as separate entities and they never worked together as a formidable body.

Nze explained that Governor Uzodinma of Imo state, in his capacity as the incumbent Chairman of Nigeria’s Progressives Governors’ Forum, was able to pull royal Fathers of the three zones together under one umbrella, resulting in the historic inauguration of what is now known as Southern Nigeria Council of Traditional Rulers, in Owerri, Imo State capital on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.

The Local Government Council Boss, who is an avowed adherent of Governor Uzodinma’s 3R government, a strong crusader for peace and good governance, as well as a staunch stalwart of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stressed that the coming together of the Southern Nigeria Royal Fathers as one formidable body, with the Ooni of Ife as Chairman and Eze Cletus Ilomuanya of Imo state as Co-chairman, has placed Traditional Rulers of Southern Nigeria extraction at a vantage position to contributed more positively and meaningfully to the unity of Southern Nigeria and overall development of the dear nation.

Expressing his unreserved happiness that the Imo State Chief Executive, who is also the Chairman of Southeast Governors Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma as well as Traditional Rulers of Imo State, played leading roles which snowballed into the inauguration of the first ever Council of Traditional Rulers of the entire Southern Nigeria, Hon Justice Nze said, ” my Governor, the Lion of Southeast Geo-political Zone, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma is a man of ideas and great vision. This is a man who is fully bent on pushing Southeast to the main stream of our nation’s political power and recovering the lost fortunes of Ndigbo. Frankly speaking, Hope Uzodimma is a man, a personality, a character Ndigbo should not ignore or overlook. He is truly on a sacred mission to salvage Imo and the entire Southeast. “On the long-expected Southeast Developments Commission ( SDC ) which has just been signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, after passage of the bill by the National Assembly, the Ikeduru SOLAD, in an outburst declared, ” if you ask a good pilot to lead the way, the journey will be smooth, even on a bad road. The people of Southeast for decades cried and begged for a Developments Commission as obtains in the other geo-political zones of the country. The hues and cries of this particular zone fell on deaf ears. But thanks to our Talk-less and Do-More Governor, Dist. Sen.Hope Uzodinma, who in his capacity as the Chairman of Progressives Governors’ Forum and Chairman, Southeast Governors Forum, pursued this idea vigorously and relentlessly through the National Assembly to the presidency until success was achieved. The result is that Southeast now has a Developments Commission.”

According to Justice Nze, the Southeast Developments Commission which came into fruition at this point in history, under the watch of Governor Hope Uzodimma, would enhance and fasttrack infrastructural and overall development of the entire Southeast region.

The peaceful protest against bad governance has turned violent in Kaduna on Thursday, leaving no fewer than 3 youths dead and many other protesters injured.

Eye witness said the number of protesters mostly youths and the unemployed, which had outnumbered the security operatives, marched from the Rigasa area and from the Abakwa end, towards the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, the official residence and office of the state Governor.

The surviving protester who craved anonymity, said ” we were matching peacefully and no one was carrying any offensive weapon. “

“I think the security operatives near the Government House were threatened by our large number.

Suddenly, a vehicle, that they use in spraying hot water on protesters, came speeding towards us from the Government House axis and sprayed us with hot water, then another security vehicle came on speed from the 44 Reference Hospital end.”

” In the confusion that ensued and as we scampered to save ourselves from being hit by the security vehicles, 3 peaceful protesters were hit and they died. No one carried any weapon, we were just carrying placards and chanted slogans against bad governance,” he said.

Meanwhile, report indicated that the office of the Kaduna State Traffic Agency ( KASTLEA) was touched by the protesters.

Major streets in the state capital were deserted, markets and shops closed due to fear the protest might be hijacked by hoodlums.

Combat ready policemen and other security operatives were stationed at potential flashpoints to forestall any eventuality.

Citizens, majority of who embarked on panic buying of foodstuffs and other essentials the previous day, had remained indoors and monitored happenings on local radio and television.

