S'East govs set for showdown with IPOB over two-week sit-at-home order – Newstrends
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S’East govs set for showdown with IPOB over two-week sit-at-home order

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S’East govs set for showdown with IPOB over two-week sit-at-home order

The two-week sit-at-home order declared in the South-East by a factional leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Simon Ekpa, is unsettling political leaders in the area.

The leaders including state governors have however resolved to tackle the problem frontally.

Indeed, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo state governments have vowed not to allow non-state actors to continue disrupting governance in the South-East.

They said the two-week sit-at-home order would not be observed and warned the IPOB factional group not to dare the powers of the government.

The Simon Ekpa group had said the two-week sit-at-home in the region would happen from July 31 to August 14.

Ekpa on Tuesday specifically declared that the sit-at-home would take place in the following order: Monday, July 31, 2023 to Friday, August 4, 2023, there will be total lockdown in Biafraland;

He said, “Saturday, August 5, 2023 and Sunday, August 6, 2023, all Biafran markets will open respectively.

“Monday, August 7, 2023 to Friday, August 11, 2023, there will be total lockdown in Biafraland; Saturday, August 12, 2023 and Sunday, August 13, 2023 (Break), all Biafran markets will open; Monday, August 14, 2023, there will be lockdown in Biafraland.

“We hereby call on all market leaders to strictly adhere to this order and treat it with utmost seriousness.”

But responding, Anambra government said it would never yield to non-state actors.

The state government, through the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Christian Aburime, said Ekpa was a fugitive who should be completely ignored.

Aburime said, “Anambra State under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo will never yield to non-state actors on this illegal sit-at-home order.

“Simon Ekpa is a fugitive and rabble-rouser who should be completely ignored by the citizens of Anambra and by extension, the entire South-East.”

“Our markets, schools, businesses, and other social activities will remain open. Anambra State will never be a breeding ground for anarchy, fear, or lawlessness,” he added.

Enugu State government also described Simon Ekpa as a villain, a criminal, stressing that nobody would obey him in the state and that the illegal sit-at-home had ended in Enugu.

In his reaction, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State declared that there is nothing like sit- at- home in the state.

The governor stated this while fielding questions from journalists shortly after participating in a meeting of Ohanaeze Ndigbo with governors , house of assembly speakers, National Assembly members and other leaders from the South East zone at Imo State Governor’s Lodge Asokoro, Abuja.

Governor Nwifuru said what played out a week ago in Ebonyi State was a case of miscreants who attempted to put fear in residents and disrupt businesses.

“I am surprised to hear sit-at-home from you because there is nothing like sit- at-home in Ebonyi. We never for one day observed sit-at-home and I know you are aware.

“Some people only wanted to know if they can start putting tension in people and we said no; they don’t have such powers; they can’t do that and it didn’t happen.”

A former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo, has called on the governors of the South East region to ensure that the people are not overpowered by miscreants enforcing sit-at-home orders.

Nwodo who was former Governor of Enugu State said that Simon Ekpa, who continues to declare sit-at-home orders in South East is endangering the lives and properties of the people of the region.

He said there are other ways of putting pressure on the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu, other than the frequent sit-at-home orders.

“Does Simon Ekpa know that some people in South East Nigeria are in hospitals and that medical personnel need to attend to their health needs? He is strangulating our economy by declaring frequent sit-at-home orders.

“I always say that there are other ways to put pressure on the Federal Government to obey court orders and release Nnamdi Kanu. The Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Emmanuel Iwuanyanyu, the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and other stakeholders from South East continue to appeal to the conscience of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, to release Kanu, so that peace can return to South East.

“There are other ways that do not constitute a danger to the lives and economy of residents and people of South East than what Ekpa is doing. Can he declare sit-at-home in any part of Finland where he is currently residing?”

“We must equally put pressure on Governors of South East and the security agencies to guarantee the security of lives and properties of the residents of South East region, ” he said.

S’East govs set for showdown with IPOB over two-week sit-at-home order

 

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Why I persuaded Tinubu to reject Yar’adua’s finance minister offer – Senator Ojudu

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January 2, 2025

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Why I persuaded Tinubu to reject Yar’adua’s finance minister offer – Senator Ojudu

Babafemi Ojudu, a former Special Adviser on Political Matters to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has disclosed how he and other close allies convinced President Bola Tinubu to reject an offer to serve as Minister of Finance during the administration of late President Umaru Yar’Adua.

Speaking during an interview on the State Affairs podcast hosted by Edmund Obilo, Ojudu recounted how Tinubu had enthusiastically informed him of the offer.

According to Ojudu, Tinubu had called him with the words, “Congratulations to me,” prompting a curious response.

