Uwazuruike opens another radio Biafra in Germany

Mercy Lank In a statement to newsmen, yesterday, in Onitsha, Anambra State, signed by Biafra Director of Information, Mazi Chris Mocha, Uwazuruike noted that the celebration proper of 18 years of MASSOB would take place in Onitsha, Anambra State on September 13. He noted that other activities lined up for the 18 years of non-violence and non-exodus by MASSOB would also feature the official opening of Voice of Biafra International, VOBI, radio located in Germany, which would lead to the radio commencing broadcast on short wave (SW) band, this week. The statement further quoted Uwazuruike as saying that the radio station would be the “authentic voice of the Biafran people and always educate, inform and enlighten our people on the issue of Biafra and not to spread hate messages or blackmail.” The statement maintained that “BIM would continue to play a leading role in our quest for Biafra”, assuring Ndigbo that it is only non-violence that will lead them to Biafra independence without firing a gunshot. On Anambra State governorship election fixed for November 18, the statement added that its members would suffocate Anambra as the Ijele Ndigbo, Uwazuruike and BIM will visit Onitsha in solidarity with Chief Willie Obiano to tell him and Ndi-Anambra that the election must hold on November 18 as planned.

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‘I don’t think because you become a mom you can’t be sexy’ – Kim Kardashian

Mercy Lank Kim Kardashian does not think for a moment that becoming a mother should stop a woman from being sexy. According to the mother of two in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, some people may not deem it appropriate but she’s generally at peace with being sexy. SEE: Kim Kardashian flaunts cleavage in sheer bra ‘At the end of the day I still have to be me. If doing sexy shoots makes me feel confident, then I’m okay with it,’ she said. Kim continued, ‘That might not be appropriate for some people, and there’s a time and a place. There’s certain things I’ll show my kids and certain things I won’t show my kids. ‘But generally I am okay with it. In moderation. More power to the moms that look really good, work really hard, do what they can so that they still feel sexy, still feel good about themselves, ‘I don’t think for a second that because you become a mom you can’t be sexy any more.’

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#TrendingNow: ‘We don’t feel safe with Donald Trump as president’ – Kim Kardashian

Mercy Lank Reality TV star, Kim Kardashian has subtly stated her dislike for US president, Donald Trump, whom she said should not be in the White House. According to Kim, anyone could run America better than The Donald currently is; going as far to saying even her daughter, North, would make a better president. 'Anyone can run the US better. My daughter would be better,' Kim said when asked who she felt should be in the White House. She went on to say, 'Every single day when you can’t really believe what’s going on, the next day it’s something else even more crazy and tragic. 'It’s really scary, the world that we’re living in now. And when you did feel safe at home, now with Trump in presidency you just don’t feel safe any more.' But that wasn't the best part. She added, 'I don’t even follow Trump on Twitter, but I follow Obama though.'

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Nnamdi Kanu Rejects Southeast Governors' Plea, Insists on Biafra - INFORMATION NIGERIA

Mercy Lank

The leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) headed by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu yesterday rejected the plea of the governors of the Southeast zone of Nigeria during a meeting between the pro-Biafra group and the politicians, DailyTrust reported.

It was gathered that after long hours of the closed door meeting at the Enugu Government House, the governors were unable to convince Kanu to drop his agitation for Biafra.

The report further revealed that the meeting failed to stop his threat against the November 18 governorship election in Anambra state, our reporter gathered. At the meeting, the also discussed issues concerning the alleged violation of his bail conditions for which the Federal Government had asked an Abuja High court to issue an order to re-arrest him. Another issue of concern to the governors was the Biafra Secret Service (BSS), which Kanu reportedly inaugurated at Umuahia, Abia state, an act the police described as unlawful.

During the meeting which was attended by constitutional lawyer, Prof Ben Nwabueze and Deputy Secretary General, Igbo Leaders of Thought (ILT), Evangelist Elliot Uko, Kanu was said to have remained adamant on restoration of Biafra. “They begged him to drop Biafra agitation but he shook his head. That’s why they decided to have further discussions with him and his group,” the insider said. But Ebonyi State Governor and Chairman of the Southeast Governors Forum, Dave Umahi had assured that the governors would continue to have further dialogue with the leadership of IPOB.