Schools and other vocational training institutions, also remained closed. There was no response from the Police as at press time, but only a clarification that the personnel deployed were 2,500 and not 25,000 as was earlier reported .

The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has said that no state in the South East subscribed to the planned protest, hence the need for Imo indigenes and residents to ignore the call and go about their normal businesses.

“No South East State has yet enlisted in the application of States going for protest,” he said.

The Governor made the clarification at the Landmarks Event Centre in Owerri on Wednesday when he addressed the gathering of Imo Stakeholders, comprising the youths, traditional rulers, faith groups and political Party leaders, Labour leaders, market men and women, academics among others on the State of the Nation, and the need to continue in the struggle for a peaceful and united Imo State in particular and Nigeria in general.

Governor Uzodimma reminded the stakeholders that the political struggle for leadership in Imo State ought to have been a settled matter by now, going by the outcome of the last election, but regretted that those who lost in the last election have refused to tow the line of democracy “because they think if it is not them, there will not be government.”

He bemoaned the resurgence of blood letting of innocent souls which he said is not acceptable by “God and even Satan,” emphasising that the “principles of democracy demand that you wait for the next election to make changes as the killing of human beings is not the culture of an Igbo man and should not be allowed.”

He enumerated the steps taken by the Federal Government to cushion the effects of the current temporary hardships such as distribution of palliatives, the sell of crude oil in Naira to owners of refineries operating in the country, the approval of funds for the most vulnerable in our society among others.

“Other strategy already in place is the release of one trailer load of rice per Local Government in Imo State and 10 trailer loads of fertilizer for farmers in the State as palliatives in the short run”

Governor Uzodimma explained that through strategic partnership with the Federal government, he has garnered a lot of support just as he has continued to enjoy the goodwill of Imo people based on his performance in the last four and half years in office.

He charged the stakeholders to speak to the consciences of their brothers and sisters not to be used by enemies of progress to cause mayhem and distrort the developmental trajectory and policies of the State.

“All over the world, democracy is the best form of Government where, if you don’t like the present leadership, you wait for the next election and approach the ballot box and change the leadership,” he said and urged criminals and kidnappers to allow our people to go to farm so that we can have food on our table.

The Governor noted that “what Imo State people need today is permanent electricity supply, accessible good roads, hospitals and schools,” noting that “in the absence of these, Imo State doesn’t have an economy.”

He insisted that a conducive environment will spike the entrepreneurial spirit of the Igbo man, hence the need for steady power supply cannot be toyed with.

On this note, he thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting Imo State an energy and economic free trade zone at the Orashi area of the State, informing that the dredging of the Orashi river to the Atlantic will properly start by September with the conclusion of the hydrographic survey.

He said the multiplier effect of all the efforts from his economic revival policies will be the creation of over 15,000 jobs when they are in place.

Again, the Governor assured that by the first quarter of 2025 Orashi Electricity will be fully in operation and that Imo State will be better for it in terms of electricity generation.

“We need to think good for our place and people, and if the environment is attractive those abroad will come back.”

On the scheduled Local Government Election in Imo State in September, the Governor said: “I am not going to influence the Local Government Election, it will be transparent.

We must go by the rules and ensure that credible people that will serve the people are elected.”

He advised those angling for positions as either Chairman or Councilor to go to their people and sell themselves since they will be accountable to the people at the end of the day.

The Governor hinted that the State has been directed by the Federal Government to collect names of 400 persons per Electoral Ward who will be receiving N50,000 per month to cushion their hardship, indicating that the LGA Chairmen will work with opinion moulders in their area to articulate the names of the those who really deserve to receive the money.

The Governor asked the stakeholders to go home and tell their people that “we don’t need crisis.”

He challenged Community leaders to find out what is happening in their area, what is happening in their farm and to the farmers and make arrangement to protect the farmers.