“Congratulations for what?” Ojudu said he had asked, to which Tinubu replied, “President Yar’Adua has invited me to serve as Minister of Finance.”

Ojudu explained that he immediately advised against the move, warning Tinubu about the potential political risks involved.

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He reminded Tinubu of the tragic fate of Bola Ige, the former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, who was assassinated under mysterious circumstances while serving in the government of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

“You are in the Action Congress. Are you not a student of history? Have you forgotten what happened to Bola Ige? You would be digging your political grave if you accept that type of job,” Ojudu recalled saying.

The warnings did not come from Ojudu alone. Rauf Aregbesola, a close ally of Tinubu and former Governor of Osun State, also argued that accepting the position could harm Tinubu’s long-term political aspirations.

A businessman, who was part of the discussion, reportedly offered a contrasting perspective, suggesting that the role could benefit Tinubu and others. However, Ojudu stood his ground, warning about the dangers of the offer.

Ojudu further warned that such a move could lead to Tinubu being arrested, tried, and politically neutralized, mirroring what happened to Bola Ige.

“Our dream for him was bigger than a ministerial position in Yar’Adua’s government. Nine months down the line, they would have arrested him, tried him, and finished him off—just like Bola Ige,” Ojudu said.

 

Why I persuaded Tinubu to reject Yar’adua’s finance minister offer – Senator Ojudu

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Man stabs neighbour to death over rice in Delta

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7 minutes ago

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January 2, 2025

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Delta Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Edafe Bright

Man stabs neighbour to death over rice in Delta

The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Daniel Onyejekwe, a 30-year-old man, for allegedly stabbing his neighbor, identified as Christian, to death during a dispute over rice.

The incident occurred on New Year’s Day in the Ogwanja area of Sapele, Delta State. Reports indicate that an argument between the two escalated into a physical altercation, leading to the tragic loss of life.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the development on Thursday, saying, “It is confirmed, and the suspect is in custody. The two were fighting and injured themselves badly. Unfortunately, one, Christian, died.”

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Eyewitnesses told PUNCH Metro that the altercation started when rice was being shared along Boyo Road in Ogwanja. An argument ensued between Onyejekwe and the deceased, leading to a physical fight.

An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “Christian and Daniel started dragging the rice, and during the fight, Daniel picked a bottle and stabbed Christian multiple times. The vigilante rushed him to the hospital, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.”

The remains of the deceased have been deposited at a mortuary, while the police have launched an investigation into the incident.

SP Edafe assured residents that the suspect would be prosecuted after the investigation was concluded.

Man stabs neighbour to death over rice in Delta

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Fubara replies Wike: Odili right face, image of Rivers

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8 minutes ago

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January 2, 2025

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Former Governor Peter Odili and Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State

Fubara replies Wike: Odili right face, image of Rivers

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has sidelined his predecessor and estranged political mentor, Nyesom Wike, in the hierarchy of influential figures in the state.

During the 2025 New Year State Banquet at Government House, Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara lauded former Governor Peter Odili as the alpha and omega of Rivers politics.

Addressing prominent political figures and stakeholders, Fubara assured Rivers people of his administration’s commitment to good governance and its determination to thwart any attempts by detractors to disrupt the government’s agenda.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Chukwudi Nelson, Governor Fubara expressed gratitude for the support of key political figures, including former governors Peter Odili and Sir Celestine Omehia, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Sir Austin Opara, and former deputy governor Sir Gabriel Toby.

He credited them and others with laying the foundational structures of Rivers politics and emphasized their continued influence in shaping the state’s future.

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“This year, we will protect the integrity of this state at all costs. We won’t allow anybody to take this state for a ride. It doesn’t matter the approach I will use. It’s not going to be a fight; we will address issues firmly,” Fubara stated.

Fubara dismissed his opposition’s capacity to challenge his administration effectively, saying: “The beginning and the end of politics in this state is Sir Peter Odili. If he is with us, alongside other respected leaders, who do they have?” he questioned.

The governor described Odili as the “right face and image” of Rivers State, commending his contributions and those of other distinguished leaders in shaping the state’s legacy.

He criticized the opposition for relying on superficial displays of support, contrasting it with the organic backing his administration enjoys.

Reflecting on 2024, Fubara acknowledged the challenges faced by his administration but maintained that the successes outweighed the setbacks.

Reiterating the “Rivers First” policy, he vowed to prioritize the safety and welfare of the state’s residents while raising the bar for governance.

“We will continue to protect lives and provide essential services. Raising the bar is our way of showing that we are undeterred by distractions. God sometimes allows the activities of evil people to keep righteous people vigilant,” he noted.

 

Fubara replies Wike: Odili right face, image of Rivers

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