Kanu: Negotiations with FG on political solution at advanced stage –Ohanaeze – Newstrends
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Kanu: Negotiations with FG on political solution at advanced stage –Ohanaeze

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Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu

Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, may soon be released if ongoing negotiations spearheaded by lawmakers from the South East and Igbo leaders pull through.

In June, Kanu was intercepted in Kenya  and brought back to Nigeria for trial.

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, had revealed that the arrest followed a collaborative effort between security agencies in Nigeria and Interpol.

Kanu has since been rearraigned for the continuation of his trial on charges bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, unlawful possession of firearms and management of an unlawful society.

In the South East, the detention of Kanu has led to a series of unrests with IPOB declaring a ‘sit-at-home’ every week since the continuation of his trial began.

Malami had last week said government was open to political solution for the release of Kanu and the Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo (Sunday Igboho).

Apex Igbo organizsation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo lauded government for toeing the path of dialogue and indicated readiness of Igbo leaders to meet with the government team.

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This is a joint body comprising South East Council of Traditional Rulers and the representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops asked the Federal Government to swiftly roll out modalities for the proposed political solution.

The joint body acknowledged the AGF’s statement was in line with the proposal earlier made by the group and  other well-meaning persons and groups in Nigeria.

A statement by Most Rev. Anthony Obinna, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe and Most Rev. Chibuzo Raphael Opoko also commended Kanu and the entire leadership of the IPOB for listening to their appeal and calling off the sit-at-home order. It said the action has offered some relief to the already distressed social and economic life in the region.

Part of the statement said: “This body, therefore, eagerly awaits the concrete steps that would be taken in this regard.

“The joint body is relieved that the Anambra State gubernatorial election was conducted without any major incidents or breach of the peace. It also commends the people of Anambra State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the security forces, the National Peace Committee, and all the other actors who contributed to the successful conduct of the election.

“The joint body is highly disturbed by the persistent complaints by the IPOB legal team about the difficulties it encounters in dealing with the Department of State Services (DSS) and, especially, the sad events which occurred during Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s appearance in court last Wednesday, November 10. This body urges the court to affirm the fundamental rights of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, his lawyers, and other stakeholders. Failure to do so would lend weight to the suspicion in some quarters of a planned secret trial, as well as neutralise all the efforts being made to establish peace in the South East.

“The joint body acknowledges the roles played  by various other Igbo organisations and groups in fostering peace in the South East zone and calls on all to sustain the current effort until true peace, based on justice and equity, is achieved in our land.”

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However, special counsel to the IPOB leader, Aloy Ejimakor, warned that no negotiation would take place on behalf of his client without his being free.

“There cannot be any negotiation while Kanu is in chains, that was the situation for other freedom fighters like Nelson Mandela of South Africa under apartheid regime.”

But multiple sources told Daily Sun that selected leaders from the South East have met with heads of security agencies on the issue. One of the sources listed senators, members of the House of Representatives, governors, ministers, traditional rulers and officials of the British High Commission in Nigeria as part of a wider team meeting with relevant government agencies.

He said two important leaders would be met in the coming days for final talks on the issue that may eventually lead to the release of Kanu. He said the negotiating team has reached out to Malami and awaiting a feedback on a possible face-to-face meeting. If the meeting is successful, the minister would arrange for a final meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, who is expected to give a nod for the release of Kanu if certain conditions are met.

But the source refused to divulge details of the conditions given by government agencies already met by the negotiating team from the South East as they were too sensitive to be discussed in public.

Immediate-past deputy senate president and leader of the South East caucus in the National Assembly, Ike Ekweremadu, confirmed that a political solution would be adopted. He said if ongoing negotiations with relevant government agencies pan out, Kanu could again walk free again and called on his people in the South East to allow their leaders work out a solution that would protect their interest.

Ekweremadu said: “I believe in dialogue. For Nnamdi Kanu’s situation, I don’t think violence is the way. We will find and seek a political solution.”

Sun News

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Lagos govt clears traders from rail tracks at Bolade, Oshodi

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Lagos govt clears traders from rail tracks at Bolade, Oshodi

The Lagos State Government has removed traders operating on the rail tracks at Bolade, Oshodi, following a viral video that raised concerns about public safety.

The announcement was made by Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, on Monday.

The clearance was done in collaboration with the Nigerian Army from the nearby Ikeja Cantonment.

Wahab’s statement read: “Following the viral video on social media, we’ve removed traders from the rail tracks at Bolade, opposite Arena Shopping Complex, in collaboration with Nigerian Army personnel from Ikeja Cantonment.” 