He canvassed for a better collaboration between the traditional rulers and the President Generals, the Communities and the Local Governments, the State and the Federal Government, as doing so will foster peace, unity, progress, growth and development for the good of the citizens.

He encouraged traditional rulers and Town Union and President Generals to put additional efforts to “stop quarrels and keep the peace by reconciling, showing love, making sacrifices and serving your people.”

The Governor assured that between now and January 2025, the State will revive some of the old industries founded by late Governor Sam Mbakwe, citing the Concord Hotel as one of them.

He also hinted that the government is set to revoke all industrial plots not developed at the Imo State Industrial Layout by those who acquired them after 50 years of allocation.

Present at the programme were the Speaker and members of Imo State House of Assembly, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie and members of the State’s Expanded Executive Council.

Others were Senators and members of the Federal House of Representatives, the Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Eze Emmanuel Okeke and his colleagues from the State, captains of industries, and many others

By Chris Anucha

Imo State governor, Distinquished Senator Hope Uzodimma, has called for dialogue, instead of the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest

The governor, in an interview he grated to Arise TV and monitored in Owerri, Imo State Capital yesterday, appealed for a halt to the violent protest witnessed in some parts of country, as disobedience could result to anarchy. The governor stressed the need for government to sit down with the protesters to resolve the problems currently faced by the country.

“This fighting, violence must stop” he said. According to him, in South East, there are cultural and traditional ways of resolving issues, without resorting to violence.

The Chairman, South East Governors’ Forum urged the protesters to Sheath their swords and embrace dialogue, and be obedient to the government of the day, as violent protest has the capacity to cause anarchy.

Uzodimma expressed surprise that those behind the protest were at one time or the other, Governors, National Assembly members, Ministers, among others. According to him, President Tinubu has not done anything wrong to deserve the current protest, having been one year in office.

Instead, he said the governor should be commended for initiating some policies programme, and has taking some steps to revive the further said country’s economy. For instance, Uzodimma explained that for the first time, crude oil will be sold in local currency. “What we need now is to address electicity, rail, others”.

He therefore called on the political class, especially, those in the legislateivearm and those holding political positions, to open Constituency offices, where they could interact with the people and tell them the real situation of things.

“The state and national governal governments have a role to play here.

We must sheath the sword, it is a collective participation, it is about Nigeria and patriotism”. Governor Uzodimma, who acknowledged that there are hunger and sufferings in the land, maintained that the problems would not be solved through violence and destruction of lives and properties.

He accused those he described as cabals of being responsible for the protest.

“We must confront the cabals, bad dealers in the oil sector. The President is trying to dismantle the cabals, Nigerians will rise to fight the cabals”, he said.

Meanwhile, reports from the five Southeastern states indicated that the residents shuned the hunger protest.

In Imo State for instance, people stayed indoors or limited their movements to their various areas and compounds. A visit to some areas in Owerri, Imo State Capital revealed that business activities were halted in places like, the ever-busy Douglas Road.

Douglas Road was deserted while pockets of security men were seen on ground, to ensure that miscreants did not take advantage of the situation to loot people’s shops.

It was also the same situation in areas like, Wethedral Road, Bank Road, Tetlow, Control Post, among others.

According to reports from Anambra, Enugu, Abia andEbonyi, residents of the states also shunned the protest

The Peter Obi Support Network has acknowledged the recent departures of key supporters, such as Doyin Okupe, Isaac Balami, and Kenneth Okonkwo, from the group.

In a press statement on Sunday, co-convener of POSN, Tochukwu Ezeoke, stated that the group respects their commitment to a better Nigeria and recognises their freedom to leave the Obidient movement.

Ezeoke affirmed that the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, remains committed to advocating for a grassroots political party and a decisive leader with integrity.

He added that the Obidient movement anticipates further resignations from the ranks of 2023 campaign leaders. Obis stance is that leadership must avoid actions that could plunge the country into chaos.

The statement follows the recent departure of Okonkwo and others from the Labour Party.

