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Real Igbo leaders working behind the scene, Nnamdi Kanu’s family blasts Orji Kalu

Published

3 years ago

December 1, 2021

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu

*… says ex-gov not solution to Igbo problem

The family of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has expressed rage and disappointment over what it called “confusing, incoherent, disparaging and uncomplimentary remarks” by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu after his visit to the IPOB leader at the Department of State Services, DSS, headquarters, Abuja, on Monday.

The former governor and Senator representing Abia North District, had in a tweet after his meeting with Kanu, said that he advised Kanu to watch his utterance, “especially as he has insane amount of people rooting for his release.”

A tweet posted by the Senate Chief Whip read: “This afternoon, I visited my brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in DSS custody, Abuja.

“I met him in good health and care and we discussed as ‘Umunne’.

“In 2001 when I was governor, I made his father Eze Israel Okwu Kanu traditional ruler of Akwara Ukwu and since then the family has been very close to me.

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“I understand that Nnamdi has an insane amount of people rooting for his back home and I encouraged him to consider the consequences of certain actions and utterances for the sake of the same people.

“Even though my ideology and his ideology are totally different, God has made us brothers and we can’t run away from each other.

“I owe him and Nigerians good counseling. Whether he and his family listens to me or not, I will continue counselling him as I have always done in the past.

“What we need most is a peaceful and secured society.”

‘It’s for political gain’

But Kanu’s family, in a swift reaction, lampooned the former governor, accusing him of unnecessarily advertising his visit to Kanu “probably for political gains”.

Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, who spoke for the family, demanded explanations from the former governor of “what he meant by Kanu’s insane amount of people rooting for his release”.

The family cautioned the Senate Chief Whip against “making unguarded utterances on subjects beyond his comprehesion.”

“What does Senator Orji Uzor Kalu want to achieve by those confusing and disparaging remarks?

“Is he saying that millions of followers of Nnamdi Kanu who feel disenchanted by the protracted and provocative marginalisation and injustice perpetrated against Biafrans by the Nigeria Authorities are insane?

“Who is Kalu working for? Must he advertise his visit to our brother? If he thinks he has any solution to offer can’t be work from behind the scene?

“Must he make political capital of every issue?

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“We are highly disappointed by his incoherent utterances. He must understand that our brother is not being persecuted because he stole, or committed any crime.

“His only crime, if at all it’s a crime, is asking for the freedom of the oppressed people of Biafra.

“Orji Uzor Kalu and his types are the reason the agitation for self-determination by our people is unending.

“How can he be trusted by the people? We have not forgotten his role in 2017 when our brother was in Kuje Prison.

“What is his mission? Is he for or against Nnamdi Kanu?

“By his utterances it’s clear that he is no solution but part of the problems of our people. He shouldn’t forget that history will judge him for all his actions and inactions.

“In case Kanu doesn’t know, real Igbo leaders are working behind the scene to bring about

solution to the problem of our people. They don’t make noise over it,” he added.

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Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo

Published

7 hours ago

December 28, 2024

Trends Admin

Nigerian Military Troop

Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of two soldiers and the theft of their weapons by operatives of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the militant arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

IPOB is a separatist group advocating for the creation of the Republic of Biafra, citing longstanding grievances over the marginalization of Nigeria’s South-East region since the Biafra-Nigeria civil war.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Nigerian Army explained that the incident occurred in Osina, Ideator North Local Government Area of Imo State, when troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade, returning from a routine patrol, responded to an emergency call about an attack on Osina Community by IPOB/ESN forces.

The statement revealed that upon arrival, the troops engaged the “terrorists” with overwhelming firepower, resulting in casualties among the attackers. However, the Army did not provide specific numbers, only noting that the “dissidents” eventually withdrew in disarray.

“Unfortunately, two security agents had been killed in action and one other missing in action, with their weapons—a AK-47 rifle and a tear gas launcher—being seized by the terrorists,” the statement said.

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The Army confirmed that the bodies of the fallen soldiers had been recovered, and the troops pursued the fleeing militants.