Substandard Phones, Cause of Cancer, NCC Warns Users

Mercy Lank

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has warned Nigerians against using substandard phones, saying it is responsible for some of the cancer ailments being suffered by the citizens. The regulatory body also identified unapproved phones as a major cause of network interruptions, which it said were also having negative implications on the health of users. Addressing phone sellers on Thursday at Fayose Market in Ado Ekiti during a stakeholders’ sensitisation workshop, an official of the NCC, Mr. Kunle Olorundare, lamented that fake phones have taken over the country’s markets. At the workshop organised by the Ibadan zonal office of the NCC, Olorundare said the preponderance of substandard phones was causing colossal damage to network services and the health of users. He warned that sellers of unapproved ICT products were flouting the NCC Act and could face prosecution or seizure of their market items if they do not desist from selling such.

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Nnamdi Kanu has become notorious, not popular - Buhari's aide calls IPOB leader out

Mercy Lank Lauretta Onochie is the personal assistant to President Buhari on social media and she has been vocal in criticizing Nnamdi Kanu In a recent tweet, she said Nnamdi Kanu was notorious not popular and she called him a 'Biafraud' Nnamdi Kanu was recently seen a viral picture where a man was kissing his feet Nnamdi Kanu recently insisted that there is no going back in his agitation for Biafra shortly after his meeting with the five south east governors. The leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) met with the south east governors on Wednesday, August 30, alongside his father over his call for no election in the region. At the meeting, a picture of a man kissing Nnamdi Kanu's feet in worship was taken which has since gone viral. President Buhari's personal assistant on social media, Lauretta Onochie has commented on the picture, saying Nnamdi Kanu is a fraud. Below is her tweet: b:Lauretta OnochieLauretta Onochie@Laurestar17hI hear Biafrauds are having fits as d law rolls closer to the one who uses them to wipe the floor. This is what I'm trying to save them frompic.twitter.com/26VMmDZekCView photo·ReplyRetweetLike#AlphySimplex🛠🏤#AlphySimplex🛠🏤@aaoshioledwg15h@ She then went on to say that Nnamdi Kanu is simply notorious and not popular as she urged Igbos to be careful in her next tweet

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Biafra: Southeast governors, IPOB chief Kanu meet

Mercy Lank SOUTHEAST governors yesterday moved to resolve the issues surrounding the agitation for the Republic of Biafra. They met with Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Leader Nnamdi Kanu in Enugu, Enugu State capital. Do you get a good or bad response from your wife after making love? Discover a great natural solution that changed my story and put an end to weak/premature ejaculation, CLICK HERE TO READ MOREAlso at the meeting were elder statesman Prof Ben Nwabueze and Igbo Youths Movement leader, Evangelist Elliot Uko. The Chairman of the Southeast Governors’ Forum and Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi, who read a three-sentence communique said the meeting “agreed that these demands by IPOB should not be absolute”. He added: “Rather, the governors shall immediately engage the leader of IPOB and the entire leadership of IPOB to further meetings and dialogue with a view to quickening the resolutions of all issues amicably.” Only Ebonyi and Enugu State Governors Umahi and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi were present; Anambra State Governor Willy Obiano was represented by his deputy, Nkem Okeke. Immediately after reading the communique, Nnamdi Kanu’s his entourage left while the governors resumed sitting.

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KANU'S. ARREST 'LL WILL CAUSE BUHARI'S PROBLEM AGAIN -PAN-IGBO GROUP WARNS