The statement read in part: Peter Obi and the Obidient Movement did not have access to unlimited state resources during the 2023 election, relying instead on the support of Nigerians at home and abroad.

Peter Obi’s primary concern is the safety and well-being of ordinary Nigerians, even above his political aspirations. The stability of Nigeria is more important than the ambitions of any single candidate.

Police in Borno State have arrested the legislative aide of Senator Ali Ndume, alongside two of his supporters in Biu town and detained them in Maiduguri, the state capital.

The wife of the aide, Amina Kachalla, confirmed that her husband, Shehu Usman Aliyu (Babandi), was arrested alongside two others: Tasiu Hassan Malgwi and Ibrahim Adamu.

“I’m appealing to the police to release my husband. He is our breadwinner and we have been suffering since the day he was arrested”, she said.

The spokesman of Borno State Police Command, Kenneth Daso, confirmed the arrest, adding that it was based on an intelligence report.

“It was based on intelligence that they were arrested and the investigation is ongoing. I will follow up the case and keep you updated”, he added.

Although the PPRO did not give details of the case, other supporters attributed it to an aborted solidarity rally they organised over Ndume’s removal as chief whip of the Senate.

It was reported last week that the ousted Chief Whip’s supporters, including youths and women groups, clubs and associations, had planned to stage the rally in Biu town last Saturday, but later shelved it due to what they described as fragile security situation in the state.

A press statement signed by Ndumes Senior Legislative Aide (Media), Junaid Jubrin Maiva, read: The general public is hereby informed that the solidarity rally scheduled to take place on 28th July 2024, in Biu, in support of Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, has been cancelled.

Maiva said the cancellation came in light of potential conflicts with a proposed nationwide protest and concerns over possible disruptions.

A family source in Biu revealed that, three of them were arrested last Sunday in Biu by a team of armed policemen and whisked to Maiduguri for interrogation.

It was learnt that the police authorities have secured a court order to detain the alleged organisers of the solidarity rally pending the conclusion of the investigation.

Also, there is tension amongst the teeming supporters of the senator in southern Borno, who faulted the arrest, describing it as a witch-hunt.

Telecoms giant, MTN, has shut all its stores and service centres across Nigeria.

This was coming on the heels of an outrage by some of its subscribers across the country after the network provider barred their lines on Sunday.

In a viral video on social media Monday, a mob is seen destroying a barricade fence just outside the MTN office.

The clip showed a large crowd of angry subscribers vandalising the telecommunications companys office in the FESTAC Town area of Lagos State in response to the network blocking subscribers due to a mismatch in their National Identification Number and SIM registration.

However, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, in a response to the circulated video on X.com stated that the DPO of FESTAC and his men had successfully restored normalcy and peace at the scene.

Reacting on Tuesday, MTN said it would be shutting its shops nationwide.

“Yello customer, please be informed that our shops nationwide will be closed Tuesday, 30th July 2024”, the statement sighted on X read.

The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered police top brass to protect participants of the planned #EndBadGovernance protest slated for August 1 to 10, 2024.

The IGP gave the directions in a letter yesterday, following the request of human rights lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa.

Adegboruwa had, on July 26, 2024, written to the IGP on behalf of the Take It Back Movement, one of the groups planning the #EndBadGovernance protest, to request police coverage for protesters.

In his response letter dated July 29, 2024, Egbetokun directed senior officers to attend to Adegboruwas request.

The IGP response was signed by his Principal Staff Officer, CP Johnson Adenola.

“I am to inform you that the IGP has directed the Deputy Inspectors- General of Police (Operations and Intelligence), the Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, AIGs, in charge of Zonal Police Headquarters and the Commissioners of Police, CPs, in charge of State Commands across Nigeria, to attend to your request.

“Also, I am to inform you that the IGP wishes to hold a meeting with you at the Police Force Headquarters, in Abuja on Tuesday, July 30th, 2024, to deliberate further on your request, CP Adenola wrote in the letter”, the release added.

