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Desist from killing innocent people, IPOB warns unknown gunmen

Published

3 years ago

November 21, 2021

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has warned unknown gunmen killing innocent people in the South East to desist forth with.

However, barely 24 hours after President Muhammadu Buhari’s pledge to consider request by Igbo leaders for unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), currently standing trial, IPOB had vowed to wage war against gunmen killing and maiming people in the South East zone of the country.

Buhari had in the week under review, made the pledge when he received a group under the aegis of Highly Respected Igbo Greats, led by First Republic parliamentarian and Minister of Aviation, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, at State House, Abuja, on Friday.

The president, who believed that the request runs contrary to the doctrine of separation of powers between the Executive and Judiciary, however, told the 93-year-old statesman:

“You’ve made an extremely difficult demand on me as leader of this country. The implication of your request is very serious. In the last six years, since I became President, nobody would say I have confronted or interfered in the work of the Judiciary.

”God has spared you, and given you a clear head at this age, with very sharp memory. A lot of people half your age are confused already. But the demand you made is heavy. I will consider it.”

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While stressing his policy of non-interference with the Judiciary, Buhari said when Kanu jumped bail, got arrested and brought back to the country, “I said the best thing was to subject him to the system.

”Let him make his case in court, instead of giving very negative impressions of the country from outside. I feel it’s even a favour to give him that opportunity.”

Others in the visiting delegation were; Chukwuemeka Ezeife, former Governor of Anambra, Bishop Sunday Onuoha of the Methodist Church, Chief Goddy Uwazurike, former President of Igbo socio-cultural group, Aka Ikenga, and Mr Tagbo Amaechi.

However, barely 24 hours after the president’s pronouncement on Kanu, IPOB, in a statement issued by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful on Nov. 20, completely disassociated the group from the activities of Eastern Security Network (ESN), saying that most of the killings in the Southeast were perpetrated by gunmen masquerading as members of its security outfit

Powerful, who warned the armed men to desist from killing innocent citizens, also cautioned the police to stop parading them as members of ESN.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) observed that it was a busy week loaded with numerous official engagements for the president, who returned from an official visits to Glasgow, Scotland, France and Durban in South Africa where he attended the second Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2021.

The president presided over the virtual meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), on Wednesday, where the Council approved establishment of a Federal University of Sciences in Oturkpo, Benue as well as N27.4billion for execution of various projects by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Ministry of Works and Housing.

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Buhari had on Nov. 18, hosted the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, at the presidential villa, Abuja, where he described the recent removal of Nigeria from watchlist of countries violating religious freedom, by the United States of America, as a welcome development.

The Nigerian leader noted that there was freedom of worship in Nigeria, and “no one is discriminated against on the basis of his or her faith.’’

On the EndSARS Probe Panel Report, Buhari said the Federal Government would allow the system to exhaust itself, and therefore, await pronouncements from state governments which set up panels to probe police brutality in the country.

On development of democratic ethos, Buhari said Nigeria had adopted the American model, “hook, line, and sinker, with its term limits. Those who have attempted to breach it were disappointed, if not disgraced.

“You are even lucky if you have two terms. Others try hard, and don’t get it. The American model has been accepted by Nigerians as the best.”

He noted that Nigeria and her neighbours had been living with the impact of climate change for a while, “which has seen the Lake Chad shrink drastically from its original size, and affected the livelihood of about 30 million people in the Lake Chad Basin countries.

“That is why the youths defy the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean to attempt emigrating to Europe.

Buhari also on Thursday met behind closed doors with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Speaking to State House correspondents on the outcome of the meeting, the speaker expressed optimism that the Electoral Bill recently passed by the National Assembly would soon be signed into law by the president.

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According to him, the president has always supported direct primaries, adding that he has been a proponent from the very start.

Gbajabiamila said he was in the presidential villa to update the president on the happenings in the country as it affected the National Assembly in recent times.

The Nigerian leader also signed into law two important bills passed by the National Assembly, including the climate change bill.