Mercy Lank •IPOB blasts ACF for attacking Ohanaeze president By Vincent Kalu and Jeff Amechi Agbodo, Onitsha Angry about moves to revoke granted Nnamdi Kanu’s bail and possibly re-arrest him, a pan-Igbo group,  Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF), has called on President Muhhammadu Buhari to leave him alone and concentrate  on creating an enabling environment for the various nationalities to come together and decide the way forward for the country. In a statement signed by the group’s President, Prof. Uzodinma Nwala, and Secretary, Prof. Nath Aniekwu, reminded President Buhari that Kanu, who is leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB),  is a prisoner of conscience. “Nigeria is now swarming with many people like him. “For the avoidance of doubt, this type of attitude of creating two kinds of citizens; those above the law (Arewa youths) and others, those who will be blackmailed by punishment of the law, even when they commit no offence (IPOB), is one of the factors which fuel most of the agitations all over the country. “Mr. President, Nigeria has never been as divided as this; except during the civil war (1967-70). “You need, therefore, to rethink your strategy in order to avert unnecessary tension in this polity. “Nigeria’s unity is negotiable, that’s all that Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB are pointing at. The situation, therefore, needs redressing. “Nobody is a slave in this country. If there is no law obliterating divorce in Nigeria, it is ironical to think that by mere wishful thinking Nigeria will remain as it were a model of abusive marriage”. “In their statement on June 27th, the Arewa youths had given the Igbo ultimatum to leave Northern Nigeria latest by October 1, 2017. “Many people regarded their action as treasonable and a threat of genocide. Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai and Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris declared that they should be arrested. “They were not arrested.  Rather, what we heard were statements from some Arewa leaders supporting their action. “One such leader is Prof. Ango Abdullahi, a former Vice Chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; consequently, the Arewa youths continued in their belligerent threats and mocked the arrest orders. “President Buhari, who returned to Nigeria on August 19, 2017, after 104 days in Britain, where he received treatment for undisclosed ailment, in his very short and pointed speech, did not address the quit notice to Ndigbo by Arewa youths; nor did he condemn the virulent Hausa hate songs being circulated as a mass mobilization tool for the looming genocide against Ndigbo. “Rather, president Buhari, in his ‘maiden’ address declared war on IPOB and Boko Haram, thereby equating the two as terrorist organisations. “It was as if the president was brought back to declare war on IPOB, Kanu and Ndi-Igbo…” In a related development, the IPOB has condemned the attack on President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo by Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), for rising up in defence of the truth. The group called for the arrest of the Director General of Department Security Service (DSS), Lawal Daura and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Shehu Malami, for flagrant and serial disobedience to court orders, instead of plotting Nnamdi’s re-arrest. In IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Mr. Emma Powerful’s reaction to a statement credited to the ACF chairman, Chief Paul Unongo, slammed him for daring to attack Ohanaeze Ndigbo for condemning the re-arrest of its leader Kanu.  “The idea of wanting to use baseless, trumped-up charges, to justify the extra-judicial detention of Kanu wull be resisted by all men and women of  good conscience. “If anyone deserves to be arrested, it is those in the leadership of this country,” he said.

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SEE NEW COURT CHARGE'S AGAINST EVANS

Mercy Lank

Suspected billionaire kidnapper, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, aka Evans, will today be arraigned at the Lagos High Court in one of the 10 cases against him bordering on murder, armed robbery, kidnapping and other crimes.    This is coming at a time the fundamental human rights suit he filed against the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, and three others, has been adjourned till September 5, 2017. A police source revealed that investigation into crimes committed by Evans and members of his gang  had been concluded, ahead of the 90 days remand order granted by the Federal High Court. He said with this, the police would arraign Evan and other members of his gang in 10 consolidated cases in Lagos and four in Edo State. According to him, today’s charge against Evan would centre around the abduction of Mr. Donatus Dunu, from who the suspect collected N150 million ransom. The case, it was gathered, comes up at the Ikeja High Court Court 18 before Justice Oshodi. A competent police source told Daily Sun: “Evans and 15 of his gang members have so far been arrested and are facing 14 substantive cases (10 in Lagos and four in Edo State) carrying 52 charges of multiple murders, armed robberies, kidnappings, unlawful possession of firearms and unlawful possession of ammunition etc. “The cases were filed by the Force Legal Department and Lagos State Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) before the Lagos State High court, Federal High Court and Edo State High court Benin. “Wednesday (today) case is one of the 14 cases Evans and five  of his gang members, who participated in Mr. Donatus Dunu’s kidnapping will be arraigned.  The remaining 13 cases relating to 13 more victims and other gang members of Evans not yet arraigned will come up on subsequent dates that the respective High Courts and Federal High Courts will schedule in Lagos and Edo states.” Commenting on Evans’ planned arraignment, an authoritative police sources told Daily Sun: “You know that we asked the court to give us three months to conclude our investigation on him and the court granted us the request. Well, we have concluded our investigation and we are arraigning him on August 30, 2017 (today).” When contacted, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olamide Famous-Cole, confirmed that Evans would be arraigned today. In a related development, Justice Abdul-Azeez Anka of the Federal High Court, Lagos, has fixed September 5 to deliver judgment in the N300 million suit Evans slammed on the IGP  and others, challenging his continued detention, following fresh application filed by the  police boss and the Nigeria Police. The court had earlier fixed yesterday  for the ruling, but when the case came up, the lawyer representing the IGP and the police, David Igbodo, while drawing the court’s attention to the application, said his clients deserved to be heard before any judgment was delivered in the matter. According to him, one of the reasons for bringing the application was to urge the court to nullify the submissions of Henry Obiazi, who appeared for both the IGP and police on August 16, 2017, when the matter was fixed for judgment. He said the lawyer was not authorised by either the IGP or the police to represent them in court. The lawyer, however, asked the court to set aside the ruling delivered at the last hearing when the matter was fixed for judgment without hearing the IGP and the police. While urging the court to allow him move the application, Igbodo said other respondents in the matter had been served but the applicant rejected service. In his response, Evans’ lawyer, Olukoya Ogungbeje, expressed his opposition to the hearing of the application, saying it was intended to arrest the court’s judgment. He also faulted claims by Igbodo that he evaded service of the application on him. According to him, there is nothing before the court anymore after parties have canvassed arguments and a date for judgment fixed. Ogungbeje’s opposition was, however, overruled by the judge on the ground that there was proof that he actually evaded service. Hearing of the application has been fixed for September 5, 2017. Evans was arrested three months ago by the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) at Magodo area of the state. He had been declared wanted for over five years for alleged high profile kidnapping including that of schoold children, and a famous pharmasist. He was said to have demanded N500 million ransom and threaten to killed the pharmacist if the money was not paid. “A senior police officer described Evans of the most briliant and notorious high profile kidnapper.”