The nationwide protest against economic hardship has gained traction on social media.

Ahead of the planned nationwide protest, the Imo State Police Command has in collaboration with other sister agencies deployed security at strategic points to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

In a press statement, the Police Public Relations Officer ACP, Henry Okoye informed that Security Operatives drawn from the Police, Armed Forces, and other security agencies have been strategically deployed and tasked to carry out a 15-day show of force and confidence-building patrol across the 27 LGAs of the State to ensure public safety and deter miscreants from causing any break down of law and order.

ACP, further informed that the Detectives of the State Intelligence Department have also been deployed on covert intelligence gathering to monitor the situation surrounding the planned mass demonstration.

The massive deployment of security operatives is not meant to intimidate the civil populace but to reassure them that the security agencies in the state are working harmoniously to ensure public safety and as well strengthen public confidence in going about their lawful businesses without any fear or intimidationthe release stated.

The press statement said the Commissioner of Police CP Aboki Danjuma while addressing the operatives before the confidence-building alongside the Commander 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze, tasked the operatives to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, respect the rule of law and fundamental human rights of citizens while ensuring public safety. The Police Commissioner acknowledged that citizens have the right to embark on peaceful protest in any democratic society but warned that violent protest is criminal and capable of leading to the destruction of lives and properties.

He, however, assured that the Command has deployed stringent security measures to prevent any form of civil unrest. In line with the direction, he has reaffirmed the Commands unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of citizens while ensuring their maximum safety and urged residents to be security conscious and swiftly report any suspicious person seen or activity observed within their vicinity to the nearest Police Station.

The Igbo Elders Consultative Forum has distanced itself from the proposed national protest, stating that the South-East people will not participate in any demonstration.

This decision was made known on Tuesday, emphasizing their commitment to peace and stability in the region.

During a press briefing in Abuja, Chief (Dr.) Simon Okeke and Prof. Charles Nwekeakwu, Chairman and Secretary of the Igbo Elders Consultative Forum, respectively, urged all Nigerians to work towards a prosperous, just, and equitable society.

They emphasized that the Igbo people have resolved to work with other ethnic groups to restructure the Nigerian state for the betterment of all citizens.

The Igbo Elders condemned the alleged hate speech and incitement of violence by Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson for President Tinubu, who linked the Igbo people to the national protest and tagged Peter Obi, a presidential candidate, as the leader of the protest.

Furthermore, the Igbo Elders called on President Tinubu to caution his spokesperson and ensure that his actions do not misrepresent the presidency or create the impression of a presidential animus against the Igbo people.

They also demanded that the Nigerian Police and the Department of State Services hold those responsible for any violence against the Igbo people or Peter Obi accountable.

In addition, the Igbo Elders reiterated their call for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the incarcerated leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, as a key step towards resolving the security challenges in the South-East region.

They emphasized that the Igbo people are mourning the loss of their illustrious sons and leaders, Engr. Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Sir (Arc.) Ferdinand Agu, and Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Uba, and will not be distracted by the proposed national protest.

The Igbo elders said, Before his death, our leader, Chief Iwuanyanwu, spoke with the necessary emphasis and authority, on behalf of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Worldwide, that the Igbos are not part of any protest at this time in the history of the country.

“After the crisis of the 2023 presidential elections, the Igbos have resolved to work with other ethnic groups to restructure the Nigerian state for prosperity, justice, and peace.

“We will not shy away from the duties of patriotism and courageous citizenship. As we promote peace and prosperity for Nigeria and show respect to other Nigerian peoples, we will demand the same from others.

“It is unacceptable and a gross provocation for any Nigerian, no matter how highly placed or privileged, to overlook the clear statement of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo that the Igbos are not part of any national protest and spread malicious.