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The viral video, originally shared on X (formerly Twitter) by a user identified as @dipoaina1 on December 28, depicted scenes of buying and selling taking place perilously close to the railway tracks.

The footage showed an NRC train on the Lagos-Ibadan rail track passing by as people continued their activities undeterred. The post highlighted the dangers posed by the lack of barriers, with @dipoaina1 suggesting the railway route be fenced with barbed wire to prevent such risky behavior.

The government’s swift response underscores its commitment to ensuring public safety and maintaining order around critical infrastructure. This move also aligns with broader efforts to address safety challenges associated with urban rail transportation in Lagos. However, the incident highlights the need for sustained proactive measures rather than reactive actions to prevent future occurrences.

 

Lagos govt clears traders from rail tracks at Bolade, Oshodi

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Four countries that won’t celebrate New Year

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Four countries that won’t celebrate New Year

In less than 12 hours, countries around the world will be celebrating a New Year – 2025.

However, there are some countries that will not join in the celebration as their calendars differ from the rest of the worlds’.

Ethiopia, Nepal, Iran, and Afghanistan are four countries that won’t be celebrating New Year’s Day 2025.

Ethiopia is a land of ancient traditions and unique cultural identities, including its own calendar system. The Ethiopian calendar, based on the Coptic calendar, comprises 13 months—12 of which have 30 days, while the 13th month, Pagumē, has five or six days depending on the leap year.

The Ethiopian New Year, known as Enkutatash, falls on Meskerem 1, which corresponds to September 11 or 12 in the Gregorian calendar. Interestingly, Ethiopia is about seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar, meaning that as the rest of the world enters 2025, Ethiopia will still be in 2017.

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Nepal embraces two traditional calendar systems—Vikram Samvat and Nepal Sambat—making it one of the most unique timekeeping cultures globally. Vikram Samvat, a lunisolar calendar, is the official calendar of Nepal and is approximately 57 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar.

Additionally, the Nepal Sambat, a lunar calendar, is used by the Newar community and runs on its own timeline, adding another layer of distinction to the nation’s calendar traditions. The official New Year celebration in Nepal, called Bisket Jatra, typically falls in April. Hence, January 1 is not a significant date in Nepal.

Iran follows the Solar Hijri calendar, which is one of the most accurate solar calendars in the world. This system begins with the vernal equinox, marking the first day of spring. The Iranian New Year, known as Nowruz, falls around March 21 and is celebrated with elaborate customs and rituals that date back over 3,000 years.

For Iranians, January 1 is an ordinary winter day, with their focus firmly set on the arrival of spring and the renewal it symbolises.

Afghanistan also uses the Solar Hijri calendar, aligning its timekeeping closely with Iran. Similarly, Nowruz marks the New Year in Afghanistan, celebrated with feasts, family gatherings, and cultural events.

Afghanistan’s rich history and adherence to its traditional calendar reflect its cultural pride and resistance to adopting the Gregorian system, making it one of the few nations where January 1 holds no special significance.

 

Four countries that won’t celebrate New Year

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Social media abuzz over Fayose claim of N50m donation to VeryDarkMan’s NGO

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Isaac Fayose

Social media abuzz over Fayose claim of N50m donation to VeryDarkMan’s NGO

 

Social media was set abuzz on the cusp of the new year when Isaac Fayose, the entrepreneur and younger brother to former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, claimed he had donated a staggering N50 million to the NGO of popular activist VeryDarkMan.

 

In a post that blended philanthropy with a touch of mischief, Fayose teased followers with the declaration, describing it as both a “prank” and a “blessing.”

 

However, the announcement didn’t land smoothly with everyone. While some praised Fayose’s generosity, others demanded proof of the hefty donation.

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“Show us the evidence,” a skeptical follower urged, echoing the sentiment of many. “Without proper investigation, it’s wrong to just believe such claims.”

 

The skepticism grew as other comments poured in. “Send a receipt, even if it’s fake, before we Ekiti people fall for this prank,” one user joked, while another humorously quipped, “Statement of account or no deal!”

 

Some followers, however, leaned into the fun side of the announcement. A playful comment from one admirer read, “I’m proud of you, baby. I’ll donate my kidney to you!” Meanwhile, others took a more serious tone, questioning why Fayose didn’t spearhead his own initiative instead of supporting another.

 

Fayose’s post, now a viral topic, continues to draw both laughter and criticism. While the jury is still out on the truth of the donation, one thing remains certain—Isaac Fayose knows how to get people talking.

 

 

Social media abuzz over Fayose claim of N50m donation to VeryDarkMan’s NGO

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