The new Climate Change Act owes its origin to a bill sponsored by a member of the House of Representatives, Sam Onuigbo.

It provides for, among other things, the mainstreaming of climate change actions and the establishment of a National Council on Climate Change.

The Act also paves the way for environmental and economic accounting, as well as pushing for a net zero emission deadline plan for the country, according to a statement by Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s media aide.

The statement, issued on Thursday, in Abuja, also identified the second bill assented to by the President as the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (Amendment) Act, which amended the AMCON Act No. 4, 2010.

Buhari also received the Report of the Senior Executive Course 43 (2021) of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) , Kuru, Plateau State.

The report entitled, “Getting Things Done: Strategies for Policy and Programme Implementation in Nigeria,” was presented to the president on Thursday where he directed Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) to study it on how best to ensure effective policy design and implementation with a view to implementing some of its recommendations.

The Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, had attended as the Special Guest of Honour, the Graduation Ceremony of the Senior Executive Course 43, 2021 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, on Saturday.

Osinbajo had earlier on Nov. 18, presided over the meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) where Buhari’s approval of a fresh N656 billion Bridge Financing Facility to the 36 States was announced.

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Dr Zainab Ahmed, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, made the disclosure, saying the support was to help state governments to meet their financial obligations, especially the previous budget support facility due for repayment.

According to Ahmed, each state will receive N18.2 billion.

Ahmed said that the bridge facility was being processed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The president had earlier on Nov. 16, felicitated former President Goodluck Jonathan on his 64 birthday anniversary, which was held on Nov. 17.

He congratulated Jonathan for serving the country, and working for the peace and advancement of democracy on the African continent.

According to the president, Jonathan has continued to expand the boundaries of leadership, teaching many in the country the power of focus, consistency and diligence.

Also on Nov. 16, the Nigerian leader condemned the massacre of 15 people in Goronyo and Illela Local Government Areas of Sokoto State, saying that bandits are living in a fool’s paradise.

The president reassured Nigerians that his administration would not abandon them to their fate in the face of the existential challenge caused by banditry. (NAN)

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I stand by my comments – Bauchi gov replies Presidency

Published

5 minutes ago

January 1, 2025

Trends Admin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed

I stand by my comments – Bauchi gov replies Presidency

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has firmly defended his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reforms, responding to the Presidency’s demands for a retraction with a resolute statement.

“I cannot be threatened as a governor. I stand by my comments. It is not meant to malign, insult, or to do anything to the contrary other than mean well,” Mohammed said during Channels Television’s 2024 Year-End Review program on Tuesday.

The governor, who also chairs the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum, criticized what he described as the Presidency’s “arrogance” and urged federal authorities to heed the concerns of Nigerians. He warned that the proposed tax reforms, if enacted, would have severe economic consequences for sub-national governments and exacerbate poverty.

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“We believe that as the leader of the federation and all other federating units, they should listen to us, not to be arrogant and showing some elements of impunity that whatever happens, they would go ahead,” Mohammed said.

The governor also described the Presidency’s approach to the tax bills as “undemocratic,” asserting that even leaders with military backgrounds would have engaged with citizens and addressed “areas of suspicion and mistrust” in such a contentious policy.

He further highlighted the regional disparity in the proposed tax reforms, suggesting that they unfairly favor one part of the country over others. “Some states should not be allowed to die because they do not have the headquarters of companies in Nigeria,” he stated.

Governor Mohammed had previously criticized Tinubu’s tax bills in the National Assembly, warning that they were effectively “calls for anarchy” and threatened a strong response from northern leaders if the legislation was passed. “They would see our real colour,” Mohammed said during his earlier remarks.

In response, the Presidency accused Mohammed of engaging in “inflammatory rhetoric” and issuing “direct threats toward the federal government,” demanding that he retract his statements. However, Mohammed remains steadfast, framing his comments as a call for equity and fairness.