“We ask President Tinubu to call Bayo Onanuga to order so that he does not misrepresent the presidency and create the impression of a presidential animus against Igbos. We ask the Nigerian Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to hold Mr. Bayo Onanuga and members of his hateful gang responsible for any violence against Igbos or Mr. Peter Obi. We also want to use this opportunity to maintain our call on Mr. President to do everything possible to resolve the security challenges in the South East, including the release of Mr. Nnamdi Kanu.

“Once again, if only for emphasis and for avoidance of doubt, Ndigbo are not protesting; we are mourning the sad deaths of our illustrious sons and leaders”, the elders added.

The Council of South East Traditional rulers has appealed to the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu, saying his eventual freedom will reduce tension in the south east zone of Nigeria.

The Chairman of the Council, Igwe Samuel Asadu made the call, in Abuja yesterday.

Asadu said that the council was in support of stakeholders call for his release such as the south east governors, lawmakers and the entire people of the zone.

He said, “he is our son. He has been there for a long time, inspite of the ups and down with the judiciary.

“Off course, we back the Governors Forum and other stakeholders’ call for his release so that tension will be reduced.

“We are sure that the government will do its due diligence to ensure that people are guaranteed that the release won’t go beyond what is expected. There should be some form of measures, a deal to be made.”

Asadu said that the eventual release of Kanu would to a large extent usher in a relative calmness and evoke joy to the people of the zone.

“If the president looks into that and gives him a pardon,we will be excited. It is affecting our area, because his absence. Some of the people are his die hard fans.

“So, who will want to have his son locked up for a long time, of course we are praying every day, all the traditional rulers are praying for Nnamdi Kanu to be released.

“We feel his pains and the pain of his family. “It will be a gift, if the President does that. We come back to thank him in a big way.

Former Deputy Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly and former lecturer at Tai Solarin College of Education, now Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Dr. Tokunbo Oshin, is dead.

He was said to have passed away at a private hospital in Sagamu on Saturday night after a brief illness. He was 66.

Ogun State Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, Ademola Balogun, an indigene of Ijebu Igbo in Ijebu North Local Government, confirmed the news to our correspondent yesterday.

Balogun said, “Hon Oshin is dead. He was said to have died on Saturday at a private hospital in Sagamu. He should be around 66 years old. It’s a big loss to our great party, the All Progressives Congress, and Ijebu Igbo town, where we both came from. May his soul rest in peace.”

The former state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Engr. Bayo Dayo, another kinsman of the late Deputy Speaker, also described Oshin’s death as shocking and least expected.

Dayo said, “It is very true that the distinguished lawmaker is dead, and I feel so sad about this unfortunate incident.

“We have been together for more than 20 years, and we are going to miss him very much. He was a true friend, and I wish the family and children well. May the Lord give them the fortitude to bear the great loss.”

Oshin was the Deputy Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly between 2003 and 2007 and was a member representing the Ijebu North State constituency 1 between 2007 and 2011.

He ventured into private business in 2008 as a small-scale petroleum products marketer with the brand name Zipest Ventures Limited, owner of Zipest Filling Stations in Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Igbo, Ago Iwoye, and until recently, Ibadan.

He represented the South West on the Board of the Small & Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and some occasions acted as the Board Chairman between 2018 and 2022. He was at various times a member of Ogun State University, now Olabisi Onabanjo University, and Ogun State.

He was an alumnus of Mayflower School, Ikenne, and Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye.

Until his death, he was a Non-Executive Director of Gateway Mortgage Bank Limited.

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has called on unions, groups and individuals intending to join the planned August 1st protest across the country to shelve the idea.

The governor urged the intending protesters to “bring forth their demands and give the government a chance to look into them”.

Alia stated this yesterday shortly after Mass at the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Makurdi.

Recall that August 1st, 2024 has been muted as the planned date for demonstration by Nigerian youths across the country.

They are protesting against hardship and bad governance.

Commenting on the issue, Alia said it was imperative for the planned protest to be shelved, especially as the present government is trying its best to put smiles on the faces of the people.

