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Ex- Niger Delta agitators warn North against attacking Tinubu
Ex- Niger Delta agitators warn North against attacking Tinubu
The Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum (NDEF) has denounced constant attacks on any southern presidency by the north lamenting that such development is hampering the desire for justice and equity in the country.
Speaking in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Thursday, August 22, the group’s chairman, Amb. Alban Paulinus, observed with dismay that the north had already resumed its political hostility against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to continue with the trend of discrediting any President from the south.
Paulinus, popularly known as General Skillar, said all the stakeholders in the South must stand together in solidarity with Tinubu insisting that the President was committed to evolving a better and more prosperous country.
He said the North stood behind the Presidency of Muhammadu Buhari despite the unimaginable state of insecurity and disastrous economic policies that characterized his administration.
Paulinus recalled that the North launched an attack on former President Goodluck Jonathan and ensured he was denied a second term.
He said: “A similar pattern is emerging with President Tinubu, as some Northern groups are already calling for his removal barely a year into his administration.
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“This starkly contrasts with the attitude of northern leaders during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who served two full terms despite significant security challenges.
“We decry this disparity as a destabilizing force that threatens the unity and integrity of Nigeria. We call for an immediate end to this trend of undermining Southern leadership”.
Paulinus, who was accompanied by other ex-agitators drawn from different parts of the Niger Delta, said if the unwarranted provocation continued they would take decisive action to protect the South.
He said the forum would continue to show unequivocal support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, as a robust blueprint for national development.
He emphasised that the President’s commitment to comprehensive reforms was crucial for addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the country today.
Paulinus also recalled historical bias against Southern Senate Presidents, saying they systematically targeted for impeachment.
He cited the cases of former Senate Presidents from the South, such as Senator Evan Enwerem, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, Anyim Pius Anyim, Adolphus Wabara, and Ken Nnamani, none of who were allowed to complete their tenures.
“In contrast, Northern Senate Presidents such as David Mark, Bukola Saraki, and Ahmed Lawan served their terms without significant challenges, he said.
Paulinus expressed worries over the recent calls for the impeachment of the current Southern Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, saying it was further evidence of the injustice against the South.
Paulinus warned that the ex-agitators would not tolerate such actions and vowed to resist any attempts to undermine Akpabio’s leadership with all means at their disposal.
He asserted that the Senate Presidency must symbolize national unity rather than being used as a tool for regional domination.
He said the forum demanded the establishment of a South-South Development Commission, arguing that the commission was necessary to ensure equity and justice in regional development, distinct from the existing Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC).
They called on Senator Akpabio and other federal legislators from the Southsouth to initiate and speed up the passage of a bill for the creation of the commission.
Paulinus urged politicians in the south, including the Southwest, Southeast, and Middle Belt to unite under a Southern Nigerian Movement (SNM).
He said: “The movement will be dedicated to defending and advancing the political, economic, and regional interests of the South and Middle Belt in the face of mounting challenges.
“The unity and future of Nigeria depends on the equitable treatment of all its regions, and the Niger Delta stands ready to lead the charge for a just and prosperous nation.”
Ex- Niger Delta agitators warn North against attacking Tinubu
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Adamawa man arrested for allegedly defiling daughter
Adamawa man arrested for allegedly defiling daughter
In Adamawa State, 35-year-old Muhammad Auwal has been arrested by the Nigeria Police for allegedly defiling his 14-year-old daughter.
The arrest took place on September 11, 2024, according to a statement from the state police command.
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Public Relations Officer Suleiman Nguroje confirmed that Auwal has confessed to the crime.
The police are now preparing to charge him in court. The case has sparked significant concern, highlighting the serious issue of sexual assault within families.
Adamawa man arrested for allegedly defiling daughter
metro
NAF airstrike kills 28 terrorists in Niger State
NAF airstrike kills 28 terrorists in Niger State
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) announced that Operation Whirl Punch eliminated at least 28 terrorists in Niger’s Shiroro area on Wednesday.
This information was released in a statement by Capt. Kabiru Ali, NAF’s Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, on Thursday in Abuja.
Ali explained that the operation targeted criminal elements terrorizing communities in the area.
The successful air mission was conducted on September 11, following a request for air support from friendly forces.
According to Ali, NAF air assets observed over 100 terrorists engaging friendly forces in a intense battle.
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- Nigerian man bags 12 years jail for $200K fraud in US
- NDLEA denies saying 20 Kano LG chair candidates tested positive for drugs
“After confirming the positions of friendly troops, the NAF conducted precision airstrikes on the terrorists’ positions.
“The strikes were devastating, neutralizing dozens of terrorists in successive passes.
“As of the time of reporting, 28 bodies had been recovered from the target area, with several more terrorists, weapons, and burnt motorcycles still being cleared,” he said.
Ali emphasized that the successful operation highlights NAF’s dedication to protecting Nigeria and supporting other security agencies in combating criminality.
“Nigerians can be assured that NAF will continue to conduct air operations, both independently and in collaboration with surface forces.”
“This is to eliminate all threats to the peace, prosperity, and security of our great nation,” he said.
NAF airstrike kills 28 terrorists in Niger State
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Fire razes Kogi phone market, goods worth millions lost
Fire razes Kogi phone market, goods worth millions lost
A devastating fire outbreak has destroyed properties worth millions of naira at the GSM Village near Kpata Market in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, was reportedly caused by a power surge.
Eyewitnesses and residents nearby confirmed that the outbreak began due to a high voltage surge that damaged electrical appliances in surrounding homes. Traders were unable to salvage any goods as the inferno quickly spread out of control.
Muhammed Yahaya, one of the affected shop owners, shared his ordeal. “I received a call around 5:30 am, informing me that the market was on fire. By the time I arrived, many shops were already burnt down. Based on what people around the area said, the high voltage is likely what triggered the fire. Fans, lights, and other electrical items in the neighbouring houses were also damaged,” he explained.
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Yahaya added that many shop owners had just restocked their inventory earlier in the week, making the loss even more devastating.
Appealing to the Kogi State Government for assistance, Yahaya expressed hope that authorities would provide financial support and help rebuild the GSM Village.
“We are mostly young, resourceful graduates who created jobs for ourselves. The properties we nurtured for over 15 years were destroyed in an hour. We need the government’s intervention to recover from this tragedy,” he pleaded.
Moses Felix, the Financial Secretary of the Kogi Association of Phones and Accessories Dealers (KAPAD), also spoke about the impact of the inferno.
“I lost everything in my shop, including newly arrived goods. It’s overwhelming. I am a married man with children, and this fire has wiped out my livelihood. I employ three boys who depend on me, and now they too are without jobs,” Felix lamented, visibly distressed.
As of the time of this report, fire service officials were still working to extinguish the fire. A full assessment of the damage is expected once the fire is completely put out.
Fire razes Kogi phone market, goods worth millions lost
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