News
Imo guber: Opposition leaders walk out of INEC meeting over exclusion of journalists
Imo guber: Opposition leaders walk out of INEC meeting over exclusion of journalists
Leaders of major political parties in Imo staged a walkout during a stakeholders meeting organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The meeting took place on Tuesday in Owerri, the Imo state capital.
The stakeholders meeting was put together by INEC ahead of the off-cycle governorship elections in Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa states on November 11.
The interactive session began on a peaceful note but proceedings would soon go south after Kenneth Ukeagu, national commissioner for the south-east, asked the press to leave the hall.
Ukeagu was representing Mahmood Yakubu, national chairman of INEC, at the meeting.
The directive did not go down well with leaders of opposition political parties present at the session.
Rancour, disorderliness, and a war of words among leaders of the various political parties ensued.
Amid the rowdy session, leaders of the Labour Party (LP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and others walked out in anger.
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However, representatives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) did not leave the session.
Speaking after the walkout, Jones Onyereri, running mate to Samuel Anyanwu, the PDP guber candidate, alleged that Ukeagu’s directive was part of plans to rig Saturday’s election in APC’s favour.
Onyereri called for the removal of Sylvia Agu, the Imo resident electoral commissioner (REC), before the election.
“You can now see that INEC is no longer hiding its affiliation with the government of Imo state,” Onyereri said.
“You all saw what happened. How can the INEC chairman order the media to stop coverage of the proceedings and when we tried to counter it, some APC mad dogs pounced on us and were clapping for the chairman.
“Whatever be their plans to rig this election, we must resist it at all costs.
“If they say they are accepted by Imo people, they should jettison rigging and come out to the field and put their popularity to test.
“It was most shocking. Everybody, every candidate, we all stood up and shouted at him and said why would you let that be? Are we running a secret society here?”
Tony Nwulu, the running mate to Athan Achonu, LP candidate, said the party will not accept any election conducted by the current Imo REC.
“I have said it and I will say it again, we are not accepting any election conducted by the current Imo REC,” he said.
On his part, Macdonald Ebere, APC chairperson in Imo, said the INEC commissioner only asked journalists to observe the proceedings without cameras.
Ebere said the opposition parties would always look for issues where there are none, adding that Hope Uzodinma, governor of Imo, has already won the election.
Imo guber: Opposition leaders walk out of INEC meeting over exclusion of journalists
Community
Monarch Dies Shortly After Being Rescued From Kwara Kidnappers
The Onigbesi of Igbesi Land in Kwara State, Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I, has died days after he was rescued from kidnappers.
The monarch passed away in the early hours of Saturday at a hospital, according to his son, Prince Olasunkanmi, who said his father had been receiving treatment following a brief illness.
“Yes, the news is true. He died after a brief illness following his release. We took him to the hospital, hoping he would survive, but he died there very early this morning,” Olasunkanmi said.
Oba Iwedunmoye was abducted on August 22 when armed men invaded Igbesi community in Isin Local Government Area.
He regained his freedom five days later after security forces launched an operation around the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro area, where three kidnapped victims were found.
The rescue followed a report received at the Oro Police Station from a vigilante member, who alerted authorities after one of his colleagues was shot while operating in the bush.
A combined team of police officers, soldiers and vigilantes was subsequently deployed to the area.
Police said the suspected kidnappers engaged the team in a gun battle after spotting the advancing operatives. One alleged kidnapper was killed during the exchange, while others escaped into the surrounding area.
The security team continued the search and eventually located the three victims, who were evacuated for medical treatment.
News of the monarch’s death was announced by Bisi Fakayode, National President of Omo Ibile Igbomina, who mourned the traditional ruler and prayed for the repose of his soul.
The circumstances surrounding the monarch’s illness and death have not been publicly disclosed beyond his family’s account that he fell ill after his release.
News
Police Arrest Woman Over Alleged Drug Trafficking in Delta
Police Arrest Woman Over Alleged Drug Trafficking in Delta
A 40-year-old woman, Joy Anthony, has been arrested by the Delta State Police Command over alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade.
Police said operatives attached to the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit carried out the arrest in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, following intelligence received about suspected drug-related activities.
According to the command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, officers subsequently obtained and executed a search warrant at Anthony’s residence in Agbor-Obi.
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The search reportedly resulted in the recovery of several suspected illicit substances, including tramadol, codeine, swinol, Canadian loud and weeds suspected to be Indian hemp.
The suspect and the recovered exhibits have been taken into police custody as investigators continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged offence.
Edafe said Anthony would be prosecuted after the investigation is completed.
Police have not disclosed the exact quantities of the substances recovered.
Police Arrest Woman Over Alleged Drug Trafficking in Delta
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