“Contact was again made with the criminal IPOB/ESN elements at Nkwachi Community, and in the firefight that ensued, one of the dissidents was neutralized while others, unable to withstand the troop’s firepower, retreated into the nearby forest. One AK-47 rifle with a fully loaded magazine was recovered, ” the statement said, adding that the troops continued their pursuit into Umalouma forest, where another intense exchange of fire took place.

“The dissidents eventually abandoned their weapons due to the troops’ superior firepower and scattered into the dense forest with severe gunshot wounds. An additional four AK-47 rifles, one Fabrique Nationale rifle, and two magazines were recovered,” the statement added.

The Army assured the public that operations would continue, with efforts to track down and eliminate the remaining criminals. “Further exploitation is ongoing as troops continue to track down the injured terrorists and flush them out of their hideouts and treatment locations,” the statement stated. “We urge all IPOB/ESN elements and other criminals hiding in the bushes to surrender to the nearest troops or face defeat, as the Brigade will ensure that the people of Imo celebrate the Yuletide season in peace, free from fear or intimidation.”

The Nigerian Army also called on the people of Imo State to continue providing timely intelligence to assist in the fight against criminal elements and help rid the state of lawlessness.

Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo

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13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash

Published

7 hours ago

December 28, 2024

Trends Admin

An accident scene File photo

13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash

The Federal Road Safety Corps, Ondo State Sector Command, says no fewer than 13 people were burnt to death along Ikare-Akoko/ Owo Road on Saturday in the state.

Dr Samuel Ibitoye, FRSC State Sector Commander made this known in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Akure.

“FRSC regrets to inform the public about a road traffic crash that occurred today 28 December, 2024 at Abule Panu before Ose Bridge, on Owo-Ikare highway, Ondo State.

“The fatal crash which occurred at about 10:14 AM claimed 13 lives of commuters in two buses.

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“A total of 14 people were involved, out of which 13 were burnt beyond recognition, while only one was rescued alive with serious injuries.

“Eyewitness account indicates that the bus coming from Ikare axis had a tyre burst which led to loss of control.

“This was resultant in a head-on collision with the bus loaded with fabric coming from Owo axis.

“Immediately after the collision, the two buses went up in flames. The men of FRSC, Police and Fire Service were swiftly at the crash scene for rescue,” he said.

The FRSC boss said that the injured victim was taken to Federal Medical Centre, Owo, while the deceased were deposited at the morgue of the same hospital.

He, therefore, advised drivers to exercise patience on the roads and passionately maintain their vehicles.

“Passengers are also encouraged to speak out against dangerous driving because road safety is a concern of all,” Ibitoye said.

13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash
NAN

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NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn

Published

7 hours ago

December 28, 2024

Trends Admin

NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has pledged to galvanise the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) by releasing N30 billion counterpart fund for the development of young entrepreneurs.

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku who disclosed this in Port Harcourt, restated the Commission’s commitment to empowering the people of the region through economic programmes.

He highlighted the NDCCITMA’s role in training youths, supporting SMEs, and designing industry-friendly skill development programmes.

Ogbuku said the NDDC was supporting the NDCCITMA to drive economic growth and development in the Niger Delta region by providing financial support, training and networking opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs.

He said, “We are providing N30 billion to fund projects and support businesses to ensure the sustainability of our youth development initiatives.

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“We will release the matching funds so the entrepreneurs can access them to boost their businesses. In our 2024 budget, we have provision for N30 billion which we are to use as matching funds for the chamber of commerce. We are working towards releasing this fund so that the chamber of commerce can start work in earnest.

“The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce will strengthen young entrepreneurs in the region. It is no longer acceptable for our youths to be contented with receiving stipends while at home doing nothing.
Ogbuku remarked that the Commission was collaborating with the Bank of Industry, BOI, to ensure the success of NDDC’s youth development programmes.

“The current NDDC Board and Management choose to look at sustainable options in designing youth programmes. In the past, we did a lot in supporting entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta but these activities were not properly documented and backed with verifiable data.

“Our new strategy is to support genuine entrepreneurs rather than people who are just portfolio entrepreneurs because we know that the government alone cannot employ everybody. Many university graduates are coming out, and the government cannot employ all of them. However, we can empower them by creating an environment where they can engage other persons to expand their businesses.”