He commended the State Commissioner of Police, CP Hassan Steve Yabanet, as well as the Department of State Services, (DSS), for inviting some union leaders and groups for a round table discussion, dissuading them and their members from joining the protest.

He noted that the government has uncovered plans by some individuals to infiltrate the protest, causing destructions.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress,(APC), Joe Igbokwe has vehemently rejected the plan by a group of Nigerians to extend the planned nationwide protests to Lagos State.

One of the key organizers of the protest, Omoyele Sowore on his verified Facebook page on Sunday revealed where the protesters would convene.

According to him, in Lagos State, the venue for the protest scheduled for August 1 to 10 would be the state Secretariat in Alausa.

He wrote, “#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, LAGOS is READY! Venue: Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa Time: 7am”.

In another post, Sowore said, in Edo State, the meeting point for the protest would be “Museum Ground, King’s Square, Ring Road, Benin City”.

Commenting on the last post, Igbokwe said the Lagos venue will not work, stressing that the 2020 EndSARS protest almost destroyed the state.

He wrote, “To Alausa? Oga e no go work again ooooo. Lagosians no go smile this time around ooooooo. #ENDSARS nearly destroyed Lagos”.

Information confirming the death of Nigeria’s prominent political idol and business mogul of Ikeduru local government area origin, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was not an easy one for the Sole Administrator (SolAd) of Ikeduru local government, Hon Justice Nze to bear.

Last Friday, July 26, 2024 was a day of mourning in the entire Ikeduru, particularly, at Iho, the local government headquarters with local government activities at the lowest.

Lamenting over the death of the prominent elder statesman, who was until his sudden demise, the father of Ndigbo and President-General of Igbo umbrella socio-cultural organization, the Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Hon Nze posited that Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu died at a time when his fatherly disposition and advice to political leaders in Igbo affairs and Nigeria in general were needed most.

According to the Ikeduru Sole Administrator, although the former Nigeria’s two-time presidential aspirant died at a ripe age, his sudden exit has created a big vacuum that would, for a long time, be difficult to fill.

Describing Chief Iwuanyanwu as a man with the ‘ Midas Touch’ who according to him, for so many years, bestrode the political walls of Ikeduru, Mbaike, Imo and Southeast Geo-political Zone of Nigeria and the business world like a colossus, Hon Justice Nze recalled that the Atta Ikeduru-born Billionaire Igbo Son, in his philanthropy, impacted positively on thousands of people cut across the length and breath of this country through his scholarship schemes and who are today well to do in their respective areas of endeavors, scattered all over the world. The local government Boss described Chief Iwuanyanwu as a good Christian who led a good Christian life, built and supported churches and as a true Nigerian, built mosques for our brother moslems. He described him as a peace lover, maker and builder during his lifetime.

According to the local government helmsman, politically, it is on record that Chief Iwuanyanwu made so many local government chairmen, House of Assembly members, Governors, Senators, House of Reps members and Ministers to mention but few cut across Imo and the entire southeast. His brief stay as the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide was very impactful. Economically, his big footprints were seen and still evident in virtually all areas of our nation’s economy and beyond.

Praying that the Almighty God, in His infinite mercies, would give his immediate family, Atta indigenes, the people of Ikeduru, Owerri senatorial district, Ndi Imo, Ndigbo and indeed Nigeria in general the heart to bear the irreparable loss, the Ikeduru SolAd charged other prominent Nigerian politicians to emulate Chief Iwuanyanwu’s good lifestyle who according to him, was a truly detribalised Nigerian. He concluded by saying that Ikeduru, Owerri Zone, Imo, Ndigbogburugburu and indeed Nigeria would miss him and would remember him for a long time to come.

The Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Chike Olemgbe has expressed shock and grief over the sudden death of Nigeria’s former frontline politician and business mogul of Imo State origin, Chief (Dr) Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu a couple of days ago.

In a press statement endorsed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Peter Uwa, the Speaker, Rt Hon Chike Olemgbe described the unexpected departure of Chief Iwuanyanwu to eternity as a colossal loss to Igbo land and Nigeria in general.