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HOPE FOR BIAFRA:SEE THE FULL COURT CHARGES AGAINST BURATAI, IKPEAZU, OBIANO IGP, OTHERS IN US COURT OF JUSTICE REVEALEDS

Mercy Lank

Details of the charges slammed against 16 top Nigerian Government, Army and Police officials before the US District Court for the District ofColumbia by legal representatives of 10 pro-Biafra activists, have emerged. The battle is being fought for the litigants by renowned United States Attorney, Mr. Bruce Fein, and his Partner, Mr. W. Bruce DelValle, who recently spent five days (August 19 to 24, 2017) in Nigeria. The legal practitioners investigated the alleged killing and torture of unarmed pro-Biafra protesters, particularly 10 of them who were said to have either killed or tortured by Nigerian security forces during 2016 pro-Biafra protests in Aba, Abia State, Onitsha and Nkpor in Anambra State and Asaba in Delta State. Court papers published on Tuesday by News Express indicated the full names of the 16 defendants as well as the charges against them. (1) Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai: Culpability in the massacre and maiming of defenceless Shiite Muslims and pro-Biafra activists. (2) Governor William Maduabuchi Obiano: Complicity in the 2nd and 17th December 2015 pro Biafra protest killings and the 29th and 30th May 2016 pro Biafra Heroes Day massacre in Anambra State. (3) Governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu: Complicity in the 18th and 29th January and 9th February 2016 IPOB massacre in Aba. (4) Retired IGP Solomon Arase: (Allegedly ordered the maximum use of force and violent crackdown against unarmed and nonviolent pro Biafra protesters): Vicarious and operational culpability in the pro Biafra protests’ massacre/mass shootings. (5) IGP Ibrahim Kpotum Idris: Operational culpability in the pro-Biafra protests’ massacre in his capacity then as AIG Federal OPS. (6) DIG Habila Joshak (then CP Abia, now DIG OPS): Culpability in the pro-Biafra activists’ singing and rally massacre in Aba. (7) AIG Hosea Karma (then CP Anambra, now AIG Zone 9): Culpability in the pro-Biafra protests’ massacre of 29th and 30th May 2016. (8) Major Gen Ibrahim Attahiru (then GOC 82 Division, Enugu, and now Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole): Culpability in the pro-Biafra protests’ massacre of 29th and 30th May, 2016 in Anambra State and Asaba (Delta State) spill-over massacre. (9) CP Babatunde Johnson Kokomo (then DCP OPS, Anambra, now CP Armaments at Force Headquarters): Culpability in the pro-Biafra protests’ massacre of 29th and 30th May 2016. (10) Col Issah Mehadi Abdullahi (then Commander/Cantonment Commandant, Onitsha 302 Artillery; now at NIPSS, Kuru near Jos): Culpability in the pro-Biafra jubilation and protests’ massacre of 17th December 2015 and 29th and 30th May 2016 in Anambra State. (11) Major C.O. Ibrahim of Military Police Unit (leader of army massacre operations of 29th and 30th May, 2016 in Anambra State): Operational culpability in the pro-Biafra protests’ massacre (now Lt Col and Commander of Onitsha Military Police Unit of the Onitsha Military Cantonment). (12) CSP James Oshim Nwafor (OC/SARS, Anambra during the 2nd December, 2015 joint massacre operations at Onitsha Niger Bridgehead, now O/C File at CP’s Admin Office, Awka): Culpability in the pro Biafra protests’ massacre. (13) CSP Bassey Abang (OC/SARS, Anambra during 29th and 30th, May 2016 massacre, now OC/SARS, Abia State): Culpability in the pro-Biafra protests’ massacre. (14) ACP Peter W. Nwagbara (he was Aba Area Commander during 9th February, 2016 IPOB massacre, now Police Area Commander of the Akwanga Area Command in Nasarawa State) culpability in the pro-Biafra protests’ massacre. (15) Lt Col Sidi Umar Kasim (then Commander of 144 Battalion at Ukwa Ngwa that massacred IPOB activists on 9th of February, 2016 in Aba. 144 Battalion is a unit of 14 Brigade of Nigerian Army, Ohafia in Abia State, now at 14 Brigade, Ohafia): Culpability in the pro Biafra protests’ massacre. (16) Retired SSS Director Musa Lawal Daura (SSS DG; his agency allegedly supplied hostile intelligence leading to the massacre in addition to participation of his men in the joint security taskforce or JTF that perpetrated the mass murder of pro Biafra activists): Culpability in the pro Biafra protests’ massacre.