The governor’s position is aligned with those of his 18 counterparts in Northern Nigeria, who have unanimously rejected the proposed tax reforms. Despite mounting opposition, President Tinubu has insisted that the reforms are essential and will proceed as planned.

I stand by my comments – Bauchi gov replies Presidency

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Horror in Ogun as twin brothers kill, dismember sex worker

Published

13 minutes ago

January 1, 2025

Trends Admin

Taiwo Yemitan

Horror in Ogun as twin brothers kill, dismember sex worker

Operatives of Ogun State Police command, on Tuesday, said it arrested one Kehinde Yemitan, a murder and ritualist suspect at his hiding in Ilogbo Ota community of Ogun State.

The suspect’s twin brother, Taiwo had earlier been arrested on December 22 alongside one Kazeem for the alleged murder and dismembering of one Darasimi.

The victim is a commercial sex worker, who was lured to the suspects’ Abeokuta residence and killed.

The spokesperson of the state police command, Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

Odutola said, “Having been fingered as one of the accomplices to the tragic crime, the police surveillance team in collaboration with the So Safe Corps were said to have been on the look out for Kehinde until intelligence gave out his hideout on Monday.

“On December 30, 2024, at about 5 p.m., the Divisional Police Officer of Sango Otta received a tip from a volunteer informant indicating that Kehinde Yemitan, the twin brother of Taiwo Yemitan, was hiding in the Ilogbo community.

“The Police launched a manhunt for Kehinde in connection with murder and the mutilation of one Darasimi, surname unknown, on the 22nd of December, 2024 when his twin brother, Taiwo, and Kazeem were arrested at about 1 p.m., by the Divisional Police Officer of Lafenwa after the duo lured their victim Darasimi, a night sex worker in Abeokuta to their house for ritual purposes.

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“Following this information, a surveillance team, in collaboration with the So Safe Corps, promptly mobilized to the community and apprehended the suspect.

“He admitted to conspiring with others to carry out the crime in Abeokuta.

“Several community members also confirmed his involvement in criminal activities.”

Yemitian was said to have been been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation.

Meanwhile, Odutola has urged young women to desist from engaging in casual friendship or relationship for pecuniary gains otherwise called “hookup’, given the perennial danger inherent in such unholy relationship.

The police spokesperson urged parents to also join the police in raising awareness about the danger of getting involved in vices such as prostitution that could readily cut people’s life short.

“He admitted to conspiring with others to carry out the crime in Abeokuta.

“Several community members also confirmed his involvement in criminal activities.”

Yemitian was said to have been been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation.

The police spokesperson urged parents to also join the police in raising awareness about the danger of getting involved in vices such as prostitution that could readily cut people’s life short.

She said, “A further appeal goes to the teeming young females to see this unfortunate incident as a big lesson and be cautious not to fall victim to another ritual killing.”

Horror in Ogun as twin brothers kill, dismember sex worker

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Tinubu to establish credit firm to bring down food, drug prices

Published

25 minutes ago

January 1, 2025

Trends Admin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu to establish credit firm to bring down food, drug prices

President Bola Tinubu said yesterday the Federal Government hopes to bring down the price of food and promote local manufacturing of essential drugs and other medical supplies through the establishment of a National Credit Guarantee Company in the new year.

Tinubu, who disclosed this in his New Year nationwide broadcast to the nation, also asked states to key into the federal government’s Compressed National Gas, CNG, programme to reduce the cost of transportation for Nigerians.

The President equally said the youth confab he promised in the aftermath of the #EndBadGovernance protests across the country, would begin in the first quarter of 2025, as a testament of his government’s commitment to youth inclusiveness and investment as nation-builders.

This is as the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, charged the President not to taint the new year with an address that will not proffer immediate and concrete steps to reduce the price of fuel and address widespread hunger.

New coy to partner BOI, NSIA, others

According to the President, the new company, which is expected to begin operations before the end of the second quarter of the new year, is a partnership of government institutions, including the Bank of Industry, BOI, Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Agency, NSIA, the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, the private sector and multilateral institutions.