Chike Olemgbe lamented that though, Iwuanyanwu who until his demise last Thursday, July 25, 2024, was the President-general of Igbo umbrella socio-cultural organization, the Ohaneze NdigboWorld wide, died at a ripe age of 82 , his death came at a time his fatherly disposition and advice in the scheme of things were needed most.

Chike Olemgbe described Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as ardent and unrepentant advocate, lover and supporter of good governance.

Rt Hon Chike Olemgbe who is also, the member for Ihitte/Uboma state constituency in the 10th house of the legislative arm of Imo state government, recalled that Chief Iwuanyanwu though a life-member of board of trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), maintained strong and unshakable confidence and support for the 3-R mantra administration of Senator Hope Uzodimma in all its transformative programmes.

“Chief Iwuanyanwu, an elder statesman, was progressive-minded and, adhered religiously to his belief that every good administrator or governor of the people’s common wealth should be supported, irrespective of his political leaning, senatorial or geo-political zone. This is an attribute of great leader, avowed patriot and democrat. It is a virtue worthy of emulation by younger generation of politicians”, Speaker Chike Olemgbe stated

While urging the bereaved Iwuanyanwu family of Atta Ikeduru, the people of Mbaitoli/Ikeduru federal constituency, Owerri senatorial district, Imo state and Nigerians in general to bear the irreparable loss with fortitude, Rt Hon ChikeOlemgbe prayed for a blissful place for the deceased in God’s bossom.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo State Council has commiserated with the family of Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who was one of the patrons of the Union.

In a release signed by the Chairman of NUJ Imo State Council, Comrade Ifeanyi Nwanguma, and made available to newsmen, the body stated that Chief Iwuanyanwu, who was the President-Geneal of Ohaneze Ndigbo until his death, wrote his name in gold, especially, as he was a strong voice on issues that border on puting Ndigbo in the rightful place in Nigeria.

“Iwuanyanwu was a father to Journalists in Imo State. Being our life patron, he was always there for us in times of advice and direction”.

“The entire Journalists in Imo State will miss his words of encouragement and support to the development of the profession. We have missed one of our bests to the cold hands of death,” the statement said.

Nwanguma said further: “As the President!- General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, he has pushed the ideals of the Igbo man to the front burner of national discuss, such that the agitation for additional state in the zone has gained momentum.”

“The NUJ, therefore, urge the family, Imo State citizens and Nigerians, especially Ndigbo in diaspora, to bear his death with fortitude, bearing in mind that Ahaejiegamba paid his dues in the development of Igbo land. “His death is a huge loss to NUJ family.”

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has bemoaned the reported sudden passing of the Senator representing Anambra South in the National Assembly, Ifeanyi Uba, describing the death as not just shocking, but a huge loss.

Senator Uba reportedly died in a hotel in London, the United Kingdom on Saturday, aged 52.

Governor Uzodimma who is Chairman of Progressives Governors’ Forum, Chairman South East Governors’ Forum, as well as the leader of the All Progressives Congress in the South East, said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser Media, Oguwike Nwachuku, that Uba’s passing now is nothing but a monumental loss to the Senate, Nigeria, Anambra State, South East and the APC family.

The Governor recalled that Senator Uba was at Abakiliki, the Enonyi State capital to attend the recent South East APC stakeholders meeting, describing him as a young man full of developmental ideas and passionate about service to God and humanity.

He further noted that Senator Uba will be sorely missed as one who never withheld the blessings of God upon him to help the less privileged around him.

Governor Uzodimma therefore canvassed for prayers for the young family and for all those the deceased left behind to mourn him, particularly for the wife and immediate family members, at this moment of grief.

He also commiserated with the Government and people of Anambra State, the Nnewi community where the Senator hailed from, pledging the prayers of his family, that if the Government and people of Imo State for them at this moment of trial.