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BIAFREXIT"OBETA FILED THREE LAWSUIT BEFORE THE FEDERAL HIGH COURT ABUJA AND ECOWAS COURT TO COMPEL THE (IGP) TO ARREST WITHIN SEVEN DAYS

Mercy Lank Biafrexit: Arewa Youths Dragged ECOWASShare with Friends
 
Mr. Vincent Egechukwu Obeta, a lawyer, has, on behalf of Igbo people resident in the North, filed three lawsuits before the Federal High Court in Abuja, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court to compel the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to arrest within seven days members of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (ACYF), led by Mr. Yerima Shettima. The lawyer announced the filing of the suits in a world press statement made available to SaharaReporters. In one of the lawsuits, Mr. Obeta is seeking an Order of Mandamus of the Federal High Court, compelling the IGP to arrest Mr. Shettima who, in July, issued a quit notice to Igbo people based in the North. The second is a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed at the Federal High Court against Mr. Shettima, the IGP and the Federal Government. The seeks to enforce the rights of the Igbo to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part of the country as guaranteed by Section 41(1) of the Constitution. The third is a fundamental rights enforcement suit, filed at the ECOWAS Court, against Mr. Shettima, the IGP and the Federal Government. Mr. Obeta said should the IGP fail to comply with the Order of Mandamus to arrest Mr. Yerima, if granted by the Federal High Court, he will approach the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, The Netherlands, to press criminal charges against them. One of the charges, he said, will be the aiding and abetting of a second genocide against the Igbo in the North. “My criminal suit for such second genocide against Ndigbo in the North will be filed against Shettima, the IGP, the Attorney- General of the Federation (AGF), Professor Ango Abdullahi and Professor Yemi Osinbajo as the Acting President of Nigeria when the threat of a second genocide against Ndigbo in the North was issued,” he explained. He added that the IGP, AGF and Professor Osinbajo will be charged before the ICC as for deliberately neglecting to arrest and prosecute Professor Abdullahi, Mr. Shettima since the issued the quit notice. The lawyer warned that if it becomes necessary to head to the ICC on account of the IGP’s refusal to comply with the Order of Mandamus, he will be left with no option than to press charges against those behind the 1966 genocide against the Igbo in the North. Mr. Obeta noted that the AYCF has suspended the quit notice, but warned that the suspension cannot, in law, banish the grave offense the group committed. “Nothing short of such arrest and prosecution will suffice to settle the three suits as filed. It is no longer news that the cynical silence and manifest bias of the Federal Government and its agencies since the treasonable threat against the Ndigbo was issued have encouraged and opened a floodgate of hate speeches and songs,” the lawyer said. He observed that the Igbo in the North and indeed, all around the country, have been victims of cynicism, oppression, and extreme marginalization since the end of the Nigerian Civil War. He equally noted that the Igbo have been regularly killed by northerners. Despite the atrocities against them, Mr. Obeta said the Igbo have remained law-abiding and have continued to contribute, through their enterprise, to the socio-economic development of Nigeria. He accused the Federal Government of shirking its responsibility of protecting the Igbo and actively encouraging hostility towards them. “The 1966 massacre of the Igbo in the North, was not only condoned but was celebrated by eminent Northerners, who, indeed, gloated openly over the gruesome event. The 1966 genocide against the Igbo in the North has, since the end of the Civil War, been swept under the carpet to the extent that it has been banned by the Federal Government from being mentioned in history lessons in all Nigerian schools. Furthermore, it is even not allowed to be mentioned in public and any such mention otherwise is regarded by the Nigerian state as treason,” claimed Mr. Obeta. The lawyer contended that since 2015, when the current government took office, the Igbo complaints against repression and marginalization have been equated with treason. This, he said, has seen defenseless civilians killed by soldiers, especially at Onitsha, Anambra State. He pointed out that a recent Amnesty International report stated that at least 150 unarmed civilians and have shot dead in Onitsha by soldiers since 2015. “It is extremely distressing that coming out of all the recent discourse across the Federation, (which Discourse has been ignited by the ongoing agitations by Ndigbo), Professor Yemi Osinbajo and all other eminent / elder statesmen have obscenely remarked that in as much as Alhaji Yerima Shettima’s quit notice to Ndigbo in the North is condemnable, the ongoing agitations by the same Ndigbo should stop forthwith. That is, they mean that the treason committed by Alhaji Shettima is a befitting response to the agitations of Ndigbo, which have since the end of the Civil War been equated to treason in any event,” said Mr. Obeta. He also called on the US President, UK Prime Minister, President of China and other world leaders to pay attention to the plight of the Igbo in and use their influence to end the persecution