Tinubu, who noted that the initiative will strengthen the confidence of the financial system, expand credit access and support under-served groups such as women and youth, said the new company will help expand risk-sharing instruments for financial institutions and enterprises.

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The President said: “As the new year dawns, it brings many hopes, aspirations, and prospects for better days. By the grace of God, 2025 will be a year of great promise in which we will fulfil our collective desires.

“Though 2024 posed numerous challenges to our citizens and households, I am confident that the New Year will bring brighter days. Economic indicators point to a positive and encouraging outlook for our nation.

“Fuel prices have gradually decreased, and we recorded foreign trade surpluses in three consecutive quarters. Foreign reserves have risen, and the naira has strengthened against the US dollar, bringing greater stability.

“The stock market’s record growth has generated trillions of naira in wealth, and the surge in foreign investment reflects renewed confidence in our economy. Nevertheless, the cost of food and essential drugs remained a significant concern for many Nigerian households in 2024.

“In 2025, our government is committed to intensifying efforts to lower these costs by boosting food production and promoting local manufacturing of essential drugs and other medical supplies. We are resolute in our ambition to reduce inflation from its current high of 34.6% to 15%. With diligent work and God’s help, we will achieve this goal and provide relief to all our people.

“In this new year, my administration will further consolidate and increase access to credit for individuals and critical sectors of the economy to boost national economic output.

“To achieve this, the Federal Government will establish the National Credit Guarantee Company to expand risk-sharing instruments for financial institutions and enterprises.

The company, expected to start operations before the end of the second quarter, is a partnership of government institutions, such as the Bank of Industry, Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Agency, and Ministry of Finance Incorporated, the private sector, and multilateral institutions.

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“This initiative will strengthen the confidence of the financial system, expand credit access, and support under-served groups such as women and youth. It will drive growth, re-industrialisation, and better living standards for our people.

“On a personal note, thank you for placing your confidence in me as your president. Your trust humbles me, and I promise to continue serving you diligently and wholeheartedly.

“We will continue to embark on necessary reforms to foster sustainable growth and prosperity for our nation.

‘’I seek your co-operation and collaboration at all times as we pursue our goal of a one trillion-dollar economy. Let us stay focused and united.

‘’We are on the right path to building a great Nigeria that will work for everyone. Let us not get distracted by a tiny segment of our population that still sees things through the prisms of politics, ethnicity, region, and religion.

‘’To achieve our national goals and objectives, we must become better citizens and uncompromising in our devotion and allegiance to Nigeria.

‘’Citizens’ moral rectitude and faith in our country are fundamental to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda. In 2025, we will commit to promoting adherence to ethical principles, shared values, and beliefs under the National Identity Project.

‘’I will unveil the National Values Charter, already approved by the Federal Executive Council, in the first quarter of 2025. I will launch an ambitious national orientation campaign that fosters patriotism and love for our country and inspires citizens to rally together.

‘’The Charter will promote mutual commitments between the government and citizens and foster trust and cooperation among our diverse population and between the government and the citizens.

Youth confab for the first quarter of 2025

‘’The Youth Confab will begin in the first quarter of 2025, a testament to our commitment to youth inclusiveness and investment as nation-builders. The Ministry of Youth will soon announce the modalities for selecting the conference’s representatives from our diverse, youthful population.

‘’Let me use this New Year’s message to urge our governors and local council chairpersons to work closely with the central government to seize emerging opportunities in agriculture, livestock, and tax reforms and move our nation forward.

‘’I commend governors who have embraced our Compressed Natural Gas initiative by launching CNG-propelled public transport. I also congratulate those who have adopted electric vehicles as part of our national energy mix and transition. The Federal Government will always offer necessary assistance to the states.

“To all citizens, your sacrifices have not been in vain over the past 19 months. I assure you they will not be in vain, even in the months ahead. Together, let us stay the course of nation-building.
The New Year will bring us closer to the bright future we all desire and the Nigeria of our dreams.