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WE ARE WORKING WITH US TO RECOVER LOOTED FUNDS-OSINBAJO

Mercy Lank

The Buhari administration has urged the US government to step up its assistance in ensuring that corrupt officials don’t get a safe haven abroad for their loot, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, with Christopher Coons, United States Senator from Delaware and Stuart W. Symington, US Ambassador to Nigeria during the meeting at the State House, Abuja. Photos by: Novo Isioro The Vice President, who made the call today during the visit of a US Congressional Delegation to the Presidential Villa, said both countries were working on a prompt repatriation of the funds. According to Prof. Osinbajo: “We have reached out to the US government with respect with helping with repatriation of proceeds of crime and proceeds of corruption.’’ Prof. Osinbajo, who was appreciative of the support given by the US so far said the Buhari administration regarded “corruption is an existential threat’’ that must be dealt with at its root. “We have worked quite closely with the US government on repatriation of funds, we have seen some results’’, adding that the Federal Government is hoping for more improvement in the process. “We think that this is very important because what tends to happen with corrupt public officials is that if they are able to find a safe haven for the proceeds of their criminality, not only are they encouraged as individuals but there is the general feeling that if I am able to get the proceeds out of the country I might just get away with it,’’ the Vice President said. According to him, “this is one of the reasons why we have taken several actions to ensure that we are able to deal with it because some of the major dislocations in the economy are on account of the problems that we have seen with corruption.’’ He said the Buhari presidency’s strategy which is one of “the most effective ways of fighting corruption is ensuring that these proceeds are unsafe and for people to know that they would be found out and they would be punished for it and we would seize whatever profit they had gain.’’ On the return of the Chibok girls, the Vice President said, “it is a front burner issue for us all the time. There is no question of not continuing to negotiate and looking for the girls.’’ He expressed gratitude to God for the hope that the girls are still alive and would be released, noting that “negotiations were continuing and government would keep looking for the opportunity to bring them back.’’ The Vice President thanked the US government for its recent decision to sell Super Tucano aircraft to Nigeria to aid its fight against insurgency in the North-East. Sen. Christopher Coons who led the delegation said the visit was to reaffirm the relationship between Nigeria and the United States, noting that the US has “an enduring enthusiasm and partnership with Nigeria.’’ Other members of the Congressional delegation include, Sen. Gary Peters, Sen. Jeff Merkley, Sen. Michael Bennet, Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, Rep. Terri Sewell, Rep. Charlie Dent, Rep. Barbara Lee and Rep. Frederica Wilson. They were accompanied by the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington. Also in attendance were the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffery Onyeama, Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.

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HAPPENING LIVE: Nationwide Protest As Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, Forced To Write His Resignation Letter In Tears

Mercy Lank
The Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, is currently under pressure to write his resignation letter, following the demolition of the popular Owerri market, Eke-Ukwu Owerri, as the United Labour Congress, ULC, has on Sunday, called on Okorocha to resign immediately. Recall,it had been reported that at least three persons, including a 12-year-old child, were killed in the demolition, and millions of naira worth of property and goods were destroyed. The ULC in a press statement signed by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, disclosed that the courts had not yet given approval to the Imo State Government to demolish the popular market, and the case is still pending adjudication.
“We condemn this as barbaric, unconscionable, and out of sync with the dictates of modern societies that thrive on strict adherence to the rule of law and natural justice. This once again, is a national eyesore that leaves a deep gash on our collective conscience as a people and as a country”. the ULC stated. “We are aghast at the continued militarization of governance processes and the deployment of high-handed and violent methods in attempting to settle disputes arising out of government decisions that the people consider wrong-headed or ill-advised. Any Governor that cannot patiently subject himself to the dictates of the law loses the right to continue in office. He becomes a threat to democracy and democratic practices as he places himself above the law through which he in the first place assumed office.
“ULC does not see any reason, no matter how well thought out, for Rochas to embark on self-help and lawlessness in a matter that is before courts. He has not only shown disdain for the courts, but has also shown deep contempt for the people of the State, and indeed the whole of Nigeria. “We therefore, are forced to call for the immediate resignation of Rochas Okorocha, on the basis of this perfidy, and the threat he has become, not only to his own people, but also to Nigerians, knowing fully that if he continues contributing to the destruction of our nation, Nigerian workers who we represent will be the first casualties. He has made his continued occupation of that exalted office tenuous and horrendous. “ULC demands the immediate investigation of the circumstances under which the killings and maiming of innocent lives were carried out in a peaceful time. We demand that the officers involved in this act be prosecuted by the courts, and if found culpable, incarcerated. This action has totally undermined the office of the GOC commanding the 36th military Battalion at Obinze, whose officers may have constantly been used against the people. We therefore, call for his immediate removal and prosecution”, the statement concluded.

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NIGER DELTA MILITANTS -OUR QUIT NOTICE TO NORTHERNERS, YORUBA STILL STANDS

Mercy Lank

​The Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators has said that despite the volte-face by the Arewa youths on the quit notice to the Igbo in the North, it will stand on its position that the northerners and the Yoruba in the oil-rich region must leave before October 1, 2017. The militants, who spoke through an electronic mail made available to our correspondent on Sunday, rejected the call for the arrest of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu. They maintained that call for Kanu’s arrest was used to replace the withdrawal of the quit notice earlier issued to Igbo people living in the North, adding the government and security agencies headed by northerners ignited the quit notice fire. John Duku of the Niger Delta Watchdogs and Convener of the Coalition; Ekpo Ekpo of the Niger Delta Volunteers; Osarolor Nedam of Niger Delta Warriors; and Henry Okon Etete of the Niger Delta Peoples Fighters were among those who signed the statement. Others are Asukwo Henshaw of the Bakassi Freedom Fighters; Ibinabo Horsfall of the Niger Delta Movement for Justice; Duke Emmanson of Niger Delta Fighters Network; Inibeghe Adams of Niger Delta Freedom Mandate and Ibinabo Tariah of the Niger Delta Development Network. Part of the statement by the agitators read, “It is our avowed determination to ensure that the Niger Delta remains focussed on our demands for a total overhaul of the basis of our unity. We have therefore resolved to stand by our previous demands as follows: “That the northerners and Yoruba should leave the Niger Delta before October 1, 2017; return of all the oil blocs own by northerners and Yoruba to Niger Delta people. Relocation of the oil and gas companies headquarters to their operational base as well as relocation of NNPC headquarters, all other offices that has to do with oil and gas; replacement of the Group Managing Director of NNPC. “We reaffirm our resolve for the declaration of the Niger Delta Republic on 1st October, 2017. We reaffirm our resolve to resume attack on all the oil blocs that are owned by the northerners and Yoruba in the Niger Delta from September 10, 2017. “We hereby call on PENGASSAN, NUPENG and international communities to withdraw their members/expatriates from such oil wells/blocs as we shall not spare any person found in such platforms, including NNPC offices in Abuja and Lagos, oil companies’ headquarters outside the Niger Delta region.

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BIAFRA:NORTHEN ELDERS NOT HAPPY WITH OHANAEZE FOR NOT SUPPORTING BUHARI TO RE-ARREST NNAMDI KANU

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The Northern Elders Forum on Sunday condemned the apex Igbo socio -cultural group , Ohanaeze Ndigbo , for criticising the Federal Government ’s plan to re -arrest the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra , Nnamdi Kanu . The President- General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo , Chief Nnia Nwodo , had accused the Federal Government of bias , double standard and violation of Kanu ’s fundamental human rights , especially after refusing to arrest the Arewa youths whom he said threatened the Igbo. However , the Chairman of NEF , Mr . Paul Unongo , said the northern elders were disappointed that Ohanaeze had trivialised a criminal matter . Unongo said Kanu ’ s case was 100 per cent different from the ultimatum issued by the northern youths, adding that there was no basis for comparison . He added that the northern elders were able to prevail on their youths and the matter had since been resolved . The NEF chairman said the same could not be said of Ohanaeze which had failed to control the excesses of IPOB and other South- East youths . Unongo said , “Leaders should be careful about what they support . This is the kind of thing that happened when our young men from the North , feeling cheated and angry with the old men from Kanu ’s place for not cautioning Kanu , did what they did ( ultimatum ) . “But I came out immediately and said Nigerians have inalienable right to reside anywhere . I did that even to the detriment of my friendship with some people . But what Ohanaeze members are doing is that they are giving the impression that if someone commits a crime and is from their tribe , he shouldn ’t be tried . I don’t understand. Are they saying he ( Kanu ) should not be tried until someone from another part of the country is arrested ? That will invite chaos to the country .” The NEF chairman said Kanu ’s matter should be left for the court to decide. He stated that if it could be established that bail conditions had been flouted , the court should be allowed to do the needful . Unongo said , “ I will advise Ohanaeze and the Federal Government to let the matter be settled at the court because the issue of detention is in the hands of the court . The court had heard his case and the defence counsel asked for bail while the prosecution opposed it. “It was granted and if the conditions were flouted , I think the prosecution is right to approach the same court to prove that the bail condition has been violated and to ask for the court to revoke the bail .” Also speaking , the Chairman of the Northern Elders Council , Alhaji Tanko Yakasai , described Ohanaeze ’s position as trivial. Yakasai said those who had been criticising the Federal Government for not following due process in the cases of embattled former National Security Adviser , Sambo Dasuki ; and the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria , Sheikh El – Zakzaky , were now lambasting the government for following due process regarding Kanu ’s bail revocation . Yakasai said , “For anybody who is under trial and granted bail on certain conditions , the court has the right to ensure that he fulfils those conditions . Every Nigerian has the right to challenge him based on the conditions of bail . This is not a matter for debate . “Every Nigerian should respect court orders. You cannot say because someone is your relation or is from your tribe , the court should not deal with the person. You cannot say that . It is either you abide by Nigeria ’s laws or not. “There is no reason why people should ignore the fact that we have a judiciary which should be respected . Those who have been demanding bail to be granted Dasuki and El -Zakzakky and criticising the government for not obeying court orders are now criticising the same government for following the due process . I think it is too trivial for the leadership of Ohanaeze to speak like this .” FG engaging in double standard –Afenifere The Pan -Yoruba sociology-cultural group , Afenifere on Sunday accused the Federal Government of not being fair in its handling of the Kanu issue , noting that such was not good for the country . The group ’s publicity secretary , Yinka Odumakin , said Kanu ’s re -arrest would overheat the polity , stressing that the government should rather engage in dialogue with IPOB members instead of going after them . He noted that the government failed to arrest the Arewa youths, who issued a quit notice to the Igbo, but wanted to re – arrest Kanu , describing such as double standard. Odumakin said , “The idea of re -arresting Kanu will overheat the polity , more so when youths in the north that issued a notice to quit were not arrested . Even after the Kaduna State Governor and the Vice President ordered their arrest , the police did nothing . “The Minister of Internal Affairs said the youths were not arrested because they claimed they were misquoted , but a few days ago , the youths in the presence of some governors withdrew the order. ” Afenifere admonished the FG to evenly apply the law equally in all situations, regardless of the status or origins of those involved . The group said , “The government is giving the impression that what is red line for someone from a particular region is green line for someone in another part of the country ; I think it is better the government engaged to bring down the tension rather than strong – arm tactics that would overheat the polity .” “There is a clear double standard and that is not good for inclusiveness . What the government should do is ensure even application of the law and engage more youths more rather indulge in sabre-rattling ,” Afenifere said .

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